U.S. patent application number 12/009717 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-29 for process for enhancing aesthetic or medical skin procedure.
Invention is credited to Roberto P. Manzo.
Application Number | 20080126129 12/009717 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39587977 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080126129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Manzo; Roberto P. |
May 29, 2008 |
Process for enhancing aesthetic or medical skin procedure
Abstract
The present invention is used to help individuals in improving
the results of a skin aesthetic procedure. Furthermore, the present
invention is based on individual-specific information, provides the
individual with skin treatment recommendations prior to the skin
aesthetic procedure, and recommends the factors to enhance the skin
aesthetic procedures.
Inventors: |
Manzo; Roberto P.; (Goshen,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DEFILLO & ASSOCIATES, INC.
P.O. Box 14104
Clearwater
FL
33766
US
|
Family ID: |
39587977 |
Appl. No.: |
12/009717 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10409843 |
Apr 9, 2003 |
7349857 |
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12009717 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C23C 14/0005 20130101;
A61B 5/444 20130101; G16H 10/20 20180101; A45D 44/00 20130101; C01P
2006/60 20130101; A45D 2044/007 20130101; G16H 40/63 20180101; C01P
2004/61 20130101; B22F 9/12 20130101; C09C 1/62 20130101; A61B
5/411 20130101; A45D 40/00 20130101; A61B 5/0059 20130101; C01P
2004/84 20130101; B22F 9/04 20130101; A61B 5/442 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/2 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 50/00 20060101
G06Q050/00 |
Claims
1. A method for determining the conditions of a skin of an
individual and providing recommendations on the factors to be used
on at least one skin aesthetic procedure, the method comprising the
steps of: a) obtaining information from the individual regarding
the skin aesthetic procedure the individual desires to have
performed; b) determining at least one skin condition of the
individual prior to the administration of the skin aesthetic
procedure; c) optionally comparing the determined skin conditions
with a pre-determined baseline skin conditions list; d) optionally
pre-treating the skin of the individual by conditioning the skin
prior to the skin aesthetic procedure; e) selecting the most
efficacious factors for the desired skin aesthetic procedure based
on the skin condition; f) providing recommendations to the
individual for the skin care treatments procedure based on the
selected factors to enhance efficiency of the skin aesthetic
procedure; g) performing the skin aesthetic procedure; and h)
post-treating the skin of the individual by conditioning the skin
after the skin aesthetic procedure.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the on at least one skin aesthetic
procedure is selected from micro dermabrassion, IPL, chemical
peels, ablative laser, non-ablative laser, injections, plasma
devices, radio frequency devices, LED technology, ultrasound
penetration, photodynamic therapy, lipolysis, and combination
thereof.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the skin conditions are determined
by using biometric and imaging techniques.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the biometric techniques and
imaging techniques are selected from at least one of the following:
measuring skin moisture content via corneometry; measuring sebum
content via sebumetry; measuring firmness and elasticity properties
via cutometry; measuring skin thickness via sonography; measuring
barrier function via trans-epidermal water loss; measuring skin
color via chromametry; measuring skin roughness via profilometry;
measuring blood flow via laser-doppler flowmetry; measuring
wrinkles, texture and pore size via visible light imaging;
measuring photo-damage, oil balance and bacteria via ultraviolet
light imaging; measuring relative acid-alkaline property of the
skin via skin pH, or combination thereof.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of performing
the at least one skin aesthetic procedure on the individual based
on the recommendations.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the skin care treatment is
ablation and the skin condition includes barrier function, skin
moisture, and oil content of the skin.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein further comprising treating the
skin based on the skin conditions prior to the skin aesthetic
procedure.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein further comprising the step of
obtaining personal information about the individual, wherein the
personal information is obtained by filling out a
questionnaire.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the skin is pre-treated by
cleaning, toning, moisturizing, exfoliating, applying cosmetic
products/compositions, or combination thereof.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the skin is post-treated by
cleaning, toning, moisturizing, exfoliating, applying cosmetic
products/compositions, or combination thereof.
