Device and a method for treating skin conditions

• US 20020169442A1
• Filed: 05/17/2002
• Published: 11/14/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/1997
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Joseph Neev
• Original Assignee: Joseph Neev
• Inventors: Neev, Joseph
• Application Number:
  US10/150,632
• Publication Number:
  US 20020169442A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/9
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/20 using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/203 applying laser energy to the outside of the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00057 Light
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00029 open
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00452 Skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00476 Hair follicles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00904 Automatic detection of target tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/2025 with a pilot laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0616 Skin treatment other than tanning

Abstract

Skin tissue is subjected to energy that creates differential heating of the area being treated causing pores and follicle ducts to open so that excess oil, sebum, fatty deposits, or other unwanted deposits can be removed. A vacuum device is used to direct suction to the treated skin area helping to remove the unwanted deposits. The heating is controlled so that no skin tissue is damaged while still providing enough heat to the sebaceous gland to alter the gland to reduce its production of sebum and destroy bacteria in the treated area.

Claims

1. A method for treating skin conditions, including acne, the method comprising the steps:

directing energy capable to the skin for changing the size of pores and follicle openings in the skin.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the energy directed to the skin does not substantially damage or permanently alter the living cells in the skin.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the energy directed to the skin changes the size of pores and follicle openings in the skin and modifies sebaceous gland function under the skin.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of applying the energy to the skin in a continuous wave at about 4 W or less for a duration of about 100 ms or less to a spot on the skin of about 2 micrometers to 2 millimeters in diameter or less.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

applying the energy to the skin in a continuous wave at about 4 W or less for a duration of about 100 ms or less to a spot on the skin of about 2 micrometers to 2 millimeters in diameter; and

preventing the temperature below the epidermal/dermal junction from rising to more than about 60 degrees centigrade.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

applying the energy to the skin for a duration of about 100 ms or less to a spot on the skin of about 2 micrometers to about 2 millimeters in diameter; and

preventing the temperature below the epidermal/dermal junction from rising to more than about 60 degrees centigrade.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

applying the energy to the skin for a duration of about 500 ms or less to a spot on the skin of about 2 micrometers to about 2 millimeters; and

raising the temperature of a sebaceous gland to cause at least some reduction in sebum production by the sebaceous gland.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

applying the energy to the skin for a duration of about 500 ms or less to a spot on the skin of about 2 micrometers to about 2 millimeters;

raising the temperature of a sebaceous gland to cause at least some reduction in sebum production by the sebaceous gland; and

cooling the surface of the skin at least once after the energy applying step to minimize damage to the surface of the skin.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of cooling the surface of the skin at least once after the directing energy step.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the directing energy step modifies the condition of the sebaceous gland;

and further comprising the step of cooling the surface at least once after the energy directing step.

11. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of applying suction to the skin to remove material from the modified pores and follicle openings at least once after the directing energy step.

12. The method of claim 2 further comprising the steps of:

cooling the surface of the skin at least once after the direct energy step; and

applying suction to the skin to remove material from the modified pores and follicle openings at least once after the directing energy step.

13. The method of claim 2 wherein the energy directed to the skin modifies the sebaceous gland to reduce sebum production, further comprising the steps of:

cooling the surface of the skin at least once after the directing step energy; and

applying suction to the skin surface to remove material from the modified pores and follicle openings at least once after the directing energy step.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the energy is directed to the skin through an intermediate material capable of absorbing the incoming energy, converting it to thermal energy, and transferring the thermal energy to the skin.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the energy directed to the skin changes the size of pores and follicle openings in the skin.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the energy directed to the skin modifies the sebaceous gland.

17. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of applying said energy to the skin for a duration of about 1 ms or less to a spot of about 200 micrometers in diameter or less.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of preventing the temperature below the epidermal/dermal junction from rising to more than about 60 degrees centigrade.

19. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of:

applying said energy to the skin for a duration of about 100 ms or less to a spot of about 2 micrometers to about 2 millimeters in diameter or less; and

preventing the temperature below the sebaceous gland from rising to more than about 55 degrees centigrade.

20. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of applying said energy to the skin for a duration of about 500 ms or less to a spot of about 2 micrometers to about 2 millimeters in diameter or less so that the temperature of the sebaceous gland is raised to a temperature sufficient to cause irreversible damage to the sebaceous gland.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of cooling the skin surface at least once after the directing energy step in order to minimize damage to the surface of the skin.

22. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of cooling the surface of the skin at least once after the directing energy step.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the directing energy step modifies the sebaceous glands to reduce sebum production.

24. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of applying suction to the surface of the skin to remove material from the modified pores and follicle openings at least once after the directing energy step.

25. The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of cooling the surface of the skin at least once after the directing energy step.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the energy directed to the skin causes modification of a sebaceous gland.

27. The method of claim 14 wherein the intermediate material is made of tracing paper.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of preventing the temperature of the skin in the vicinity of the epidermal/dermal junction from rising more than about 30°

C.

30. The method of claim 28 wherein the temperature of the top layer of the skin is raised to between about 60°

C. to about 200°

C. above the normal skin temperature by delivering fluence from about 0.2 Joules/cm² to about 4 Joules/cm² at a spot size of from about 10 micrometers to about 400 micrometers, for a duration of from about 0.1 ms to about 0.5 seconds.

31. The method of claim 28 wherein the temperature of the top layer of the skin to a depth of up to 100 micrometers is raised by between about 20°

C. to about 300°

C. by delivering fluence ranging from 0.2 Joules/cm² to about 2 Joules/cm² with a dwell time ranging from about 0.1 to about 30 ms so that heat penetration is from about 10 micrometers to about 30 micrometers into the skin.

32. The method of claim 28 wherein the temperature of the skin is raised by between about 20°

C. to about 300°

C. by delivering fluence ranging from 0.2 Joules/cm² to about 2 Joules/cm² with dwell time ranging from about 0.1 to about 1 ms, raising a beam spot from about 50 micrometers to about 600 micrometers in size scanned over an area of from about 0.3 cm² to 16 cm², so that heat penetration is from about 10 micrometers to 30 micrometers into the skin.

33. The method of claim 28 wherein the temperature of the top layer of the skin from its surface to about 300 micrometers below the skin surface is raised from between about 60°

C. to about 100°

C. above its normal temperature by delivering energy to a continuous wave form fluence from about 2 Joules/cm² to about 4 Joules/cm² at a spot size of from about 100 micrometers to about 400 micrometers for a duration of from about 0.1 ms to about 0.5 seconds.

35. The device of claim 34 wherein the energy source heats a portion of the skin.

36. The device of claim 34 wherein the energy source heats a portion of the skin displacing a portion of the skin with respect to another unheated portion.

37. The device of claim 34 further comprising a vacuum source for applying suction to the surface of the skin to enhance removal of unwanted substances from the skin.

38. The device of claim 34 wherein the energy source modulates the physical conditions of the skin by mechanically displacing a portion of the skin to open pores of the skin.

40. The device of claim 39 wherein the energy transmitted to the skin by the substance is thermal energy.

41. The device of claim 39 wherein said energy source generates electromagnetic energy.

42. The device of claim 39 wherein said energy source is a laser.

43. The device of claim 39 wherein said energy source is a laser and said substance absorbs the energy from the laser.

28. A method for treating skin conditions, including acne, the method comprising the step of directing energy to the skin for modulating physical conditions of the skin by raising the temperature of the top layer of the skin from its surface to about 50 micrometers below the skin surface to between about 45°

C. to about 300°

C. above the normal skin temperature.

34. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising an energy source capable of modulating physical conditions of the skin to open pores in the skin.

39. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

an energy source for directing energy to a skin surface to be treated; and

a substance capable of safely contacting the skin interposed between said energy source and the skin, said substance absorbing energy from the energy source and transmitting to the skin.

44. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

a laser energy source; and

a substance capable of safely contacting the skin interposed between the laser and the skin for transmitting thermal energy to the skin in response to laser energy from the laser energy source.

45. The device of claim 44 further comprising a focusing element capable of focusing the laser energy from the laser energy source into a small spatial location on the substance.

46. The device of claim 45 further comprising reflective or refractive elements capable of moving the focused laser energy in space so that the small spatial location on the substance is moved along a predetermined larger area of the substance.

47. The device of claim 46 further comprising:

a controller capable of activating the energy source; and

a controller for triggering and controlling the reflective or refractive elements to move the focused laser energy in space.

