In thermolysis, a probe with a small diameter will have a heating pattern that is?

• A. Larger
• B. Smaller
• C. Focused
• D. Narrow

Answer: (A)

During thermolysis, heat is generated where the electrical current concentrates at the hair follicle. The probe’s diameter shapes how widely that energy can spread in tissue. A small-diameter probe keeps the current confined to a smaller volume, increasing current density at the tip and producing a heating pattern that is focused and narrow. A larger-diameter probe distributes energy over a larger area, yielding a broader heating pattern. So a small diameter probe creates a more focused (narrow) heating pattern.