Description
RELATED U.S. APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.
10/409,843, filed Apr. 09, 2003, entitled "PROCESS FOR MEASURING
THE SKIN SURFACE OF AN EXAMINED PERSON," allowed, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method that uses
diagnostic imaging combined with biometric analysis to determine
the conditions of the skin prior to a medical or cosmetic treatment
and provide recommendations and information to enhance efficiency
of the provision of medical or cosmetic skin aesthetic
procedures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Dermal biometrics techniques (bioengineering techniques)
have significantly improved over the last decade. Measurement of
skin properties and function became critical in supporting
representations for products placed in the mass retail trade. The
type of skin conditions that are tested include moisture, firmness,
elasticity, sebum amount, skin thickness, skin profile,
trans-epidermal water loss (barrier function), and photographic
analysis (visible and UV to determine photo damage).
[0004] Currently, in the field of esthetics (both medical and
non-medical) the skin care professional relies on a variety of
factors to prescribe specific skin treatments for the skin of an
individual. These include personal clinical evaluation of the skin
with such tools as a diopter magnifier, wood's lamp, specialized
lighting and manual techniques manipulating the skin for various
assessments.
[0005] The esthetic anti-aging market has grown dramatically with
respect to new introductions of equipment, such as many new
esthetic lasers (wavelengths ablation techniques, cooling
techniques, and fractional devices), plasma devices, radio
frequency devices (both mono and bipolar), LED technology, new
mechanical abrasion technology, ultrasound penetration,
photodynamic therapy and new lipolysis techniques, both laser and
injectable.
[0006] Some of these new techniques utilized high energy, heat and
radio frequency techniques, as well as aggressive chemicals. All of
these devices in one way or another come in contact with the
stratum corneum, epidermis, dermis and/or adipose layer of the
skin. Often, these new pieces of equipment and procedures produce
unpredictable effects on the skin.
[0007] Most of these techniques and/or products will affect the
skin dramatically, therefore the condition of the skin's structure
and function should be known as completely as possible to mitigate
the potential for side effects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a
method of recommending a skin aesthetic procedure, along with the
factors to be used in the skin aesthetic procedure based on the
conditions of the skin of the individual.
[0009] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a method that combines the use of specific diagnostic imaging with
biometric testing to better understand skin structure and function
before initiating procedures on skin to improve skin procedure
outcomes.
[0010] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a method that provides recommendations for the selection of the
best factors on skin care treatments that enhance efficiency of the
skin care treatment.
[0011] The present invention is directed to a method for
determining the conditions of a skin of an individual and providing
recommendations on the optimal factors that need to be used during
the procedure to optimize the skin care treatment, the method
comprising the steps of: [0012] a) receiving information from the
individual regarding the skin aesthetic procedure the individual
desires to have performed; [0013] b) determining at least one skin
condition of the individual prior to the administration of the skin
aesthetic procedure; [0014] c) optionally comparing the determined
skin conditions with a predetermined baseline skin conditions list;
[0015] d) optionally pre-treating the skin of the individual by
conditioning the skin prior to the skin aesthetic procedure; [0016]
e) selecting the most efficacious factors for the desired skin
aesthetic procedure based on the skin condition; [0017] f)
providing recommendations to the individual for the skin care
treatments procedure based on the selected factors to enhance
efficiency of the skin aesthetic procedure; [0018] g) optionally
performing the skin aesthetic procedure; and [0019] h)
post-treating the skin of the individual by conditioning the skin
after the skin aesthetic procedure.
[0020] The skin conditions are determined by using biometric and
imaging techniques.
