Final answer:
The dodge tool should be used to selectively lighten an area of an image to enhance highlights, providing control over the affected areas and the level of lightening.
Step-by-step explanation:
To selectively lighten an area of an image to enhance the highlights, you should use the dodge tool. This tool is specifically designed for lightening and works by increasing the exposure in the targeted area, helping to bring out details in the highlights. When using the dodge tool, you can often adjust settings like the size of the brush, the range (highlights, midtones, or shadows), and the exposure level to achieve the desired effect precisely.