Method and apparatus for the selective targeting of lipid-rich tissues

Apparatus for selectively targeting lipid-rich tissue to effect a desired treatment, said apparatus comprising:

• a source of radiation at a wavelength for which absorption coefficients for fat and water have a ratio which is at least 0.5, said source when energized, providing the radiation at a fluence and for a duration sufficient for the desired treatment;
• a component which delivers the energy from said source to the lipid-rich tissue to be treated;
• a slotted head for irradiation delivery;
• and
• a mechanism for drawing a fold of skin to undergo said desired treatment into said slot of said head;
• wherein said wavelength is in a band which is one of (a) 880 to 935 nm, (b) 1160 to 1230 nm, (c) 1690 to 1780 nm, and (d) 2250 nm to 2450 nm.

A method of treating lipid-rich tissue, comprising:

• providing a radiation source;
• projecting radiation from the radiation source onto a skin surface overlying the lipid-rich tissue, the entire radiation from the radiation source that is projected on the skin surface having a ratio of energy absorption by lipid tissue to energy absorption by water of at least 0.5;
• and
• irradiating the lipid-rich tissue with a portion of the radiation.