[0021] The biometric techniques and imaging techniques are selected
from at least one of the following: [0022] measuring skin moisture
content via corneometry; [0023] measuring sebum content via
sebumetry; [0024] measuring firmness and elasticity properties via
cutometry; [0025] measuring skin thickness via sonography; [0026]
measuring barrier function via trans-epidermal water loss; [0027]
measuring skin color via chromametry; [0028] measuring skin
roughness via profilometry; [0029] measuring blood flow via
laser-doppler flowmetry; [0030] measuring wrinkles, texture and
pore size via visible light imaging; [0031] measuring photo-damage,
oil balance and bacteria via ultraviolet light imaging; and [0032]
measuring relative acid-alkaline property of the skin via skin
pH.
[0033] Furthermore, the method of the present invention optionally
comprises the step of repairing the skin conditions prior to the
skin aesthetic procedure and remediating skin conditions after the
procedure for faster healing times.
[0034] The method of the present invention is designed to provide
the best skin treatment care to the individual based on the skin
conditions.
[0035] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent
and important features of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood and so that the present contribution to the art can be
more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will
be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of
the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
processes for determining esthetic or medical skin treatments for
carrying out the same purposes of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] The present invention relates to a method for determining
the conditions of a skin of an individual and providing
recommendations on the factors to be used on skin care treatments
procedure, the method comprising the steps of: [0037] a) receiving
information from the individual regarding the skin aesthetic
procedure the individual desires to have performed; [0038] b)
determining at least one skin condition of the individual prior to
the administration of the skin aesthetic procedure; [0039] c)
optionally comparing the determined skin conditions with a
predetermined baseline skin conditions list; [0040] d) optionally
pre-treating the skin of the individual by conditioning the skin
prior to the skin aesthetic procedure; [0041] e) selecting the most
efficacious factors for the desired skin aesthetic procedure based
on the skin condition; [0042] f) providing recommendations to the
individual for the skin care treatments procedure based on the
selected factors to enhance efficiency of the skin aesthetic
procedure; [0043] g) optionally performing the skin aesthetic
procedure; and [0044] h) post-treating the skin of the individual
by conditioning the skin after the skin aesthetic procedure.
[0045] The present invention is used to help individuals in
improving the results of a skin aesthetic procedure. Furthermore,
the present invention is based on individual-specific information,
provides the individual with skin treatment recommendations prior
to the skin aesthetic procedure, and recommends the factors to
enhancement of the skin aesthetic procedures.
[0046] Based on a selection of the skin conditions, a method
consistent with the invention may, for example, identify a
recommended level skin penetration during laser ablation
procedure.
Receiving Information from the Individual Regarding the Skin
Aesthetic Procedure the Individual Desires to Have Performed.
[0047] The information is received from the individual regarding
one or more of the individual's facial and body features and the
aesthetic improvements they desired to have performed. The
reception of the individual-specific information may be performed
using one or more of a network, oral communication, visual
communication, written communication, physical data carrier, and/or
any other means capable of conveying information.
[0048] The individual meets with a trained professional who is the
individual's primary contact during the aesthetic improvement
process, and provides individual-specific information to identify
the individual's appearance-related issues, concerns and needs.
This process results in the identification of all the individual's
aesthetic needs that are articulated from the individual's point of
view. This is followed by a detailed individual-professional
discussion or consultation about each of the areas identified by
the individual and how they tie together to impact the individual's
overall appearance.
[0049] One embodiment of the invention may include the step of
obtaining personal information about the individual. The personal
information may be obtained in a variety of ways, including
electronically and manually. For example, by receiving the
individual response to a questionnaire. The questionnaire may
include a series of questions that ask the individual to supply
various items of information, such as physical characteristics,
demographic, environmental, medical history, lifestyle, dietary
supplement use, family history, beauty product usage, and other
personal information about the individual.
Determining at Least One Skin Condition of the Individual Prior to
the Administration of the Skin Aesthetic Procedure.
[0050] The present invention includes the step of determining the
skin conditions of the individual prior to the skin care
treatment.
