Apparatus and method for preventing and treating cellulite

• US 6,443,914 B1
• Filed: 02/12/2001
• Issued: 09/03/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lysonix Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Lysonix Incorporated
• Inventors: Costantino, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, Ruth S.
• Application Number:
  US09/731,642
• Time in Patent Office: 568 Days
• Field of Search: 601/2-3, 607/96, 607/100, 607/101, 600/439, 600/459
• US Class Current: 601/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0009 Making of catheters or other medical or surgical tubes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0023 by the form of the lumen, e.g. cross-section, variable diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0026 Multi-lumen catheters with stationary elements catheter assemblies comprising a catheter in combination with a guide tube, sheath or sleeve A61M2025/0681; catheters comprising telescoping coaxial elements A61M2025/0175
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0071 Multiple separate lumens multiple separate lumens throughout the catheter A61M25/0026
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/03 characterised by the shape of the extruded material at extrusion
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/302 being adjustable, i.e. having adjustable exit sections
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/7542 Catheters
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 9/19 Multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies

Abstract

An apparatus and method for the treatment of cellulite. The connective tissue subjacent to the dermis provides a barrier resisting protrusion of adipose tissue located beneath the dermis. Such connective tissue is generated or strengthened by applying radiation of appropriate frequency to disrupt or otherwise destroy normal cells within or underlying the dermis adjacent to the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous adipose tissue, or exclusively within the subcutaneous fat or dermis. Following cell destruction, the body'"'"'s repair mechanism causes a sheet-like fibrous layer to form at the site of cell destruction which is resistant to the protrusion of depot fat underlying the fibrous layer into the dermis. The technique may be useful for other cosmetic procedures which benefit from a contraction or stabilization of the skin or tissue immediately underlying the epidermis, such as facelifts or strengthening of flaccid tissue.

Claims

1. A method for treating cellulite in an area of skin of a patient by reinforcing a layer of connective tissue which layer includes the interface between the dermis and subcutaneous tissue underlying the area of skin of the patient consisting essentially of the application of focused ultrasonic vibrational energy to tissue comprising said layer in a quantity of energy sufficient to cause damage to normal cells in said layer of tissue comprising the interface.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said layer of connective tissue has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said layer of connective tissue lies in a plane underlying and substantially parallel to the dermis.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said layer of connective tissue lies in a plane underlying and substantially parallel to the dermis.