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: Apparatus and methods disclosed herein operate to produce high peak power light output, to deliver the light output to a portion of skin in a dermatological setting, to deliver a flow of cool gas or air to the skin for cooling purposes, to monitor skin temperature during the delivery of light to the portion of skin, and to adjust the light power in real time such as to enhance the tradeoff between treatment efficacy and skin damage.

Abstract: A therapy, method, and combination of procedures for tightening facial skin and muscles through the combination of Titan™ and TMR methods. The Titan™ component stimulates collagen resulting in tightened skin. The Titan™ component performs the steps of pre-cooling a surface of an epidermis layer of the skin to prevent burning, applying infrared light to a dermis layer of the skin, wherein the infrared light causes collagen fibers to be heated, and post-cooling the surface of the epidermis layer, the post-cooling contracting the collagen fibers and tightening the skin. The TMR component increases oxygen and nutrients to cells resulting in tightened facial muscles. The TMR component performs the step of applying therapeutic magnetic resonance to the muscles. Through the combination of Titan™ and TMR methods, this non-surgical facelift makes the patient look younger without surgery.

Abstract: An unnecessary component such as acne is removed completely from a predetermined structure such as a face in a photograph image without manual operation and skills. An acne removal unit fits to a face region as the structure in the image a mathematical model generated according to a statistical method such as AAM using sample images representing the structure without the component to be removed, and an image reconstruction unit reconstructs an image of the face region based on parameters corresponding to the face region obtained by the fitting of the model. An image is then generated by replacing the face region with the reconstructed image. Since the mathematical model has been generated from the sample images of human faces without acne, the model does not include acne. Therefore, the reconstructed face image generated by fitting the model to the face region does not include acne.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a skin target area includes one or more RF electrodes adapted to provide RF energy for heating the skin target area. A quasi-fractional light unit is adapted to provide optical spots of energy having a wavelength not greater than 1200 nm for heating the skin target area. The RF electrodes and the quasi-fractional light unit are configured to provide energy essentially simultaneously to the skin target area to heat the entire target in non-uniform manner by way of a matrix of spots each having a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a skin surface of a patient includes a light source for providing light to the skin surface. The apparatus also includes a shield provided at an output port of the light source so as to be disposed between the skin surface and the light source, the shield including a plurality of holes. The shield is made of a ceramic material that allows light to pass therethrough at an attenuated amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a field of systems for human skin medical treatments. The system consists in a biomedical apparatus (1) connected to a scanning device (5) by means of an articulated transmission system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method, a laser system, and a kit for non-invasive treatment and removal of varices. In particular the invention allows for non-invasive laser treatment of large varices, such as varices having a diameter larger than 5 mm. The method of treatment can apply presently available dermatological lasers. The invention further propose developments and additions to presently available dermatological lasers making these particularly applicable to the treatment method.

Abstract: An optical depilation apparatus of high safety is provided, in which the light irradiating the skin during the depilation treatment can be prevented from leaking and entering the eyes, maintenance can be facilitated, and the light for depilation can be prevented from being emitted at an unintended time and entering the eyes.

Abstract: An optical depilation apparatus is used for performing depilation by irradiating skin with light. The apparatus has: a light source unit; a light irradiation port; and an apparatus body emitting light from the light source unit through the light irradiation port; a light shielding part disposed so as to surround the light irradiation port of the apparatus body; and a support part that supports the light shielding part so as to allow the light shielding part to move in the light irradiation direction with respect to the apparatus body. The support part has a receiving portion provided at the apparatus body, a convex portion provided at the light shielding part, and a spring member disposed between the receiving part and the convex part.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a field of systems for human skin medical treatments. The present system consists of a continuous wave-operated laser source (2) and of a biomedical laser system (1) connected to a scanning device (5) by means of an articulated transmission system (4) said laser being adapted to radiate a continuous CO2 laser beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for ophthalmology or dermatology, having a laser unit for generating pulsed laser radiation, the pulse length of the laser pulses lying in the femtosecond range, a hand unit for emitting laser radiation generated by the laser unit, and a flexible light waveguide for delivering the laser radiation generated by the laser unit to the hand unit. The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding hand unit for emitting pulsed laser radiation generated by a laser unit, the laser radiation having pulse lengths in the femtosecond range.