Clinical Photography
[0051] Clinical photography includes, but is not limited to, the
following: [0052] a) a digital camera preferably utilizing a CMOS
chip; [0053] b) a through-the-lens metering system to adjust
lighting; [0054] c) a specific, repeatable distance and geometry
from the camera lens to the face to the light source; [0055] d) a
preferable minimum of a 6 megapixel camera; [0056] e) software with
the ability to magnify the image and compare prior or different
light sources images; [0057] f) the ability to utilize an
ultraviolet filtering system to absorb ultraviolet reflectance in
color. [0058] g) cross polarization and specific wavelength
manipulation via computer to elucidate surface blood circulation,
vasularity, pigmentation, etc.
Clinical Biometrics
[0058] [0059] measurement of trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)
[0060] pH [0061] elasticity [0062] calorimetric measurements [0063]
sebum measurements [0064] hydration measurements [0065] ultrasound
skin thickness measurements [0066] others as needed
[0067] Objective biometric instrumentation techniques can be used
to measure skin moisture content, sebum content, firmness and
elasticity properties, skin thickness, trans-epidermal water loss,
and to perform a photo analysis of the face with UV and visible
light. An example of possible, but not limiting, instrumentation
techniques can be found listed in the following table:
Technique Skin Condition Measured
TABLE-US-00001 [0068] Trans-epidermal water loss Barrier function
Corneometry Skin Moisture Chromametry Skin Color Cutometry Skin
Elasticity & Firmness Sebumetry Skin sebum Sonography Skin
thickness Profilometry Skin roughness Laser-Doppler flowmetry Blood
flow Visible Imaging Wrinkles, texture, pore size Ultraviolet
Imaging Photo-damage, oil balance, bacteria Skin pH Relative
acid-alkaline property of skin
[0069] There are many more bioengineering techniques available as
well. By using any combination of these techniques, one can
characterize aspects of the subject's skin structure and function
at a point in time. These techniques can be used to evaluate a
subject's skin in a smaller, less clinical and more comfortable
environment in less time.
[0070] Furthermore, all of these techniques are non-invasive and
therefore safe for both the subject and the analyst.
[0071] The data obtained from the biometric instrumentation
techniques provide a very good understanding of the current
condition of an individual's skin structure and function at that
point in time.
Comparing the Determined Skin Conditions with a Predetermined
Baseline Skin Conditions List (Optional)
[0072] Another second step of the method of the present invention
is the comparison of an individual's skin condition with a
pre-established data set of skin conditions. This step is of
particular value because it provides information about the degree
of an individual's skin condition relative to other populations of
interest. This would help in choosing specific factors on each skin
care treatment needed to obtain the best treatment results without
deteriorating the skin of the individual.
[0073] This step compares the individual's skin conditions on a
normative scale relative to their age, ethnic background and other
pre-programmed database information. Measured factors can be stored
within the local computer or a distant computer network. Customers
can be provided at a future time with the factors for purposes of
showing progression or remediation of the skin's conditions.
[0074] Furthermore, the database may contain information reflecting
relationships between categories of individual-specific information
and aesthetic improvement advice. The purpose of accessing such a
database is to ascertain the relational basis between the
individual-specific information and the advice sought by specific
individuals. Preferably, the database also includes a section
including "Best Practices" list. That is, a specific treatment
protocol that has been judged optimal by a panel of medical and/or
aesthetic experts. The protocols are outcome based and proven to be
efficacious, safe, and exhibit high client satisfaction.
[0075] Examples of pre-established databases include a collection
of skin conditions from people of the same age and gender of the
individual, a collection of skin conditions from people with the
same type of problems, or a collection of skin conditions of the
same individual at different points in time, such as different
times of year.
[0076] The pre-established condition baseline data could be
contained in a spreadsheet or an internet database. Preferably,
statistical information such as mean, median and trends would be
available for the preset condition baseline data.
