PDT treatment method for cellulites and cosmetic use

Abstract

A photosensitizer mixture and a method of treating cellulites by means of a percutaneous application of the mixture into the area of cellulite buildup followed by light illumination are presented. The photosensitizer can be combined with one or more cellular products including adipose cells and/or collagen that have been previously removed by liposuction. This mixture can also include other compounds such as Lipofundin MCT 10% to improve the photosensitizer's diffusion or to dilute it Varying concentrations are used depending on the area of treatment as well as the stage of the cellulites and whether the cellulites present a depressed area in the skin or an elevated area. The cosmetic treatment method substantially reduces or removes localized lipodystrophies and/or flaccidity and/or cellulite by localized laser, LED or other light irradiation of the area of treatment having a photosensitizer applied therein. The light energy is applied to destroy the “fat” cells by a combination of chemical reactions, primarily, and temperature wherein the cell walls break releasing the cell fluid. The light radiation is generally applied through devices to guide the radiation to the area of treatment. One or more light sources such as laser diodes or LEDs may be coupled into one or more optical fibers to increase the area of coverage as well as increase the amount of radiation in that area of coverage. Optical fibers can be introduced percutaneously or possibly interstitially into the area of treatment. Cell fluid in the area of treatment is removed by a combination of techniques. Quick and lasting cosmetic changes in areas having prior untreatable cellulite fat tissues are achieved while minimizing trauma.

1 . A method of reducing unwanted cellulite in selective areas of an organism comprising the steps of: 
 a. identifying said selective areas to be treated;    b. administering at least one photosensitizer to said organism;    c. allowing a sufficient time for said photosensitizer to accumulate in cellulite of the selective area of treatment; and    d. selectively activating by light said photosensitizer in said selective areas to reduce/eliminate cellulite.    
   
   
       2 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 1 , wherein said photosensitizer has an affinity to phospholipids and cell membranes but is substantially not soluble in triglycerides.  
   
   
       3 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 1  further including before step b, a step of mixing said photosensitizer into a mixture of cellular tissues from said organism.  
   
   
       4 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 3  wherein said cellular tissues are selected from the group consisting of adipose cells, and collagen.  
   
   
       5 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 4  wherein a treatment fluid comprising said photosensitizer and said cellular tissues mixed in a ratio of about 1 part to 5 parts by volume.  
   
   
       6 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 4  wherein a volume of said treatment fluid administered to said selective area is adjusted according to whether said cellulite is in a depressed area of the skin or an elevated area on the skin.  
   
   
       7 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 1  wherein said administering step is by local application to the areas to be treated.  
   
   
       8 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 1  wherein said selectively activating is by means of electromagnetic radiation, wherein said electromagnetic radiation includes a wavelength matching at least one peak within said photosensitizer's absorption spectrum, and wherein said electromagnetic radiation is emitted by a light source selected from the group consisting of diode lasers, LEDs, and one or more lamps with filters.  
   
   
       9 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 8  wherein said radiation is applied by means of at least one optical fiber.  
   
   
       10 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 9  wherein said optical fiber has an output tip having a diffusing device thereon.  
   
   
       11 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 1  wherein said cellulite is adipose tissue accumulated in pockets under the skin of said organism forming depressed and elevated areas.  
   
   
       12 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 11  wherein adipose tissue is white adipose tissue.  
   
   
       13 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 1  wherein said cellulite are adipocytes.  
   
   
       14 . The method of reducing unwanted cellulite according to  claim 1  wherein said identifying step comprises the use of thermography to determine the stage of cellulites.  
   
   
       15 . A photosensitizer mixture for treating cellulite tissue comprising: 
 a hydrophobic photosensitizer; and    a carrier.    
   
   
       16 . The photosensitizer mixture according to  claim 15 , wherein said photosensitizer has an affinity to phospholipids and cell membranes but is substantially not soluble in triglycerides.  
   
   
       17 . The photosensitizer mixture according to  claim 16 , wherein said photosensitizer is Temoporfin (mTHPC).  
   
   
       18 . The photosensitizer mixture according to  claim 17  wherein in said Temoporfin is present within liposomes.  
   
   
       19 . The photosensitizer mixture according to  claim 15  further comprising a material selected from the group consisting of Lipofundin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen/adipose previously removed by liposuction.  
   
   
       20 . The photosensitizer mixture according to  claim 19 , wherein said material and said photosensitizer are present in a ratio of about 5 parts to 1 part by volume, respectively.