49. The device of claim 48 wherein the electromagnetic energy absorbed by the substance is converted to heat and conducted to the skin.

48. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

an electromagnetic energy source directing electromagnetic energy to the skin; and

a substance interposed between the energy source and the skin capable of safely contacting the skin, said substance transmitting part of the electromagnetic energy to the skin and absorbing part of the electromagnetic energy.

50. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

an electromagnetic energy source;

a substance interposed between the energy source and skin capable of safely contacting the skin;

the substance transmitting part of the electromagnetic energy from the source to the skin while absorbing the remaining part;

the absorbed electromagnetic energy being converted to heat and conducted to the skin; and

the transmitted electromagnetic energy impinging on the skin converted to heat at the upper layers of the skin.

51. The device of claim 50 wherein the transmitted electromagnetic energy impinging on the skin is converted to heat at tissue layers below the skin surface, whereby a heating effect occurs at the skin surface and at tissue layers below the skin surface.

52. The device of claim 51 wherein said substance comprises a surface which is covered by absorbing material from about 2% of its surface to about 50% of its surface, whereby electromagnetic energy travels through the part of the surface not covered by absorbing material.

53. The device of claim 50 further comprising a vacuum source for generating a vacuum to remove debris and unwanted substances from the skin surface to help further open hair follicle openings and pores in the skin.

54. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

an energy source; and

a focusing element to focus energy from the energy source on a location on the skin thereby creating displacement of one part of the skin with respect to an adjacent part of the skin.

55. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

an energy source; and

a conduit capable of transferring energy from the energy source to the skin thereby changing the size of pores and follicle openings in the skin.

56. The device of claim 55 further comprising an element for redirecting energy from the energy source from one location on the skin to another location on the skin.

57. The device of claim 56 wherein the element for redirecting energy causes a larger area to be blanketed with thermal energy, elevating the temperature of the larger area.

58. The device of claim 57 whereby the temperature of the layer is elevated sufficiently to cause death of bacteria in upper layers of the skin.

59. The device of claim 56 further comprising a cooling substance capable of removing thermal energy from the skin at a desired time.

60. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

an electromagnetic energy source; and

a substance interposed between the energy source and skin capable of safely contacting the skin, the substance substantially absorbing most of the energy from the energy source and substantially transmitting mostly thermal energy to the skin.

61. The device of claim 60 wherein said energy source emits microwave energy.

62. The device of claim 61 wherein said microwave energy is focused on a small location within the skin surface so as to effect a differential heating of one part of the skin while maintaining the other part of the skin at a lower temperature.

63. The device of claim 61 wherein said microwave energy is focused on a small location within the skin surface so as to effect a differential heating of one part of the skin while maintaining the other part of the skin at a lower temperature so that a portion of the skin in the vicinity of a hair follicle is displaced with respect to an adjacent region of the skin, the differential displacements of skin regions opening the follicles and releasing substances trapped underneath the skin surface.

64. The device of claim 63 wherein said microwave energy reduces sebum production in the sebaceous gland and further comprising a source for a substance capable of removing energy from the skin surface.

65. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

an RF energy source; and

a focusing element for focusing the RF energy from the source to a small location within the skin surface to change the size of pores and follicle openings in the skin.

66. The device of claim 65 wherein the application of RF energy to one part of the skin causes opening of the follicles and releasing substances trapped underneath the skin surface.

67. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

an electrical energy source; and

a focusing element for focusing the electrical energy on a small location within the skin surface to change the size of pores and follicle openings in the skin, opening the follicles or pores, and releasing substances trapped underneath the skin surface.

68. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

a plasma energy source; and

a focusing element for focusing the plasma energy from the source on a small location within the skin surface to change the size of pores and follicle openings in the skin, opening the follicles or pores, and releasing substances trapped underneath the skin surface.

69. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

a chemical energy source; and

the chemical energy from the source being focused on a small location within the skin surface so as to change the size of pores and follicle openings in the skin, opening the follicles or pores, and releasing substances trapped underneath the skin surface.

70. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

an ultrasonic energy source; and

a focusing element for focusing the ultrasound energy to a small location within the skin surface to change the size of pores and follicle openings in the skin, opening the follicles or pores, and releasing substances trapped underneath the skin surface.

