Method for controlled contraction of collagen tissue via non-continuous energy delivery
DCFirst Claim
1. A method of tightening a skin surface overlying a collagen containing tissue site, comprising:
- providing an RF energy source;
reducing a temperature of at least a portion of the skin surface, wherein the temperature of the skin surface is less than the temperature of the collagen containing tissue site when the temperature of the skin surface is reduced;
non-continuously delivering energy through the skin surface and an epidermis to the collagen containing tissue site;
contracting at least a portion of collagen in the collagen containing tissue site with a minimal cellular destruction in the epidermis; and
tightening the skin surface.
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Abstract
A method for applying radiant energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis by delivering non-continuous energy. 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.
622 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of tightening a skin surface overlying a collagen containing tissue site, comprising:
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providing an RF energy source; reducing a temperature of at least a portion of the skin surface, wherein the temperature of the skin surface is less than the temperature of the collagen containing tissue site when the temperature of the skin surface is reduced; non-continuously delivering energy through the skin surface and an epidermis to the collagen containing tissue site; contracting at least a portion of collagen in the collagen containing tissue site with a minimal cellular destruction in the epidermis; and tightening the skin surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of tightening a skin surface overlying a collagen containing tissue site, comprising:
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providing an RF energy source; non-continuously reducing a temperature of at least a portion of the skin surface, wherein the temperature of the skin surface is less than the temperature of the collagen containing tissue site when the temperature of the skin surface is reduced; delivering energy through the skin surface and an epidermis to the collagen containing tissue site; contracting at least a portion of collagen in the collagen containing tissue site with a minimal cellular destruction in the epidermis; and tightening the skin surface. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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Specification