Use of iontophoresis and ultrasound to deliver melanin or other chromophores for laser hair removal

Abstract

The method disclosed includes the combining of iontophoresis and ultrasound to deliver the appropriate chromophores to blonde, grey, white, vellus, and other non-pigmented or laser resistant hair follicles to facilitate photothermolysis hair removal using a laser, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), a combination of laser and RF energy, or combination of IPL and RF. This technique preferentially ultra-exposes the hair follicles to light energy which is absorbed preferentially by naturally and synthetic elements in and around the hair follicle. The result is focused photothermolysis damage resulting in death of the hair producing tissue. The combined use of iontophoresis and ultrasound, the appropriate chromophore and laser light allows for immediate and permanent removal of unwanted hair in selected locations on the body of mammals. This combination is so effective that the patient can be treated with a single or at least minimal office visitations thereby eliminating the need to continuously prepare and re-prepare the skin with melanin or other chromophores prior to multiple—in office—laser or IPL treatments for completing desired hair removal results. Additionally, this method discloses the use of iontophoresis together with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and also Radio Frequency (RF) energy combined with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to specifically target necrotizing energy doses into the regenerative zones of the hair and accomplish hair removal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.