U.S. patent application number 12/245374 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-08 for skin treatment using variable rf.
Invention is credited to Gal Blecher, Danny Erez.
Application Number | 20100087899 12/245374 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42076370 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100087899 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Erez; Danny ; et
al. |
April 8, 2010 |
SKIN TREATMENT USING VARIABLE RF
Abstract
A skin treatment device used for cellulite treatment, skin
tightening or body contouring which combines negative pressure
treatment and RF treatment, where the RF treatment uses variable
frequencies during a treatment cycle.
Inventors: |
Erez; Danny; (Tel Aviv,
IL) ; Blecher; Gal; (Kfer Yehezkel, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP
1500 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
42076370 |
Appl. No.: |
12/245374 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
607/101 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2018/00291
20130101; A61B 2018/128 20130101; A61B 2018/00452 20130101; A61B
2018/1467 20130101; A61M 2202/08 20130101; A61N 1/40 20130101; A61M
1/0023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/101 |
International
Class: |
A61N 5/02 20060101
A61N005/02 |
Claims
1. A system for treating skin, comprising: a negative pressure
outlet suitable for application of negative pressure to an area of
skin; a plurality of RF electrodes suitable to emit a plurality of
RF energy frequencies to said area of skin; and a frequency
controller configured to vary a frequency of said RF energy
frequencies emitted by said electrodes.
2. The system according to claim 1 wherein said negative pressure
is from 0.2 to 1 atmosphere.
3. The system as in claim 1, wherein said frequencies are between
0.8 MHz and 2.4 MHz.
4. The system as in claim 1, wherein said controller is to vary
said RF energy frequencies in a single treatment cycle.
5. The system as in claim 4, wherein said treatment cycle comprises
three pulses of 350 milliseconds each.
6. The system as in claim 4, wherein said RF energy frequencies in
said single treatment cycle include 0.8 MHz, 1.5 MHz and 2.4
MHz.
7. The system as in claim 6, wherein said single cycle is divided
into three segments, during a first of said three segments lasting
40% of a period of said cycle, RF energy of 0.8 MHz is emitted by
said electrodes, during a second of said three segments lasting 30%
of a period of said cycle, RF energy of 1.5 MHz is emitted by said
electrodes, and during a third of said three segments lasting 30%
of a period of said cycle, RF energy of 2.4 MHz is emitted by said
electrodes.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein a power of the RF
energy is between 1 to 200 watts.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the treatment involves
treating subcutaneous adipose tissue.
10. A method of skin treatment, comprising: applying a negative
pressure during a period to an area of skin to be treated; and
emitting during said period onto said area a plurality of
pre-defined RF frequencies, each for pre-defined intervals, a first
of said frequencies directed to a first layer of adipose tissue in
said area, and a second of said frequencies directed to adipose
tissue in a second layer of said area.
11. The method as in claim 10, wherein said emitting said plurality
of pre-defined RF frequencies comprises emitting during a first
interval RF energy at a frequency of 0.8 MHz, emitting during a
second interval RF energy at a frequency of 1.5 MHz, and emitting
during a third interval RF energy at a frequency of 2.4 MHz.
12. The method as in claim 10, wherein said emitting for
pre-defined intervals comprises emitting said plurality of RF
frequencies for intervals of between 100 milliseconds and 300
milliseconds per interval.
13. The method as in claim 10, further comprising emitting said
plurality of RF frequencies at a constant power rate.
14. The method as in claim 10, wherein said applying negative
pressure comprises applying negative pressure for pre-defined
intervals during said period.
15. A method for tightening an area of skin, comprising: selecting
a depth of said skin to be tightened; selecting a frequency of RF
energy to be applied to said skin, said frequency corresponding to
said depth of said skin to be tightened; and applying said selected
frequency of said RF energy to said depth of said skin to be
tightened.
16. The method as in claim 15, wherein said selecting a depth of
said skin comprises selecting a depth of skin to be tightened of
between 0.25 mm and 5 mm, and wherein said selecting a frequency of
RF energy to be applied to said skin, comprises selecting a
frequency of between 0.8 MHz and 2.4 MHz.
17. The method as in claim 16, further comprising applying a
negative pressure to said area of skin to bring said area of skin
into contact with an electrode from which said RF energy is
emitted.
18. The method as in claim 16, further comprising selecting a power
level of said RF energy to be applying to said depth of said skin,
said power level between 1 watt and 200 watts.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to skin treatment,
and particularly to various aesthetic applications such as skin
tightening, cellulite treatment and body contouring.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The use of negative pressure in skin treatment is known.
Negative pressure is used to provide pressure to the soft tissue at
a specific location of the skin, and to lift the cellulite
structure that is located beneath the skin. The pressure loosens
the connection between the cellulite and the skin.
[0003] It is also known in the art to use radio frequency (RF)
treatment. This treatment is used by selecting an area of tissue
and applying electromagnetic radiation to this area. The
electromagnetic radiation is applied at a radio frequency. The RF
treatment dissolves the fatty tissue beneath the selected area of
tissue and breaks down the connective bond between the cellulite
and the tissue. It is also known to combine RF treatment with
negative pressure skin treatment. This increases the amount of
cellulite removed as compared with just RF or just negative
pressure alone.
[0004] Another method of using RF treatment is the use of variable
RF frequencies. It has been shown that different RF frequencies are
effective at different tissue depths. This may effectively target
different tissue depths without the need to apply a large amount of
radiation to the skin surface, and possibly further damaging the
skin.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A demonstrative embodiment of the invention may include a
system for treating skin. The system may include a negative
pressure outlet which may be suitable for the application of
negative pressure to an area of skin, a plurality of RF electrodes
which may be suitable to emit a plurality of RF energy frequencies
to the area of skin and a frequency controller configured to vary
the frequency emitted by the RF electrodes. In some embodiments,
the negative pressure which may be applied to the area of skin may
be from 0.2 to 1 atmosphere. In some embodiments, the frequencies
emitted from the RF electrodes may be between 0.8 MHz and 2.4
MHz.
[0006] In some embodiments, the controller may vary the RF energy
frequencies in a single treatment cycle. The treatment cycle may
consist of three pulses, each pulse may last 350 milliseconds. In
each treatment cycle, the RF energy frequencies used may include
0.8 MHz, 1.5 MHz and 2.4 MHz. In some embodiments, the single cycle
may be divided into three segments, during the first of the three
segments lasting 40% of a period of the cycle, an RF energy of 0.8
MHz may be emitted by the electrodes, during the second of the
three segments lasting 30% of a period of the cycle, an RF energy
of 1.5 MHz may be emitted by the electrodes, and during the third
of the three segments lasting 30% of a period of the cycle, an RF
energy of 2.4 MHz may be emitted by the electrodes.
[0007] In some embodiments, the power of the RF energy may be
between 1 to 200 watts.
[0008] In some embodiments, the treatment may involve treating
subcutaneous adipose tissue.
[0009] A demonstrative embodiment of the invention may include a
method of skin treatment. The method may include applying a
negative pressure during a period to an area of the skin to be
treated and emitting during this period onto the skin a plurality
of pre-defined RF frequencies, each for pre-defined intervals. The
first of the frequencies may be directed to a first layer of
adipose tissue in the area, and a second of the frequencies may be
directed to adipose tissue in a second layer of the area. In some
embodiments, emitting the plurality of pre-defined RF frequencies
may include emitting during a first interval RF energy at a
frequency of 0.8 MHz, emitting during a second interval RF energy
at a frequency of 1.5 MHz, and emitting during a third interval RF
energy at a frequency of 2.4 MHz.
[0010] In some embodiments, emitting for pre-defined intervals may
include emitting the plurality of RF frequencies for intervals of
between 100 milliseconds and 300 milliseconds per interval.
[0011] In some embodiments, emitting the plurality of RF
frequencies may be done at a constant power rate.
[0012] In some embodiments, applying negative pressure may include
applying negative pressure for pre-defined intervals during the
period.
[0013] A demonstrative embodiment of the invention may include a
method for tightening an area of skin. The method may include
selecting a depth of the skin to be tightened, selecting a
frequency of RF energy to be applied to the skin and applying the
selected frequency of the RF energy to the depth of the skin to be
tightened. The frequency selected may correspond to the depth of
the skin to be tightened.
[0014] In some embodiments, selecting a depth of the skin may
include selecting a depth of skin to be tightened of between 0.25
mm and 5 mm, and where selecting a frequency of RF energy to be
applied to the skin, may include selecting a frequency of between
0.8 MHz and 2.4 MHz. Some embodiments of the invention may include
applying a negative pressure to the area of skin in order to bring
the area of skin to be treated into contact with an electrode from
which the RF energy is emitted. Some embodiments of the invention
may include selecting a power level of said RF energy to be applied
to the depth of skin, the power level may be between 1 watt and 200
watts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and
method of operation, together with objects, features, and
advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description when read with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a skin treatment
system according to embodiments of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a method of cellulite treatment
according to embodiments of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a method of cellulite treatment
using variable RF frequencies according to embodiments of the
invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a method of skin tightening
treatment according to embodiments of the invention; and
[0020] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a method of skin tightening
treatment using variable RF frequencies according to embodiments of
the invention.
