Exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus are provided for resurfacing of skin that includes formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, using a mechanical apparatus, thus avoiding generation of thermal damage as occurs with conventional laser resurfacing procedures and devices. The holes formed can be well-tolerated by the skin, and can exhibit shorter healing times and less swelling than conventional resurfacing procedures. The apparatus includes one or more needles adapted to remove a small portion of tissue when inserted into and withdrawn from the skin. The fractional surface coverage of the holes can be between about 0.1 and 0.7, or between about 0.2 and 0.5. The exemplary method and apparatus can produce cosmetic effects such as increases in collagen content, epidermal thickness, and dermal/epidermal junction undulations in the skin.

A method for laser assisted delivery of therapeutic agents includes selectively controlling a valve connected to a first channel disposed within a first sidewall of a nozzle, applying, through the first channel, a first substance to penetrate dermis to a predetermined depth, and administering, through a second channel unconnected with the valve and disposed within a second sidewall of the nozzle, a second substance to remove debris.

Disclosed are a sonotrode and its use for transdermal delivery of therapeutic or cosmetic compounds. The sonotrode 10 comprises a tubular neck 14 attached at a proximal end to a solid head 12 and ending at a distal end in a flared foot 16. When coupled to an ultrasonic transducer and applied to skin of a human or animal, the sonotrode enhances the delivery of compounds into the skin.

A device for enhancement of visual appearance including a first applicator to be coupled to a first area of a body region, with a first magnetic field generating device and a first radiofrequency electrode, a second applicator to be coupled to a second area of the body region, with a second magnetic field generating device. The device further includes a first energy storage device, a second energy storage device, and a first switching device to discharge energy from the first energy storage device to the first magnetic field generating to generate a first time-varying magnetic field to cause muscle contraction, and a second switching to discharge energy from the second energy storage device to the second magnetic field generating device to generate a second time-varying magnetic field. The first radiofrequency electrode may provide first radiofrequency waves causing heating of tissue within the first area of the body region.

A multifunctional microdermabrasion wand provides to the wand operator the capability to perform microdermabrasion of a skin surface while simultaneously delivering one or more skin treatment serums. The operator can also simultaneously deliver ultrasonic energy through the wand to the skin surface. The operational controls for the multifunctional wand provide for operator control of the quantity delivered of one or more serums. The system also provides operator control of the ultrasonic energy delivered by the wand and a feed back control system to maintain a preset energy delivery level. The wand allows for conducting microdermabrasion, serum infusion and ultrasonic energy delivery to the skin surface in any combination simultaneously as well as serially.

A treatment system can include a channel generation system configured to expose an infected region of a target tissue with a laser beam traveling along an optical axis and focused at a focal volume located in or adjacent to the target tissue. The laser beam can have a wavelength ranging from about 100 nm to about 400 nm. The laser beam can be configured to generate at least a first channel in the infected region. The treatment system can also include a detection system configured to detect a first radiation generated by one or more of (i) the target tissue, (ii) a fungi coupled to the infected region in the target tissue, and (iii) an adjacent tissue located proximal to the target tissue as a result of interaction with the laser beam. The treatment system can also include a delivery system configured to deposit an active treatment agent in the at least first channel.

According to some embodiments, a method of treating a skin surface of a subject comprises heating a skin surface, abrading native skin tissue of a subject using a microdermabrasion device, wherein using the microdermabrasion device comprises moving the microdermabrasion device relative to the skin surface while simultaneously delivering at least one treatment fluid to the skin surface being treated and cooling the abraded skin surface.

Systems and methods for treating a body region are provided herein. A treatment device for treating a body region is provided, and may include a first applicator and a second applicator. The first and second applicators are held on the body region by a belt. The first applicator may include a first magnetic field generating device and a radiofrequency electrode. The second applicator may include a second magnetic field generating device. The first and second magnetic field generating devices may each generate a time-vary magnetic field with a plurality of sequential magnetic impulses to cause muscle contraction in the body region. The radiofrequency electrode may provide radiofrequency waves causing heating of tissue within the body region. The treatment device may further include an energy storage device and a switching device. The switching device my discharge energy from the energy storage device to the first or the second magnetic field generating device to generate the time-vary magnetic field.

A method for laser assisted delivery of therapeutic agents includes selectively controlling a valve connected to a first channel disposed within a first sidewall of a nozzle, applying, through the first channel, a first substance to penetrate dermis to a predetermined depth, and administering, through a second channel unconnected with the valve and disposed within a second sidewall of the nozzle, a second substance to remove debris.

A system and method for treating a tissue is provided. The treatment causes a tightening or lifting of tissue. The method includes delivering a photochemical agent through a depth of the tissue to distribute the photochemical agent adjacent proteins within the tissue and irradiating the tissue with an electromagnetic irradiation at a wavelength that activates the photochemical agent, causing a protein response that brings fibers of the tissue closer together in order to one of reduce tissue laxity and tighten the tissue. A kit is provided to facilitate the method.