Abstract: An optical pattern uses a single rotating component. The rotating component includes a number of deflection sectors. Each sector deflects an incident optical beam by a substantially constant angular amount although this amount may vary from one sector to the next. The rotating component may be combined with an imaging lens group that produces, for example, image points, spots, or lines displaced along a line locus.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for controlling light-induced tissue treatment. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the invention provides for improved, real-time control of the light beam operational parameters which enables greater safety, efficiency, uniformity and continuity of the treatment process.

Abstract: Methods of treating tissue with fractional laser radiation are disclosed. The fractional laser treatment methods reversibly increase skin permeability while maintaining a substantially intact stratum corneum and producing alterations within the epidermis and dermis. The alterations in the epidermis and dermis can include necrosis and/or coagulation. The alterations in the epidermis can include the creation of a plurality of pores in the stratum corneum and/or the creation of vacuoles in the layers of the epidermis below the stratum corneum. The fractional laser treatment methods disclosed herein can be used to provide treatments to the skin, to increase permeation of active substances into or through tissue, to deliver active substances locally or systemically, and to control the delivery of active substances.

Abstract: An optical pattern generator includes one or more multi-faceted rotating optical elements that introduce an offset that is rotation insensitive. The component that generates the offset is rotationally symmetric around the rotational axis of the optical element. Thus, as the optical element rotates, the effect of the offset component does not change. In addition, rotating optical elements may be designed to counteract unwanted optical effects of each other.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering active substances into and through the skin for treatment of the skin during and/or following fractional laser radiation treatment of the skin are described.

Abstract: An optical pattern generator includes one or more multi-faceted rotating optical elements that introduce an offset that is rotation insensitive. The component that generates the offset is rotationally symmetric around the rotational axis of the optical element. Thus, as the optical element rotates, the effect of the offset component does not change. In addition, rotating optical elements may be designed to counteract unwanted optical effects of each other.

Abstract: An optical pattern generator uses a single rotating component. The rotating component includes a number of deflection sectors. Each sector deflects an incident optical beam by a substantially constant angular amount although this amount may vary from one sector to the next. The rotating component may be combined with an imaging lens group that produces, for example, image points, spots, or lines displaced along a line locus.

Abstract: An optical pattern generator includes one or more multi-faceted rotating optical elements that introduce an offset that is rotation insensitive. The component that generates the offset is rotationally symmetric around the rotational axis of the optical element. Thus, as the optical element rotates, the effect of the offset component does not change. In addition, rotating optical elements may be designed to counteract unwanted optical effects of each other.

Abstract: An optical pattern generator includes one or more multi-faceted rotating optical elements that introduce an offset that is rotation insensitive. The component that generates the offset is rotationally symmetric around the rotational axis of the optical element. Thus, as the optical element rotates, the effect of the offset component does not change. In addition, rotating optical elements may be designed to counteract unwanted optical effects of each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fractional treatment of skin by irradiating the skin with electromagnetic energy is disclosed. Sources of the electromagnetic energy can include radio frequency (RF) generators, lasers, and flashlamps. The apparatus includes at least one sensor configured to detect a positional parameter, a skin characteristic, a skin response, or combinations thereof. The sensor provides feedback to a controller. The controller controls the treatment parameters, including the treatment density. By sensing the positional parameter, skin characteristic and/or skin response to a treatment, the controller automatically adjusts treatment density in real-time in response to the sensed positional parameter, skin characteristic and/or skin response.

Abstract: An optical pattern generator includes one or more multi-faceted rotating optical elements that introduce an offset that is rotation insensitive. The component that generates the offset is rotationally symmetric around the rotational axis of the optical element. Thus, as the optical element rotates, the effect of the offset component does not change. In addition, rotating optical elements may be designed to counteract unwanted optical effects of each other.

