Device and method for the treatment of skin, and use of the device

Abstract

The invention provides a skin treatment device comprising a laser source (40) and focusing optics (50), such that a focal spot (18) is positioned in a dermis layer (24) of the skin to be treated. The laser beam (42) is powered and focused (16) such that a LIOB (laser induced optical breakdown) phenomenon is obtained, which affects the skin in order to stimulate re-growth of tissue. This in turn reduces wrinkles (30). The device may comprise wrinkle-determining means (52, 54, 56, 58). The focusing optics (50) may have a numerical aperture of at least 0.4. The invention also provides a corresponding method to treat skin, in particular to reduce wrinkles (30), by providing a focused laser beam (16) that causes LIOB in the dermis layer (24) of the skin. The advantage is that damage to overlaying epidermis layers may be avoided by the use of the very local LIOB phenomenon.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to skin care using electromagnetic radiation. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods for skin care, more particularly non-invasive wrinkle reduction of the skin. The invention further relates to the use of the device in skin care. Background technique

[0002] The desire to maintain a youthful appearance by preventing or reducing wrinkles in the skin is an important issue in human society. A number of techniques have been devised to achieve the above objectives. One of these techniques is to damage part of the dermis of the skin to cause the formation of connective tissue and a new epidermis of the skin. Document US 5,964,749 discloses a method and a device for smoothing wrinkles by applying pulsating light to the skin to heat and shrink collagen. In a specific embodiment, in pulsed form, and at about 100 J / cm 2 The energy density, the application of light wavelength in the r...

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