Method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening

Abstract

A method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening are disclosed. An exemplary method and treatment system are configured for the imaging, monitoring, and thermal injury to treat the SMAS region. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary method and system are configured for treating the SMAS region by first, imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area and surrounding structures, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, timing, and energy level to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, and third to monitor the treatment area before, during, and after therapy to plan and assess the results and / or provide feedback.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This Application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 616,755, entitled “Method and System for Noninvasive Face Lifts and Deep Tissue Tightening”, and filed on Oct. 6, 2004.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to ultrasound therapy and imaging systems, and in particular to a method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0003] Coarse sagging of the skin and facial musculature occurs gradually over time due to gravity and chronic changes in connective tissue generally associated with aging. Invasive surgical treatment to tighten such tissues is common, for example by facelift procedures. In these treatments for connective tissue sagging, a portion of the tissue is usually removed, and sutures or other fasteners are used to suspend the sagging tissue structures. On the face, the Superficial Muscular Aponeurosis System (SMAS) forms a cont...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, ultrasound imaging can be utilized for safety purposes, such as to avoid injuring vital structures such as the facial nerve (motor nerve), parotid gland, facial artery, and trigeminal nerve (for sensory functions) among others. For example, ultrasound imaging can be used to identify SMAS as the superficial layer well defined by echoes overlying the facial muscles. Such muscles can be readily seen and better identified by moving them, and their image may be further enhanced via signal and image processing.

Problems solved by technology

No present procedures have been developed yet, which provide the combination of targeted, precise, local heating to a specified temperature region capable of inducing ablation (thermal injury) to underlying skin and subcutaneous fat.

Attempts have included the use of radio frequency (RF) devices that have been used to produce heating and shrinkage of skin on the face with some limited success as a non-invasive alternative to surgical lifting procedures.

RF energy is impossible to control precisely within the heated tissue volume and depth, because resistive heating of tissues by RF energy occurs along the entire path of electrical conduction through tissues.

Another restriction of RF energy for non-invasive tightening of the SMAS is unwanted destruction of the overlying fat and skin layers.

Similarly, mid-infrared lasers and other light sources have been used to non-invasively heat and shrink connective tissues of the dermis, again with limited success.

However, light is not capable of non-invasive treatment of SMAS because light does not penetrate deeply enough to produce local heating there.

Below a depth of approximately 1 mm, light energy is multiply scattered and cannot be focused to achieve precise local heating.

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