71. A device for treating skin conditions, the device comprising:

a mechanical energy source; and

a focusing element for focusing the mechanical energy on a small location within the skin surface to change the size of pores and follicle openings in the skin, opening the follicles or pores, and releasing substances trapped underneath the skin surface.

72. A method for treating skin conditions, the method comprising the step of directing energy to the skin to be treated to change the size of pores and follicle openings in the skin, opening the follicles or pores, and releasing substances trapped underneath the skin surface.

73. The method of claim 72 further comprising the step of focusing the energy on the skin to a spot between about 1 micrometer and about 2 mm in size.

74. The method of claim 72 further comprising the steps of:

focusing the energy on the skin to a spot between 1 micrometer and 2 mm in size onto the skin; and

moving the focused energy spot on the skin surface so that a larger portion of the skin surface is covered.

75. The method of claim 72, further comprising the steps of:

focusing the energy to a spot between about 1 micrometer and about 2 mm in size onto an intermediate material capable of absorbing said energy and transmitting at least some of the energy to a target region of the skin in contact with the intermediate material to create differential heating and differential displacement of one part of the skin with respect to an adjacent part of the skin; and

moving the focused energy spot on the intermediate material so that a larger portion of the intermediate material surface is covered.

76. The method of claim 72 for treating skin conditions, the method comprising:

focusing the energy to a spot between 1 micrometer and 2 mm in size onto an intermediate material capable of absorbing said energy and transmitting at least some of the energy to a target region of the skin in contact with the intermediate material to create differential heating and differential displacement of one part of the skin with respect to an adjacent part of the skin;

moving the focused energy spot on the intermediate material so that a larger portion of the intermediate material surface is covered; and

applying a substance capable of removing energy from the intermediate material before, after, or during the direction of the energy to the intermediate material.

77. A method for treating skin conditions, the method comprising directing energy to the skin for changing the size of pores and follicle openings in the skin without substantially damaging live tissue and live cells.

78. The method of claim 77 wherein the damage on live tissue and live cells being avoided is vaporizing or ablating live tissue.

79. The method of claim 77 wherein the damage on live tissue and live cells being avoided is irreversible changes to live tissue and living cells.

80. The method of claim 77 wherein the damage on live tissue and live cells being avoided is coagulating or denaturing live tissue and living cells.

81. The method of claim 77 wherein the damage on live tissue and live cells is avoided by not raising the temperature of the tissue at and below the epidermal/dermal junction to more than about 45°

C.

82. The method of claim 77 wherein the damage on live tissue and live cells is avoided by not raising the temperature of the tissue at and below the bottom of the sebaceous gland to more than about 65°

C.

83. A method for treating skin conditions, including acne, the method comprising the step of modifying the skin top layer to a depth sufficient to remove blockage of follicle openings to allow removal of unhealthy substances in the follicle openings.

84. The method of claim 83 further comprising the step of directing external energy to the top layer of the skin to cause removal of blockage of follicle openings.

85. The method of claim 83 wherein the external energy is electromagnetic energy.

86. The method of claim 83 wherein the external energy is thermal energy.

87. The method of claim 83 wherein the external energy is ultrasound energy.

88. The method of claim 83 wherein the external energy is microwave energy.

89. The method of claim 83 wherein the external energy is RF energy.

90. The method of claim 83 wherein the external energy is laser energy.

91. The method of claim 83 wherein the external energy is solid state diode energy.

92. The method of claim 83, further comprising the steps of:

the external energy being absorbed by an intermediate energy absorbing barrier;

converting at least some of the external energy into heat, the intermediate barrier conducting the heat to the skin.

93. The method of claim 92, further comprising the step of applying a coolant to the intermediate barrier before, during, or after energy application.

94. The method of claim 92, further comprising the step of applying alcohol or other sterilizing agents to the skin surface before, during, or after energy application.

95. The method of claim 92, further comprising the step of applying vacuum suction to the skin before, during, or after energy application.

96. The method of claim 92, further comprising the step of applying antibiotics to the skin before, during, or after energy application.

97. The method of claim 92, further comprising the step of applying drug agents, oxygen, or nutrients to the skin before, during, or after energy application.