Abstract: A system and method for dermatological treatment uses a handpiece and a control system. The treatment area is analyzed for abnormalities and a customized treatment profile is created. Electromagnetic radiation then treats abnormalities in the treatment area, which can be shaped and pixilated into different intensities according to the treatment profile.

Abstract: A system and method for using a light source to treat tissue with NIR light. The operation provides for generating higher temperatures in deeper layers of tissue relative to shallower layers of tissue. The increased temperature in dermal layers can operate to induce collagen shrinkage, or remodeling. One of the light sources for providing a broad spectrum of NIR light is a filament light. The light from the filament lamp can be selectively filtered, and after filtering this light is applied to the skin, where the selective filtering can enhance the ability to elevate the temperature of deeper layers of tissue, relative to layers of tissue which are closer to the surface of the skin.

Abstract: Apparatus for medically treating a tattoo includes a scanned light beam unit having a light beam source assembly adapted to emit light pulses at different wavelengths, a scanner, light detector(s), and a controller operatively connected to the light beam source assembly and the scanner. The controller is adapted: to control the scanned light beam unit to illuminate a first light-pulse-sized region of the tattoo using the light beam source assembly at different wavelengths and at relatively low power; to use the light detector(s) to detect a least-reflecting wavelength of the illumination of the first light-pulse-sized region of the tattoo; and to control the scanned light beam unit to medically treat the first light-pulse-sized region of the tattoo using the light beam source assembly at a wavelength substantially equal to the least-reflecting wavelength and at relatively high power. A method is disclosed for medically treating a tattoo which uses the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for dermatological treatments has a base equipment 10 to which differing application heads 14 can be connected, selectively via flexible conduits 12, for the purpose of applying radiation, in particular of an LED and of a laser or of a high-energy flashbulb.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a system includes an energy application device configured to apply energy to a treatment area of a subject, a sensing device configured to determine the energy received by one or more regions of the treatment area, and a user interface configured to provide a user with feedback concerning the energy received by the one or more regions of the treatment area, wherein the feedback provided to the user includes an image that illustrates the current status of the treatment. According to one embodiment, the illustration includes quantitative information. According to a further embodiment, the illustration includes highlighting of the treatment area.

Abstract: A flashlamp drive circuit including a storage capacitor which is charged and selectively discharged in order to drive a flashlamp. A capacitor (116) is connected in parallel with each respective flashlamp (106) in a bank of flashlamps. Each capacitor (116) has a comparatively small capacitance so as to be capable of storing only a portion of the total energy pulse required to be delivered to the respective flashlamp (106). A controller, comprising a digital signal processor (118) and a microprocessor (120) is provided to control the operation of all of the flashlamps (106) in the bank via respective switch mechanisms (110). In use, each energy (or drive) pulse delivered to a flashlamp (106) is comprised of a plurality of smaller energy packets resulting from repeated charging and discharging of the respective capacitor (116).

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for non-ablative laser treatment of dermatologic conditions. A laser energy is transmitted to an underlying target element in the skin. The target element is heated to a temperature of at least forty degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, a pulsed, near infrared, high peak power laser energy is used. The systems and methods of the present invention may be used to treat acne, smooth wrinkles, remove hair, treat leg veins, treat facial veins, improve skin texture, decrease pore sizes, reduce rosacea, reduce “blush/diffuse redness, reduce striae, reduce scarring, or the like.

Abstract: A method of treating acne using lower light intensity, fewer blue light treatments, and no photodynamic or photosensitizing agents is provided.

Abstract: A method for hair styling includes generating a pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum with one or more wavelengths absorbable by hair and directing the pulses of light towards hair fibers of an individual. The pulses have at least one pulse duration and a total energy all predetermined to effectively vary a characteristic of the hair fibers owing to absorption of light of the pulses by the hair fibers. By virtue of the directing of the pulses of light towards the hair fibers and absorption of light of the pulses by the hair fibers, at least one selected characteristic of the hair fibers is changed, the one selected characteristic being hair curvature, hair fiber thickness, or hair length.