[0021] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily
been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity.
Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be
repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0022] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of embodiments of the invention. However it will be understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments of the
invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not
been described in detail so as not to obscure embodiments of the
invention.
[0023] The term "skin treatment" as used in this document may refer
to treatment of local defects that may be found in the skin. These
may include cellulite treatment, skin tightening and body
contouring.
[0024] Reference is made to FIG. 1, a schematic representation of a
skin treatment system according to embodiments of the invention. In
some embodiments, a skin treatment device 100 may be used to treat
aesthetic conditions such as cellulite and wrinkled skin. In some
embodiments, the skin treatment may involve treating subcutaneous
adipose tissue. Skin treatment device 100 may include a negative
pressure device 102 and a plurality of RF electrodes 103. The
device 100 may further be connected to a controller 104. Controller
104 may be used to vary the frequency at which the RF electrodes
103 emit electro-magnetic radiation. The length of time for which
electrodes 103 emit this radiation may also be controlled.
Controller 104 may also be used to control the suction power of
negative pressure device 102. Controller 104 may be used for
example to control a number of different functions of device
100.
[0025] Device 100 may be placed in contact with a portion of skin
that is to be treated. Negative pressure device 102 may be
activated by controller 104 to a desirable negative pressure. In
some embodiments, the negative pressure may be set for example
between 0.2 to 1 atmospheres. Other ranges of negative pressure may
be used.
[0026] The purpose for negative pressure device 102 may differ
depending on its intended use. If for example device 100 is being
used for removal of cellulite, negative pressure device 102 may
loosen the bond connecting the cellulite structure to the skin. If
for example device 100 is being used for skin tightening, negative
pressure device 102 may facilitate creation of a better contact
between the skin to be treated and electrodes 103.
[0027] Electrodes 103 may be activated along with negative pressure
device 102 or at other times. To minimize the amount of
electromagnetic energy provided to the skin surface at one time,
electrodes 103 may emit various RF frequencies. In some
embodiments, the RF frequencies emitted by electrodes 103 may be
between 0.8 and 2.4 MHz, though other ranges of frequencies may be
used. To determine which frequency may be emitted from electrodes
103, the user may determine the depth of the tissue that is to be
treated. To treat deeper layers of tissue, the frequency emitted by
electrodes 103 may be increased. In some embodiments of the
invention, electrodes 103 may emit the electro-magnetic current for
intervals of between 100 to 300 milliseconds, though other periods
may be used. In some embodiments, electrodes may emit the current
for 350 milliseconds.
[0028] In some embodiments, the electrode may be powered at between
1 and 200 watts. If for example, device 100 is used to eliminate
cellulite, 50 watts may be used. For skin tightening treatment, 200
watts may be used. Other power ranges are possible. In some
embodiments electrodes 103 may provide a constant level of
power.
[0029] In some embodiments, controller 104 may vary a plurality of
pre-defined RF frequencies in a given treatment cycle. Controller
103 may be set so that each treatment cycle includes multiple
segments, and each segment lasts for a pre-determined period of
time. For example, the frequencies emitted by electrode 103 may be
0.8 MHz, 1.5 MHz and 2.4 MHz and each frequency may set to last 350
milliseconds, though other frequencies and time periods may be
used. According to other embodiments of the invention, each of the
pre-defined frequencies may be emitted for different periods of
time. For example, a single treatment cycle may be divided into
three separate segments. During the first segment, a pre-defined
frequency may be emitted from electrodes 103 for 40% of the total
time cycle. During the second segment, a pre-defined frequency may
be emitted from electrodes 103 for 30% of the total time cycle.
During the third segment, a pre-defined frequency may be emitted
from electrodes 103 for 30% of the total time cycle. According to
exemplary embodiments of the invention, the frequency provided by
electrodes 103 during the first segment may be 0.8 MHz, the
frequency provided by electrodes 103 during the second segment may
be 1.5 MHz and the frequency provided by electrodes 103 during the
third segment may be 2.4 MHz.
[0030] Although not shown in FIG. 1, skin treatment device 100 may
also comprise a cooling device to cool the skin surface, and
prevent damage to the skin by heat.
[0031] Reference is made to FIG. 2 an illustration of a method of
cellulite treatment according to embodiments of the invention. As
can be seen in FIG. 2 during cellulite treatment 200 the apparatus
does not run constantly. Both the negative pressure treatment 202
and the RF treatment 204 may operate in pulses. According to one
embodiment of the invention, cellulite treatment 200 may consist of
negative pressure treatment 202 and RF treatment 204. Each pulse of
negative pressure treatment 202 and RF treatment 204 may be
considered to be one cycle. The cycle may start with negative
pressure treatment 202. RF treatment 204 may be run soon after the
start of negative pressure treatment 202, and may continue after
negative pressure treatment 202 is momentarily turned off. After
this cycle is completed, a new cycle, again consisting of negative
pressure treatment 202 and RF treatment 204 may be repeated.