[0077] Comparing the individual's skin condition to the preset skin
conditions baseline data set could include plotting the
individual's skin condition data on a graph versus the preset skin
condition data or calculating the difference between the
individual's scores versus the mean or median scores from the
preset data set. Other graphical, mathematical and statistical
analysis of the individual's skin conditions versus the preset skin
conditions baseline data set are possible and are deemed within the
scope of this invention.
Pre-treating the Skin of the Individual
[0078] Another step of the method of the present invention is to
pre-treat the skin of the individual by conditioning the skin prior
to the aesthetic procedure to enhance the efficiency of the
procedure.
[0079] The pre-treatment step according to the present invention is
designed for pre-conditioning the skin of the individual to render
the area of skin to be treated more receptive and responsive to the
skin aesthetic procedure. Basically, the area of the skin to be
treated is conditioned to reduce any undesirable dermatological
condition.
[0080] The skin may be preconditioned by cleaning, toning,
moisturizing, exfoliating, and/or using well known cosmetic
products/compositions to correct the undesirable dermatological
condition.
[0081] The trained professional along with a medical professional,
such as a technician, dermatologist, nurse practitioner, physical
assistant, physician, and the like, will determine how to
pre-condition the skin in order to obtain the best results.
[0082] Adding the step of pre-conditioning the skin provides
improved effectiveness to the results of the aesthetic skin
procedure, rather than using the procedure alone.
Selecting the Most Efficacious Skin Aesthetic Procedure Factors
Based on the Results of the Comparing Step.
[0083] Another step of the method of the present invention is to
provide recommendations for the skin care treatments procedure
based on the selected factors to enhance efficiency of the skin
care treatment.
[0084] The skin conditioning analysis and comparing steps are
conducted by a trained professional. The reviewing steps are
conducted by the trained professional along with a medical
professional, such as a technician, dermatologist, nurse
practitioner, physical assistant, physician, and the like. All
together meet to discuss the types of aesthetic improvement
procedures that the individual desires to have performed and the
individual-specific skin conditions.
Providing Recommendations and Information to Enhance Efficiency of
the Skin Care Treatment
[0085] The group will make a decision on why factors should be used
during the skin aesthetic procedure based on the individual skin
conditions.
[0086] For example, based on a selection of the skin conditions, a
method consistent with the invention may, for example, identify a
recommended level skin penetration during laser ablation
procedure.
[0087] The list of factors to be selected will depend on the skin
aesthetic procedure to be performed. Each skin aesthetic procedure
comes from the manufacturer with a list of factors to be taken into
account.
[0088] Based on the skin conditions, the medical professional will
have to choose the values of each factor.
[0089] Furthermore, if the skin conditions are detrimental, the
individual will have to repair the skin conditions prior to
starting the skin aesthetic procedure.
[0090] The present inventor noted that as the values of the barrier
parameter increases, patients having ablative laser procedure felt
a lot of pain. After long research, the present inventor discovered
that when the barrier was <3, the pain was reduced.
[0091] The following table illustrates a list of optimal skin
conditions for each aesthetic procedure
TABLE-US-00002 Non- Skin Micro Chemical Ablative Ablative RF
Condition dermabrasion IPL peels laser laser Injections device TEWL
<6 <3 <6 <3 <6 <6 <3 Hydration >40 >40
>60 >60 >60 >60 >60 pH 4.5-5.5 4.5-5.5 4.5-5.5
4.8-5.2 4.5-5.5 4.5-5.5 4.8-5.2 Elasticity >40 >40 >40
>50 >40 >40 >50 Sebum 20-40 20-40 20-40 20-60 20-60
20-60 20-40
Performing the Skin Aesthetic Procedures
[0092] In an embodiment, a method may optionally include providing
and/or performing one or more aesthetic improvement procedures to
the individual.
