What is a potential risk of using high fluence in laser treatments?

Using high fluence in laser treatments can lead to an increased risk of scarring because high fluence translates to a higher amount of energy being delivered to the skin during the procedure. When excessive energy is applied, it can cause more significant thermal damage to the skin's layers beyond the intended treatment area. This thermal injury can disrupt the skin's natural healing process and lead to complications, such as abnormal scarring or hypertrophic scars.

In contrast, while factors like reduced effectiveness, higher infection rates, or longer recovery times might occur under specific circumstances related to laser treatments, the specific association of high fluence with an increased risk of scarring is well recognized in dermatological practices. Therefore, practitioners must balance fluence levels to achieve optimal results while minimizing potential damage to the skin.