Cosmetic Laser Treatment Device and Method for Loacalized Lipodystrophies and Flaccidity

Abstract

A method and device for cosmetic surgery, especially fat reduction and collagen reformation, by means of a high power laser operating at about 980 nm is presented. The cosmetic surgery method substantially reduces or removes localized lipodystrophies, and essentially reduces flaccidity by localized laser heating of adipose tissue using an optical fiber inserted into a treatment area. The method and device are particularly well suited for treating Lipodystrophies with flaccidity High power laser energy is applied to “fat” cells to breakdown the cell walls releasing the cell fluid. The laser radiation is applied through an optical fiber which is held within a catheter-like device having a single lumen. Traditionally difficult fat cells are treated well. Delicate areas are treated safely. A saline solution may also be inserted into the treatment site to aid in the heating of the fat cells and their eventual destruction as well as their removal. The pool of cell fluid in the area of treatment is removed by a combination of techniques including allowing the body to remove it by absorption and drainage from the entry sites thus minimizing trauma to the area of treatment and hastening recovery. Additional techniques to remove the cell fluid include direct force application by means of elastic bandages and external suction applied to the entry sites. Quick and lasting cosmetic changes, even in areas having prior untreatable fat tissues, are achieved while minimizing trauma to the treatment areas.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity and of simultaneous collagen reformation for improving cosmetic appearance of a subject comprising the steps of:
 a. defining an area of treatment on said subject;   b. preparing at least one insertion site in said area for minimally invasive entry;   c. selecting operating parameters for an diode laser, based upon said area of treatment;   d. inserting and positioning a needle-like device comprising a wall defining a central lumen and at least one optical fiber located within the wall defining the central lumen through said area of minimally invasive entry into said area of treatment;   e. applying laser radiation to adipose tissue in said area of treatment to break the cell membranes; and   f. applying post treatment procedures to said area of treatment.   
     
     
         2 . The method of reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 1  wherein said operating parameters of said diode laser are dependent upon said area of treatment, said operating parameters including: power, length of treatment, energy and number of pulses. 
     
     
         3 . The method for reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 1  wherein said liquid is a saline solution. 
     
     
         4 . The method of reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 3  wherein the adipose tissue under treatment reaches a temperature in the range of 75° C.±25° C. 
     
     
         5 . The method of reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 1  wherein said post treatment includes lymphatic drainage, ultrasound, site drainage from the needle entry and constrictive applications. 
     
     
         6 . The method of reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 8  further including the application of external suction. 
     
     
         7 . The method of reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 1  further including removing liquefied cellulites tissues. 
     
     
         8 . The method for reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 1  wherein said diode laser delivers energy from about 5 joules to about 30 joules as predetermined by the area of treatment. 
     
     
         9 . The method of reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 1 , wherein said area of treatment is selected from the areas consisting of interior eyelid, facial, collar, thorax, abdomen, thigh and buttock. 
     
     
         10 . The method of reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 1  wherein positioning of said optical fiber is selected from the group consisting of an emitted marker light, ultrasound, and x-ray. 
     
     
         11 . A device for reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 12  wherein said marker light is red. 
     
     
         12 . A device for reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 1  comprising:
 a. a diode laser having a wavelength of 980 nm for substantial heating of the adipose tissue; 
 b. an optical fiber with a distal tip, said tip having a shape to maximize heating; and 
 c. a catheter for said optical fiber, said catheter including at least one lumen for inputting and outputting fluids therethrough. 
 
     
     
         13 . The device for reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 14  wherein said diode laser is a high power laser having an output of about 15 W. 
     
     
         14 . The device for reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 14  wherein said diode laser is operated in a mode selected from the group consisting of CW and pulsed. 
     
     
         15 . The device for reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 14  wherein an optical fiber of said diode laser has a diameter from about 200 μm to about 1000 μm. 
     
     
         16 . The device for reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 14  further including a means for applying external suction to one or more of the invasive entry points. 
     
     
         17 . The device for reducing localized lipodystrophies and flaccidity according to  claim 14  wherein said laser tip is attached to a catheter-like device having one lumen therein, said laser tip having a plurality of opening therein to allow the inputting and/or outputting of fluid from said area of treatment, an optical fiber mounted within said lumen and having a termination thereon which is secured to the fiber tip.