Post-conditioning the Skin of the Individual After the Aesthetic
Procedure
[0093] Optionally, the present invention contemplates the step of
post-conditioning the skin after the aesthetic skin procedure. The
type of aesthetic skin procedure performed on the skin will dictate
the suitable post-conditioning composition required after the
aesthetic treatment.
[0094] Post-conditioning the skin after the aesthetic procedure
enhances the benefits of the aesthetic procedure by ensuring that
skin heals quickly and reducing the post-procedural reactions or
complications. This step extends the duration of the cosmetic
benefit received.
[0095] The skin may be preconditioned by cleaning, toning,
moisturizing, exfoliating, and/or using well known cosmetic
products/compositions.
[0096] The trained professional along with a medical professional,
such as a technician, dermatologist, nurse practitioner, physical
assistant, physician, and the like, will determined how to
post-condition the skin in order to obtain the best results.
EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION
[0097] Several examples are set forth below to further illustrate
the nature of the invention and the manner of carrying it out.
However, the invention should not be considered as being limited to
the details.
Skin Aesthetic Procedure--Ablation
[0098] The present invention is explained using the skin aesthetic
procedure of ablation, but is not limited to ablation. The present
invention may be used to select the factors for any skin care
treatment known in the art.
[0099] A common procedure in esthetic management is the ablation of
a certain depth of skin by lasers to initiate collagen renewal and
improved skin tone & texture. This procedure utilizes a
particular laser wavelength at specific energy input, bandwidth,
cooling and other variables. The results often vary relative to
pain level, recovery and efficacy. Often there is no understanding
as to the reason for these variances.
[0100] Quantitative measurement of TEWL, hydration and oil are
critical in understanding the outcome of these types of procedures.
TEWL (often called barrier function) is an indicator of the barrier
function of the skin. This relates to lipid arrangement in the
stratum corneum. It has been determined that the higher the TEWL
measurement is before the procedure, the less efficacious the
procedure outcome is. Similarly hydration of the stratum corneum is
a critical factor in the efficacy of many of these procedures as
well.
[0101] Furthermore, the present inventor noted that as the values
of the barrier parameter increases, patients having ablative laser
procedure felt a lot of pain. After long research, the present
inventor discovered that when the barrier was <3, the pain was
reduced.
[0102] The lower the hydration, the less effective the treatment
results. Sebum output is critical as well. Sebum output in skin,
which has undergone an aggressive procedure, can increase 100-300%
for up to a week after the procedure. Managing excessive sebum
after these procedures often determines success or failure
particularly with regard to individuals who experience acneic
breakouts, Rosacea or related skin conditions.
[0103] Laser ablation includes CO2, erbium and other methods that
ablate stratum corneum and epidermal tissue. These ablation
techniques are usually 10 microns and deeper. The deeper the
technique, the more important is the condition of the skin prior to
ablation. In these ablation techniques utilizing the Courage &
Khazaka Multi Test Center Model MC 750.
[0104] The following measurements and skin conditions are
important:
[0105] Moisture via the corneometer method which is a capacitive
method of measure skin hydration. The moisture measurement
utilizing this method according to the manufacturer should be
greater than 40 for optimal results.
[0106] Barrier function which is measured via trans-epidermal water
loss (TEWL) using the open chamber method. The TEWL measurement
utilizing this method according to the manufacturer should be below
3 for optimal results.
[0107] pH which measures the relative acid-alkalinity balance of
the skin. The pH measurement should fall within the range of
4.5-5.5 preferably closer to 5.0.
[0108] Sebum concentration on the skin surface which is measured
utilizing sebu-tape and the Sebumeter method. The values should be
between 20 and 40 micrograms.
[0109] Measuring elasticity as a comparative measure is very
important in ablation since many times improved results may be
incremental at first and one can measure the results without
depending on a visual inspection. This measurement is taken with a
suction and relaxation method known as cutometry. Values of above
60 at optimal while below that indicate a need for improvement of
skin elasticity whether it is collagen or elastin based.
