In one aspect, methods of laser treatment of skin are described herein. In some embodiments, such a method comprises forming at least one fractional column or region of tissue in skin of a patient, wherein the fractional column has a structure along a z-direction orthogonal to an exterior surface of the skin, and wherein the structure of the fractional column varies along the z-direction in one or more ways. For instance, the structure of the fractional column can vary along the z-direction in one or more of the following ways: angular orientation relative to the exterior surface of the skin; ablated channel width or diameter; coagulation zone thickness; coagulation zone offset in an x-direction or a y-direction perpendicular to the z-direction; coagulation zone intensity; and thermal insult. Moreover, in some cases, the fractional column is defined by a plurality of segments that differ in a manner described above.

A combination of low frequency high amplitude sonic frequency vibrations and high frequency low intensity ultrasonic pressure waves are applied to cosmetic compounds and to the skin to promote improved penetration of the cosmetic compounds into the epidermis. The cosmetic applicator device includes means for generating both sonic frequency vibrations and ultrasonic pressure waves adopted to deliver cosmetic compounds into the epidermis safely without significant temperature rise in the skin. Various removable applicator and skin cleaning attachments are also disclosed, including some with ultrasound waveguide.

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.

In combined methods for treating a patient using time-varying magnetic field, treatment methods combine various approaches for aesthetic treatment. A magnetic field generating device is placed proximate to a body region of the patient. The magnetic field generating device generates a time-varying magnetic field with a magnetic flux density in a range of 0.5 to 7 Tesla. The time-varying magnetic field is applied to the body region of the patient in order to cause a contraction of a muscle within the body region. A second therapy may be used by applying one or more of optical waves, radio frequency waves, mechanical waves, negative or positive pressure or heat to the body region of the patient.

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.

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.

An intracellular delivery system and method are provided. The intracellular delivery system comprises a laser-activated surface and cells positioned at a distance from the laser-activated surface. A laser provided a laser pulse that is used to porate membranes of the cells to deliver or extract cargo from the cells into a liquid surrounding the cells. The method of intracellular delivery comprises positioning a laser-activated surface at a distance from cells and applying a laser pulse from the laser to the surface to porate membranes of the cells to deliver or extract cargo from the cells into a liquid surrounding the cells.

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.

The methods, procedures, kits, and devices described herein assist with the healing process of tissue that was previously or simultaneously treated for a therapeutic or cosmetic effect. The methods, procedures, kits, and devices described herein can also provide temporary simulated results of a cosmetic procedure to allow for visual assessment to select the type of procedure or for treatment planning in advance of the surgical procedure.

In one aspect, a method of tightening skin and/or reducing scar tissue is described herein. The method comprises performing a fractional laser ablation in a treatment area of the skin, thereby removing a column of the skin and forming a columnar vacancy in the skin, the columnar vacancy having a perimeter defined by a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side and the second side each comprising an epidermal layer, a dermal layer, and a subcutaneous layer of skin. The first side of the columnar vacancy is contacted to the second side of the columnar vacancy, thereby closing the columnar vacancy.