Tips for skin treatment devices and systems

Abstract

According to some embodiments, a tip configured to be secured to a handpiece of a skin treatment system comprises a proximal portion to secure to a handpiece, a distal end to contact skin tissue, the distal end comprising an outer member extending along a periphery of the tip and defining an interior area. Tips can have at least one interior feature extending or positioned on a base, at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port on the base. A treatment fluid is delivered to the interior area through the at least one inlet port, and spent treatment fluid and waste are removed through the at least one outlet port. The at least one interior feature is located at least partially between the at least one inlet port and the at least one outlet port, and can vary in shape to direct fluid flow.

Description

EDGE.217WO PCT APPLICATION TIPS FOR SKIN TREATMENT DEVICES AND SYSTEMS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 541,742, filed September 29, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and made part of this application. BACKGROUND Field

[0002] This application relates generally to skin treatment, and more specifically, to tips, devices and methods for treating a person’s skin. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Abrasion of the outer layer or epidermis of the skin is desirable to smooth or blend scars, blemishes, or other skin conditions that may be caused by, for example, acne, sun exposure, and aging. Standard techniques used to abrade the skin have generally been separated into two fields referred to as dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Both techniques remove portions of the epidermis called the stratum corneum, which the body interprets as a mild injury. The body then replaces the lost skin cells, resulting in a new outer layer of skin. Additionally, despite the mild edema and erythema associated with the procedures, the skin looks and feels smoother because of the new outer layer of skin. SUMMARY

[0004] According to some embodiments, a tip configured to be secured to a handpiece of a skin treatment system comprises a proximal portion configured to secure to a handpiece, a distal end configured to contact skin tissue, the distal end comprising an outer member extending along a periphery of the tip, wherein the outer member defines an interior area, at least one interior feature extending or positioned on a base, wherein the at least one interior feature is located within the interior area, at least one inlet port, wherein treatment fluid is delivered to the interior area through the at least one inlet port, and at least one outletport, wherein spent treatment fluid and other waste materials are removed from the interior area through the at least one outlet port, wherein the at least one interior feature is located at least partially between the at least one inlet port and the at least one outlet port, and wherein the at least one interior feature comprises a first curve and at least a second curve, wherein the first curve is curved in a different direction than the second curve.

[0005] According to some embodiments, a tip configured to be secured to a handpiece of a skin treatment system comprises a proximal portion configured to secure to a handpiece, a distal end configured to contact skin tissue, the distal end comprising an outer member extending along a periphery of the tip, wherein the outer member defines an interior area, at least one interior feature extending or positioned on a base, wherein the at least one interior feature is located within the interior area, at least one inlet port, wherein treatment fluid is delivered to the interior area through the at least one inlet port, and at least one outlet port, wherein spent treatment fluid and other waste materials are removed from the interior area through the at least one outlet port, wherein the at least one interior feature is located at least partially between the at least one inlet port and the at least one outlet port, and wherein the at least one interior feature comprises a first curve and at least a second curve, wherein the first curve is curved in a different direction than the second curve.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the at least one interior feature comprises a protruding member and / or a recess. In some embodiments, the at least one interior feature is unitarily or monolithically formed with at least one other portion of the tip. In some embodiments, the at least one interior feature is unitarily or monolithically formed with the rest of the tip.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the tip is rigid or semi-rigid. In some embodiments, the tip comprises a plastic. In some embodiments, the tip comprises a metal or alloy.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the tip is at least partially transparent or translucent.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the tip is disposable. In some embodiments, the tip is reusable.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the proximal portion comprises a circular shape. In some embodiments, the distal portion comprises an oval shape. In oneembodiment, the distal portion comprises a rectangular shape with rounded corners. In some embodiments, the distal portion comprises an elliptical shape.

[0011] According to some embodiments, a distal portion of the tip comprises a cross or “X” shape. In some embodiments, the distal portion comprises an elongated shape.

[0012] According to some embodiments, a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 2 (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, more than 5) times greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

[0013] According to some embodiments, a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 3 (e.g., 3, 4, 5, more than 5) times greater than a minimum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the at least one interior feature comprises at least a partial “S” shape. In one embodiment, the at least partial “S” shape resembles a main or curved portion of a question mark symbol.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the distal portion of the tip resembles a racetrack. In some embodiments, the distal portion of the tip resembles a moustache.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the tip is configured to be used on skin surfaces having hair (e.g., scalp, eyebrows, etc.). In some embodiments, the tip is configured to be used on a face of a subject.

[0017] According to some embodiments, a tip configured to be secured to a handpiece of a skin treatment system comprises a proximal portion configured to secure to a handpiece, a distal end configured to contact skin tissue, the distal end comprising an outer member extending along a periphery of the tip, wherein the outer member defines an interior area, at least one interior feature extending or positioned on a base, wherein the at least one interior feature is located within the interior area, at least one inlet port, wherein treatment fluid is delivered to the interior area through the at least one inlet port, and at least one outlet port, wherein spent treatment fluid and other waste materials are removed from the interior area through the at least one outlet port, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 2 times greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 5 times greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

[0019] According to some embodiments, a tip configured to be secured to a handpiece of a skin treatment system comprises a proximal portion configured to secure to a handpiece, a distal end configured to contact skin tissue, the distal end comprising an outer member extending along a periphery of the tip, wherein the outer member defines an interior area, at least one interior feature extending or positioned on a base, wherein the at least one interior feature is located within the interior area, at least one inlet port, wherein treatment fluid is delivered to the interior area through the at least one inlet port, and at least one outlet port, wherein spent treatment fluid and other waste materials are removed from the interior area through the at least one outlet port, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 2 times greater than a minimum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 3 times greater than the minimum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip configured to be secured to a handpiece of a skin treatment system, the tip including: a proximal portion configured to secure to a handpiece; a distal end configured to contact skin tissue, the distal end including an outer member extending along a periphery of the tip, wherein the outer member defines an interior area; at least one interior feature extending or positioned on a base, wherein the at least one interior feature is located within the interior area; at least one inlet along the base, wherein treatment fluid is delivered to the interior area through the at least one inlet port; and at least one outlet along the base, wherein spent treatment fluid and other waste materials are removed from the interior area through the at least one outlet; wherein the at least one interior feature is located at least partially between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet; and wherein the at least one interior feature includes a first curve and at least a second curve, wherein the first curve includes a different orientation than the second curve.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the at least one protrusion creates a plurality of fluid flow channels from the at least one fluid delivery opening to the waste openings along the interior area during use; wherein the fluid flow channels move the treatment fluid from the at least one fluid delivery opening to terminate at the plurality of waste openings; wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 2 times greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion; and wherein the orientation of the first curve is offset 180 degrees or substantially 180 degrees to the orientation of the second curve.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the at least one protrusion creates a plurality of fluid flow channels from the at least one fluid delivery opening to the waste openings along the interior area during use; and wherein the fluid flow channels move the treatment fluid from the at least one fluid delivery opening to terminate at the plurality of waste openings

[0024] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the at least one interior feature includes a protruding member and / or a recess.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the at least one interior feature is unitarily or monolithically formed with at least one other portion of the tip.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the at least one interior feature is unitarily or monolithically formed with the rest of the tip.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip is rigid or semi-rigid.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip includes a plastic, a metal, or an alloy.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip is at least partially transparent or translucent.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip is disposable.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the proximal portion includes a circular shape.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the distal portion includes an oval shape.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the distal portion includes a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the distal portion includes an elliptical shape.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein a distal portion includes a cross or "X" shape.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein a distal portion includes an elongated shape.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 2 times greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 3 times greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 5 times greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 3 times greater than a minimum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the at least one interior feature includes at least a partial "S" shape.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the at least one interior feature resembles a main portion of a question mark symbol.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the distal portion of the tip resembles a racetrack.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the distal portion of the tip resembles a moustache.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip is configured to be used on skin surfaces having hair (e.g., scalp, eyebrows, etc.).

[0046] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip is configured to be used on a face of a subject.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip configured to be secured to a handpiece of a skin treatment system, the tip including: a proximal portion configured to secure to a handpiece; a distal end configured to contact skin tissue, the distal end including an outer member extending along a periphery of the tip, wherein the outer member defines an interior area; at least one interior feature extending or positioned on a base, wherein the at least one interior feature is located within the interior area; at least one inlet port, wherein treatment fluid is delivered to the interior area through the at least one inlet port; and at least one outlet port, wherein spent treatment fluid and other waste materials are removed from the interior area through the at least one outlet port; wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 2 times greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 5 times greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip configured to be secured to a handpiece of a skin treatment system, the tip including: a proximal portion configured to secure to a handpiece; a distal end configured to contact skin tissue, the distal end including an outer member extending along a periphery of the tip, wherein the outer member defines an interior area; at least one interior feature extending or positioned on a base, wherein the at least one interior feature is located within the interior area; at least one inlet port, wherein treatment fluid is delivered to the interior area through the at least one inlet port; and at least one outlet port, wherein spent treatment fluid and other waste materials are removed from the interior area through the at least one outlet port; wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 2 times greater than a minimum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 3 times greater than the minimum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip configured to be secured to a distal end of a handpiece of a skin treatment system, the tip including: a distal portion configured to contact skin and a proximal portion configured with a coupling mechanism to secure to the handpiece; a peripheral lip along the distal end with a shape, the peripheral lip defining an interior area; at least one fluid delivery opening located within the interior area and configured to deliver a treatment fluid to the interior area during use; a plurality of waste openings located within the interior area and configured to remove spent fluid and other debris from the interior area during use; and at least one protrusion extending distally along the interior area with a protrusion height measured distally from the interior area; wherein the at least one protrusion creates a plurality of fluid flow channels from the at least one fluid delivery opening to the waste openings along the interior area during use; and wherein the fluid flow channels move the treatment fluid from the at least one fluid delivery opening to terminate at the plurality of waste openings.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the shape of the peripheral lip is oblong.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the shape of the peripheral lip is pill-shaped or substantially pill-shaped.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the shape of the peripheral lip is cross-shaped.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the protrusion height varies over a length of the at least one protrusion.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein a distal most surface of the at least one protrusion is not parallel with a plane defined by a distal most surface of the peripheral lip.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip further includes an at least second protrusion.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the at least second protrusion has a second protrusion height measured distally from the interior area, the second protrusion height being larger than a first protrusion height.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein a distal most surface of the at least one protrusion is not parallel with a distal most surface of the at least second protrusion.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein a diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion of the tip is 30% to 70%, greater than a diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion of the tip.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein a diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion of the tip is 40% to 60%, greater than a diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion of the tip.

[0062] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein a diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion of the tip is at least 20% greater than a diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion of the tip.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip includes at least two sections, wherein each of the at least two sections includes at least one of the waste openings.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip includes a total of four sections.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein each of the sections is identical to another section or sections.

[0066] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a, wherein each of the waste openings is surrounded on all sides by the at least one protrusion.

[0067] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip includes one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip includes at least one plastic material.

[0069] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip includes at least one metal or alloy.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip is disposable.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip is reusable.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip is manufactured as a unitary or monolithic item.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein a plane along a distal face of the distal portion of the tip is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the tip and relative to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein an angle of the tip relative to the axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is 10 to 30 degrees.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip further includes a distal exterior member which has a distal surface coplanar or substantially coplanar with the distal portion configured to contact skin.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip is configured to be used on a subject's torso.

[0077] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the spent fluid and other debris received through the plurality of waste openings accumulate in a waste suction collection region.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the spent fluid and other debris in the waste suction collection region is removed from the tip via the handpiece.

[0079] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip further includes at least one exterior member adjacent the distal portion of the tip located outside the interior area prescribed by the peripheral lip.

[0080] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the exterior member is configured to contact the skin.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the exterior member is configured to abrade the skin.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the exterior member is configured to nourish the skin.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip is configured to abrade the skin.

[0084] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip, wherein the tip is configured to nourish the skin.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a tip configured to be secured to a distal end of a handpiece of a skin treatment system, the tip including: a distal portion configured to contact skin and a proximal portion configured to secure to a handpiece; a peripheral lip along the distal end, the peripheral lip defining an interior area; at least one fluid delivery opening located along at or near a central location within the interior area and configured to deliver a treatment fluid to the interior area during use; a plurality of waste openings located within the interior area and configured to remove spent fluid and other debris from the interior area during use; and at least one protrusion extending distally along the interior area, the at least one protrusion forming at least one triangular shape, wherein the at least one triangular shape includes at least one rounded edge; wherein the at least one triangular shape formed by the at least one protrusion includes a fluid channel that is configured to direct treatment fluid toward into an interior of the at least one triangular shape in a radially inward direction toward a center point of the interior area; and wherein the at least one protrusion extends into an interior of the at least one triangular shape to cause treatment fluid directed through the fluid channel to change direction at least one additional time before being directed to at least one of the waste openings located within an interior of the at least one triangular shape.

