Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for phototreatment in which replaceable containers comprising one or more adjuvant (consumable or re-useable) substances are employed. The adjuvant substance can be, for example, a topical substance or a coolant. Systems are disclosed for using a topical substance to detect contact of a phototreatment device with a tissue, detect speed of a phototreatment device over the tissue, detect regions of tissue that have been treated by a phototreatment device and/or to provide other benefits to the tissue such as improved skin tone and texture, tanning, etc. Safety systems are also disclosed that ensure that a proper consumable substance and/or container is connected to a phototreatment device and/or directed to a proper target. Additionally, cooling systems and methods that utilize phase change materials for extracting heat from a light generating device are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing a therapeutic treatment on a patient's skin by concentrating applied radiation of at least one selected wavelength at a plurality of selected, three-dimensionally located, treatment portions, which treatment portions are within non-treatment portions. The ratio of treatment portions to the total volume may vary from 0.1% to 90%, but is preferably less than 50%. Various techniques, including wavelength, may be utilized to control the depth to which radiation is concentrated and suitable optical systems may be provided to concentrate applied radiation in parallel or in series for selected combinations of one or more treatment portions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for phototreatment in which replaceable containers comprising one or more adjuvant (consumable or re-useable) substances are employed. The adjuvant substance can be, for example, a topical substance or a coolant. Systems are disclosed for using a topical substance to detect contact of a phototreatment device with a tissue, detect speed of a phototreatment device over the tissue, detect regions of tissue that have been treated by a phototreatment device and/or to provide other benefits to the tissue such as improved skin tone and texture, tanning, etc. Safety systems are also disclosed that ensure that a proper consumable substance and/or container is connected to a phototreatment device and/or directed to a proper target. Additionally, cooling systems and methods that utilize phase change materials for extracting heat from a light generating device are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to dermatological devices and methods in which one or more skin characteristics, such as the melanin index, are determined by analyzing radiation backscattered from a skin region illuminated by at least one, and preferably, two or more wavelengths, e.g., in a range of about 600 nm to about 900 nm. In many embodiments, the radiation is coupled to the skin via a waveguide, and an optical sensor is employed to ascertain contact between the waveguide (e.g., a waveguide surface adapted for contact with the skin) and the skin.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating tissue with radiation, including light and other optical radiation, in a manner that is eye-safe are described. In one embodiment, a photocosmetic treatment device has a cavity into which tissue to be treated is drawn. The device determines whether the tissue is safe to treat and whether the tissue may be tissue associated with the eyes, such as an eyelid. In another embodiment, an eye-safe pulse of radiation is provided at a time interval prior to treatment of the tissue. The pulse is at a wavelength of radiation that the human eye perceives as particularly intense and uncomfortable, even though the pulse is not dangerous or destructive. If the device is oriented to treat eye tissue, directly or through the eyelid, the pulse will cause an aversive reaction in the subject being treated that inhibits the treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use by a consumer in a non-medical setting that uses at least one low power optical radiation source in a suitable device that can be positioned over a treatment area for a substantial period of time or can be moved over the treatment area one or more times during each treatment. The apparatus can be moved over or applied to or near the consumer's skin surface as light or other electromagnetic radiation is applied to the skin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dermatology treatment are provided which involve the use of continuous wave (CW) radiation, preheating of the treatment volume, precooling, cooling during treatment and post-treatment cooling of the epidermis above the treatment volume, various beam focusing techniques to reduce scattering and/or other techniques for reducing the cost and/or increasing the efficacy of optical radiation for use in hair removal and other dermatological treatments. A number of embodiments are included for achieving the various objectives indicated above.

Abstract: A device and method for utilizing optical radiation to treat tissue are described. In one aspect, the device is a dermatological treatment device. The device can be used, for example, for treatment of dermatological and cosmetic conditions. The device can include a sensor that indicates when the device is in contact with a subject's tissue. Operation of the device can, in some instances, be partially or fully automated. The device can further include a light source that is air cooled and a cooling plate that is chilled preferably to 5° C. The device can also include a window that is enlarged to reduce the power density and facilitate heating of tissue at depth.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for phototreatment in which replaceable containers comprising one or more adjuvant (consumable or re-useable) substances are employed. The adjuvant substance can be, for example, a topical substance or a coolant. Systems are disclosed for using a topical substance to detect contact of a phototreatment device with a tissue, detect speed of a phototreatment device over the tissue, detect regions of tissue that have been treated by a phototreatment device and/or to provide other benefits to the tissue such as improved skin tone and texture, tanning, etc. Safety systems are also disclosed that ensure that a proper consumable substance and/or container is connected to a phototreatment device and/or directed to a proper target. Additionally, cooling systems and methods that utilize phase change materials for extracting heat from a light generating device are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for utilizing energy, e.g., optical radiation, to treat various dermatological and cosmetic conditions. A handheld dermatological device that facilitates viewing and measuring parameters of a treatment area before, during, and after application of a treatment modality, and methods of use therefor, are disclosed. The device can include a deflective device that can steer radiation to control a target position of the radiation. The device can also include a control device to allow a user to control the radiation through manipulation of the deflective device.

Abstract: A device and method for utilizing optical radiation to treat tissue are described. In one aspect, the device is a dermatological treatment device. The device can be used, for example, for treatment of dermatological and cosmetic conditions. The device can include a sensor that indicates when the device is in contact with a subject's tissue. Operation of the device can, in some instances, be partially or fully automated. The device can further include a light source that is air cooled and a cooling plate that is chilled preferably to 5° C. The device can also include a window that is enlarged to reduce the power density and facilitate heating of tissue at depth.

Abstract: Oral phototherapy applicators are disclosed that are sized and shaped so as to fit at least partially in a user's mouth with a plurality of bristles of elongate shape coupled to an apparatus body. The applicators can be adapted to brush the user's teeth and further include at least one radiation emitter coupled to the body to provide phototherapeutic radiation to a portion of the oral cavity other than tissue in contact with the bristles. In one embodiment, the applicator include a heat transfer element, such as, for example a fluid pump.

Abstract: A light energy delivery head is provided which, in one aspect, mounts laser diode bars or other light energy emitters in a heat sink block which is adapted to cool both the emitters and a surface of a medium with which the head is in contact and to which it is applying light energy. In another aspect, various retroreflection configurations are provided which optimize retroreflection of back-scattered light energy from the medium. The size of the aperture through which light energy is applied to the medium is also controlled so as to provide a desired amplification coefficient as a result of retroreflection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dermatology treatment are provided which involve the use of continuous wave (CW) radiation, preheating of the treatment volume, precooling, cooling during treatment and post-treatment cooling of the epidermis above the treatment volume, various beam focusing techniques to reduce scattering and/or other techniques for reducing the cost and/or increasing the efficacy of optical radiation for use in hair removal and other dermatological treatments. A number of embodiments are included for achieving the various objectives indicated above.

Abstract: Photocosmetic device for use in medical or non-medical environments (e.g., a home, barbershop, or spa), which can be used for a variety of tissue treatments. Radiation is delivered to the tissue via optical systems designed to pattern the radiation and project the radiation to a particular depth. The device has a variety of cooling systems including phase change cooling solids and liquids to cool treated skin and the radiation sources. Contact sensors and motion sensor may be used to enhance treatment. The device may be modular to facilitate manufacture and replacement of parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for targeting lipid-rich tissue to effect a desired, the method/apparatus involving irradiating the lipid-rich tissue with energy at a wavelength preferentially absorbed by lipid cells, such wavelength being preferably in a band between 880 nm and 935 nm, 1150 nm and 1230 nm, 1690 nm to 1780 nm, or 2250 nm to 2450 nm with a fluence and duration sufficient to achieve a desired treatment. For preferred embodiments, the irradiation wavelength is between 900–930 nm, 1190–1220 nm, 1700–1730 nm, or 2280–2350 nm. The method and apparatus may for example be used to target one or more sebaceous glands for the treatment of acne or hair removal, to target subcutaneous fat for removal thereof or for targeting fat on anatomical elements for various purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing a therapeutic treatment on a patient's skin by concentrating applied radiation of at least one selected wavelength at a plurality of selected, three-dimensionally located, treatment portions, which treatment portions are within non-treatment portions. The ratio of treatment portions to the total volume may vary from 0.1% to 90%, but is preferably less than 50%. Various techniques, including wavelength, may be utilized to control the depth to which radiation is concentrated and suitable optical systems may be provided to concentrate applied radiation in parallel or in series for selected combinations of one or more treatment portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for hair growth management by applying low energy optical radiation to a treatment area of a patient's skin, which radiation is sufficient to at least traumatize a matrix portion of each follicle being treated, but not to cause either necrosis of most of each said follicle or immediate gross alteration of any hair shaft therein. The treatments are preferably performed a plurality of times at selected time intervals to achieve a desired level of hair growth management.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing hairs from living skin is provided involving the measurement with a colorimeter of the color of the area of the skin where the hair is to be removed to obtain a representative color value, employing the color value to select an optimum range of laser energy necessary to inactivate hair follicles in the area, yet minimize any inflammatory reaction, and directing laser energy of optimum range at the skin area to depilate such area.

Abstract: Methods of treatment of tissue with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to produce lattices of EMR-treated islets in the tissue are disclosed. Also disclosed are devices and systems for producing lattices of EMR-treated islets in tissue, and cosmetic and medical applications of such devices and systems.