What is typically the result of low-energy x-ray photons being absorbed in the patient's skin?

When low-energy x-ray photons are absorbed in the patient's skin, it leads to increased patient exposure. This occurs because these low-energy photons do not contribute significantly to the diagnostic quality of the x-ray image; instead, they are absorbed by the superficial layers of the skin. This absorption results in unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient without providing valuable information for the image.

In diagnostic radiology, it is generally preferable for higher-energy photons to penetrate deeper tissues and contribute to image formation, as they are more likely to pass through the body and provide a clearer and more useful diagnostic image. Thus, low-energy photons only add to the patient's radiation dose while not enhancing the quality of the image produced.