Illumination radiation treatment of skin conditions
OwnerRobert Marc Clement, Michael Noel Kiernaninventors
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for the cosmetic treatment of a skin condition (particularly Acne Vulgaris). Illuminating radiation (including radiation of a predetermined wavelength) is directed toward a target zone in accordance with a predetermined delivery regime. A plurality of interactions are effected at the target zone including a reaction leading to at least partial disabling or eradication of the cause of the skin condition, and non-ablative heating of tissue stimulating an inflammatory response to a degree sufficient to effect collagen production. The two-fold interaction system effected by the illuminating radiation provides an extremely effective cosmetic effect.
Claims30
A non-surgical method for the cosmetic treatment of a skin condition comprising directing illuminating radiation toward a target zone of skin in accordance with predetermined delivery regime in order to effect at the target zone a plurality of interactions, including:
- (a) a reaction leading to at least partial disabling or eradication of the cause of the skin condition;
- and
- (b) non-ablative heating of tissue stimulating an inflammatory response to a degree sufficient to effect collagen production.
A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the interactions (a) and (b) occur substantially contemporaneously.
A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the reaction leading to at least partial disabling or eradication of the cause of the skin condition is a photochemical reaction.
A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the illuminating radiation delivered is pulsed.
A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the wavelength of the illuminating radiation is in the range of 400 nm to 1500 nm.
A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the energy density of the illuminating radiation is in the range of 0.5 J/cm2 to 5 J/cm2.
Apparatus for cosmetic treatment of a skin condition comprising illuminating radiation delivery means for delivering illuminating radiation to a target skin zone or structure.
Apparatus according to any preceding claim, arranged to deliver radiation at an energy density at the skin surface substantially in the range 1.5 J/cm2 to 3.5 J/cm2.
A method or apparatus for the manufacture of an agent for the treatment of a skin condition, the agent comprising illuminating radiation active to effect at the target zone the following interactions:
- (a) a reaction leading to at least partial disabling of the cause of the skin condition;
- and
- (b) non-ablative heating of tissue stimulating an inflammatory response to a degree sufficient to effect collagen production.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.