[0086] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a skin treatment system including: a handpiece configured to be grasped by a user, the handpiece including a distal end; and a tip, the tip configured to removably secure to thedistal end of the handpiece; wherein the tip is configured to receive a treatment fluid from a treatment fluid source.

[0087] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the treatment fluid source includes a cartridge configured to be secured at least partially to the handpiece.

[0088] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the treatment fluid source includes a fluid manifold, wherein the fluid manifold is configured to receive at least two fluid containers.

[0089] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the fluid manifold is included on a separate console or tower, wherein a fluid conduit is configured to fluidly couple the fluid manifold to the handpiece.

[0090] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a method along a targeted skin surface; and delivering a treatment fluid to the targeted skin surface.

[0091] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the method includes at least one of exfoliation and hydration.

[0092] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the method includes microdermabrasion.

[0093] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the targeted skin surface includes a face of a subject.

[0094] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the targeted skin surface includes a face of a scalp or other skin surface with hair.

[0095] According to some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the targeted skin surface includes a torso of a subject. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0096] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present application are described with reference to drawings of certain embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the present inventions. It is to be understood that these drawingsare for the purpose of illustrating the various concepts disclosed herein and may not be to scale.

[0097] FIG.1A illustrates a perspective view of handpiece configured for use in a skin treatment system, according to one embodiment;

[0098] FIG.1B illustrates a side view of the handpiece of FIG.1A;

[0099] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a tip configured to secure along a distal end of a skin treatment handpiece;

[0100] FIG.2B illustrates a front on view of the tip of FIG.2A;

[0101] FIG.2C illustrates an annotated view of the tip of FIG.2A;

[0102] FIG.2D illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the tip of FIG.2A;

[0103] FIG. 2E illustrates a section of a side cross-sectional view of the tip of FIG.2A;

[0104] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a tip configured to secure along a distal end of a skin treatment handpiece;

[0105] FIG.3B illustrates an annotated view of the tip of FIG.3A;

[0106] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a tip configured to secure along a distal end of a skin treatment handpiece;

[0107] FIG.4B illustrates an annotated view of the tip of FIG.4A;

[0108] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a tip configured to secure along a distal end of a skin treatment handpiece;

[0109] FIG.5B illustrates an annotated view of the tip of FIG.5A;

[0110] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a tip configured to secure along a distal end of a skin treatment handpiece;

[0111] FIG.6B illustrates an annotated view of the tip of FIG.6A;

[0112] FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a tip configured to secure along a distal end of a skin treatment handpiece;

[0113] FIG.7B illustrates an annotated view of the tip of FIG.7A;

[0114] FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a tip configured to secure along a distal end of a skin treatment handpiece;

[0115] FIG.8B illustrates an annotated view of the tip of FIG.8A;

[0116] FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a tip configured to secure along a distal end of a skin treatment handpiece; and

[0117] FIG.9B illustrates an annotated view of the tip of FIG.9A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0118] Although various embodiments of a handpiece assembly disclosed herein have specific relevance to a skin treatment system, the features, advantages, and other characteristics disclosed herein may have direct or indirect applicability in other applications and uses, including, for example and without limitation, medical devices, industrial devices, other mechanical devices and / or the like.

[0119] Several embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein are particularly advantageous because they include one, several, or all of the following benefits: provide for enhanced delivery of treatment fluids to the skin of a subject; provide a larger surface area for a skin treatment tip that can help with the treatment of certain anatomical portions (e.g., a person’s back or torso, neck, other areas (e.g., larger outside of the face and head area), relatively bony portions, etc.); achieve better exfoliation / extraction and nourishment performance (e.g., using treatment fluids); create enhanced (e.g., more even) distribution of serums and / or other treatment fluids / materials to larger coverage areas for both exfoliation and extraction at in a faster manner; facilitating a user to exert forces to a skin surface (e.g., especially a “bony” skin surface) and / or the like.

[0120] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate one embodiment of a handpiece or handheld device 10 configured to be used for a skin treatment device or system. In some embodiments, the handpiece 10 is part of a larger skin treatment system, such as, for example, a system that includes a tower or console (not shown). Such a tower or console can comprise a manifold assembly or other fluid distribution assembly or system for receiving one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, more than 4, etc.) bottles or other containers of treatment fluids to be used in a skin treatment procedure. The tower assembly can further include one or more waste canisters or other containers that are configured to receive and collect spent fluids, exfoliated, or otherwise removed skin tissue and / or other waste products resulting from a skin treatment procedure. In some arrangements, one or more of the bottles, canisters or other containers that are designed and otherwise adapted to be secured to the towerassembly can be replaceable, interchangeable and / or otherwise removable (e.g., for emptying, autoclaving or other types of cleaning, replacement, etc.).

[0121] In embodiments of a skin treatment system that include a tower assembly or console, such tower assembly or console can include (and / or can be configured to communicate or work with) one or more input and / or output devices (e.g., a touchscreen or other monitor, a keyboard, other controllers, etc.), an outer housing or other exterior structure, tubing, one or more trays or other storage components, casters, wheels or other moving members or components, interior components (e.g., processor, memory, power source, sensors, tubing, valves and / or other hydraulic components, electrical wiring and other electrical components, etc.) and / or the like. In some embodiments, a tower system or console comprises a vacuum or suction source that is configured to couple to a handpiece 10.

[0122] A skin treatment system can be configured to permit a user (e.g., an aesthetician, a cosmetician, a dermatologist, etc.) to (1) connect a handpiece 10 to a manifold assembly as noted herein (e.g., using a “dummy” cartridge 34, a luer or other connector 30, a fluid conduit extending from the luer 30 to a manifold system of a tower assembly, etc.), and / to (2) insert an actual fluid or treatment material-containing cartridge, such as, e.g., a vial, (not shown) directly into the handpiece 10. Such cartridges or other containers can be inserted into a recess or other opening 36 of the handpiece assembly. These two options can be used interchangeably to perform a treatment procedure or protocol, as desired or required. In other embodiments, a handpiece assembly is not configured to receive any type of cartridge. Instead, the handpiece can be configured to couple to one or more fluid conduits that selectively fluidly couple the handpiece to one or more fluid sources.

[0123] Irrespective of if a vacuum or suction source is included as part of the skin treatment system and / or its various components (e.g., tower assembly, handpiece, etc.) or provided separately of the skin treatment system, the handpiece 10 can include one or more vacuum or suction ports or connectors 40. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for example, such a vacuum port or connector 40 can be located along a proximal end 14 of the handpiece 10.

[0124] According to some embodiments, once a handpiece 10 can be coupled to a vacuum source (e.g., via vacuum port 40, a vacuum or suction conduit (not shown), etc.) and the vacuum source is activated, the vacuum source generates suction or vacuum (e.g., a negative pressure relative to atmospheric or ambient pressure) along the distal end 12 of thehandpiece 10. In some arrangements, such a suction or vacuum force along the tip or distal end of a handpiece can help “draw” or “pull” one or more treatment fluids to the distal end 12 (e.g., via a manifold assembly of a tower or console (not shown), via a vial or cartridge positioned directly within the handpiece 10, etc.). In some embodiments, the distal end 12 of the handpiece 10 is shaped, sized, and otherwise configured to receive a tip, such as the tip 100 illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E, any other tip disclosed herein and / or equivalents or modifications thereof.

[0125] With further reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the distal end 12 of the handpiece can include at least one fluid delivery port or opening 22 and / or at least one vacuum port or opening 24. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery port or opening 22 is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a fluid source (e.g., a manifold system and bottles secured thereto, a vial or fluid container positioned directly into a recess or opening 36 of the handpiece 10, etc.). Such fluid communication can be facilitated by one or more conduits, channels or other passages that are internal or external to the handpiece.

[0126] Likewise, in some embodiments, the vacuum port or opening 22 is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a vacuum or suction source (e.g., located in a tower or console of a skin treatment system, located in the handpiece 10, included in another portion or component of the skin treatments system, separate of the skin treatment system, etc.). Such fluid communication can be facilitated by one or more conduits, channels, fittings, fluid components and / or other passages that are internal or external to the handpiece.

[0127] As will be discussed in connection with one or more tip embodiments disclosed herein, the tip can be configured to form a seal (e.g., at least a temporary one, at least a partial one, etc.) with and / or relative to the skin surface being treated when the tip is positioned in a specific manner relative to such skin surface. For example, the tip can include a peripheral lip or other circumferential, peripheral or outer member 132 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A) that is shaped, sized and / or otherwise configured to contact skin tissue during use (e.g., when secured to a distal end of a handpiece and said handpiece is being used by a user on a subject). The outer member can extend along a periphery of the tip 100 such that, when contacting the skin surface, the outer member, the tip, and the skin define an interior area where a skin treatment procedure occurs. Such a lip or other peripheral member 132 canform at least a partial seal with skin and help generate a vacuum or suction force (e.g., at least temporarily) within the interior area circumscribed or otherwise defined by the lip or member when the handpiece is coupled to a vacuum source and such vacuum source is activated. In turn, according to some arrangements, the vacuum or suction force along such an interior area along the tip or distal end can help draw fluids and / or other treatment materials from one or more sources to the tip or distal end (e.g., using the suction or vacuum alone without the need for positive pressure exerted on the fluids or other treatment materials being transferred to the tip or distal end). Thus, in such arrangements, treatment fluids and / or other materials from vials, bottles, other containers and / or other fluid source are “pulled” or “drawn” (or otherwise moved or transferred) to the handpiece 10 to the distal end 12 (and any tip secured thereto) using suction created along the distal end of the handpiece 10.

[0128] In other embodiments, treatment fluids and / or other materials can be transferred to the handpiece assembly 10 from the manifold assembly or other fluid distribution assembly, component, system or member using the application of positive pressure within or along the main fluid conduit and / or the bottles or other containers secured to the manifold assembly. This can be accomplished either in lieu of or in addition to the generation of suction along the handpiece assembly 10 (e.g., as schematically depicted in FIGS. 2C and discussed herein). Such features and configurations can be incorporated into any of the skin treatment embodiments disclosed herein or equivalents thereof.

[0129] Fluids and / or other treatment materials from two or more bottles or other containers secured to a manifold assembly or other fluid distribution system or portion can be delivered or transferred to the handpiece 10 sequentially or simultaneously, as desired or required. The fluid network of such systems can include one or more valves, other flow control devices or members, flow meters, passages, fittings, other fluid components or portions and / or the like to help regulate the flow of fluids and / or other materials from a fluid source (e.g., a manifold assembly, a vial or cartridge, etc.) to the tip 12 or distal end 14 of a handpiece.

[0130] According to some embodiments, the system is configured to deliver treatment fluid from a fluid source (e.g., a vial or other container secured to the handpiece, one or more bottles coupled to a manifold, etc.) to the handpiece continuously. However, in other embodiments, treatment fluid is provided to the handpiece assembly non-continuously(e.g., using a pulsed pattern) or non-continuous pattern or method. In some arrangements, a pulsed pattern can be created by selectively actuating one or more valves and / or other hydraulic features or components of the handpiece and / or any other portion of a skin treatment system. In other embodiments, pulsing or non-continuous flow can be created by selectively activating / deactivating and / or modulating a function of a vacuum or suction source to which the handpiece is coupled. Pulsed delivery can include a step-wise pattern, a sinusoidal pattern and / or any other pattern. The frequency of pulsing, the magnitude of vacuum pressure applied and / or one or more other parameters can be advantageously adjusted (e.g., by the user of the handpiece, by a processor or other component of the skin treatment system, etc.), manually or automatically, as desired or required.

[0131] According to some embodiments, the handpiece 10 includes a lever or other controller 50 for adjusting the flow of treatment fluids and / or materials to the distal end 12 of the handpiece. A tip can be removably secured to the distal end 12 of the handpiece. Additional information regarding one or more embodiments of tips that may be secured to the distal end 12 of a handpiece 10 such tips is provided below.

[0132] The tips illustrated and discussed herein, and / or equivalents thereof, can be configured to secure to one or more other types of handpieces and / or other modalities (e.g., besides the handpiece illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B herein). For example, the tip can be secured to a larger or smaller handpiece, such as, for example, a lymphatic handpiece, a handpiece intended for body treatments or other larger area treatments and / or the like.