Abstract: A method for automated treatment of an area of skin of a patient with laser energy. The method including: identifying the area to be treated with the laser; modeling the identified area of the skin to be treated; and controlling the laser to direct laser energy to within the modeled area of the skin.

Abstract: A treatment head for treatment of an area of the skin. The head including: an enclosure having an open end for contact with the skin in a vicinity of the treatment area; a camera configured to be directed towards the open end; and a laser head configured to be directed towards the open end.

Abstract: A system for producing preferential damage to hair exiting mammalian skin. A agent having an average diameter for enabling the agent to penetrate the hair duct is selected. The agent is designed to attach to, or become physically incorporated into, the hair shaft, the hair follicle, the hair bulb or the hair duct. The agent has an electromagnetic radiation absorption characteristic which enables the agent to absorb a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation from a skin-penetrating electromagnetic radiation source, such as a laser. The agent is applied to the skin so that the agent penetrates the skin and attaches to or becomes physically incorporated into the hair shaft, the hair follicle, the hair bulb or the hair duct. The agent is exposed to the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation and absorbs the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A device comprises an energy source capable of generating short bursts of energy at a variable pulse repetition rates. The repetition rates range from a single shot to several hundreds Mega-Hertz so that selective, three dimensional interactions with a volumetric zone of skin or issue can be created substantially without damage or substantial changes to overlying or underlying or surrounding tissue or skin.

Abstract: An acne treatment system, device and method includes optical visualization means for identifying areas of skin colonized by the P. acnes bacteria, and further comprises methods, techniques and apparatus for the reduction or elimination of such colonies through the use of light of a power density and wavelength configured to be absorbed by porphyrins produced by the bacteria, resulting in a quenching. Various alternative embodiments are disclosed, including eye safe embodiments, embodiments in which a treatment regimen is provided on a disposable cartridge, embodiments in which the authenticity of the cartridge is verified to ensure proper operation, as well as others.

Abstract: An apparatus for phototherapy of the skin exhibits a light-source (101) and a light-intensity-modulating element (103) for generating a light-intensity profile (104) with which the skin (105) to be treated is irradiated, whereby abrupt changes in the radiation intensity, in particular at the edges of the irradiated spots, are avoided.

Abstract: Device for treatment of a part of a human or animal body, including: treatment dose delivery means enabling treatment doses to be delivered to the human or animal body, mapping means enabling a zone or a volume of the body to be treated to be mapped and spatially defined in a predefined frame of reference and in a form of mapping data, localisation means enabling the instantaneous position of the treatment dose delivery means outlet to be localised in the form of localisation data in the frame of reference, electronic control means, which, are suitable for recording the mapping data of at least one zone or one volume of the body to be treated, acquired with the help of the mapping means, and which, enable a treatment to be controlled by using, during the course of the treatment, at least the mapping data and the localisation data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser device, comprising a laser material (1) brought into a simmer mode. A controllable source (7, 17) of additional energy (16, 20) supplies energy to the laser material (1), such that in only a desired part of the laser material (1) a lasing threshold is exceeded, and a laser beam (10) is emitted from only a desired part of the laser surface. This device makes possible to provide a laser beam in just the desired part of the laser, which allows a flexible and localized output. The invention further relates to a hair-removing device comprising a laser device according to the invention and further comprising an optical system (6) for focusing the laser beam pulses on a focal spot (12) and for positioning the focal spot in a target position, wherein the optical system (6) comprises a movable lens or a plurality of individually addressable lenses.

Abstract: There is provided a device for imaging a skin object (7) near a skin surface of a body part, comprising a light source (1) and a detector (8) for detecting radiation returning from said object (7), wherein the device further comprises an elliptical, preferably circular, polarizer (4, 19) between the source (1) and said skin (6) surface, the device comprising a 5 ratio increaser means (3, 4, 19) for increasing the ratio of radiation from said object (7) to radiation from said skin (6) surface. The ratio increaser may be an additional or the same elliptical polarizer. Using elliptically or even circularly polarized light makes hair detection independent of the orientation of hair (7) with respect to light or polarization, which renders 10 the detection more reliable. The invention also provides an imaging method and a hair-shortening device and method.

