Laser Acne Treatment Targeting the Infundibulum to Limit Recurrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acne treatment methods temporarily improve symptoms but frequently recur due to underlying structural damage in sebaceous follicles, and they often require complex treatments based on the stage of acne progression.
Innovation Solution
A method using a therapeutic laser light to denature the infundibulum beneath the acne, inducing necrosis and remodeling the damaged sebaceous follicle structure, which includes irradiating therapeutic light with specific parameters to penetrate 200 μm to 500 μm deep, using wavelengths with high water absorption to minimize stratum corneum damage and deliver energy to underlying tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional treatment methods (manual extraction, medications, laser irradiation) are used to treat acne symptoms, then short-term symptom improvement is achieved, but acne lesions continuously reoccur in a short cycle due to underlying structural damage in sebaceous follicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the damaged infundibulum structure from the sebaceous follicle through controlled necrosis induced by laser irradiation. By selectively eliminating the compromised portion of the follicle structure, the treatment addresses the root cause of recurrence rather than just treating surface symptoms, thereby extending the duration of treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of laser irradiation (wavelength, power output, spot size, penetration depth) to achieve controlled necrosis of the infundibulum while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. This precise parameter control enables fundamental structural modification of the sebaceous follicle, delaying recurrence compared to conventional treatments.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If laser irradiation is used to eliminate inflammatory bacteria associated with acne, then bacterial reduction is achieved, but the treatment does not address underlying structural damage and requires repeated sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the laser treatment multi-functional by simultaneously achieving three objectives: eliminating inflammatory bacteria, inducing controlled necrosis of the infundibulum, and stimulating collagen production for skin remodeling. This consolidation of multiple treatment goals into a single protocol reduces overall treatment complexity while addressing both bacterial and structural aspects of acne.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges antibacterial treatment, structural remodeling, and aesthetic improvement into a single integrated laser therapy protocol. By combining these functions that were previously separate treatments into one unified approach, the system simplifies the treatment protocol while comprehensively addressing acne pathogenesis.
3Length of stationary object
If therapeutic light penetrates deep into skin tissues to reach the infundibulum (200-500 μm depth), then effective treatment of underlying structures is achieved, but energy delivery must be precisely controlled to avoid damaging the skin surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using laser wavelengths that are selectively absorbed by water in the deep dermal tissues where the infundibulum is located, while the epidermis with lower water content absorbs less energy. This creates a localized energy deposition pattern that targets the deep structures needing treatment while sparing the skin surface from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses water as an intermediary medium that mediates energy transfer from the laser to the target infundibulum structure. The water in the deep dermal tissues absorbs the laser energy and converts it to thermal energy, which then induces controlled necrosis of the infundibulum without requiring the laser to directly interact with the skin surface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Comprehensively treats acne lesions, minimizes recurrence by remodeling the infundibulum, and achieves aesthetic improvements in surrounding skin tissues while allowing quick recovery without damaging the skin surface.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a therapeutic light through the handpiece to denature some tissues beneath the acne
Implementation Method 2
the therapeutic light may have a wavelength having a water absorption of 100 cm−1 or more
Implementation Method 3
a laser having a wavelength of 1800 nm to 2000 nm may be used as the therapeutic light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for treating acne using a laser, and the method includes: positioning a handpiece on a skin surface where the acne is located; and irradiating a therapeutic light through the handpiece to denature some tissues beneath the acne.