Methods and apparatus for delivering low power optical treatments

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed that uses at least one low power optical radiation source in a suitable head which can be held over a treatment area for a substantial period of time or can be moved over the treatment area a number of times during each treatment. The apparatus, a hand held light emitting applicator (LEA) or light emitting skin applicator (LESA), can be in the form of a brush or roller adapted to be moved over the patient's skin surface as radiation is applied to the skin. The skin-contacting surface of the LEA or LESA can have protuberances such as projections or bristles that can massage the skin and deliver radiation. In addition, an apparatus which delivers optical radiation to a treatment area is disclosed that contains a retrofit housing adapted to be joined to a skin-contacting device.

1 . A method for treatment of skin, comprising:
 applying a compressive force to a skin surface with at least one protuberance extending from an applicator, the at least one protuberance shaped to extend at least partially below the skin surface upon application of said compressive force; and   delivering optical radiation to a target area of skin through the at least one protuberance in contact with the skin surface.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the applied compressive force enhances optical radiation delivery to the target area. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein delivering optical radiation comprises activating an optical radiation source in said applicator and coupled to said at least one protuberance. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one protuberance is selected from the group of projections and bristles. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein delivering optical radiation comprises providing radiation at the skin surface with a power density of between approximately 1 mW/cm 2  and approximately 100 W/cm 2 , the radiation depending at least on the condition being treated and the wavelength of the radiation. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein delivering optical radiation comprises providing radiation at the skin surface with a power density of between approximately 10 mW/cm 2  and approximately 10 W/cm 2 , the radiation depending at least on the condition being treated and the wavelength of the radiation. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein delivering optical radiation comprises activating an array of optical radiation sources in said applicator. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said array of optical radiation sources comprises semiconductor radiation-emitting elements. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein each of said sources is mounted to deliver optical radiation through at least one corresponding protuberance. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein delivering optical radiation comprises delivering optical radiation at different wavelengths to effect a desired treatment protocol. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein delivering optical radiation comprises delivering continuous wave radiation. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein delivering optical radiation comprises activating an optical radiation source in said applicator and coupled to said protuberance which comprises at least one source selected from the group consisting of light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, fiber lasers, fiber lasers with laser diode pumping, superluminescent diodes, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, micro halide lamps, low power lamps, wave-guide laser diodes, fluorescence solid-state light sources, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein delivering optical radiation comprises activating an array of identical optical radiation sources in said applicator. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein delivering optical radiation comprises activating an array of different optical radiation sources in said applicator. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising actuating a pressure sensor coupled to said at least one protuberance, the pressure sensor being configured to activate said at least one optical radiation source only when said at least one protuberance is in contact with skin. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising applying the compressive force to the skin surface with a pointed skin contacting surface on at least one protuberance extending from the applicator. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising applying a lotion, drug or topical substance onto the target area of skin. 
   
   
       18 . Apparatus for treatment of skin, comprising:
 an applicator having at least one protuberance comprising a skin-contacting surface, and   at least one optical radiation source coupled to said applicator in a manner so as to, when activated, deliver optical radiation through said skin-contacting surface to skin in contact with said skin-contacting surface;   wherein said at least one protuberance is adapted to abrade or clean said skin as the applicator is moved thereover by removing any of at least a portion of said skin, at least a portion of bacteria, at least a portion of residue, or at least a portion of surface obstructions on said skin.   
   
   
       19 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein said at least one protuberance is adapted to rotate or vibrate. 
   
   
       20 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein said skin contacting surface of said at least one protuberance is pointed. 
   
   
       21 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein said at least one protuberance comprises a microsurface profile adapted to cause trauma to said skin.