Method and kit for treatment of tissue

Abstract

Methods for creating a desired tissue effect. An RF electrode is provided that includes a conductive portion. The RF electrode is coupled to a fluid delivery member that delivers a cooling fluidic medium to a back surface of the RF electrode. A dielectric is positioned on a skin surface. The RF electrode is coupled with the dielectric. RF energy is delivered from the RF electrode and the dielectric to the skin surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for creating a desired tissue effect using an RF electrode that includes a conductive portion, the method comprising:
 positioning a dielectric on a skin surface;   coupling the RF electrode on the dielectric; and   delivering RF energy from the conductive portion of the RF electrode to tissue beneath a skin surface by capacitive coupling through the dielectric and into the skin surface.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the RF electrode is positioned on the dielectric. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the RF electrode is coupled to a support structure. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the RF energy is delivered to the tissue without creating substantial necrosis at the skin surface. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 cooling a back surface of the RF electrode.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 supplying an atomizing delivery of a cooling fluidic medium to the back surface of the RF electrode.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 evaporatively cooling the back surface of the RF electrode with a cooling fluidic medium; and   conductively cooling the skin surface in contact with the dielectric.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the desired tissue effect is selected from the group consisting of skin remodeling, skin resurfacing, wrinkle removal, treatment of the sebaceous glands, treatment of hair follicles, treatment of adipose tissue, treatment of acne, and treatment of spider veins. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 creating a reverse thermal gradient on at least a portion of the skin surface, the reverse thermal gradient cooling the skin surface while heating the tissue, wherein a temperature of the skin surface is lower than a temperature of the tissue.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 creating a reverse thermal gradient through at least a portion of the skin surface where a temperature of the skin surface is lower than collagen in the tissue.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein delivering RF energy comprises:
 directing RF energy through the skin surface to the tissue for a sufficient time to induce a change in collagen in the tissue while minimizing cellular necrosis at the skin surface to create the desired tissue effect.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive portion of the RF electrode includes a metal.