[0133] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a cartridge 34, regardless of whether it is a cartridge that comprises fluid or other treatment material within an interior chamber or whether it is a “dummy” cartridge 34 that places the handpiece in fluid communication with a manifold or other fluid source or network, is configured to be removably positioned within a recess or other slot, opening or receiving area 36 of the handpiece 10. In some embodiments, the recess or other receiving area 36 comprises an open recess or other opening or access area or feature that is accessible along the exterior of the handpiece assembly. In some arrangements, the recess or other receiving area 36 is easily accessible from the exterior of the handpiece assembly to permit a user to insert and remove a cartridge 34 within / out of the recess 36 without manipulating any portion of the handpiece 10 (e.g., without opening an interior of the handpiece, without taking anyadditional steps, etc.), as desired or required. In some configurations, the recess 36 is located along the proximal end of the handpiece 10 and faces in an opposite or substantially opposite direction than the distal end 12 (and any tip secured along the distal end 12) of the handpiece 10.

[0134] For any of the skin treatment system embodiments disclosed herein, a cartridge or similar fluid container 34 (and / or the handpiece) is configured to be selectively locked and unlocked (e.g., releasably or reversibly, selectively, at least temporarily, etc.) to the handpiece 10. In some arrangements, the cartridge 34 can be locked and unlocked using a rotation, twisting, pushing, sliding and / or other movement of the cartridge relative to the handpiece once the cartridge is secured to the handpiece. According to some embodiments, the cartridge 34 is configured to “lock” (e.g., temporarily or selectively lock or secure) to the main body portion of the handpiece using one or more devices or methods, such as, for example, locking tabs, clasps, magnetic connectors, other fasteners and / or the like.

[0135] In some embodiments, the “dummy” cartridge 34 of FIGS. 1A and 1B can be replaced with a fluid and / or other treatment material vial or cartridge. Such a vial or other container can include one or more chambers that contain a serum and / or other treatment fluid or material. In such embodiments, a vacuum or suction force generated along the tip or distal end of the handpiece can help draw or otherwise transfer serums and / or other treatment fluids / materials stored within the vial or other container to the tip or distal end 12 when the tip or distal is positioned along the targeted skin surface.

[0136] In some embodiments, both a “dummy” cartridge 34 that is in fluid communication with a manifold (e.g., of a tower or console system) and a vial or cartridge that itself includes one or more serums or fluids, e.g., a booster vial can together be used in a particular system and / or procedure. Therefore, in some arrangements, the user can swap cartridges and / or other containers 34 during and / or between treatment steps or procedures, as desired or required.

[0137] As noted above, a handpiece 10 can be used with one or a variety of skin treatment tips that can be removably and / or replaceably positioned along a distal end of handpiece. At least some embodiments of such tips 100 are illustrated and described in detail herein. See, for example and without limitation, the tips illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E. A tip can include any tips disclosed herein and / or in U.S. Patent No. 8,048,089, filed as U.S. Pat.Appl. No. 11,392,348 on March 29, 2006 and issued on November 1, 2011 and U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 699,220, filed on October 27, 2000 and issued on October 7, 2003 as U.S. Patent No. 6,629,983. The entireties of both of the above-mentioned patents / applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification. By way of example, see Figures 5A to 11E and the corresponding disclosure, in U.S. Pat. No.8,048,089.

[0138] FIGS. 2A to 2E illustrate different views of one embodiment of a tip 100 configured to be removably secured to, along, or near a distal end 12 of a handpiece 10. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A to 2E has a generally circular proximal portion 110 and a generally oblong or oval distal portion 130. The proximal portion 110 of the tip 100 can be sized, shaped and otherwise configured to secure (e.g., removably) to a distal end 12 of a handpiece 10 (e.g., any of the handpiece embodiments disclosed herein or disclosed in references incorporated by reference herein).

[0139] The illustrated tip 100 comprises an oblong, oval portion or other curved (e.g., albeit not exactly circular) portion 114 at its distal portion 130, and a circular or substantially circular portion at its proximal portion 110 that is shaped and sized to couple to the distal end 12 of the handpiece 10. Such a connection can occur via a friction-fit, press-fit or similar coupling method or technique and can include, at least in some embodiments, one or more O-rings and / or other sealing components or features. However, in other embodiments, the proximal end 110 of the tip 100 can be configured to couple or otherwise secure to the handpiece assembly using one or more other connections methods or technologies (e.g., a threaded connection, using another mechanical coupling components or methods and / or the like, as desired or required.

[0140] With continued reference to the tip 100 depicted in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the tip 100 can comprise a stem or other fluid connector 120. Such a stem 120 can extend, at least partially, within a cavity or other interior area or portion defined by the oval or oblong portion 114 of the proximal end 110 of the tip 100. In some embodiments, the stem or other fluid connector 120 extends proximally past the cylindrical portion 120 and / or other components of the proximal end of the tip. However, in other embodiments, the stem 120 is flush or substantially flush with the proximal end of the oblong portion 114, as desired or required to adequately interface with the distal end 12 of the handpiece 10. Regardless of itsexact shape, size and / or other features, the stem 120 can be configured to at least partially penetrate an opening (e.g., the fluid delivery port or opening 22 located along the distal end 130 of the handpiece 10). Thus, in some arrangements, the one or more openings 122 defined and / or formed by the stem 120 can be configured to receive treatment fluids being delivered through the handpiece and to the tip 100 (e.g., to delivery such fluids to the skin surface being treated).

[0141] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the diameter or other cross-sectional outer dimension (e.g., generally represented by d1) of the proximal portion 110 of the tip is approximately equivalent to the larger of the two axes (e.g., generally represented by major axis 134) of the distal portion 130 (e.g., the cross-sectional dimension of the peripheral lip or member 132) of the tip. The other axis (e.g., generally represented by minor axis 136) of the distal portion 130 of the tip can be smaller than the larger axis of the distal portion of the tip. For example, the ratio of the major axis 134 to the minor axis 136 of the tip 100 can be 1.1 to 3 (e.g., 1.4 to 2.6, 1.3 to 2.7, 1.2 to 2.8, 1.1 to 2.9, 1.01 to 3, 1.1 to 3, ratios between the foregoing, etc.). However, in other embodiments, the major axis 134 is equal or substantially equal in length to the minor axis 136.

[0142] In some embodiments, the minor axis 136 of the distal portion 130 is 10% to 100% (e.g., 20% to 80%, 30% to 70%, 40% to 60%, 45% to 55%, 50% to 100%, percentages between the foregoing ranges and values, etc.) less than the outer dimension d1 of the proximal portion 110 (e.g., the oblong portion 114) of the tip. However, in other embodiments, the diameter or other cross-sectional outer dimension d1 of the proximal portion 110 is equal to, substantially equal to, or larger than the major axis 134 of the distal portion 130 of the tip, as desired or required.

[0143] In some embodiments, the outer dimension d1 of the proximal portion 110 can be less than or equal to the outer dimension of the distal portion 130 (e.g., generally represented by d2 in Figure 2B). In some embodiments, d1 is smaller than (e.g., significantly smaller than) d2. In some embodiments, d1 is the same or substantially the same as d2. In some embodiments, such as tip 400 or 500 which is discussed further herein, d1 is larger (e.g., significantly larger) than d2. In some embodiments, d1 can be smaller than d2 by less than 5%, by 5%, by 10%, by 15%, by 20%, by 25%, by 30%, by more than 30%, or by any intervening percent difference. In some embodiments, d1 can be larger than d2 by less than5%, by 5%, by 10%, by 15%, by 20%, by 25%, by 30%, by more than 30%, or by any intervening percent difference.

[0144] With reference to FIG. 2D, the tip 100 can include a curved or partially circular transition 118 between the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 130. However, in other arrangements, the transition can be sharp and / or non-curved or non- circular.

[0145] As depicted in FIGS. 2A through 2E, the tip 100 can include one or more internal face features 140 (e.g., protrusions, recesses, both protrusions and recesses, etc.) that form, at least partially, a desired flow pattern within the region defined by the peripheral lip or member 132 along the distal portion 130 of the tip. Such protrusions, recesses and / or other internal face features 140 can advantageously provide one or more functions, including, by way of example and without limitation, at least partially abrading or exfoliating skin tissue as the tip 100 is moved relative to skin tissue being treated, at least partially creating a desired flow pattern of any treatment fluids or treatment materials being delivered to the tip from a fluid source (e.g., a vial, a manifold system, etc.) and / or the like. In some embodiments, the internal face feature 140 can comprise one or more curved portions that are joined together. In some embodiments, the internal face feature 140 can have a first curved portion and a second curved portion. In some embodiments the first curved portion can have a first orientation and the second curved portion can have a second orientation. In some embodiments, the first orientation can be in the same general direction as the second orientation. In some embodiments, the first orientation can be offset 180 degrees or substantially 180 degrees from the second orientation. In some embodiments, the first orientation can be similar or substantially similar to the second orientation.

[0146] As illustrated, the tip 100 can include one or more fluid inlet ports 150. In some embodiments, such fluid inlet ports 150 can be located at, along, or near the center of the tip (e.g., in close proximity to the intersection between the major axis 134 and the minor axis 136 of the distal portion 130 of the tip 100, along the radial centerpoint or center location of the face of the tip, etc.). However, in other embodiments, one or more fluid inlet ports 150 are located at any other location of the tip, either in lieu of or in addition to, at, along, or near the center of the tip, as desired or required. Regardless of the exact quantity, size, location, orientation, and / or other details about the fluid delivery port(s) or opening(s),such port(s) or opening(s) can be in fluid communication with one or more openings 122 (e.g., the opening defined by, created by, or otherwise within the stem 120) that extend from or along a proximal portion 110 of the tip. Thus, in some arrangements, once the tip 100 is secured to the distal end 12 of the handpiece 10, such proximal opening(s) 150 can be placed in fluid communication with one or more fluid delivery ports, opening, conduits, passages, etc. of the handpiece 10.

[0147] The tip can include one or more vacuum ports (or suction opening or waste opening) 154 along the distal end 130 of the tip. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E, a tip can include a plurality of (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, more than 5, etc.) vacuum or waste ports 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip 100 comprises a total of two vacuum, suction or waste ports or openings 154 (e.g., outlet, outlet port, waste areas or opening, outlets, outputs, waste zones, etc.). However, in other arrangements, the tip 100 includes more or fewer than 2 (e.g., 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10 to 15, more than 15, values between the foregoing ranges or values, etc.) vacuum or suction ports or openings 154, as desired or required.

[0148] As illustrated by FIG. 2D, the vacuum or suction ports or openings 154 can be fluidly coupled to each other such that vacuum or suction is applied to the area prescribed by the peripheral lip 132 in an equal or substantially equal manner once the vacuum or suction source is activated. However, in other arrangements, vacuum or suction forces can be applied unequally (e.g., vacuum is provided individually to each vacuum port 154, multiple waste suction collection regions 126 exist within a tip 100, valves limit or direct the suction force, etc.), as desired or required. The vacuum, suction or waste ports or openings 154 can pass through or otherwise connect the base surface of the tip partially defining the area prescribed by the peripheral lip 132 and a waste suction collection region 126 located below the distal portion 130 of the tip . In some arrangements, spent fluids, exfoliated tissues and / or other debris or materials that are transferred proximally through the vacuum, suction or waste ports or openings 154 can accumulate or be collected, at least in part (e.g., temporarily) in such waste suction collection region 126. In some embodiments, such collection region comprises an annular region defined between an interior of the oblong portion 114 and the stem 120. In some embodiments, such a waste suction collection region 126 is placed in fluid communication with one or more suction or vacuum ports or openings 24 (see, e.g., FIG. 1A) of the handpiece 10 to help remove any collected materials away fromthe tip 100 (e.g., toward a waste container using vacuum or suction that is applied to the handpiece).

[0149] As discussed herein, the tip 100 can include one or more internal face features 140 or protrusions (e.g., protruding member(s), internal protrusion(s), interior feature(s) and / or member(s), etc.) that are configured to at least partially abrade or exfoliate skin tissue when the tip is moved relative to a subject’s skin. In some embodiments, such features have sharp or substantially sharp features to assist with abrading skin tissue. In some arrangements, such features are stationary and are incorporated in the tip (e.g., as part of a unitary structure with the tip). In some arrangements, as used herein with respect to tip features, stationary features are not configured to move (e.g., rotate, spin, translate, etc.) relative to other components and / or portions of the tip. In some embodiments, all components of the tip 100 are integrally formed, and form a unitary or monolithic structure with other portions or areas of the tip 100. In some embodiments, all components of the tip 100 can form a unitary or monolithic structure even when the tip 100 comprises two or more materials and / or portions. In some embodiments, the internal face features can form a unitary or monolithic structure with at least one other portion of the tip, even where other portions of the tip include a modular or non-monolithic construction or configuration. In some embodiments, the abrading structure(s) is / are positioned along an interior defined by a peripheral lip 132. In other embodiments, the peripheral lip 132 comprises the abrading structure, at least in part, either in addition to or in lieu of any additional (e.g., interior) abrading internal face features 140. Therefore, the peripheral lip 132, either alone or in combination with one or more other components, features and / or portions of the tip, can be sized, shaped, orientated and / or otherwise configured to abrade tissue (e.g., when the tip is translated, twisted and / or otherwise moved relative to a targeted skin surface of a subject).

[0150] In some arrangements, any of the tip embodiments disclosed herein are disposable (e.g., non-reusable) so that they are discarded and / or replaced during or after a treatment procedure. However, in other arrangements, the tips can be configured (e.g., as a result of its material(s) (e.g., stainless steel, other metals or alloys, other composites, etc.), as result of its construction or design, etc.) to be reusable. Thus, in some arrangements, the tips are configured to withstand the temperature variations, chemicals and / or other conditions to which they may be subjected for cleaning, disinfecting, sterilization and / or the like.

[0151] In some embodiments, a plane defined by the distal-most portion of the tip (e.g., along the distal end of the distal portion 130) can be angled at Ĭ, relative to both the longitudinal axis of the tip (and the handpiece to which is secures) and an orthogonal or perpendicular axis of the longitudinal axis through the use of a curved or partially circular transition 118 or otherwise (see, e.g., FIG. 2D). The feature of an angled contact portion for the tip can advantageously assist with conforming (e.g., at least partially and / or temporarily conforming) the tip to the treated skin surface. Such a feature can be incorporated into any of the tip embodiments disclosed herein and / or equivalents thereof. Such a feature can provide one or more advantages or benefits to a user who is manipulating a handpiece assembly, including increasing the surface area of such a plane, providing an improved ergonomics, functionality and comfort features and / or the like, among others. In some embodiments, the angle Ĭ for the tip (see, e.g., FIG. 2D) is 10 to 20 degrees (e.g., 10 to 11, 11 to 12, 12 to 13, 13 to 14, 14 to 15, 15 to 16, 16 to 17, 18 to 19, 19 to 20 degrees, angles between the foregoing ranges, etc.). In other embodiments, the angle Ĭ is less than 10 degrees (e.g., 0 to 2, 2 to 5, 5 to 8, 8 to 10 degrees, angles between the foregoing values and / or ranges, etc.) or greater than 20 degrees (e.g., 20 to 25, 25 to 30, 30 to 35, 35 to 40, 40 to 45, 45 to 50, 50 to 60 degrees, values between the foregoing values and ranges, etc.), as desired or required.

[0152] For any of the embodiments disclosed herein or equivalents thereof, the tips 100 can be manufactured as a single member (e.g., unitarily, monolithically, etc.). In other words, a tip 100 can include a unitary or monolithic structure. Such a tip 100 can be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing method, such as, for example and without limitation, injection molding, other molding, thermosetting or forming technology and / or the like. The tips 100 can be rigid or semi-rigid. In some arrangements, the tips comprise one or more plastic materials. However, the tips 100 can include one or more other types of materials, either in addition to or in lieu of plastics, such as, for example, metals or alloys (e.g., stainless steel), rubber, other composites, manmade material, natural materials and / or like, as desired or required. In some embodiments, the tips 100 can comprise, at least partially, one or more materials that is / are at least partially transparent or translucent. In some embodiments, all or substantially all of a tip 100 comprises one or more materials that are at least partially transparent or translucent. As noted, the tips 100 can be disposable or reusable. In some embodiments, the tips are manufactured using recyclable and / or reusablematerials and / or using one or more green or environmentally advantageous methods or technologies.

[0153] According to some embodiments, the tips can include at least one flexible and / or non-rigid portion or section, as desired or required. See, for example and without limitation, the embodiments disclosed in PCT Patent Application PCT / US2024 / 040430, filed July 31, 2024, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 516,918, filed on August 1, 2023, the entireties of both of which are incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this application. For example, for any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a tip can include an outer peripheral lip or other outer member or member that comprises a relatively soft or flexible portion or configuration that one or more components along an area or portion defined by such a peripheral lip or member. This can help provide an enhanced, reliable and / or otherwise improved partial seal between the peripheral lip or other outer member and the skin surface being treated during use, thereby improving the seal and providing improved vacuum or suction along the interior area of the tip during use (e.g., to increase or improve the ability to remove waste, transfer treatment fluids to the tip, etc.). Advantageously, a tip with one or more flexible portions at least partially and / or temporarily conforms to a skin surface being treated (e.g., an irregular skin surface, skin surface located adjacent non-planar and / or inconsistent bone structure, such as skin proximal the jawline, brows, arms, or back, etc.). The tip can include one or more flexible (e.g., non-rigid) material(s), portion(s) and / or configuration(s). Such materials, portions and / or configurations can be located along a proximal end or portion of the tip (e.g., along or adjacent areas of the tip that are configured to contact skin tissue during use), including, for example and without limitation, the fluid connector, the distal portion, the peripheral lip, the one or more internal face features, and / or any other component of the tip as desired or required.

[0154] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E, the distal portion 130 of the tip 100 can include one or more internal face features (e.g., protruding members, recesses, both protruding members and recesses, etc.) 140 that extend distally (e.g., toward the distal end of the tip, and thus, toward the skin surface that will be treated using the tip). As noted above, such interior features can be molded or otherwise formed together as a single, monolithic or unitary construction with other portions of the tip (e.g., a base, aperipheral, circumferential or other outer lip or member, etc.). However, in other embodiments, such interior features 140 can be formed separately (e.g., using different portion, materials, etc.) of other portions of the tip. For example, such internal face features 140 can be added and / or otherwise formed after the rest of the tip has been manufactured (e.g., by securing the features to the distal portion 130 of the tip, by removing material from and / or otherwise manipulating the distal portion 130 of the tip, etc.).

[0155] According to some embodiments, the illustrated tip 100 is configured to create a tortuous flow pattern, at least partially, from the inlet or fluid delivery port(s) 150 to one or more of the vacuum / suction or waste port(s) or opening(s) 154. In some embodiments, one or more of the internal face features 140 can define at least a portion of the tortuous flow pattern of the treatment material. This can help prevent or reduce the likelihood of short-circuiting between the inlet port(s) or opening(s) 150 and the vacuum or waste port(s) or opening(s) 154, thereby increasing the residence time of treatment materials delivered from the one or more openings 122 to the distal portion 130 (and thus, the skin being treated). In some embodiments, this can improve the efficacy of a procedure and provide better results to the subject undergoing a treatment procedure (e.g., greater penetration of fluids into skin tissue, greater velocity of fluids being delivered to the tip 100, greater residency time of treatment fluids on a skin surface, etc.).

[0156] As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the tip can include a total of two sections, regions and / or areas S through which treatment fluids and / or other materials delivered to tip pass, at least in part. In other embodiments, however, a tip can include more or fewer such sections, regions and / or areas S, such as, for instance, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more than 10, as desired or required. In some embodiments, two or more such sections S can be identical or similar, or substantially identical or similar, (e.g., in shape, size, orientation, etc.), as desired or required. In some embodiments, the sections S can be radially symmetrical to one another. In some embodiments, two or more of such sections S can be unique compared to other sections S. In the illustrated embodiment, each section S includes at least one (e.g., one) vacuum or suction port or opening 154 and at least a portion of a fluid inlet port 150. However, in other arrangements, the number of waste ports or openings 154 can be different (e.g., 2, 3, 4, more than 4, etc.) within a section S. Further, the various sections S along the distal portion 130 of the tip 100 can be radially or bilaterally symmetrical (e.g., from aperspective of features, ports 150, vacuum ports 154, etc.), as illustrated in FIG. 2C. In other arrangements, the various sections S are asymmetrical or substantially symmetrical, (e.g., according to a desired or required design or configuration).

[0157] With continued reference to FIG. 2C, in some embodiments, treatment fluid and / or other materials are delivered to the distal portion 130 of the tip 100 through one or more fluid inlet ports or openings 150. From there (e.g., the ports or openings), a treatment material, which comprises one or more fluids (e.g., serums) and / or other type(s) of materials, can be transferred or directed to one or more channels or passages (e.g., in a radially outwardly direction, as generally represented by F1). Fluid and / or other materials can thus be delivered to a generally central area of the tip for application to a skin surface. From there, in some arrangements, fluid can be directed (e.g., generally directed) in a radially outward direction until it is split or divided (e.g., as denoted by diversion point D1) in two angular and generally opposite directions (e.g., as generally represented by F2). Such fluid flow F2 can advance along the surface of the tip until passing an internal face feature to become fluid flow F3. Fluid flow F3 can be temporarily directed in a radially inward direction (e.g., toward a vacuum, suction or waste port or opening 154) until some point where it progresses radially outward. Alternatively, or in addition to such flow, fluid can be directed around an internal face feature from fluid flow F2 in a direction represented by F4 such that fluid turns or is redirected to flow radially outwardly (e.g., toward one or more vacuum, suction or waste ports or openings 154) along an internal face feature. As illustrated schematically in FIG. 2C, fluid flow F3 can intersect, cross, or otherwise converge, at least partially, with a fluid flow F4 moving toward the same vacuum or waste port or opening. Fluid flows F3 and F4 can either converge and together terminate at a vacuum port, or can individually terminate at a vacuum port. Regardless of how the interior features of the tip are made and / or configured, such features can assist with abrading (e.g., exfoliating, removing, etc.) skin tissue when the handpiece and tip are moved relative to the skin being treated. Further, the features 140 can help create desired flow patterns for any fluid entering the distal portion 130 of the tip.

[0158] According to some embodiments, the tip 100 is configured to create a fluid flow pattern through a series of channels, passages and / or other fluid pathways that switch or change direction (e.g., radial direction) at least 3 or 4 times (e.g., 3, 4, 5, more than5, etc.). However, in other embodiments, the tip 100 is configured to create a fluid flow pattern through a series of channels or other fluid pathways that switch or change direction (e.g., radial direction) only one time or two times, as desired or required. The fluid could additionally or alternatively flow substantially radially outwardly.

[0159] As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2E, the internal face features 140 (e.g., protrusions, recesses, etc.) located along the distal portion 130 of the tip 100 can have the same or substantially the same height (or distal extent) as the peripheral lip or outer member 132. In some embodiment, the height of any of the internal face features 140 or the peripheral lip 132 can be measured relative to a base surface B of the tip 100. In some embodiments, the distal surface of the internal face feature 140 can be coplanar or substantially coplanar with the distal surface of the peripheral lip 132. The peripheral lip height 133 and the internal face feature height 141 and a second internal face feature height 142 are depicted. Thus, the peripheral lip 132 and the internal face features 140 can extend to or near (or substantially to or near) the same distalmost plane or extent formed along the distal end of the tip 100, such that the peripheral lip 132 and the internal face features 140 have the same height measured from the base surface B of the tip. In other embodiments, however, the peripheral lip 132 can extend more distally than (or be “proud” relative to, or be taller or extend more distally relative to) one or more of the internal face features 140. In yet another arrangement, one or more of the interior features or members 140 extend more distally than (or be “proud” relative to, or be taller or extend more distally relative to) the peripheral lip 132. In some embodiments, the height or distal extent of the internal face feature(s) 141, 142 varies along (e.g., across) the internal face feature(s) 140, as desired or required.

[0160] According to some embodiments, the peripheral lip height or extent 133 is higher or greater than and / or relative to the first internal face feature height 141, the second internal face feature height 142 and / or any other feature or element, as desired or required. In some embodiments, the height or distal extent of the first internal face feature 141 and the second internal face feature 142 are equal or substantially equal (e.g., within 0 to 10% of one another). In some embodiments, the internal face feature 140 has its greatest height or distal extent in a section or portion closest (e.g., in locational proximity) to the peripheral lip or other outer member 132, wherein the member’s height decreases from first internal facefeature height 141 to second internal face feature height 142. In some embodiments, the height of an internal face feature can vary along the length of the tip 100 such that the height of any individual internal face feature can change over the course of the tip (e.g., can change in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tip and / or the handpiece to which it is secured).

[0161] According to some arrangements, the internal face features (e.g., protrusions) 140 have varying types of cross-sectional areas, some of which may be more suited for abrasion of the skin while others are more suited for nourishment, moisturization, and / or hydration of the skin. As such, the internal face feature 140 may have a triangular cross-sectional area or shape, a rectangular cross-sectional area or shape, or another cross- sectional shape with harsh angles and features more suited to abrade the skin. Instead (or in addition to), a tip may include internal face features (e.g., protrusions, recesses, etc.) 140 with a rounded cross-sectional area (e.g., a partially rounded or curved cross-sectional area), a domed cross-sectional area, an internal face feature 140 which gradually extends to a peak then recedes back, or another cross-sectional area shape with softer angles, features more suited to nourish the skin and / or the like. In some embodiments, a tip can include one or more internal face features with a cross-sectional shape of a first type and one or more internal face features with a cross-sectional shape of at least a second type (e.g., a second type, a third type, a fourth type, etc.). The cross-sectional shape of the first type can be the same type or a different type than the cross-sectional shape of the second type. The first type and / or the second type can be any of the following: a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, another polygonal shape, an angular cross-sectional shape, a rounded or oval cross-sectional shape, a domed cross-sectional shape, an irregular shape and / or any other shape, as desired or required.

[0162] In some embodiments, the distal-most surface of the internal face features 140 and peripheral lip 132 can be non-parallel with the plane formed by the tip base surface 131. In such embodiments, the angle of the distal-most surface of the internal face feature 140 or peripheral lip 132 can be decreased or increased to accommodate different treatment surfaces or skin-types, as desired or required. In some examples, the angle į is 10 to 20 degrees (e.g., 10 to 11, 11 to 12, 12 to 13, 13 to 14, 14 to 15, 15 to 16, 16 to 17, 18 to 19, 19to 20 degrees, angles between the foregoing ranges, etc.). In other embodiments, the angle į is less than 10 degrees or greater than 20 degrees, as desired or required.

[0163] According to some embodiments, the internal face features (e.g., protrusions, recesses, etc.) 140 assist with abrading (e.g., exfoliating, removing, etc.) skin tissue when the handpiece (e.g., and thus the tip secured to the handpiece) is moved relative to the skin being treated. Surfaces and / or other portions or elements of a distal portion 130 of the tip 100 that contact skin tissue can include an abrasive feature to assist in exfoliation or abrasion of the skin surface of the subject during use. In some embodiments, the abrasive feature(s) is / are positioned along, near, or within an interior area defined by a peripheral lip 132. In other embodiments, the peripheral lip 132 itself comprises the abrasive feature or surface, at least in part, either in addition to or in lieu of any additional (e.g., interior) abrading internal face features 140. As noted herein, this applies to any arrangements disclosed herein or equivalents thereof.

[0164] According to some embodiments, the abrasive feature comprises one or more material additive(s). Such additives can be combined with the peripheral lip 132 or internal face feature 140 during manufacturing. Alternatively or in addition to such additives, abrasive feature(s) can include one or more physical features (e.g., at, on or along the peripheral lip 132 or internal face feature 140), such as ribbing, sharper edges, a pored / porous structure, or other physical features which can assist with abrading the skin. In some embodiments, the abrasive feature may comprise sharp or substantially sharp features to assist with abrading skin tissue. In some arrangements, such features are stationary and are incorporated in the tip (e.g., as part of a unitary structure with the tip). In some embodiments, the abrasive feature may comprise a chemical composition known in the art to assist in exfoliation of the skin (e.g., salicylic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, etc.). A tip may benefit from using multiple or all of the abrasive features described herein. Alternative methods to abrade the skin which would be known by one skilled in the art may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions and without diminishing any benefits or advantages.

[0165] The tips can be configured for use as an exfoliating tip, for use as a nourishment tip (e.g., to provide one or more treatment fluids and / or other materials to the skin surface being treated) and / or for use as another tip or as part of another treatmentprotocol, as desired or required. Features suited for a nourishment tip can include, for example and without limitation, (i) a reduced extent or profile of internal face features (e.g., one or more internal face features that are shorter or do not extend as distally relative to the peripheral lip), (ii) internal face features configured to increase the delivery of treatment fluid(s) / other material(s) being delivered to the tip (e.g., features or members that have a profile that facilitates directing treatment fluid(s) and / or other material (s) from the base surface of the tip into the skin surface being treated, such as, for instance and without limitation, by having an angle and sloped surface to encourage, improve or otherwise enhance fluid and / or other treatment material to move away from a base surface of the tip toward the skin surface, , (iii) internal face feature(s) with a height or distal extent lower or less than the distal-most surface of the peripheral lip (e.g., such that treatment fluid can flow over and / or along / near the internal face feature), (iv) internal face features and a peripheral lip with distal surfaces chamfered and / or fileted edges and / or other configuration to increase the ability for the tip to move axially across the skin of the subject, (v) surfaces and / or other features that are relatively smooth or non-abrasive, (vi) one or more chamfered or narrowing vacuum ports 254 such that their cross sectional area on the base B of the distal end of the tip is larger than their cross-sectional area closer to the waste suction collection region, (vii) barriers, baffles and / or other features or configurations, such as the flow baffles 345 depicted in FIG. 4A that reduce or eliminate direct routes from the fluid inlet port to the one or more vacuum ports, (viii) including one or more other features or characteristics that increase the ability for the tip to transfer fluid into the skin of the subject and / or the like, as desired or required.

[0166] The features more suited for an exfoliation tip can include, for example and without limitation, one or more of the following: (i) an increased number of internal face features (e.g., to create a more tortuous flow pattern for treatment fluid(s) and / or abrasive material(s) located on the tip), a peripheral lip or internal face features sized, shaped and / or otherwise configured to include a configuration and / or features for exfoliation, abrasion and / or the like, (ii) one or more surfaces and / or features that include abrasive features or sharp geometries that are beneficial in abrading the surface of the skin and / or (iii) other features that increase the ability of the tip to abrade the skin of the subject, such as ribbing, sharper edges, a pored / porous structures. Tips configured for exfoliation can benefit from orotherwise utilize an increased fluid flow rate, as one goal may include moving or otherwise transferring abraded fluid, exfoliated tissue and / or other debris away from the skin and treatment area, and fluid flow easing the removal, at least partially, of exfoliated material from the tip. In some embodiments, tips configured for nourishment can benefit from a decreased fluid flow rate, as the goal is to provide fluid to be absorbed by the skin at a treatment area, and having a higher fluid flow is not beneficial, as any excess treatment fluid removed from the tip not absorbed by the skin is wasted.

[0167] FIGS. 3A to 3B illustrate different views of an alternative embodiment of a tip 200 configured to be removably secured to, along, or near a distal end of a handpiece 10. In some arrangements, the tip 200 depicted in FIGS. 3A to 3B has the general characteristics that are substantially similar to the embodiment of a tip 100 depicted in FIGS. 2A to 2E herein. The internal face features 240 of the tip 200 can include a plurality of recess zones (e.g., recesses, depressions, openings, divots, etc.) 247 along the length of the internal face features 240, such that treatment fluid(s) and / or other treatment material(s) delivered to the tip may pass through (e.g., between) a recess zone 247 (e.g., from one side of the internal face feature 240 to its other side) as it progresses across a base surface of the tip 200. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 210 can connect to the distal portion 230 with a transition portion 214 similar to other tips described herein so as to define a waste suction collection region.

[0168] According to some arrangements, the use of recess zones 247 throughout the internal face feature 240 can assist in the penetration of treatment fluid(s) and / or other treatment material(s) delivered to the tip penetrating and / or otherwise being delivered into skin tissue of a subject by directing treatment material into the skin surface being treated. In some embodiments, such delivery of treatment material can be directed to one or more areas with moderately dense hair, such as the eyebrows or scalp. However, in other embodiments, other portions of a subject’s anatomical areas comprising exposed skin are targeted (e.g., a subject’s face, torso, etc.), as desired or required.

[0169] In some arrangements, a recess zone 247 can provide fluid pathways such that treatment fluids and / or other materials can be directed toward the skin surface, and / or within one or more targeted areas or regions. In one embodiments, one or more areas prescribed by the peripheral lip 232 can include a natural pathway along which treatmentfluids and / or other materials are directed within the tip 200 and can reduce, at least partially, excess strain or stress on the hair follicles and surrounding skin. In some embodiments, recess zones 247 do not substantially negatively affect or impact flow or delivery of treatment fluid(s) and / or other material(s) into the area prescribed by the peripheral lip 232. This can help improve the flow by preventing or reducing the likelihood of hair or other parts of the skin from adding or increasing resistance to the movement of the tip 200 relative to the subject. Furthermore, the rounded distal portions of the internal face features 240 and recess zones 247 can further decrease resistances (e.g., unnecessary resistances) created by the subject, thus improving efficacy of the tip 200 and other overall system and related methods of treatment.

[0170] With reference to FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, treatment fluid and / or other materials are delivered to the distal portion 230 of the tip 200 through one or more fluid inlet ports or openings 250. From there, fluid and / or materials can flow to one or more channels or passages (e.g., in a radially outward direction, as generally represented by F1) along the surface of the tip 200. Treatment fluid and / or other materials can thus be delivered to a generally central area of the tip. Any illustrated (e.g., schematically) paths followed by the treatment fluid are approximate, and can deviate based on a variety of factors, such as, for example and without limitation, movement of the tip relative to the skin being treated, the angle or orientation of the tip relative to the skin, the presence of other particulates, the presence of any obstacles and / or features within the area defined by the peripheral lip, and / or any other factors or considerations. According to any fluid flow path described herein, the treatment fluid(s) and / or other material(s) can be diverted and / or otherwise transferred or provided to the skin surface to treat the skin at any point along the expected treatment fluid path.

[0171] In some embodiments, with continued reference to FIG. 3B, fluid(s) and / or other treatment material(s) F1 can be split, divided and / or otherwise diverted (e.g., as denoted by diversion point D1) in two or more angular and generally opposite directions (e.g., as generally represented by F2) towards sections of the peripheral lip 232 closest to the major axis and minor axis of the tip 200. Thus, in some arrangements, fluid(s) and / or other material(s) are at least partially directed in a radially outwardly direction (e.g., as generally represented by F3). Spent fluid and / or other materials can then be directed in a radiallyinward direction (e.g., as generally represented by F4) to be removed from the distal portion 230 of the tip 200 via one or more waste or vacuum ports 254.

[0172] In addition to the fluid path pathways and patterns described herein, a second set of fluid paths can be created by fluid flowing through the recess zones 247 along the internal face features 240. Such flow paths (e.g., depicted as FR1, FR2, and FR3) can diverge from the main flow paths at DR1, and DR2 and / or exit from the fluid inlet port 250 to allow treatment fluid(s) and / or other treatment material(s) to transverse the internal face features 240. This can advantageously create alternative and / or additional flow paths across the distal portion 230 of the tip 200. In some embodiments, the tip 200 is configured for use as an exfoliation tip. However, in other embodiments, the tip 200 includes features that make it more suited for use as a nourishment tip (e.g., such features can be either in addition to or in lieu of features suited for an exfoliation tip). The tip can additionally have some features that align with, at least in part, an exfoliation tip while also having features which align, at least in part, with a nourishment tip.

[0173] In some embodiments, as illustrated in the tips of FIGS. 2A to 2E and FIGS. 3A and 3B, a tip 100, 200 comprises a single fluid inlet port or opening 150, 250 at or near a center of an area prescribed or defined by a peripheral lip or other circumferential or other outer member 132, 232 and one or more vacuum or waste ports 154, 254 positioned radially outwardly from the inlet port or opening 150, 250. In some arrangements, one or more baffles or flow diverting members (e.g., internal face features, protrusions, recesses, combinations of two or more of the foregoing, etc.) 140, 240 require fluid(s) and / or other treatment material(s) entering the prescribed area or region to take a non-linear pathway form the inlet port or opening 150, 250 to the one or more waste or vacuum outlets 154, 254. In some embodiments, such features 140, 240 can force fluid and / or other materials delivered to the tip to change at least one direction between the inlet 150, 250 and the outlet(s) 154, 254. In some embodiments, the one or more internal face features 140, 240 can at least partially direct treatment fluid to the skin surface being treated, by, for example and without limitation, including curved and / or other specially-shaped portions or feature (e.g., to help direct at least a portion of an adjacent fluid flow upward from the base surface of the tip 100, 200).

[0174] According to some embodiments, the flow diverting or directing features 140, 240 comprise at least one curved or rounded shape. In some arrangements, the features 140, 240 comprise a shape resembling a question mark symbol and / or a partial “S” shape. In some embodiments, the features 140, 240 include a shape with at least two curved portions, wherein at least one of the curved portions has a curvature that is opposite of another curved portion. Further, in some embodiments, one curved portion includes a radius or curvature that is smaller than at least one other curved portion of the feature. In one embodiment, one of the curved portions at least partially surrounds one of the waste or vacuum ports or openings. Therefore, treatment fluids and / or other materials entering the interior region or area of the distal portion of the tip can be encouraged to pass at least a portion of the one or more curved portions of the features 140, 240 to be directed into a waste opening so as to exit the distal region or portion of the tip.

[0175] FIGS. 4A to 4B illustrate different views of an alternative embodiment of a tip 300 configured to be removably secured to, along, or near a distal end 12 of a handpiece 10. The embodiment of a tip 300 depicted in FIGS. 4A to 4B has general characteristics which are substantially similar to the embodiment of other tips depicted and / or described herein. Certain differences between the embodiments are disclosed herein.

[0176] The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4A to 4B has a generally circular proximal portion 310 and a pill-shaped or elongated circular (or elliptical-shaped) distal portion 314. In some arrangements, the tip 300 is configured for nourishment such that it provides treatment fluid(s) and / or other treatment material(s) to a targeted portion of the subject’s skin surface. As shown, the tip can include a generally smooth transition between the peripheral lip 332 and the area prescribed by the peripheral lip 332 (e.g., an interior region or area circumscribed or defined by the lip 332). In some embodiments, the peripheral lip 332 includes one or more curved portion(s) and / or feature(s) that may be configured to at least partially contact skin tissue during use. This can, in some arrangements, assist in directing treatment fluid to the skin surface as the tip is advanced along the skin surface being treated during use.

[0177] According to some embodiments, the tip 300 includes protrusions or other internal face features (e.g., recesses, other features, etc.) 340 that are not generally perpendicular to the tip base surface 331 of the tip 300. In some arrangements, the distal-most surface of the internal face features 340 are recessed relative to the distal most surface of the peripheral lip 332 of the tip 300, such that they do not extend beyond (e.g., distally beyond) the peripheral lip 332. As such, during the use of the tip 300 (e.g., when the tip is positioned at least partially against a treatment surface of a subject), the protrusions or internal face features 340 do not necessarily create a seal against the treatment surface to define distinct flow pathways for treatment fluid. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 310 can connect to the distal portion 330 with a transition portion 314 similar to other tips described herein so as to define a waste suction collection region.

[0178] In some arrangements, one or more protrusions, recesses and / or other internal face features 340 assist in directing fluid(s) and / or other treatment material(s) to or into the skin of the subject. Treatment fluid and / or other materials can be directed to the distal end of the tip and to, above, through and / or along the various internal face features 340. In some embodiments, such a pattern can increase the efficacy of a nourishment treatment being performed. For example, such an enhanced efficacy can be established, at least in part, by increasing the likelihood that treatment fluid or material is absorbed into the treatment area and / or the treated skin rather than having treatment fluid exit (e.g., prematurely exit or leave) the area prescribed by the peripheral lip 332 through the vacuum or suction ports or openings 354. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the inclusion of one or more flow baffles 345 or other flow diversion members can help limit short-circuiting and / or direct treatment fluid(s) and / or other material(s) to increase their residence time along the tip- skin surface interface during use.

[0179] With reference to FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, treatment fluid and / or other materials are delivered to the distal portion 330 of the tip 300 through one or more fluid inlet ports 350. From such ports or openings 350, treatment fluid(s) and / or material(s) can flow within the area defined by the peripheral lip 332 in a radially outward direction, as generally represented by F1 and FM1. Fluid and / or other materials can thus be delivered to a generally central area of the tip to be at least partially distributed to a skin surface. Treatment fluid can either pass relatively along the tip base surface 331 (e.g., as denoted by fluid flow path F1) or pass over and / or along an internal face feature 340 (e.g., as denoted by fluid flow path FM1).

[0180] According to some embodiments, the general fluid or other flow paths followed by the treatment fluid(s) and / or other material(s) can deviate based on a variety of factors, such as, for example and without limitation, the movement of the tip relative to the skin being treated, the angle and / or other orientation of the tip relative to the skin, the presence of other particulates, obstacles and / or other features or members within the area defined by the peripheral lip, the curvature and inherent nature of the skin surface being treated (e.g., scalp, face, torso, etc.) and / or the like. According to any fluid flow path described herein, the treatment fluid(s) and / or other material(s) can be diverted or otherwise provided to a skin surface to treat the skin at one or more points or locations along the expected treatment fluid path.

[0181] In some embodiments, if the fluid flows over and / or along an internal face feature 340, the internal face features 340 can advantageously direct treatment fluid to, toward or near the surface of the skin being treated, thus increasing the efficacy of a procedure. In some embodiments, for the fluid and / or other material flowing or moving from the fluid inlet port 350 along the base of the distal portion, fluid F1 can be split or divided (e.g., as denoted by diversion point D1) and / or otherwise diverted (e.g., into more, fewer and / or different manners) in two or more angular (e.g., generally opposite) directions. For example, fluid(s) and / or other treatment material(s) can be directed (e.g., in a manner generally represented by F2) towards sections of the peripheral lip 332 along or approximately along the major axis of the tip 300. Fluid FM1 can also diverge after passing over, along, and / or near an internal face feature 340 at a diversion point DM1, splitting the fluid flow into angular and generally opposite directions (e.g., as generally represented by FM2).

[0182] According to some arrangements, from FM1, fluid may not diverge, and instead can continue its flow in a continuous or generally or substantially continuous path. Fluid and / or other materials can be directed in a radially outward direction. Spent fluid and / or other materials can be directed in a radially inward direction to be removed from the distal portion 330 of the tip 300 via one or more waste or vacuum ports 354.

[0183] In some embodiments, the illustrated tip 300 can be configured for use as a nourishment tip. In some embodiments, the internal face features 340, flow baffles 345, and / or the peripheral lip 332 can have generally rounded profiles configured to help direct orotherwise provide treatment fluid and / or other treatment material to the skin surface, and provide a massaging effect as the tip is advanced along the skin surface. However, depending on the size, shape and / or configuration of other features included in the tip 300, the tip can also be configured to at least partially exfoliate skin tissue. In some embodiments, the internal face features 340, flow baffles 345 and / or the peripheral lip 332 can have abrasive members, features and / or configurations to at least partially abrade a skin surface as the tip is advanced along the skin surface.

[0184] The tips illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E, FIGS. 3A and 3B and FIGS. 4A and 4B can have particular applicability for scalp treatment or for the treatment of other areas where the subject has a higher concentration of hair (e.g., eyebrows, beard, etc.), where the delivery and distribution of treatment materials can present certain challenges. For instance, for such areas, it might be more difficult to reach the actual skin surface (e.g., due to the presence of hair extending from the skin). These tips, which can be rigid or semi-rigid, can have the size, shape and configuration to permit a user (e.g., an aesthetician, the subject) to more easily reach the underlying skin surface (e.g., scalp, eyebrows, etc.) despite the presence of hair. These tips can be configured to provide a required or desired volume of treatment fluid and / or other treatment material to a skin surface despite the presence of hair, can deform to form an adequate temporary seal with the skin surface as the tip is advanced along the irregular or hairy skin surface and / or the like. In some embodiments, any of the tips disclosed herein, such as but not limited to tip 100, tip 200, tip 300, tip 400, tip 500, tip 600, tip 700, tip 800, or equivalents thereof, can be used to treat a skin surface of any part of the anatomy, including, without limitation, the face (e.g., forehead, cheeks, chin, lips, eyebrows), other portions of the head (e.g., scalp, neck, etc.), other body parts (e.g., torso, arms, legs, etc.).

[0185] With continued reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the tip can include one or more curved (e.g., three-dimensional, protruding from the base surface of the distal portion of the tip) members 340 can help distribute the fluids and / or other treatment materials entering the interior region defined by the peripheral lip 332. These protruding members or other features 340 can also help agitate the targeted skin surface (e.g., to promote the delivery of fluids and / or other treatment materials deeper into the targeted skin tissue during use). As with the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A to 2E and FIGS. 3A and 3B and discussedabove, the tip 300 of FIGS. 4A and 4B can include at least a partial baffle or obstacle 345 around the waste or vacuum port(s) 354. As noted, this can prevent the premature short- circuiting of fluids and / or other treatment materials being delivered to the interior region along the distal portion of the tip 300 and can extend the effective time or residence time (e.g., an average time that a treatment fluid and / or material is present on a skin surface being treated) that such fluids and / or other materials stay along the tip-skin surface interface. In some embodiments, such a configuration can help with the efficacy of fluid penetration into the targeted skin surface (e.g., scalp, eyebrows, other portions of a subject’s face or body, etc.), as desired or required.

[0186] FIGS. 5A to 5B illustrate different views of an alternative embodiment of a tip 400 configured to be removably secured to, along, or near a distal end 12 of a handpiece 10. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the tip can include a generally circular proximal portion 410 and a cross-shaped (e.g., X-shaped, bow-tie-shaped, butterfly-shaped, etc.) distal portion 430. In some embodiments, the tip 400 can be sized and dimensioned so that the major axis 434 is larger than the diameter, width and / or other cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion 410. The proximal portion 410 can connect to the distal portion 430 with a transition portion 414 similar to other tips described herein so as to define a waste suction collection region. Accordingly, the tip 400 can cover a much wider or larger surface area than the size of the handpiece 10. The peripheral lip 432 of the tip 400 can include a rounded profile to assist in more easily gliding or otherwise moving or advancing the tip 400 along the skin of the subject during use. The larger major axis 434 can increase the coverage of the tip 400 (e.g., by reducing the number of passes the tip 400 needs to make relative to the treatment area of the skin to distribute a treatment fluid to the subject). In some embodiments, the peripheral lip 432 can define both an exterior limit of the treated skin surface as well as an interior limit of the treated skin surface. In some embodiments, a desired treatment flow pathway can be defined on both of its sides by the peripheral lip 432.

[0187] With continued reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the tip 400 can include a peripheral lip 432 which defines the area or portion of a targeted skin surface that would receive the treatment fluid in the treatment area on the subject. In some arrangements (e.g., partly because of the overall shape of the tip 400, and unlike one or more other tips disclosed herein), the tip 400 does not require separate protrusions or other internal face features. Insome embodiments, therefore, the use of face features to define a flow path is unnecessary due to the geometry represented by the peripheral lip or other outer member 432 of the tip 400. This can be the case because, for example, the peripheral lip 432 defines both an inner and outer wall for where the treatment fluid can travel. As such, in some embodiments, no internal face features (e.g., protrusions, recesses, etc.) are needed or included (e.g., in order to define or establish flow paths). That said, however, one or more internal face features (e.g., protrusions, recesses or depressions, etc.) can be added to the tip base surface of a tip 400, as desired or required.

[0188] With reference to FIG. 5B, in some embodiments, treatment fluid and / or other materials can be delivered to the distal portion 430 of the tip 400 through one or more fluid inlet ports 450. Once fluid enters the distal portion of the tip through an inlet port 450, it can flow or be transferred to one or more channels or passages in a radially outward direction, as generally represented by F1. Accordingly, fluid and / or other materials can be delivered from a central area of the tip. From there, fluid can be split, divided or otherwise diverted (e.g., as denoted by diversion point D1) in two or more angular and generally opposite directions (e.g., as generally represented by F2), toward sections of the peripheral lip 432 closest to the major axis of the tip 400. In some embodiments, fluid and / or other materials can then be directed in a radially inward direction (e.g., as generally represented by F3) after passing the most-radially outmost point defined by the peripheral lips 432. Finally, according to some embodiments, spent fluid and / or other materials can then be directed in a radially inward direction (e.g., as generally represented by F4) to be removed from the distal portion 430 of the tip 400 via one or more waste or vacuum ports 454. The tip 500 can be configured for use as a hydration, moisturization, and / or nourishment tip, but the tip 500 can also have features which make it more suited for use as an exfoliation tip. The tip can additionally have some features which more align with an exfoliation tip while also having features which more align with a nourishment tip. For example, the tip 400 can include one or more protrusions, recesses or other features having a profile to facilitate exfoliation and abrasion of skin tissue during use (e.g., with or without the use of vacuum to facilitate contact between the tip and targeted skin tissue).

[0189] FIGS. 6A to 6B illustrate different views of an alternative embodiment of a tip 500 configured to be removably secured to, along, or near a distal end 12 of a handpiece10. The embodiment of a tip 500 depicted in FIGS. 6A to 6B has general characteristics which are substantially similar to the embodiment of a tip 100 depicted in FIGS. 2A to 2E herein, except where elaborated. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A to 6B has a generally circular proximal portion 510 and a substantially pill-shaped or elongated circular (e.g., elliptical) distal portion 530. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A to 6B can also be described as having a racetrack-shaped distal portion 530. In some arrangements, the proximal portion 510 and the distal portion 530 are joined (e.g., coupled, connected, etc.) using a slanted portion 514 that angles the distal portion 530 relative to the proximal portion 510. In some embodiments, angling the distal portion 530 can increase and / or otherwise improve the ergonomics of performing a skin treatment with the tip 500 while it is connected to a handpiece 10.

[0190] With continued reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the tip 500 can be configured to exfoliate skin tissue during use. For example, this can be the case due to, at least in part, a sharper transition between the peripheral lip 532 and the area prescribed by the peripheral lip 532 (e.g., the interior border for the area proscribed by the peripheral lip 532 has a sharp or relatively abrupt transition between the distal-most surface and the base surface of the distal portion 530 of the tip). In such configurations, when the tip 500 is moved tangentially across the treatment area, the sharper features assist in abrading the surface of the skin. In some embodiments, the tip 500 can include one or more (e.g., different, additional, etc.) protrusions, recesses or other features having a profile to facilitate exfoliation and abrasion of skin tissue during use (e.g., with or without the use of vacuum to facilitate contact between the tip and targeted skin tissue). In some embodiments, the peripheral lip 532 defines both an exterior limit or extent of the treated skin surface, as well as an interior limit of the treated skin surface. In some embodiments, a desired treatment flow pathway can be defined on both of its sides by the peripheral lip 532.

[0191] As shown, the tip 500 can include a peripheral lip or other outer member 532 that defines the skin area or region that will receive the treatment fluid in the treatment area on the subject. In some embodiments, as noted and shown, the tip 500 does not include any protrusions, recesses or other internal face features. In some arrangements, the use of face features (e.g., to define a flow path, to exfoliate, etc.) is unnecessary due to the geometry represented by the peripheral lip 532 of the tip 500. For example, the peripheral lip 532 candefine both an inner and outer wall along which treatment fluids and / or other treatment materials can travel or be directed. As such, no internal face features are needed to define flow paths. In some embodiments, the tip 500 can include one or more (e.g., different, additional, etc.) protrusions, recesses or other features having a profile to facilitate exfoliation and abrasion of skin tissue during use (e.g., with or without the use of vacuum to facilitate contact between the tip and targeted skin tissue).

[0192] With reference to FIG. 6B, in some embodiments, treatment fluid and / or other materials are delivered to the distal portion 530 of the tip 500 through a fluid inlet port 550. From there, fluid and / or materials can flow to several channels or passages in a radially outward direction, as generally represented by F1 along the surface of the tip. Fluid and / or other materials can then be directed towards sections of the peripheral lip 532 closest to the major axis of the tip 500 (e.g., as generally represented by F2). Spent fluid, exfoliated skin tissue and / or other waste materials can then be directed in a radially inward direction (e.g., as generally represented by F2 and F3) to be removed from the distal portion 530 of the tip 500 via one or more waste or vacuum ports 554. The tip 500 can be configured for use as an exfoliation tip, but the tip 500 can also have features which make it more suited for use as a hydration, moisturization, and / or nourishment tip. The tip can additionally have some features which more align with an exfoliation tip while also having features which more align with a nourishment tip. In some embodiments, the tip 500 can include one or more (e.g., different, additional, etc.) protrusions, recesses or other features having a profile to facilitate exfoliation and abrasion of skin tissue during use (e.g., with or without the use of vacuum to facilitate contact between the tip and targeted skin tissue).

[0193] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate different views of an alternative embodiment of a tip 600 configured to be removably secured to, along, or near a distal end 12 of a handpiece 10. The embodiment of a tip 600 depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B may include features and / or other characteristics that are similar, at least in part, (e.g., substantially similar) to those of other tips disclosed herein.

[0194] As shown, the tip depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B includes a generally circular proximal portion 610 and a substantially pill-shaped or elliptical distal portion 630. In some arrangements, the tip 600 can be described as having a moustache-shaped distal portion 630. The distal portion 630 can be connected to the proximal portion 610 by aconnecting portion 614 similar to other tips described herein so as to define a waste suction collection region. The tip 600 can be suited for exfoliation due to a sharper transition between the peripheral lip 632 and the area prescribed by the peripheral lip 632 such that when the tip 600 is moved (e.g., tangentially) across or along the treatment area, the sharper features can assist in abrading or exfoliating adjacent skin tissue. In some embodiments, the illustrated tip 600 can be configured to remove waste materials more readily away from the tip and the skin surface being treated. Internal face features 640 can assist in directing the treatment fluid along paths which can assist in the removal of particulates collected during the treatment. These exfoliating features can be incorporated in any embodiment of tips.

[0195] With continued reference to FIG. 7B, in some embodiments, treatment fluid and / or other materials are delivered to the distal portion 630 of the tip 600 through one or more fluid inlet ports 650. From there, fluid and / or materials can flow to several channels or passages defined by the internal face features 640 and peripheral lip 632 in a radially outward direction, as generally represented by F1. Fluid and / or other materials can thus be delivered from a generally central area of the tip. From there, fluid can be split or divided (e.g., as denoted by diversion point D1) in two angular and generally opposite directions (e.g., as generally represented by F2) towards sections of the peripheral lip 632 closest to the major axis of the tip 600. Spent fluid and / or other materials will then be directed around an internal face feature 640 to be removed from the distal portion 630 of the tip 600 via one or more waste or vacuum ports 654. The tip 600 can be configured for use as an exfoliation tip, but the tip 600 can also have features which make it more suited for use as a hydration, moisturization, and / or nourishment tip. The tip can additionally have some features which more align with an exfoliation tip while also having features which more align with a nourishment tip. In some embodiments, the tip 600 can include one or more (e.g., different, additional, etc.) protrusions, recesses or other features having a profile to facilitate exfoliation and abrasion of skin tissue during use (e.g., with or without the use of vacuum to facilitate contact between the tip and targeted skin tissue).

[0196] FIGS. 8A to 8B illustrate different views of an alternative embodiment of a tip 700 configured to be removably secured to, along, or near a distal end 12 of a handpiece 10. The embodiment of a tip 700 depicted in FIGS. 8A to 8B has general characteristics which are substantially similar to the embodiment of a tip 100 depicted in FIGS. 2A to 2Eherein, except where elaborated. As such, tip 700 can include a proximal portion 710, an oblong or oval portion 714, and one or more internal face features 740 that are similar or substantially similar to other proximal portions, oblong or oval portions, and internal face features described herein. Features which are beneficial in exfoliation, such as having a sharper transition from the peripheral lip 732 to the area prescribed by the peripheral lip 732, can be incorporated into tip 700. Similarly, features which are beneficial in exfoliation, such as having a rounded transition from the peripheral lip 732 or internal face feature, can be incorporated into tip 700, instead of or in addition to abrasive features.

[0197] With reference to FIG. 8B, in some embodiments, treatment fluid and / or other materials are delivered to the distal portion 730 of the tip 700 through a fluid inlet port 750. From there, fluid and / or materials can flow to several channels or passages in a radially outward direction, as generally represented by F1. Fluid can pass at least partially around one or more internal face features 740 configured to direct fluid flow across the surface of the tip. Finally, spent fluid and / or other materials can then be directed to be removed from the distal portion 730 of the tip 700 via one or more waste or vacuum ports 754. The tip 700 can be configured for use as an exfoliation tip, but the tip 700 can also have features which make it more suited for use as a hydration, moisturization, and / or nourishment tip. The tip can additionally have some features which more align with an exfoliation tip while also having features which more align with a nourishment tip. In some embodiments, the tip 700 can include one or more (e.g., different, additional, etc.) protrusions, recesses or other features having a profile to facilitate exfoliation and abrasion of skin tissue during use (e.g., with or without the use of vacuum to facilitate contact between the tip and targeted skin tissue).

[0198] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate different views of an alternative embodiment of a tip 800 configured to be removably secured to, along, or near a distal end 12 of a handpiece 10. The depicted tip 800 includes one or more general characteristics which are similar, at least in part, to the embodiment of a tip 100 depicted in FIGS. 2A to 2E. As shown, the depicted tip embodiment includes a generally circular proximal portion 810 and a pill-shaped or elliptical distal portion 830. In some embodiments, the distal portion 830 can be a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners. The distal portion 830 can be connected to the proximal portion 810 by a connecting portion 814 similar to other tips described herein so as to define a waste suction collection region. Internal face features 840of the tip 800 can include cylinders (e.g., tapered cylindrical members) that extend perpendicularly from the base surface of the tip. In some arrangements, as shown, the cylinders include domed surfaces along their distal ends. In some embodiments, the cylinders or internal face features 840 can be configured to abrade a skin surface being treated. This can be the case because, for example and without limitation, by the relatively sharp edges or features of such features 840.

[0199] In some embodiments, the tip 800 can further include several distal exterior members 860, which can assist in the efficacy of the treatment fluid applied to the treatment area, and enhance the ability for the fluid to enter the epidermis. The distal exterior members 860 can additionally assist when the tip 800 is used in areas with higher hair density, such as the eyebrows or scalp, by distributing the treatment fluid to the skin in the treatment area, untangling hair before the area proscribed by the peripheral lip applies a treatment fluid to the skin, or otherwise preparing or massaging the skin surface prior to and / or during the treatment of the skin. In areas with denser hair, treatment fluid may be suspended off the skin by adhering to the hair via surface tension, static forces, or other forces. In some instances, passing a tip 800 fitted with distal exterior members 860 across these areas can decrease the likelihood that the fluid is suspended off the skin by hair or other interfering elements.

[0200] With continued reference to FIG. 9B, in some embodiments, treatment fluid and / or other materials are delivered to the distal portion 830 of the tip 800 through one or more fluid inlet ports 850. The illustrated paths followed by the treatment fluid are approximate, and can deviate based on a variety of factors, such as movement of the tip relative to the skin being treated, angle of the tip relative to the skin, the presence of other particulates or obstacles within the area defined by the peripheral lip, or other factors. According to any fluid flow path described herein, the treatment fluid(s) and / or other material(s) can be diverted, transferred, delivered or otherwise provided to a skin surface to treat the skin at any point along the expected treatment fluid path.

[0201] Fluid entering through one more inlet ports or openings 850 can be directed toward one or more of several channels or passages defined by the internal face features 840 and peripheral lip 832 (e.g., in a radially outward direction, as generally represented by F1). Therefore, fluid and / or other materials can be delivered to a generallycentral area of the tip. From there, fluid can be split, divided or otherwise diverted (e.g., as denoted by diversion point D1) in two or more directions (e.g., angular and generally opposite directions) as generally represented by F2 towards sections of the peripheral lip 832 closest to the major axis of the tip 800. Finally, fluid and / or other materials will then be directed to be removed from the distal portion 830 of the tip 800 via one or more waste or vacuum ports 854.

[0202] The illustrated tip 700 can be configured for use as an exfoliation tip, but the tip 700 can also have features which make it more suited for use as a hydration, moisturization, and / or nourishment tip. The tip can additionally have some features which more align with an exfoliation tip while also having features which more align with a nourishment tip. In some embodiments, the tip 700 can include one or more (e.g., different, additional, etc.) protrusions, recesses or other features having a profile to facilitate exfoliation and abrasion of skin tissue during use (e.g., with or without the use of vacuum to facilitate contact between the tip and targeted skin tissue).

[0203] In some embodiments, a tip can incorporate any number of features defined herein within an area prescribed by a peripheral lip, along with features external said area which are also designed to make contact with the treatment area of the subject. Such external features can take the form of other external features disclosed herein, such as the distal exterior members 860 of the embodiment of the tip 800 depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The external features can also take the form of comb-like protrusions to assist in the channeling of hairs, domed surfaces to assist pressing in of treatment fluids to the treatment area, sharper surfaces to assist in abrasion of the skin, rollers to assist in the massaging of the treatment area which may be beneficial in opening the pores, microneedles to perforate the treatment area making it more susceptible to entry by treatment fluids, or members covered in abrasive features. The abrasive features could include any abrasive features disclosed herein.

[0204] The external features can be positioned similarly to the distal exterior members 860 of tip 800, where the external features are arranged immediately surrounding the peripheral lip of the tip along its long axis. The external features could alternatively, or in addition, be positioned elsewhere external the peripheral lip, such as: (1) further separated from the peripheral lip along the major axis; (2) proximal to the peripheral lip along theminor axis; (3) attached to the proximal end of the tip and angled outward towards the distal end; (4) located around the peripheral lip as a second peripheral lip spaced equidistantly with a certain thickness; (5) and / or in other positions, orientations and / or configurations, as desired or required.

[0205] According to some embodiments, as illustrated in the tips of FIGS. 5A to 7B, the tip includes a maximum cross-sectional size at or along its distal end (e.g., the end that is configured to contact skin tissue during a skin treatment procedure) that is at least 3 (e.g., at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10 to 15, values between the foregoing values or ranges, more than 15, etc.) times larger than a maximum cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter) at or along its proximal end (e.g., the end that is configured to secure to a handpiece).

[0206] According to some embodiments, as illustrated in the tips of FIGS. 5A to 7B, the tip includes a maximum cross-sectional size at or along its distal end (e.g., the end that is configured to contact skin tissue during a skin treatment procedure) that is at least 2 (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10 to 15, values between the foregoing values or ranges, more than 15, etc.) times larger than a minimum cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter) at or along its distal end. Therefore, in some embodiments, the distal end of the tip includes an elongated shape. In some embodiments, the distal end of the tip includes an elongated shape while the proximal end includes a circular shape.

[0207] Although several embodiments and examples are disclosed herein, the present application extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the inventions and modifications and equivalents thereof. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

[0208] While the inventions are susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the inventions are not to be limitedto the particular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the inventions are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments described and the appended claims. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. The methods summarized above and set forth in further detail below describe certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, it should be understood that they can also include the instruction of those actions by another party. The methods summarized above and set forth in further detail below describe certain actions taken by a user (e.g., a professional in some instances); however, it should be understood that they can also include the instruction of those actions by another party. Thus, actions such as “moving a handpiece” or “delivering a fluid” include “instructing moving a handpiece” and “instructing delivering a fluid.” The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. Numbers proceeded by a term such as “about” or “approximately” include the recited numbers. For example, “about 10 mm” includes “10 mm.” Terms or phrases preceded by a term such as “substantially” include the recited term or phrase. For example, “substantially parallel” includes “parallel.” Furthermore, reference to abrasion in this application can refer to and / or include microdermabrasion.

[0209] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and / or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include these features, elements and / or states.

[0210] Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0211] While the above detailed description may have shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it may be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and / or changes in the form and details of any particular embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As may be recognized, certain embodiments may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others.

[0212] Additionally, features described in connection with one embodiment can be incorporated into another of the disclosed embodiments, even if not expressly discussed herein, and embodiments having the combination of features still fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, features described above in connection with one embodiment can be used with a different embodiment described herein and the combination still fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0213] It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, or unless clearly incompatible, each embodiment of this disclosure may comprise, additional to its essential features described herein, one or more features as described herein from each other embodiment disclosed herein.

[0214] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0215] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0216] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and / or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added.

[0217] Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0218] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0219] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degree, or otherwise.

[0220] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

[0221] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0222] Reference to any prior art in this description is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor in any country in the world.

[0223] The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the description of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0224] Where, in the foregoing description, reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. In addition, where the term “substantially” or any of its variants have been used as a word of approximation adjacent to a numerical value or range, it is intended toprovide sufficient flexibility in the adjacent numerical value or range that encompasses standard manufacturing tolerances and / or rounding to the next significant figure, whichever is greater.

[0225] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to be defined only by the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A tip configured to be secured to a handpiece of a skin treatment system, the tip comprising: a proximal portion configured to secure to a handpiece; a distal end configured to contact skin tissue, the distal end comprising an outer member extending along a periphery of the tip, wherein the outer member defines an interior area; at least one interior feature extending or positioned on a base, wherein the at least one interior feature is located within the interior area; at least one inlet along the base, wherein treatment fluid is delivered to the interior area through the at least one inlet port; and at least one outlet along the base, wherein spent treatment fluid and other waste materials are removed from the interior area through the at least one outlet; wherein the at least one interior feature is located at least partially between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet; and wherein the at least one interior feature comprises a first curve and at least a second curve, wherein the first curve comprises a different orientation than the second curve.

2. The tip of Claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion creates a plurality of fluid flow channels from the at least one fluid delivery opening to the waste openings along the interior area during use; wherein the fluid flow channels move the treatment fluid from the at least one fluid delivery opening to terminate at the plurality of waste openings; wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 2 times greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion; and wherein the orientation of the first curve is offset 180 degrees or substantially 180 degrees to the orientation of the second curve.

3. The tip of Claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion creates a plurality of fluid flow channels from the at least one fluid delivery opening to the waste openings along the interior area during use; andwherein the fluid flow channels move the treatment fluid from the at least one fluid delivery opening to terminate at the plurality of waste openings 4. The tip of Claim 1, wherein the at least one interior feature comprises a protruding member and / or a recess.

5. The tip of Claim 1, wherein the at least one interior feature is unitarily or monolithically formed with at least one other portion of the tip.

6. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one interior feature is unitarily or monolithically formed with the rest of the tip.

7. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip is rigid or semi-rigid.

8. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip comprises a plastic, a metal, or an alloy.

9. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip is at least partially transparent or translucent.

10. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip is disposable.

11. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the proximal portion comprises a circular shape.

12. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal portion comprises an oval shape.

13. A tip according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the distal portion comprises a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

14. A tip according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the distal portion comprises an elliptical shape.

15. A tip according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein a distal portion comprises a cross or “X” shape.

16. A tip according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein a distal portion comprises an elongated shape.

17. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 2 times greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

18. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 3 times greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

19. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 5 times greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

20. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 3 times greater than a minimum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion.

21. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one interior feature comprises at least a partial “S” shape.

22. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one interior feature resembles a main portion of a question mark symbol.

23. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal portion of the tip resembles a racetrack.

24. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal portion of the tip resembles a moustache.

25. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip is configured to be used on skin surfaces having hair (e.g., scalp, eyebrows, etc.).

26. A tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip is configured to be used on a face of a subject.

27. A tip configured to be secured to a handpiece of a skin treatment system, the tip comprising: a proximal portion configured to secure to a handpiece; a distal end configured to contact skin tissue, the distal end comprising an outer member extending along a periphery of the tip, wherein the outer member defines an interior area; at least one interior feature extending or positioned on a base, wherein the at least one interior feature is located within the interior area; at least one inlet port, wherein treatment fluid is delivered to the interior area through the at least one inlet port; andat least one outlet port, wherein spent treatment fluid and other waste materials are removed from the interior area through the at least one outlet port; wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 2 times greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

28. The tip of Claim 27, wherein the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 5 times greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion.

29. A tip configured to be secured to a handpiece of a skin treatment system, the tip comprising: a proximal portion configured to secure to a handpiece; a distal end configured to contact skin tissue, the distal end comprising an outer member extending along a periphery of the tip, wherein the outer member defines an interior area; at least one interior feature extending or positioned on a base, wherein the at least one interior feature is located within the interior area; at least one inlet port, wherein treatment fluid is delivered to the interior area through the at least one inlet port; and at least one outlet port, wherein spent treatment fluid and other waste materials are removed from the interior area through the at least one outlet port; wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 2 times greater than a minimum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion.

30. The tip of Claim 29, wherein the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is at least 3 times greater than the minimum cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion.

31. A tip configured to be secured to a distal end of a handpiece of a skin treatment system, the tip comprising: a distal portion configured to contact skin and a proximal portion configured with a coupling mechanism to secure to the handpiece; a peripheral lip along the distal end with a shape, the peripheral lip defining an interior area;at least one fluid delivery opening located within the interior area and configured to deliver a treatment fluid to the interior area during use; a plurality of waste openings located within the interior area and configured to remove spent fluid and other debris from the interior area during use; and at least one protrusion extending distally along the interior area with a protrusion height measured distally from the interior area; wherein the at least one protrusion creates a plurality of fluid flow channels from the at least one fluid delivery opening to the waste openings along the interior area during use; and wherein the fluid flow channels move the treatment fluid from the at least one fluid delivery opening to terminate at the plurality of waste openings.

32. The tip of Claim 31, wherein the shape of the peripheral lip is oblong.

33. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 32, wherein the shape of the peripheral lip is pill-shaped or substantially pill-shaped.

34. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 33, wherein the shape of the peripheral lip is cross-shaped.

35. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 34, wherein the protrusion height varies over a length of the at least one protrusion.

36. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 35, wherein a distal most surface of the at least one protrusion is not parallel with a plane defined by a distal most surface of the peripheral lip.

37. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 36, wherein the tip further comprises an at least second protrusion.

38. The tip of Claim 37, wherein the at least second protrusion has a second protrusion height measured distally from the interior area, the second protrusion height being larger than a first protrusion height.

39. The tip of Claim 37 or 38, wherein a distal most surface of the at least one protrusion is not parallel with a distal most surface of the at least second protrusion.

40. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 39, wherein a diameter or cross- sectional dimension of the distal portion of the tip is 30% to 70%, greater than a diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion of the tip.

41. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 40, wherein a diameter or cross- sectional dimension of the distal portion of the tip is 40% to 60%, greater than a diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion of the tip.

42. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 41, wherein a diameter or cross- sectional dimension of the distal portion of the tip is at least 20% greater than a diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion of the tip.

43. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 42, wherein the tip comprises at least two sections, wherein each of the at least two sections comprises at least one of the waste openings.

44. The tip of Claim 43, wherein the tip comprises a total of four sections.

45. The tip of Claim 43 or 44, wherein each of the sections is identical to another section or sections.

46. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 45, wherein each of the waste openings is surrounded on all sides by the at least one protrusion.

47. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 46, wherein the tip comprises one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials.

48. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 47, wherein the tip comprises at least one plastic material.

49. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 48, wherein the tip comprises at least one metal or alloy.

50. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 49, wherein the tip is disposable.

51. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 49, wherein the tip is reusable.

52. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 51, wherein the tip is manufactured as a unitary or monolithic item.

53. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 52, wherein a plane along a distal face of the distal portion of the tip is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the tip and relative to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

54. The tip of Claim 53, wherein an angle of the tip relative to the axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is 10 to 30 degrees.

55. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 54, wherein the tip further includes a distal exterior member which has a distal surface coplanar or substantially coplanar with the distal portion configured to contact skin.

56. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 55, wherein the tip is configured to be used on a subject’s torso.

57. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 56, wherein the spent fluid and other debris received through the plurality of waste openings accumulate in a waste suction collection region.

58. The tip of Claim 57, wherein the spent fluid and other debris in the waste suction collection region is removed from the tip via the handpiece.

59. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 58, wherein the tip further comprises at least one exterior member adjacent the distal portion of the tip located outside the interior area prescribed by the peripheral lip.

60. The tip of Claim 59, wherein the exterior member is configured to contact the skin.

61. The tip of Claim 59, wherein the exterior member is configured to abrade the skin.

62. The tip of Claim 59, wherein the exterior member is configured to nourish the skin.

63. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 62, wherein the tip is configured to abrade the skin.

64. A tip according to any one of Claims 31 to 63, wherein the tip is configured to nourish the skin.

65. A tip configured to be secured to a distal end of a handpiece of a skin treatment system, the tip comprising: a distal portion configured to contact skin and a proximal portion configured to secure to a handpiece; a peripheral lip along the distal end, the peripheral lip defining an interior area;at least one fluid delivery opening located along at or near a central location within the interior area and configured to deliver a treatment fluid to the interior area during use; a plurality of waste openings located within the interior area and configured to remove spent fluid and other debris from the interior area during use; and at least one protrusion extending distally along the interior area, the at least one protrusion forming at least one triangular shape, wherein the at least one triangular shape comprises at least one rounded edge; wherein the at least one triangular shape formed by the at least one protrusion includes a fluid channel that is configured to direct treatment fluid toward into an interior of the at least one triangular shape in a radially inward direction toward a center point of the interior area; and wherein the at least one protrusion extends into an interior of the at least one triangular shape to cause treatment fluid directed through the fluid channel to change direction at least one additional time before being directed to at least one of the waste openings located within an interior of the at least one triangular shape.

66. A skin treatment system comprising: a handpiece configured to be grasped by a user, the handpiece comprising a distal end; and a tip according to any one of Claims 1 to 65, the tip configured to removably secure to the distal end of the handpiece; wherein the tip is configured to receive a treatment fluid from a treatment fluid source.

67. The system of Claim 66, wherein the treatment fluid source comprises a cartridge configured to be secured at least partially to the handpiece.

68. The system of Claim 66 or 67, wherein the treatment fluid source comprises a fluid manifold, wherein the fluid manifold is configured to receive at least two fluid containers.

69. The system of Claim 68, wherein the fluid manifold is included on a separate console or tower, wherein a fluid conduit is configured to fluidly couple the fluid manifold to the handpiece.

70. A method of treating skin, the method comprising: moving a tip according to any one of Claims 1 to 65 along a targeted skin surface; and delivering a treatment fluid to the targeted skin surface.

71. The method of Claim 70, wherein the method comprises at least one of exfoliation and hydration.

72. The method of Claim 70 or 71, wherein the method comprises microdermabrasion.

73. A method according to any one of Claims 70 to 72, wherein the targeted skin surface comprises a face of a subject.

74. A method according to any one of Claims 70 to 72, wherein the targeted skin surface comprises a face of a scalp or other skin surface with hair.

75. A method according to any one of Claims 70 to 72, wherein the targeted skin surface comprises a torso of a subject.

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