Dissection handpiece and method for reducing the appearance of cellulite

Abstract

A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of treating tissue, comprising:
 positioning a handpiece over a first area of target tissue,
 wherein the target tissue comprises epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers, 
 wherein the handpiece comprises a cavity and a tool aperture, wherein the tool aperture defines a tool pivot point; 
   applying a force to the handpiece to move a portion of the target tissue into the cavity to dispose at least a portion of the subcutaneous layer of the target tissue in the cavity;   inserting a distal end of a tool through the tool aperture, through the epidermal and dermal layers, and into the subcutaneous layer; and,   moving a proximal portion of the tool longitudinally and laterally, thereby pivoting the tool about the tool pivot point and thereby moving the distal end of the tool longitudinally and laterally, thereby treating tissue,   wherein movement of the proximal end of the tool in a longitudinal direction causes the distal end of the tool to move in the same longitudinal direction, and   wherein moving the proximal end of the tool in a lateral direction causes the distal end of the tool to move in an opposite lateral direction.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the application of the force to the handpiece to move the first area of the target tissue into the cavity comprises applying vacuum pressure. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the tool comprises a cutting blade. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the longitudinal and lateral movement of the distal end of the tool severs fibrous septae within the target tissue. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the longitudinal and lateral movement of the distal end of the tool is defined by an interaction between the proximal end of the tool and a guidance track. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the guidance track is operably connected to the handpiece and comprises a predetermined path, and wherein the predetermined path allows movement of the distal end of the tool in a plane substantially parallel to a tissue apposition surface that defines a top of the cavity of the handpiece. 
     
     
         8 . A method of treating tissue, comprising:
 positioning a handpiece over a first area of target tissue,
 wherein the target tissue comprises epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers, 
 wherein the handpiece comprises a cavity and a tool aperture, wherein the tool aperture defines a tool pivot point; 
   applying a force to the handpiece to move a portion of the target tissue into the cavity to dispose at least a portion of the target tissue in the cavity;   inserting a distal end of a tool through the tool aperture, through the epidermal and dermal layers, and into the subcutaneous layer; and,   moving a proximal portion of the tool longitudinally and laterally, thereby pivoting the tool about the tool pivot point and thereby moving the distal end of the tool longitudinally and laterally through the target tissue positioned within the cavity, thereby treating tissue.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the tool comprises a needle. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the treatment of the target tissue comprises administering a liquid to the target tissue. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising treating at least an additional region of target tissue. 
     
     
         12 . A method of treating tissue, comprising:
 positioning a handpiece over a first area of target tissue comprising epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers,
 wherein the handpiece comprises a cavity, a tissue apposition surface, and a tool aperture, wherein the tool aperture defines a tool pivot point; 
   applying a force to the handpiece to move at least a portion of the target tissue into the cavity and contacting the epidermis with the tissue apposition surface;   inserting a distal end of a tool through the tool aperture and into the target tissue; and,   moving a proximal portion of the tool, thereby pivoting the tool about the tool pivot point and thereby moving the distal end of the tool and treating the target tissue by disrupting fibrous septae in the target tissue.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the fibrous septae are within the subcutaneous layer of the target tissue. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the tool comprises a cutting blade. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the cutting blade reciprocates. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the reciprocation of the cutting blade is driven by a motor module. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the distal end of the tool moves in a plane that is parallel to at least a portion of the tissue apposition surface. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the tool aperture is positioned on the handpiece to allow the tool to be inserted into the target tissue at a depth of between 4 mm and 20 mm below the dermis. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the target tissue is anesthetized prior to inserting the distal end of the tool into the target tissue. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein movement of the proximal end of the tool in a longitudinal direction causes the distal end of the tool to move in the same longitudinal direction, and wherein moving the proximal end of the tool in a lateral direction causes the distal end of the tool to move in an opposite lateral direction. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein treatment of the tissue reduces the appearance of cellulite.