[0110] Pigmentation and redness values are important comparative
measures and can be used to fine tune treatments such as Rosacea
and acne. It can also be used to determine residue erythemic
responses to treatments so as to refine these treatments for better
healing time in the future. These are all comparative measures
since each person's skin pigmentation and redness values will be
different.
[0111] Ultrasound is utilized to determine epidermal, dermal and
adipose layer thickness. In many cases dermal tissue is atrophied
in individuals due to prolonged use of a variety of topically
applied compounds, treatments and services and/or basic genetics.
Determining these three layers thickness is critical in achieving
optimal results in techniques such as lasers where the secondary
targets of the technique can be to coagulate collagen and elastin
in the dermis to achieve a tightening effect or to disrupt the
adipose layer to achieve an anti-cellulite look on the skin.
Epidermal thickness should be, dermal thickness should be and
adipose thickness should be.
[0112] After extensive search and research, the present inventor
discovered that the optimal skin conditions for ablation are as
follows:
TABLE-US-00003 TEWL Index less than 5 g/m.sup.2 Sebum between 10-50
micrograms Hydration Above 50.
Specific Equipment Used:
[0113] Courage & Khazaka: Corneometer.RTM. CM 825,
Sebumeter.RTM. SM 815, Tewameter.RTM. TM 300
Method Used:
[0114] An individual visits a medical office, medical spa,
hospital, spa environment, or a specialty skin care boutique.
Inside the office/hospital/spa/boutique, the subject is escorted to
a climate recorded room. Inside the room, the individual engages in
an evaluation with the personal consultant and fills out paperwork.
The individual completes the documents inside the climate
controlled room for two reasons: to gather relevant information
about the individual and to acclimate the subject's skin to a
specific, known temperature and humidity contained in the room, so
as to allow for repeatable measurements in future assessments. This
process takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
[0115] Next, the individual changes into an appropriate garment for
the assessment. The skin area to be analyzed undergoes a specific
preparation protocol. Either a mild washing procedure or other
preparation is undertaken to standardize the preparation procedure
for future assessments. The following procedures can be performed
on any part of the subject's skin. For ease of explanation, the
following example will focus on the subject's face. However, this
discussion should not be construed as limiting the invention.
[0116] The following techniques are preferred primarily due to the
fact that the results of the analysis are actionable from a topical
skin care delivery system.
[0117] The individual is placed in a reclining chair/chaise and
placed in a standardized, semi-prone comfortable position. The
semi-prone position is utilized so that the individual's skin can
be measured in the same position each time the test is done. The
same position should be used to avoid negatively affecting skin
tautness, which could create an inaccurate elasticity/firmness
analysis, as well as negatively impacting other testing techniques
and values.
[0118] The biometric and imaging devices can be calibrated by the
analyst before the individual arrives. Then, the analyst will
digitally photograph the individual's face in the standardized
position with a visible and then a UV light source or other. The
visible imaging measures overall appearance, wrinkles, texture and
pore size. The UV imaging measures photo-damage, melanin
concentration, oil balance and bacterial presence. The subject's
photographs can appear on the monitor and also can be captured on
the hard drive of the computer. The imaging is done by digital
high-resolution photography with a visible light source and a UV
light source or other light sources or wavelength manipulation. The
images are sent directly to the computer. Additionally, each of the
measurements taken throughout the testing process is automatically
recorded into the computer.
[0119] Next, the analyst sets the instrument in the moisturization
mode. The probe is placed on approximately five fixed positions on
the face, but the number of fixed positions may vary depending upon
the circumstances. The computer automatically records the moisture
level of those positions. The data is recorded in Seiman units,
which is a measure of electrical conductance. The higher the water
content of the skin, the higher the electrical conductance.