Abstract: A fractional treatment system can be configured with a laser wavelength that is selected such that absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue increases as the tissue is heated by the laser (e.g., 1390-1425 nm). Desirably, the laser wavelength is primarily absorbed within a treated region of skin by water and has a thermally adjusted absorption coefficient within the range of about 8 cm?1 to about 30 cm?1. An adjustable mechanism can be used to adjust the beam shape, beam numerical aperture, beam focus depth, and/or beam size to affect the treatment depth and or the character of the resulting lesions. The system may be designed to be switchable between a treatment mode that is semi-ablative and a treatment mode that is not semi-ablative. Adjustment of these parameters can improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment.

Abstract: In a fractional treatment system, an adjustable mechanism can be used to adjust the beam shape, beam numerical aperture, beam focus depth, and/or beam size to affect the treatment depth and or the character of the resulting lesions. Adjustment of these parameters can improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment. Illustrative examples of adjustable mechanisms include a set of spacers of different lengths, a rotatable turret with lens elements of different focal distances, an optical zoom lens, and a mechanical adjustment apparatus for adjusting the spacing between two optical lens elements. In one aspect, the fractional treatment is configured with a laser wavelength that is selected such that absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue decreases as the tissue is heated by the laser (e.g., 1480-1640 nm).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that uses fractional light based treatment to shrink soft tissue in the mouth or throat to reduce obstruction of the airways for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. A light delivery probe with scanning optics can be used to deliver treatment. Cooling systems can be added to reduce damage to epithelial layers of tissue. Light based treatment can be nonablative or ablative and is preferably performed with a laser.

Abstract: The invention describes a treatment for skin containing selected targets that provides feedback in response to a measurement enabled by the ablation of holes. The inventive apparatus includes an electromagnetic source configured to emit ablative electromagnetic energy, a delivery system, a sensing element, and a controller. The delivery system can be configured to receive ablative energy from the electromagnetic source and deliver it to multiple discrete locations at the selected region to form a pattern of discrete holes in epidermal and dermal tissue of the skin. The lipid content a portion of the tissue can be evaluated using a sensing element. At least one pulse of electromagnetic energy is delivered to the skin under control of a controller in response to the result of a measurement by the sensing element. The apparatus may include a positional sensor to provide additional dosage control, particularly when the inventive method is used with a continuously movable handpiece.

Abstract: The invention describes a treatment for skin wherein a pattern of holes is ablated in a selected region of skin tissue using an optical source. Substantially nonablative energy is delivered to the selected region to at least two holes in the pattern to thermally heat a target in or just beneath the skin, such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, or subcutaneous fat. The invention may further be improved by adding a feedback mechanism that adapts the nonablative energy in response to a measurement enabled by the ablation of holes. The apparatus may include a positional sensor to provide additional dosage control, particularly when the inventive method is used with a continuously movable handpiece.

Abstract: An optical pattern generator includes one or more multi-faceted rotating optical elements that introduce an offset that is rotation insensitive. The component that generates the offset is rotationally symmetric around the rotational axis of the optical element. Thus, as the optical element rotates, the effect of the offset component does not change. In addition, rotating optical elements may be designed to counteract unwanted optical effects of each other.

Abstract: An imaging sensor forms an image of at least a portion of a moving element that moves relative to a dermatological treatment handpiece in response to motion of the handpiece across the skin. A processor uses multiple images from the imaging sensor to determine changes in position or velocity of the moving element. The treatment energy source is adjusted or triggered in response to the calculation. Image relaying optics may be used to remotely position the imaging sensor away from the handpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling light-induced tissue treatment. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the invention provides for improved, real-time control of the light beam operational parameters which enables greater safety, efficiency, uniformity and continuity of the treatment process.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and apparatus for restoring pigmentation to skin that has suffered pigment loss are described. The methods include creating a plurality of spaced-apart microchannels or voids in the skin and depositing into the micropore channels or voids a composition comprising at least one cell capable of producing melanin, a growth factor, and, optionally, a scaffolding material, a differentiation factor, a proliferation factor, and/or a pigment. Alternatively, a composition comprising a pigment can be deposited into the micropore channels or voids to restore pigmentation to the skin.