Abstract: The invention provides a skin treatment device comprising a laser source (40) and focusing optics (50), such that a focal spot (18) is positioned in a dermis layer (24) of the skin to be treated. The laser beam (42) is powered and focused (16) such that a LIOB (laser induced optical breakdown) phenomenon is obtained, which affects the skin in order to stimulate re-growth of tissue. This in turn reduces wrinkles (30). The device may comprise wrinkle-determining means (52, 54, 56, 58). The focusing optics (50) may have a numerical aperture of at least 0.4. The invention also provides a corresponding method to treat skin, in particular to reduce wrinkles (30), by providing a focused laser beam (16) that causes LIOB in the dermis layer (24) of the skin. The advantage is that damage to overlaying epidermis layers may be avoided by the use of the very local LIOB phenomenon.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion system offers a combination of other skin therapies in conjunction with microdermabrasion. In an implementation, the system applies light therapy, photodynamic therapy, radio frequency and microwave energy therapy, massage therapy, or combinations of these while exfoliating the skin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for reducing sweat production via, for example, the removal, disablement, and incapacitation of sweat glands in the epidermis, dermis and subdermal tissue regions of a patient. In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient is provided which involves identifying a patient having a condition of excessive sweating, positioning an energy delivery device proximate to a skin tissue of the patient and delivering energy to sweat glands to halt secretion of sweat. The energy delivery device may include microwave delivery devices, RF delivery devices, and cryogenic therapy devices. Some embodiments may include using a cooling element for avoiding destruction of non-target tissue and/or a suction device to localize treatment at specific portions of the skin fold.

Abstract: A portable hair treatment device 1 includes a hand held portion or wand 2 containing a laser and associated optics for effecting skin treatment. The device includes a main base unit 3 including a recess shaped to receive the hand held unit 2 when not in use. At least one of the base unit 3 and the wand 2 includes a portable power source, e.g. a battery, to enable self-powered use.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating stretch marks through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a shallow tissue region, such as a region comprising an epidermis, a dermis and a deep dermis. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth from 0 mm to 1 cm with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue in the range of frequencies from 2 to 50 MHz. In addition, a therapeutic ultrasound can also be configured in combination with ultrasound imaging or imaging/monitoring capabilities, either separately configured with imaging, therapy and monitoring systems or any level of integration thereof.

Abstract: The method and process for producing youthful appearing, small-pored, and smooth skin comprises pre-treating the skin topically with retinoic acid, applying a contaminant in oil to the skin, and removing the contaminate by exploding or rupturing it with laser light. When treating the face, removing the contaminant requires only about 4 minutes. The laser light itself does not injure the skin but the rupture of the contaminant produces thermal injury in the high dermis leaving the epidermis intact. Repeated intermittent laser treatments and applications of topical retinoic acid produces the desired results in the skin indefinitely as long as the treatment and applications are continued.

Abstract: A device for carrying out a cosmetic method or treating skin ageing and the method comprising the following steps: a) connecting an electronic device, able to generate high frequency electric current waves having a distorted sinusoidal wave form by the presence of harmonics, to one or more electrodes of essentially laminar shape; b) applying said one or more electrodes on the skin surface in the area to be treated; c) activating said electronic device in order to transfer said current waves to said one or more electrodes and to maintain said device activated for a predetermined time; d) deactivating said device and removing the electrodes from the contact with the treated area.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for percutaneous energy delivery in an effective, manner using one or more probes. Additional variations of the system include array of probes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: The disclosed technology can be embodied within optical heads or other optical systems adapted for providing a selected dermatologic treatment (e.g., temporary hair growth management). This technology uses a scanner to mechanically change an orientation of an optical element, such as a light pipe, to facilitate the conveyance of light energy to multiple target/treatment locations on a patient's skin.