Although FIG. 2 illustrates cellulite treatment 200 having three
cycles, the number of cycles required may vary depending on the
cellulite treatment required.
[0032] Reference is made to FIG. 3 an illustration of a method of
cellulite treatment using variable RF frequencies according to
embodiments of the invention. As can be seen in FIG. 3 during
cellulite treatment 300 the apparatus may not run constantly. Both
the negative pressure treatment 302 and the RF treatment 304 may
operate in pulses. According to an embodiment of the invention,
cellulite treatment 300 may consist of negative pressure treatment
302 and RF treatment 304. Each pulse of negative pressure treatment
302 and RF treatment 304 may be considered to be one cycle. The
cycle may start with negative pressure treatment 302. RF treatment
304 may be run soon after the start of negative pressure treatment
302, and may continue after negative pressure treatment 302 is
momentarily turned off. RF treatment 304 may consist of using
multiple RF frequencies at a constant power rate in one cycle. For
example, RF treatment 304 may start with using a first RF frequency
305 of 0.8 MHz, then may use a second RF frequency 306 of 1.5 MHz
and then may use a third RF frequency 307 of 2.4 MHz. According to
some of the invention, frequencies 305, 306 and 307 may be emitted
for the same period of time. According to other embodiments of the
invention, frequencies 305, 306 and 307 may last for different
periods of time. For example, frequencies 305, 306 and 307 may be
emitted for between 100 and 300 milliseconds. After this cycle is
completed, a new cycle, again consisting of negative pressure
treatment 302 and RF treatment 304 may be repeated. Although FIG. 3
illustrates cellulite treatment 300 having three cycles, the number
of cycles required may vary depending on the cellulite treatment
required.
[0033] Reference is made to FIG. 4 an illustration of a method of
skin tightening according to embodiments of the invention. In order
for skin tightening to be effective, the depth of the skin to be
tightened may be selected. Since different RF frequencies are
effective at different tissue depths, a frequency associated with
the selected skin depth may be chosen. Typically, the skin depth to
be tightened may for example be between 0.25 and 5 millimeters. As
can be seen in FIG. 4 during skin tightening treatment 400,
negative pressure 402 may operate constantly during skin tightening
treatment 400. RF treatment 404 may operate in pulses. Negative
pressure 402 may facilitate a good contact between the skin and the
electrodes used in RF treatment 404. Each pulse of RF treatment 404
may be considered to be one cycle. The cycle may start with
negative pressure 402. RF treatment 404 may be run soon after the
start of negative pressure 402, and may continue for a
pre-determined amount of time. According to some embodiments, the
frequency of the RD may be between 0.8 and 2.4 MHz. After this
cycle is completed, a new cycle, may be repeated. Although FIG. 4
illustrates skin tightening treatment 400 having three cycles, the
number of cycles required may vary depending on the skin tightening
treatment required.
[0034] Reference is made to FIG. 5 an illustration of a method of
skin tightening using variable RF frequencies according to
embodiments of the invention. As can be seen in FIG. 5 during skin
tightening treatment 500, negative pressure 502 may operate
constantly during skin tightening treatment 500. RF treatment 504
may operate in pulses. One of the purposes of negative pressure 502
is so that the electrodes used in RF treatment 504 may be provided
with good contact with the skin to be treated. A treatment cycle
may start with negative pressure 502. RF treatment 504 may be run
soon after the start of negative pressure 502, and may continue for
a pre-determined amount of time. RF treatment 504 may consist of
using multiple RF frequencies in one cycle. For example, RF
treatment 504 may start with using a first RF frequency 505 of 0.8
MHz, then may use a second RF frequency 506 of 1.5 MHz and then may
use a third RF frequency 507 of 2.4 MHz. According to some of the
invention, frequencies 505, 506 and 507 may be emitted for the same
period of time. According to other embodiments of the invention,
frequencies 505, 506 and 507 may last for different periods of
time. After this cycle is completed, a new cycle, may be repeated.
Although FIG. 5 illustrates skin tightening treatment 500 having
three cycles, the number of cycles required may vary depending on
the skin tightening treatment required.
[0035] While certain features of the invention have been
illustrated and described herein, many modifications,
substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those of
ordinary skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood
that the appended claims are intended to cover all such
modifications and changes as fall within the spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *