Abstract: The invention relates to a handpiece for radiating light onto a skin surface during a medical or cosmetic skin treatment. An optical coupling element (6) is provided in said handpiece (1). The light entrance surface (8) of said coupling element faces towards a light source, while its light exit surface (5) is in contact with the skin surface (2) during the skin treatment. The invention provides that the coupling element (6) of a handpiece (1) of this type consists of a bundle of light guides which end in the light entrance surface (8) and in the light exit surface (5) and which are in such close lateral contact with each other, at least in their end sections, that there are no optically ineffective intermediate spaces.

Abstract: A dermatological handpiece by which a laser beam is directed to the surface of a selected skin area for purposes of a cosmetic treatment and the skin area is subjected to the action of the laser beam. A method is also disclosed for the cosmetic treatment of skin surfaces during the operation of this handpiece. A handpiece of the type described above is outfitted with a device for moderating the temperature of the skin surfaces on which the laser beam acted immediately beforehand and/or is to be subjected to the action of the laser beam immediately following the temperature moderation. The handpiece is further provided with elements for influencing the laser beam cross section with respect to shape, dimensioning and intensity distribution.