Abstract: A device for treating the skin, for instance for removing body hair. The device includes a working head, which includes an irradiating device for irradiating the skin surface to be treated, preferably by means of light; a contact surface surrounding the irradiating device for supporting the working head on the skin surface; and a safety device for controlling the irradiation and/or for providing a safety signal. The safety device includes a recording device for recording the support of the working head on the skin surface. The contact surface defines a bell-like pressure and/or sound chamber and the recording device encompasses an impermeability sensor device for determining the over-pressure and/or sound impermeability of the pressure and/or sound chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for achieving erythema and/or mild edema in an upper layer of skin, without causing blisters, and without the risk of high fluence levels or critical need for cooling.

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: Disclosed is a novel glycoconjugated chlorin derivative which is useful as a substance for photodynamic therapy, is stable, and can act a photosensitizer having high phototoxicity even when used in a small quantity. Also disclosed is a method of producing the derivative. Specifically disclosed are a S-glycosylated chlorin derivative represented by the following general formula (1) and a metal complex thereof. In the general formula (1), X1 to X20 independently represent a group selected from the group consisting of F—, sugar-S—, sugar-Z-S— and sugar-O-Z-S— and at least one among X1 to X20 represents a group selected from the group consisting of sugar-S—, sugar-Z-S— and sugar-O-Z-S— (wherein F represents a fluorine atom, Z represents an oxygen atom, Z represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms); and R5 and R6 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an organic group or may together form a ring.

Abstract: Skin monitoring device for application near the skin, comprising a processing circuit connecting means and at least one photosensor configured to detect at least one approximate wavelength of light reflected and/or emitted by the skin, wherein a signal receiving circuit is provided for receiving signals from the at least one photosensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for multipulse laser treatments on a spot target by using a CO2 laser system and a laser beam scanner attached at the end of the delivery system. The laser system is controlled to emit a laser macropulse consisting of a series of micropulses with pulse durations in the range of microseconds to a few milliseconds. The first group of pulses is delivered to cause minimal thermal damage to the peripheral area in the epidermis and dermis, while creating a pinhole epidermal window down into the dermis, through which the subsequent pulses, which are longer in pulse duration and lower in energy, deliberately create thermal diffusion through conducted heat to create thermal damage in the targeted area of the dermis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of skin diseases, in particular psoriasis, by means of UV radiation generated by a laser and directed towards the skin areas affected by the skin disease. Such method provides that the thickness of the epidermis in the skin areas is determined and the laser radiation dose regulated depending on the epidermis thickness so detected. The invention is based on the knowledge that the effect of UV radiation on the affected skin areas where psoriasis has developed into so-called plaques is primarily governed by the thickness of the epidermis within such plaques and not by the skin type or the MED (minimal erythema dose) established for healthy skin regions. For the determination of the thickness of the epidermis an ultrasonic device is preferably employed.

Abstract: An applicator unit for a dermal treatment system using intense pulsed light, the applicator comprising: a compartment with an opening to the patient's skin, an optical filter unit dividing the compartment into a closed chamber and an open chamber, where the open chamber having the opening; a light-source unit mounted inside the closed chamber and operative to radiate light through the optical filter unit and through the opening on the patient's skin; and an air-cooling unit operative to cool the closed chamber.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for dissecting and/or removing biological units, such as hair follicles, from the body surface based on the images both above and below a body surface to reduce potential damage to the removed biological unit. The invention may be used in fully automated systems and also in a hand-held devices and systems. A system may produce a series of three-dimensional images of the body surface indicating follicular unit size, shape, position, and orientation both above and below the skin surface. The images may be utilized by an automated follicular unit harvesting tool, or maybe stored for later use. Imaging techniques include devices that sense light in the visible or infrared spectrums, optical coherence tomography, and ultrahigh frequency ultrasound.

Abstract: A light irradiating device capable of irradiating with a low output energy a lesion or a skin deep portion with light having a high-vasodilating-effect wavelength. Light including a wavelength having a vasodilating effect is emitted from the output portion at the tip end of a probe. The output density of the light is preferably 100 to 1550 mW/mm2. The wavelength of light having a vasodilating effect is preferably 450 to 650 nm. A skin contact surface is preferably formed at the tip end of the probe, and the output portion is preferably disposed at the skin contact surface.