A method of producing an array of sharp tips including a biocompatible coating, wherein the biocompatible coating is thicker at a sharp end of the sharp tips than at a broader section of the sharp tips, the method including providing an array of sharp tips, and coating the sharp end of the sharp tips differentially from coating the broader section of the sharp tips. A method of treating skin including producing a hollow in the skin by heating and mechanically compressing epidermis while retaining a covering of stratum corneum. A method of treating tissue including heating a tip to a temperature suitable for producing a crater in the tissue, advancing the tip toward the tissue, detecting when the tip comes into contact with the tissue by detecting a change in mechanical resistance to the advancing, and measuring the mechanical resistance to the advancing. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

A method of producing an array of sharp tips including a biocompatible coating, wherein the biocompatible coating is thicker at a sharp end of the sharp tips than at a broader section of the sharp tips, the method including providing an array of sharp tips, and coating the sharp end of the sharp tips differentially from coating the broader section of the sharp tips. A method of treating skin including producing a hollow in the skin by heating and mechanically compressing epidermis while retaining a covering of stratum corneum. A method of treating tissue including heating a tip to a temperature suitable for producing a crater in the tissue, advancing the tip toward the tissue, detecting when the tip comes into contact with the tissue by detecting a change in mechanical resistance to the advancing, and measuring the mechanical resistance to the advancing. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Systems, instruments, and methods for minimally invasive procedures including one or more of fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision are described. Embodiments include instrumentation comprising a scalpet assembly coupled to a carrier, and the scalpet assembly includes a scalpet array. The scalpet array includes one or more scalpets configured for fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision. The system includes a vacuum component coupled to the scalpet assembly and configured to evacuate tissue from the a site. The carrier is configured to control application of a rotational force and/or a vacuum force to the scalpet assembly.

Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for obtaining one or more portions of biological tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts are provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, and a pin provided within the tube can facilitate controlled removal of the micrograft from the tube. Micrografts can be harvested and directly implanted into an overlying biocompatible matrix through coordinated motion of the tube and pin. A needle can be provided around the tube to facilitate a direct implantation of a micrograft into a remote recipient site or matrix. The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such tubes and pins for simultaneous harvesting and/or implanting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue.

Methods, systems, and devices for skin care are provided. Some embodiments may include a device or system for skin care that may include a skin tool head portion, a skin tool head support that may be coupled with the skin tool head portion, and/or a portable microscope connector that may be configured to couple a portable microscope with the skin tool head support. Some embodiments include a device for skin care that may include a spacer configured to couple with a portable microscope. The spacer includes at least one aperture configured to facilitate the use of a skin tool. Some embodiments include a spacer coupled with a compressible structure configured to preclude a skin tool from contacting a portion of skin when in an uncompressed state and to allow the skin tool to contact the portion of skin when in a compressed state.

Systems and methods for treating cellulite including an apparatus that applies or a method involving separating septa to eliminate or reduce the appearance of cellulite. In one approach, an interventional tool is placed between tissue layers to engage and treat septa connecting tissue layers between which fat deposits are contained.

The present invention relates to microclosures and methods for treating microwounds in the skin (e.g., after incising or excising tissue portions from a subject). Exemplary microclosures include a material having at least one dimension of from about 10 um to about 1 mm after application to a microwound. The microclosure maintains a first compressive force when applied to the microwound.

An implant removal device includes a body, a first arm, a second arm, an actuation interface, and an extraction member. The first arm is supported at the body and configured to move relative to the body between a retracted position and a skin gripping position. The second arm is supported at the body and configured to move relative to the body between the retracted position and the skin gripping position. The actuation interface is supported at the body. The actuation interface is configured to receive a first actuation input thereat to cause at least one of the first arm and the second arm to move from the skin gripping position to the retracted position. The extraction member is supported at the body and located between the first arm and the second arm.

A microdermabrasion system includes an applicator tool including a central handle portion with a treatment tip at a distal end of the handle, where the treatment tip includes an abrading surface formed on a front surface of the tip. A proximal end of the elongated handle is coupled to first and second arms, forming an opening in the hand piece through which a user can insert one or more fingers. The handle supports a bottom side of a user's finger while the user grips the handle. In an implementation, the handle includes an indentation for at least one finger. In an implementation, the treatment tip is removable and replaceable.

Embodiments include devices and methods configured to fractionally resect skin and/or fat. Fractional resection is applied as a stand-alone procedure in anatomical areas that are off-limits to conventional plastic surgery due to the poor tradeoff between the visibility of the incisional scar and amount of enhancement obtained. Fractional resection is also applied as an adjunct to established plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction, and is employed to significantly reduce the length of incisions required for a particular application. The shortening of incisions has application in both the aesthetic and reconstructive realms of plastic surgery.