Interpretation
Skin Ablation
TABLE-US-00004 [0120] Pre-procedure Biometric requirement for
optimal Analysis outcome TEWL Index values less than 5 Sebum
Arbitrary units between 10-50 Hydration Above 50
Hyper-pigmentation
[0121] The treatment of hyper-pigmentation is also somewhat
difficult to predict. There are multiple root causes of
hyper-pigmentation, which can range from genetic predisposition
resulting in melanin banding patterns and freckles, to hormonally
induced melamsa which can be either dermal or epidermal in nature
or there can be oxidative damage from sources such as environmental
pollutants, smoking and sun exposure resulting in DNA damage via
dimer creation or actinic keratosis as well as post-inflammatory
hyper-pigmentation. While there is an effective tool called the
Fitzpatrick scale for understanding skin types, it relies on
subject answers and subjective observations from the individual and
skin care professional. Unfortunately with the advent of these new
mechanical and chemical procedures, a better understanding is
required to treat these skin conditions. For example, with color
ultraviolet imaging one can clearly discern dermal vs. epidermal
melasma and treat the conditions uniquely and monitor the efficacy
of the treatments. One can also discern oxidative damage in skin
from hormonally induced damage which leads to more targeted
treatment approaches.
[0122] Measuring quantitatively the erythemic value in skin as well
as the melanin concentration can also allow the professional to
avoid potential post-inflammatory inflammation reactions in skin by
understanding the true melanin concentration in skin before
performing the procedure. This can be missed by simply utilizing
the Fitzpatrick scaling technique.
Same Method as Above
Equipment Used
[0123] Visible and ultraviolet photography [0124] Mexameter.RTM. MX
18
TABLE-US-00005 [0124] Assessment Image Analysis Visible
Determination of patterning (map like, wavelength irregular
spotting, symmetry, density) Ultraviolet Presence of pigmentation
to determine wavelength epidermal or dermal presence, intensity of
reflection, fluorescence pattern of reflection Biometric Analysis
Mexameter .RTM. MX 18 Determines melanin concentration in skin
Average melanin concentration over a value of 40 may indicate
potential for post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation
Elasticity
[0125] Elasticity is the measure of the laxcity of the skin. It is
a measurement not a condition. It gives us information as to the
condition of the collagen and elastin in the skin.
[0126] One can also evaluate skin elasticity quantitatively
utilizing the elasticity measurement. This is critically important
when deciding upon a course of action which may take several
treatments to assess results when improving rhytids, fine lines and
wrinkles. Measurement of the firmness and elasticity of the skin
will reveal changes in the skin's elasticity before the eye can
detect the change. This will give the professional information that
may make the difference in the next course of treatment relative to
dose, energy input, type of treatment etc.
Method Used: as above
Equipment Used
[0127] Cutometer
TABLE-US-00006 [0127] Image Analysis assessment Overlay of Visible
Ultraviolet image only spectrum image with reflects nucleated cells
so Ultraviolet reflectance qualitative depth profile can image be
established by comparing visible and UV Cutometer .RTM.. Determines
elasticity behavior of skin to understand collagen and elastin
values under 30 require intervention.
This Matrix Describes Selective Pre-service Factors which Optimize
Efficacy and Safety of Skin Procedures
TABLE-US-00007 [0128] Skin ablation/micro- Intense pulse light,
chemical dermabrasion peels, chemical intervention Wrinkle
Hyper-pigmentation correction, tone Melasma, sun damage, oxidative
and texture remediation Visible Ensure no open Identification of
specific imaging skin/suspected identifying patterning areas of
cancer Ultraviolet Assess depth of Assessment of epidermal or
dermal reflectance rhytids, cysts, presence, depth & intensity
imaging scars or other analomies by visible - ultraviolet overlay
TEWL <5 <7 Hydration >50 >50 pH 4.5-5.5 4.5-5.5 Sebum
10-50 10-80 Melanin >40 assess for Assess before and after to
Post- determine quantitative result inflammatory hyper-
pigmentation Elasticity document document
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