Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of collagen tissue
DCFirst Claim
1. A method of liposculpturing an area of the body including a skin surface with multiple layers, and an underlying area made of a loculation of fat that has collagen tissue as a fibrous septae, comprising:
- providing an electromagnetic energy delivery device;
creating a reverse thermal gradient through a surface of the skin while heating the underlying collagen containing tissue;
heating the skin surface and underlying collagen containing tissue sufficiently to partially denature at least a portion of the collagen containing tissue while minimizing cellular destruction;
contracting the collagen containing tissue; and
tightening the skin.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to an underlying subcutaneous layer or deeper soft tissue layers that includes loculations of fat with fibrous septae made of collagen tissue. This creates a desired contour effect without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A membrane conforms a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane. A focussing element focuses thermal energy to the underlying collagen tissue. The focusing element and the electrolytic solution create a reverse thermal gradient from the skin to the collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes.
563 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of liposculpturing an area of the body including a skin surface with multiple layers, and an underlying area made of a loculation of fat that has collagen tissue as a fibrous septae, comprising:
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providing an electromagnetic energy delivery device; creating a reverse thermal gradient through a surface of the skin while heating the underlying collagen containing tissue; heating the skin surface and underlying collagen containing tissue sufficiently to partially denature at least a portion of the collagen containing tissue while minimizing cellular destruction; contracting the collagen containing tissue; and tightening the skin. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification