A pulse delivery system for producing a spark in tissue is disclosed. The system can include at least two electrodes having sharp surface features, where the at least two electrodes are electrically isolated from one another. The sharp features of the electrodes can be separated by a distance of about 2 to 20 mm. The system can also include a pulse generator for delivering pulsed voltage differences between the at least two electrodes. The pulsed voltage differences can producing a voltage difference ranging from about 2.5 kV to about 35 kV for a duration of about 50 ns to 3 μs. The system can include a controller for determining whether the plurality of pulsed voltage differences produced a spark between the at least two electrodes. A method of producing a spark in tissue for both therapeutic and cosmetic, i.e., non-therapeutic, applications is also disclosed.