Abstract: Hair removal by using an Alexandrite laser emitting energy between 0.2-40 joules per pulse to provide an energy fluence between 15 and 70 joules per centimeter square and having a pulse duration of between 100 microseconds and 10 milliseconds. A scanner may be used to direct the laser beam on the tissue. The skin in the area to be irradiated may be shaved prior to exposure to laser treatment and may be also covered by a protective substance serving as a heat sink.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for tracking the operation of a light beam, preferably a laser light beam, which operates to treat the skin of the patient. The apparatus includes plurality of markings in accordance with the light beam impinges on the locations to be treated. The apparatus including the plurality of markings may be a cooling apparatus which also cools the skin during the treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of hair depilation for destroying follicle cells is provided where an invasive element, such as a waveguide, probe or needle, is inserted into a hair follicle and pulsed laser energy is radially transmitted through the invasive element to the entire lining of the follicle. The blood vessels of the papilla, the hair shaft, the hair bulge and hair bulb are substantially damaged. The laser employed may be at a wavelength that does not penetrate skin. The laser may pulse laser energy through a frosted tip of a waveguide or probe that scatters the laser radiation radially along a length of the frosted tip to the follicle lining. Otherwise, a protective substances, such as energy absorbing particles, may be used to absorb energy and transmit it to the follicle lining such that there is no damage to the outlying skin. Alternatively, a waveguide may be placed in a needle and the needle inserted into a hair follicle.

Abstract: A method of treating facial skin depressions is provided in which, following laser ablation of the epidermal layer, the underlying dermal plug of skin is obtained having minimal thermal damage and is implanted into an area of depressed skin.

Abstract: A method of facial rejuvenation is provided in which ablation of an area of skin is accomplished to above the papillary dermis, providing effective permanent smoothness. A laser beam directs a laser beam from a laser source to a scanner which directs the beam to ablate the skin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laser-assisted hair transplantation preferably utilizes a CW mode CO.sub.2 laser, which may already have been installed in a surgeon's office, and a flashscanner to scan the laser over the area of holes to be drilled, thereby minimizing thermal necrosis on the recipient walls or slits. Optionally, a computer controls the laser/flashscanner assembly to redirect the beam from hole to hole, so as to rapidly drill a plurality of uniformly spaced holes. Advantageously, the time duration of the laser procedure is not limited, but depends instead on the CW laser power level parameters and the focal length selected for the procedure, thereby affording the surgeon significant flexibility in choosing appropriate treatment parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a myringotomy in a child's ear without the need for anaesthesia. A charge coupled device or television camera is aimed within a micromanipulator housing at a child's ear drum. The housing is retained to the ear, either with a fastener such as an adhesive or in a helmet, so that the housing moves with the movement of the child's head. A video image of the ear drum surface is displayed on a screen from signals transmitted from the camera device. A physician marks on the screen with an electronic pen pointer where the laser beam should be aimed at the ear drum surface. A microprocessor responds to this marking to determine the appropriate coordinates and instructs mirror control motors to rotate a scanning mirror in the path of the laser beam. The laser may be fired and its beam is directed by the scanning mirror to strike a desired location by passing through the housing attached to the child's ear without being affected by any sudden movement of the child's head.

Abstract: A method of treating ice pick scars is provided in which the epidermal layer surrounding an ice pick scar is ablated to provide a recipient hole into which skin is grafted. Smoothing of the skin after grafting may then be performed with permanent rejuvenation.

Abstract: A method of facial rejuvenation is provided in which ablation of an area of skin is accomplished to above the papillary dermis, providing effective permanent smoothness.