Method for controlled contraction of collagen tissue using RF energy
DCFirst Claim
1. A method for tightening an external surface of a skin with an underlying collagen containing tissue, comprising:
- providing an RF energy delivery device with an energy delivery surface;
positioning the RF energy delivery surface on the external surface of the skin;
creating a reverse thermal gradient through the surface of the skin to sufficiently heat an underlying collagen containing tissue, wherein a temperature of the external surface of the skin is lower than a temperature of the underlying collagen containing tissue;
detecting a temperature of the external surface of the skin;
heating the external surface of the skin and underlying collagen containing tissue in response to a detected temperature of the external surface of the skin; and
tightening at least a portion of the external surface of the skin.
10 Assignments
Litigations
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for tightening a surface of a skin with an underlying collagen containing tissue applies RF energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A porous membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution and become inflated to substantially conform a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. The membrane includes a cooling lumen for receiving cooling fluid. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane and transfers thermal energy to the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution and cooling fluid creates a reverse thermal gradient from the skin surface to the underlying collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes, and a source of electrolytic solution is coupled to the membrane.
687 Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A method for tightening an external surface of a skin with an underlying collagen containing tissue, comprising:
-
providing an RF energy delivery device with an energy delivery surface; positioning the RF energy delivery surface on the external surface of the skin; creating a reverse thermal gradient through the surface of the skin to sufficiently heat an underlying collagen containing tissue, wherein a temperature of the external surface of the skin is lower than a temperature of the underlying collagen containing tissue; detecting a temperature of the external surface of the skin; heating the external surface of the skin and underlying collagen containing tissue in response to a detected temperature of the external surface of the skin; and tightening at least a portion of the external surface of the skin. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification