Beauty treatment device, beauty treatment method, and method for making beautiful skin

Abstract

A beauty treatment device comprises: a first electrode (1) that is provided with a non-conductive film (11) on a surface thereof, wherein the non-conductive film is brought into contact with a skin surface (51) of a person being treated; an electrode (2a) that is electrically insulated from the first electrode and that is brought into contact with the skin surface of the person being treated; a third electrode (2b) that is insulated from a second electrode and that is brought into contact with the skin surface of the person being treated; and a power supply unit (3) that applies a first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode and that applies a second high-frequency voltage between the second electrode and the third electrode.

Description

Cosmetic treatment device, cosmetic treatment method, and method for creating beautiful skin

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beauty treatment device, a beauty treatment method, and a method for creating beautiful skin.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a high frequency cosmetic treatment device.

[0003] Patent No. 6212608

[0004] It is skin beauty.

[0005] By way of example, the following solution is provided:

[0006] [1] A beauty treatment device comprising: a first electrode having a non-conductive film on its surface, the non-conductive film being in contact with the skin surface of a person to be treated; a second electrode insulated from the first electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated; a third electrode insulated from the second electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated; and a power supply unit that applies a first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode and applies a second high-frequency voltage between the second electrode and the third electrode.

[0007] [2] The beauty treatment device described in [1], wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are arranged so that by applying the second high-frequency voltage to the second electrode and the third electrode, the area of ​​the skin of the treatment recipient surrounding the first electrode is heated.

[0008] [3] The beauty processing device according to [1] or [2], wherein the second electrode is disposed around the first electrode via a first insulating portion, and the third electrode is disposed around the second electrode via a second insulating portion.

[0009] [4] The beauty processing device according to [3], wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode have a common center position.

[0010] [5] The beauty treatment device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the surface of the first electrode that contacts the skin surface of the treatment recipient is generally circular or generally annular.

[0011] [6] The beauty treatment device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the surface of the second electrode that contacts the skin surface of the treatment recipient is approximately annular, and the surface of the third electrode that contacts the skin surface of the treatment recipient is approximately annular.

[0012] [7] The beauty treatment device described in [1] or [2], wherein the surface of the first electrode that contacts the skin surface of the treatment recipient is approximately circular or approximately annular with a predetermined point as its center, the surface of the second electrode that contacts the skin surface of the treatment recipient is approximately annular with the predetermined point as its center, and the surface of the third electrode that contacts the skin surface of the treatment recipient is approximately annular with the predetermined point as its center.

[0013] [8] The beauty treatment device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the power supply unit applies the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode after the first electrode comes into contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated.

[0014] [9] The beauty treatment device described in any one of [1] to [8], wherein the power supply unit applies the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode after the second electrode and the third electrode come into contact with the skin surface of the treatment recipient.

[0015]

[10] The beauty treatment device according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the power supply unit stops applying the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode when the second electrode and the third electrode are separated from the skin surface of the treatment recipient.

[0016]

[11] The beauty treatment device according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising a means for detecting a value of a current flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode, wherein the power supply unit controls the timing of applying the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode according to the value of the current.

[0017]

[12] The beauty processing device according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising a means for detecting a resistance value between the second electrode and the third electrode, wherein the power supply unit controls the timing of applying the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode in accordance with the resistance value.

[0018]

[13] The beauty treatment device according to any one of [1] to

[12] , further comprising means for detecting a value of a current flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode, wherein the power supply unit controls the amplitude or the on / off duty ratio of the first high-frequency voltage applied to the first electrode in accordance with the value of the current.

[0019]

[14] The beauty processing device according to any one of [1] to

[12] , further comprising a means for detecting a resistance value between the second electrode and the third electrode, wherein the power supply unit controls the amplitude or the on / off duty ratio of the first high-frequency voltage applied to the first electrode in accordance with the resistance value.

[0020]

[15] The beauty treatment device according to any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein the first electrode is convex toward the skin surface.

[0021]

[16] A cosmetic treatment method comprising the steps of applying a first high-frequency voltage to a first electrode having a non-conductive film on a surface and the non-conductive film in contact with the skin surface of a person to be treated, and applying a second high-frequency voltage between a second electrode insulated from the first electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated, and a third electrode insulated from the second electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated.

[0022]

[17] The cosmetic treatment method according to

[16] , wherein the first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so as to heat subcutaneous tissue of the skin of the recipient.

[0023]

[18] The cosmetic treatment method described in

[16] , wherein the first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so as to heat the subcutaneous tissue and SMAS fascia of the skin of the subject.

[0024]

[19] A cosmetic treatment method according to any one of

[16] to

[18] , wherein the first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the recipient is heated by dielectric heating, and the second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that a high-frequency current flows through the skin of the recipient between the second electrode and the third electrode, thereby heating the skin of the recipient.

[0025]

[20] The cosmetic treatment method according to any one of

[16] to

[19] , wherein the step is carried out at least once a week.

[0026]

[21] A cosmetic treatment method according to any one of

[16] to

[20] , wherein the first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the recipient is heated to a predetermined temperature up to a first depth, and the second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that the skin of the recipient is heated to the predetermined temperature up to a second depth, and the first depth is deeper than the second depth.

[0027]

[22] A method for creating beautiful skin, comprising the steps of applying a first high-frequency voltage to a first electrode having a non-conductive film on a surface and the non-conductive film in contact with the skin surface of a person to be treated, and applying a second high-frequency voltage between a second electrode insulated from the first electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated, and a third electrode insulated from the second electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated.

[0028]

[23] A beauty treatment device comprising: a first heating means configured to heat the skin of a recipient to a predetermined temperature up to a first depth; and a second heating means configured to heat the skin of the recipient to the predetermined temperature up to a second depth, wherein the first depth is greater than the second depth.

[0029]

[24] The beauty treatment device described in

[23] , wherein the first heating means heats a first area of ​​the skin of the recipient by dielectric heating, the second heating means heats a second area of ​​the skin of the recipient by conductive heating, and the shortest distance between the first area and the second area is 3 cm or less.

[0030]

[25] The beauty treatment device described in

[23] or

[24] , wherein the first heating means heats the first depth and the second heating means heats the second depth so as to increase the density of the collagen fiber network in the practitioner's subcutaneous tissue.

[0031]

[26] The beauty treatment device described in

[23] or

[24] , wherein the first heating means heats the first depth and the second heating means heats the second depth so as to improve the support force for the skin within the practitioner's SMAS fascia.

[0032]

[27] The beauty treatment device according to any one of

[23] to

[26] , wherein the first heating means has a first electrode, the second heating means has a second electrode and a third electrode, a first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the person to be treated is heated by dielectric heating, and a second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that a high-frequency current flows through the skin of the person to be treated between the second electrode and the third electrode, thereby heating the skin of the person to be treated.

[0033]

[28] A cosmetic treatment method comprising: a first step of heating the skin of a recipient to a predetermined temperature up to a first depth; and a second step of heating the skin of the recipient to the predetermined temperature up to a second depth, wherein the first depth is deeper than the second depth.

[0034]

[0035] Skin beauty can be achieved.

[0036] 1 is a functional block diagram of a beauty processing device according to a first embodiment; a schematic perspective view of the beauty processing device; a schematic view of the beauty processing device from below; a cross-sectional view schematically showing the beauty processing device being applied to the skin 50 of a treatment recipient and in use; a diagram showing experimental results; a diagram showing experimental results; a schematic cross-sectional view of a unipolar electrode 1; a schematic cross-sectional view of a unipolar electrode 1; a schematic view of a beauty processing device according to a first modified example, viewed from below; a schematic view of a beauty processing device according to a second modified example, viewed from below; a schematic view of a beauty processing device according to a third modified example, viewed from below; a schematic view of a beauty processing device according to a fourth modified example, viewed from below; a schematic view of a beauty processing device according to a fifth modified example, viewed from below; a schematic view of a beauty processing device according to a sixth modified example, viewed from below; a schematic view of a beauty processing device according to a seventh modified example, viewed from below; a schematic view of a beauty processing device according to an eighth modified example, viewed from below; a schematic view of a beauty processing device according to a ninth modified example, viewed from below; a schematic view of a beauty processing device according to a tenth modified example, viewed from below; a functional block diagram of a beauty processing device according to a second embodiment;

[0037] The present inventors have invented a beauty treatment device comprising a first heating means configured to heat the skin of a recipient to a predetermined temperature up to a first depth, and a second heating means configured to heat the skin of the recipient to the predetermined temperature up to a second depth, the first depth being deeper than the second depth. The present inventors have also invented a beauty treatment method comprising a first step of heating the skin of the recipient to a predetermined temperature up to a first depth, and a second step of heating the skin of the recipient to the predetermined temperature up to a second depth, the first depth being deeper than the second depth. These devices and methods can achieve skin beauty.

[0038] Preferably, the first heating means or the first step heats a first region of the skin of the recipient by dielectric heating, and the second heating means or the second step heats a second region of the skin of the recipient by conductive heating, and the shortest distance between the first region and the second region is close to each other, e.g., 3 cm or less.

[0039] By doing so, heating can be performed efficiently from the first depth to the second depth.

[0040] Furthermore, it is desirable to heat the first depth using the first heating means or the first step, and heat the second depth using the second heating means or the second step, so as to increase the density of the collagen fiber network in the subcutaneous tissue of the subject.

[0041] This increases the density of the collagen fiber network and improves skin sagging.

[0042] Furthermore, it is desirable to heat the first depth using the first heating means or the first step, and heat the second depth using the second heating means or the second step, so as to improve the support force for the skin within the subject's SMAS fascia.

[0043] This increases the amount of water in the SMAS fascia, improving the skin's support, thereby improving sagging skin.

[0044] As a specific example, the first heating means has a first electrode, the second heating means has a second electrode and a third electrode, a first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the patient is heated by dielectric heating, and a second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that a high-frequency current flows through the skin of the patient between the second electrode and the third electrode, heating the skin of the patient.

[0045] However, heating may be performed by a high-frequency electrical signal, or may be performed by alternating current stimulation (medium frequency, high frequency), focused ultrasound (HIFU), a heater, or electromagnetic waves. Specific examples of the first heating means (first step) and the second heating means (second step) may each be heating using a bipolar electrode, a unipolar electrode, or a monopolar electrode.

[0046] The heating in the first step and the heating in the second step may be performed by a single device or by separate devices (e.g., a home device and a medical device). Furthermore, the heating at the first depth and the heating at the second depth may be performed simultaneously or at different times. In the latter case, for example, one device may apply low power to heat the second depth and high power to heat the first depth at a different time.

[0047] Hereinafter, more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0048] (First embodiment) Fig. 1A is a functional block diagram of a beauty treatment device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1B is a schematic perspective view of the beauty treatment device. Fig. 1C is a schematic view of the beauty treatment device viewed from below. Fig. 1D is a cross-sectional view showing the beauty treatment device in use after being applied to skin 50 of a recipient. In Fig. 1D, the portion of skin 50 to be heated is indicated by diagonal lines.

[0049] This beauty treatment device is primarily for home use and is intended for use, for example, once, twice, three times, four times, five times, or six times a week, or daily. The beauty treatment device includes a unipolar electrode 1 (first electrode), a pair of first bipolar electrode 2 a (second electrode) and second bipolar electrode 2 b (third electrode), and a power supply unit 3.

[0050] A non-conductive film 11 is provided on the surface (tip) of the unipolar electrode 1. As an example, the material of the unipolar electrode 1 is aluminum, and the surface is anodized to form the non-conductive film 11 of aluminum oxide. The non-conductive film 11 is then brought into contact with the skin surface 51 of the patient.

[0051] The first bipolar electrode 2a is insulated from the unipolar electrode 1 by an insulating part such as an insulator or an air layer. The second bipolar electrode 2b is insulated from the first bipolar electrode 2a by an insulating part such as an insulator or an air layer (not shown). For efficient heating, the distance between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b is preferably 1 to 3 mm. The bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b are then brought into contact with the skin surface 51 of the patient.

[0052] The power supply unit 3 applies a high-frequency voltage (first high-frequency voltage) to the unipolar electrode 1. More specifically, the power supply unit 3 applies the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 so that the skin 50 of the treatment recipient is heated by dielectric heating. The frequency preferably complies with the standards defined by the ISM band (International Telecommunication Union), specifically 13.56 MHz, 27 MHz, 12 MHz, or 40.68 MHz. The peak-to-peak value of the voltage is, for example, 100 V, but may be higher. Furthermore, if the cosmetic treatment device is for home use, the output is, for example, less than 50 W, which does not require application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and can be used at home by anyone other than a doctor.

[0053] The power supply unit 3 applies a high-frequency voltage (second high-frequency voltage) between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b. More specifically, the power supply unit 3 applies the high-frequency voltage so that a high-frequency current flows through the skin 50 of the recipient between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b, heating the skin 50 (particularly the epidermis 52 and dermis 53 shown in FIG. 1D ) by conductive heating. The frequency of the high-frequency voltage is, for example, approximately 10 kHz to 6 MHz. The peak-to-peak value of the voltage is, for example, 100 V. For home use, the output power is preferably less than 50 W for the reasons described above.

[0054] There are no limitations on the waveform of the applied high frequency voltage, but it may be, for example, a sine wave or a square wave having a predetermined on / off duty ratio.

[0055] In addition to the dielectric heating by the unipolar electrode 1 and the conductive heating by the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b, the unipolar electrode 1 and the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b themselves are in contact with the skin 50 through which current flows, and are heated by the effect of electrical heating, so that the skin 50 is also heated by this heating.

[0056] Power supply unit 3 may be supplied with power from a commercial power source, a primary battery, or a secondary battery. Power supply unit 3 applies a high-frequency voltage to unipolar electrode 1 and bipolar electrodes 2 a, 2 b in response to the subject turning on a switch (not shown) provided on the housing of the cosmetic treatment device, and stops applying the high-frequency voltage to unipolar electrode 1 and bipolar electrodes 2 a, 2 b in response to the subject turning off the switch (not shown).

[0057] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1D, a deep position of the skin 50 can be heated by dielectric heating caused by applying a high frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 .

[0058] For example, the power supply unit 3 preferably applies a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 so as to heat the subcutaneous tissue 54 of the skin 50. The subcutaneous tissue 54 contains collagen. Therefore, heating the subcutaneous tissue 54 increases the density of the collagen fiber network present in the adipose tissue. For example, applying the method to facial skin improves facial sagging.

[0059] Furthermore, it is more preferable that the power supply unit 3 applies a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 so as to heat the SMAS fascia 55 located between the subcutaneous tissue 54 and the muscle (not shown). The SMAS fascia 55 also contains collagen. Therefore, by heating the SMAS fascia 55, the amount of moisture in the SMAS fascia 55 increases, improving the skin's supportive power. For example, by applying the present invention to facial skin, sagging of the face is improved.

[0060] On the other hand, conductive heating caused by applying a high-frequency voltage between the bipolar electrodes 2 a and 2 b can heat a shallow portion of the skin 50. This heats the epidermis 52 and dermis 53 of the skin 50, promoting fibroblast activation and collagen production, and improving wrinkles, sagging, and firmness of the skin 50.

[0061] The inventors conducted an experiment in which a prototype of the cosmetic treatment device was applied to agar simulating skin 50. The results are shown in Figures 2A and 2B (Figure 2B is a grayscale version of the color image of Figure 2A). When high-frequency voltages of 500 kHz and 2.5 MHz were applied to bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b, the depths of the skin heated to 40 degrees were 1.87 mm and 2.14 mm, respectively, which correspond to the epidermis 52 and dermis 53 of skin 50. On the other hand, when high-frequency voltages of 40.68 MHz were applied to unipolar electrode 1, the depths of the skin heated to 40 degrees were 4.08 mm, which corresponds to the SMAS fascia 55 of skin 50.

[0062] In this way, it is effective to apply a high-frequency voltage to the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b so that the skin 50 of the patient is heated to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 40 degrees) to a certain depth, and to apply a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 so that the skin 50 of the patient is heated to an even deeper position to the predetermined temperature (e.g., 40 degrees).

[0063] The shape and arrangement of each electrode may be arbitrary, but specific examples are described below. The shape of the surface of the unipolar electrode 1 that contacts the skin surface 51 of the patient may be, for example, approximately circular, approximately annular, or approximately rectangular. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A, the surface of the unipolar electrode 1 that contacts the skin surface 51 of the patient may be flat. Alternatively, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3B, the surface of the unipolar electrode 1 that contacts the skin surface 51 of the patient may be convex. If the surface is convex, the protruding portion of the unipolar electrode 1 first contacts the skin surface 51, followed by the remaining portion. This makes it easier for the patient to notice that the unipolar electrode 1 is contacting the skin 50.

[0064] The shape of the surfaces of the bipolar electrodes 2a, 2b that contact the skin surface 51 of the patient is, for example, approximately circular or rectangular. It is desirable that the distance between the first bipolar electrode 2a and the second bipolar electrode 2b be constant. More specifically, it is desirable that the distance between any point on the edge of the first bipolar electrode 2a that faces the second bipolar electrode 2b and the second bipolar electrode 2b be constant. This allows current to flow evenly between the bipolar electrodes 2a, 2b.

[0065] Furthermore, the positional relationship between the unipolar electrode 1 and the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b is preferably such that the first bipolar electrode 2a is disposed around the unipolar electrode 1, and the second bipolar electrode 2b is disposed around the first bipolar electrode 2a. This arrangement allows the skin 50 to be heated more efficiently. Note that "around the unipolar electrode 1" does not necessarily mean surrounding the entire periphery of the unipolar electrode 1, but may also mean surrounding a portion of it. The same applies to "around the first bipolar electrode 2a."

[0066] As a more specific example of the arrangement, the unipolar electrode 1 and the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b may have a common central position, and this central position may be the center of the unipolar electrode 1. As shown in Fig. 1C, when the surface of the unipolar electrode 1 that contacts the skin surface 51 of the practitioner is roughly circular (or roughly torus-shaped), and the surfaces of the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that contact the skin surface 51 of the practitioner are also roughly torus-shaped, these may have a common central position.

[0067] As shown in Figure 1D, the surface of unipolar electrode 1 that contacts skin surface 51 and the surfaces of bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that contact skin surface 51 may be on the same plane, or one of them may protrude toward skin surface 51.

[0068] The shape and position of each electrode may be modified as appropriate. For example, the modifications shown in Figures 4A to 4J (all of which are schematic views from below) are possible. In each figure, first bipolar electrodes 2a1, 2a2, etc. (sometimes referred to as "first bipolar electrodes 2a") designated by reference numerals including "2a" are electrically connected to each other, and second bipolar electrodes 2b1, 2b2, etc. (sometimes referred to as "second bipolar electrodes 2b") designated by reference numerals including "2b" are electrically connected to each other. A high-frequency current flows through the practitioner's skin 50 between the first bipolar electrode 2a and the second bipolar electrode 2b, causing it to heat. The heated portion is indicated by diagonal lines.

[0069] As shown in these figures, there may be a plurality of first bipolar electrodes 2a and a plurality of second bipolar electrodes 2b (in other words, the first bipolar electrode 2a may be divided into two or more, and the second bipolar electrode 2b may be divided into two or more). The number of first bipolar electrodes 2a and the number of second bipolar electrodes 2b may be equal (e.g., FIGS. 4A to 4F, 4H to 4J), or may be different (e.g., FIG. 4G). The shape of the unipolar electrode 1 is not limited to a circle or annulus, but may be a polygon such as a triangle, a rectangle, or a hexagon (e.g., FIG. 4C), a sphere, or the like.

[0070] The shape of the bipolar electrodes 2a, 2b may be a circle (e.g., FIG. 4D), a shape formed by connecting two arcs having a common center position and central angle (a so-called Baumkuchen shape, e.g., FIGS. 4A and 4B), a polygon such as a triangle (e.g., FIG. 4C, 4G to 4J), a polygon with rounded corners (e.g., FIG. 4F), a teardrop shape (e.g., FIG. 4E), or the like.

[0071] Furthermore, for efficient conductive heating, it is preferable that the distance between adjacent first and second bipolar electrodes 2a, 2b be approximately 1 to 3 mm. When adjacent first and second bipolar electrodes 2a, 2b are parallel (e.g., FIGS. 4F, 4G, 4I, and 4J), the area between the bipolar electrodes 2a, 2b is uniformly heated. On the other hand, when the bipolar electrodes 2a, 2b have curved surfaces (e.g., FIGS. 4A, 4B, 3D, and 3E) or are non-parallel (e.g., FIGS. 4C and 4H), current flows intensively at the close-spaced locations between the bipolar electrodes 2a, 2b, causing heating.

[0072] The area heated by the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b is mainly the area between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b (the area indicated by diagonal lines in each drawing, due to conductive heating).

[0073] The unipolar electrode 1 and the bipolar electrodes 2a, 2b are preferably positioned so that a high-frequency voltage is applied to the bipolar electrodes 2a, 2b to heat the area of ​​the practitioner's skin 50 surrounding the unipolar electrode 1. The reason for this is that heating the area around the unipolar electrode 1 with the bipolar electrodes 2a, 2b heats the epidermis 52 and dermis 53 of the skin 50, and by combining this with dielectric heating by the unipolar electrode 1, the overall heating efficiency of the skin 50 is improved from shallow areas (epidermis 52 and dermis 53) to deep areas (subcutaneous tissue 54 and SMAS fascia 55).

[0074] However, the unipolar electrode 1 does not have to be surrounded 360 degrees by the area of ​​the patient's skin 50 that is heated by the high-frequency current flowing through the patient's skin 50 between the bipolar electrodes 2 a and 2 b. It is desirable that the unipolar electrode 1 be surrounded to an extent that improves heating efficiency.

[0075] When there are multiple first bipolar electrodes 2a, the positional relationship between one first bipolar electrode 2a and another first bipolar electrode 2a may be point-symmetric with respect to (the center of) the unipolar electrode 1 (e.g., FIGS. 4B, 4D, 4G to 4J). The same applies when there are multiple second bipolar electrodes 2b. Alternatively, the positional relationship between one first bipolar electrode 2a and one second bipolar electrode 2b may be point-symmetric with respect to (the center of) the unipolar electrode 1 (e.g., FIGS. 4A, 4C, 4E, and 4F). Furthermore, the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b may be line-symmetric with respect to a predetermined line passing through (the center of) the unipolar electrode 1 (e.g., FIGS. 4A to 4J).

[0076] As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to conductive heating from the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b, dielectric heating from the unipolar electrode 1 is performed, so that deeper parts of the skin 50 can be heated, improving the cosmetic effect.

[0077] Second Embodiment In the beauty treatment device described in the first embodiment, it is desirable to apply high-frequency voltage from the power supply unit 3 after the unipolar electrode 1 is securely in contact with the skin surface 51. This is because if high-frequency voltage is applied when only a portion of the unipolar electrode 1 is in contact with the skin surface 51, the contact area between the unipolar electrode 1 and the skin surface 51 is small, and sparks may occur. The second embodiment described below is intended to prevent such sparks from occurring.

[0078] 5 is a functional block diagram of a beauty treatment device according to a second embodiment. The unipolar electrode 1 and bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b may be the same as those in the first embodiment. The power supply unit 3 in this embodiment includes a detection unit 31.

[0079] The detection unit 31 detects contact between the unipolar electrode 1 and the skin surface 51. Then, the power supply unit 3 applies a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 according to the detection result. As a specific example, the power supply unit 3 applies the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 after the unipolar electrode 1 contacts the skin surface 51. Furthermore, the power supply unit 3 stops applying the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 when the unipolar electrode 1 moves away from the skin surface 51.

[0080] When the surface of the unipolar electrode 1 that contacts the skin surface 51 and the surfaces of the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that contact the skin surface 51 are substantially flush with each other, when the unipolar electrode 1 contacts the skin surface 51, the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b also contact the skin surface 51. Therefore, the detection unit 31 may detect that the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b have contacted the skin surface 51. Then, the power supply unit 3 may apply a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 after the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b have contacted the skin surface 51.

[0081] Alternatively, the unipolar electrode 1 may be convex (FIG. 3B) and may come into contact with the skin surface 51 before the bipolar electrodes 2 a and 2 b. Then, after the detection unit 31 detects that the bipolar electrodes 2 a and 2 b have come into contact with the skin surface 51, a high-frequency voltage may be applied to the unipolar electrode 1.

[0082] More specifically, when the unipolar electrode 1 contacts the skin surface 51, the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b also contact the skin surface 51, and the skin surface 51 is interposed between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b. Therefore, when the unipolar electrode 1 contacts the skin surface 51, the resistance between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b is smaller than when the unipolar electrode 1 does not contact the skin surface 51.

[0083] Therefore, the power supply unit 3 controls the timing of applying the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 according to the detected resistance value. More specifically, when the resistance value falls below a threshold value, the power supply unit 3 applies the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1, assuming that the unipolar electrode 1 is in contact with the skin surface 51.

[0084] Furthermore, the resistance value between the bipolar electrodes 2 a and 2 b increases when the unipolar electrode 1 moves away from the skin surface 51. Therefore, if the detected resistance value exceeds a threshold value while the high-frequency voltage is being applied to the unipolar electrode 1, it is determined that the unipolar electrode 1 has moved away from the skin surface 51, and the power supply unit 3 stops applying the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1.

[0085] From another perspective, when the unipolar electrode 1 contacts the skin surface 51, the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b also contact the skin surface 51, and a current flows through the skin surface 51 between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b. Therefore, when the unipolar electrode 1 contacts the skin surface 51, the value of the current flowing between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b becomes larger than when the unipolar electrode 1 does not contact the skin surface 51.

[0086] Therefore, the power supply unit 3 controls the timing of applying the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 according to the detected current value. More specifically, when the current value exceeds a threshold value, the power supply unit 3 applies the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 assuming that the unipolar electrode 1 is in contact with the skin surface 51.

[0087] Furthermore, the value of the current flowing between the bipolar electrodes 2 a and 2 b decreases when the unipolar electrode 1 moves away from the skin surface 51. Therefore, when the detected current value falls below the threshold while the high-frequency voltage is being applied to the unipolar electrode 1, it is determined that the unipolar electrode 1 has moved away from the skin surface 51, and the power supply unit 3 stops applying the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1.

[0088] In this manner, in this embodiment, a high-frequency voltage is applied to the unipolar electrode 1 after the unipolar electrode 1 comes into contact with the skin surface 51, thereby improving safety.

[0089] In the second embodiment described above, in order to improve safety, the detection unit 31 is provided to control the timing of applying the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 in accordance with the resistance value between the bipolar electrodes 2 a and 2 b and the current flowing between the bipolar electrodes 2 a and 2 b. However, the detection unit 31 may be provided for another purpose, and control may be performed in accordance with the detection results.

[0090] For example, power supply unit 3 may control the amplitude and / or on / off duty ratio of the high-frequency voltage applied to unipolar electrode 1 in accordance with the detected resistance value. More specifically, since a high resistance value makes it difficult for current to flow to skin 50, it is desirable for power supply unit 3 to increase the amplitude and / or increase the on / off duty ratio (lengthen the on period) as the detected resistance value increases.

[0091] As another example, the power supply unit 3 may control the amplitude and / or on / off duty ratio of the high frequency voltage applied to the unipolar electrode 1 in accordance with the detected current value. More specifically, it is desirable that the power supply unit 3 increase the amplitude and / or increase the on / off duty ratio (lengthen the on period) as the detected current value increases, in order to pass a larger current when the current value is low.

[0092] Based on the above description, a person skilled in the art may be able to conceive additional effects and various modifications of the present invention, but the aspects of the present invention are not limited to the individual embodiments described above. For example, inventions that extract only a part of each embodiment or inventions that combine multiple embodiments are naturally envisioned. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention, which can be derived from the content defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0093] For example, what is described in this specification as a single device (or component, the same applies hereinafter) (including what is depicted as a single device in the drawings) may be realized by multiple devices. Conversely, what is described in this specification as multiple devices (including what is depicted as multiple devices in the drawings) may be realized by a single device. Alternatively, some or all of the means or functions included in one device may be included in another device.

[0094] Furthermore, not all of the features described in this specification are essential requirements. In particular, features described in this specification but not included in the claims can be considered optional additional features.

[0095] It should be noted that the applicant is merely aware of the inventions disclosed in the documents listed in the "Prior Art Documents" section of this specification, and the present invention does not necessarily aim to solve the problems of the disclosed inventions. The problem that the present invention aims to solve should be determined by taking into consideration the entire specification. For example, if this specification states that a specific configuration achieves a certain effect, it can also be said that the present invention solves a problem that is the reverse of that effect. However, it is not necessarily intended that such a specific configuration be an essential requirement.

[0096] 1 Unipolar electrode 2a, 2a1 to 2a5, 2b, 2b1 to 2b6 Bipolar electrode 3 Power supply unit 31 Detection unit 50 Skin 51 Skin surface 52 Epidermis 53 Dermis 54 Subcutaneous tissue 55 SMAS fascia

Claims

1. A beauty treatment device comprising: a first electrode provided with a non-conductive film on its surface, the non-conductive film being brought into contact with the skin surface of the subject; a second electrode insulated from the first electrode and brought into contact with the skin surface of the subject; a third electrode insulated from the second electrode and brought into contact with the skin surface of the subject; and a power supply unit for applying a first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode and a second high-frequency voltage between the second electrode and the third electrode.

2. The beauty treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are arranged such that a region of the skin of the subject surrounding the first electrode is heated by applying the second high-frequency voltage to the second electrode and the third electrode.

3. The beauty treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second electrode is arranged around the first electrode via a first insulating portion, and the third electrode is arranged around the second electrode via a second insulating portion.

4. The beauty treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode have a common center position.

5. The beauty treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the surface of the first electrode that contacts the skin surface of the subject is substantially circular or substantially annular.

6. The beauty treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the surface of the second electrode that contacts the skin surface of the subject is substantially annular, and the surface of the third electrode that contacts the skin surface of the subject is substantially annular.

7. The beauty treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface of the first electrode that contacts the skin surface of the subject is substantially circular or substantially annular centered on a predetermined point, the surface of the second electrode that contacts the skin surface of the subject is substantially annular centered on the predetermined point, and the surface of the third electrode that contacts the skin surface of the subject is substantially annular centered on the predetermined point.

8. The beauty treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the power supply unit applies the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode after the first electrode comes into contact with the skin surface of the subject.

9. The beauty treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power supply unit applies the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode after the second electrode and the third electrode come into contact with the skin surface of the subject.

10. The beauty treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power supply unit stops applying the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode when the second electrode and the third electrode are separated from the skin surface of the subject.

11. The beauty treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising means for detecting a current value flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode, wherein the power supply unit controls a timing for applying the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode according to the current value.

12. The beauty treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising means for detecting a resistance value between the second electrode and the third electrode, wherein the power supply unit controls a timing for applying the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode according to the resistance value.

13. The beauty treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising means for detecting a current value flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode, wherein the power supply unit controls an amplitude of the first high-frequency voltage or an on / off duty ratio applied to the first electrode according to the current value.

14. The beauty treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising means for detecting a resistance value between the second electrode and the third electrode, wherein the power supply unit controls an amplitude of the first high-frequency voltage or an on / off duty ratio applied to the first electrode according to the resistance value.

15. The beauty treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first electrode is convex toward the skin surface.

16. A beauty treatment method, comprising a step of applying a first high-frequency voltage to a first electrode provided with a non-conductive film on its surface when the non-conductive film comes into contact with the skin surface of the subject, and applying a second high-frequency voltage between a second electrode insulated from the first electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the subject and a third electrode insulated from the second electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the subject.

17. The beauty treatment method according to claim 16, wherein the first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the subcutaneous tissue of the skin of the subject is heated.

18. The beauty treatment method according to claim 16, wherein the first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the subcutaneous tissue and the SMAS fascia of the skin of the subject are heated.

19. The first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the subject is heated by dielectric heating, and a high-frequency current flows through the skin of the subject between the second electrode and the third electrode so that the skin of the subject is heated. The beauty treatment method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode.

20. The beauty treatment method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the step is performed one or more times a week.

21. The first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the subject is heated to a predetermined temperature to a first depth, and the second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that the skin of the subject is heated to the predetermined temperature to a second depth. The beauty treatment method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the first depth is deeper than the second depth.

22. A method for creating beautiful skin, comprising a step of applying a first high-frequency voltage to a first electrode provided with a non-conductive film on its surface and in contact with the skin surface of the subject, and insulating the first electrode and applying a second high-frequency voltage between a second electrode in contact with the skin surface of the subject and a third electrode in contact with the skin surface of the subject and insulated from the second electrode.

23. A beauty treatment apparatus comprising: a first heating means configured to heat the skin of the subject to a predetermined temperature to a first depth; and a second heating means configured to heat the skin of the subject to the predetermined temperature to a second depth, wherein the first depth is deeper than the second depth.

24. The first heating means heats a first region of the skin of the subject by dielectric heating, the second heating means heats a second region of the skin of the subject by conductive heating, and the shortest distance between the first region and the second region is 3 cm or less. The beauty treatment apparatus according to claim 23.

25. The first heating means heats the first depth and the second heating means heats the second depth so as to improve the density of the collagen fiber network in the subcutaneous tissue of the subject. The beauty treatment apparatus according to claim 23 or 24.

26. The first heating means heats the first depth and the second heating means heats the second depth so as to improve the force supporting the skin in the SMAS fascia of the subject. The beauty treatment apparatus according to claim 23 or 24.

27. The first heating means has a first electrode, the second heating means has a second electrode and a third electrode, a first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the subject is heated by dielectric heating, and a second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that a high-frequency current flows through the skin of the subject between the second electrode and the third electrode and the skin of the subject is heated. The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 26.

28. A beauty treatment method comprising: a first step of heating the skin of the subject to a predetermined temperature to a first depth; and a second step of heating the skin of the subject to the predetermined temperature to a second depth, wherein the first depth is deeper than the second depth.

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