Methods and devices for manipulating subdermal fat

Abstract

The present invention features methods of manipulating subdermal fat in a treatment area. Such methods include inserting a needle (e.g., a micro-coring needle) through the dermis to the subdermal fat layer in order to excise a portion of tissue from the treatment area. These insertions result in a portion of the dermis and a portion of subdermal fat to enter into the needle. Removal of the needle results in excision of the portion of dermis and subdermal fat that entered into the needle.

1 . A method of manipulating subdermal fat in a treatment area, said method comprising:
 a. inserting a first needle into the dermis of said treatment area followed by   b. removing said needle from said treatment area, wherein:   said needle comprises a hollow tip and an elongated hollow shaft, said hollow tip is inserted to a depth that results in contact between said hollow tip and said subdermal fat, and said removal of said needle results in the excision of dermis and/or subdermal fat from said treatment area.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said needle is vibrated or rotated after insertion and prior to removal from said treatment area. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  or  2 , further comprising the application of a suction force to said needle while said tip is in contact with said subdermal fat, wherein said suction force results in subdermal fat being drawn into said needle. 
     
     
         4 . The method of any of  claims 1 - 3 , wherein a suction force is applied to said treatment area after the removal of said needle, wherein said suction force results in subdermal fat being extruded from said treatment area. 
     
     
         5 . The method of any of  claims 1 - 4 , further comprising mobilizing said subdermal fat in said treatment area prior to said insertion of a needle. 
     
     
         6 . The method of any of  claims 1 - 5  further comprising mobilizing said subdermal fat in said treatment area after said removal of said needle from said treatment area. 
     
     
         7 . The method of any of  claims 1 - 6 , further comprising mobilizing said subdermal fat in said treatment area while said needle is inserted into said treatment area. 
     
     
         8 . The method of any of  claims 5 - 7 , wherein said mobilizing of said subdermal fat comprises introduction of a chemical agent that denatures fat cells in said subdermal fat. 
     
     
         9 . The method of any of  claims 5 - 7 , wherein said mobilizing of said subdermal fat comprises application of ultrasound. 
     
     
         10 . The method of any of  claims 5 - 7 , wherein said mobilizing of said subdermal fat comprises heating, cooling, or repeated cycles of heating or cooling of said subdermal fat. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said heating or cooling of said subdermal fat comprises heating or cooling said needle and/or applying or removing heat from outside the dermis. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  or  11 , wherein said heating or cooling of said subdermal fat comprises heating or cooling said treatment area in the immediate proximity of the needle. 
     
     
         13 . The method of any of  claims 5 - 7 , wherein said mobilizing of said subdermal fat comprises mechanically manipulating said subdermal fat. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said mechanical manipulation is selected from the group consisting of applying pressure from outside the dermis or directly contacting the subdermal fat with a disruption tool. 
     
     
         15 . The method of any of  claims 5 - 7 , wherein said mobilizing of said subdermal fat comprises the application of tumescent anesthesia. 
     
     
         16 . The method of any of  claims 1 - 15 , further comprising repeating steps a. and b. at locations throughout said treatment area. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein steps a. and b. are repeated at between 5 and 100 locations per square centimeter of said treatment area. 
     
     
         18 . The method of any of  claims 1 - 17 , wherein said needle is between 16 and 32 gauge. 
     
     
         19 . The method of any of  claims 1 - 18 , wherein the areal fraction of skin removed is between 5% and 80%. 
     
     
         20 . The method of any of  claims 1 - 19 , where the treatment area is between 1 cm 2  and 50 cm 2 . 
     
     
         21 . The method of any of  claims 1 - 20 , wherein said treatment area comprises cellulite. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising severing septae in the subdermal fat of said treatment area. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein said severing of said septae comprises
 i. deploying a wire comprising a bend into and through said needle such that said bend exits from said tip; and   ii. rotating said wire such that the end of said wire which has exited said tip contacts and severs said septae;   wherein said wire is deployed while said needle tip is in contact with said subdermal fat.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein a suction force is applied to said needle after said insertion but prior to said deploying of said wire. 
     
     
         25 . The methods of any of  claims 1 - 24 , wherein said needle is a micro-coring needle. 
     
     
         26 . The methods of any of  claims 1 - 25 , wherein said needle comprises a smooth hollow lumen free of protuberances or barbs. 
     
     
         27 . The methods of any of  claims 1 - 26 , wherein said method further comprises inserting a second needle into said dermis proximate to said first needle. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein, when inserted, said second needle and said first needle are less than 1 cm, 5 mm, or 1 mm apart. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27  or  28 , wherein said second need is heated, cooled, vibrated, or rotated to mobilize said subdermal fat. 
     
     
         30 . The method of any of  claims 27 - 29 , wherein a chemical agent introduced into said second needle to disrupt said subdermal fat. 
     
     
         31 . The method of any one of  claims 27 - 30 , wherein a liquid is injected into said treatment area via said second needle at a pressure sufficient to force fat through said first needle. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said liquid is a solution of saline in water.