RF DEVICE FOR SKIN AND FAT TREATMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to a radio-frequency (RF) device for non-ablative treatment of skin and subcutaneous fat using applicator with multiple RF delivering elements.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a face applicator comprising a face securing member configured to secure said face applicator to at least one cheek of a subject; and radio-frequency (RF) elements coupled to said face applicator and coupled to an RF generator; and impedance and temperature measurement sensors coupled to said RF generator.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said face securing member comprises symmetrical portions for securing said face applicator to both cheeks of the subject.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said RF elements comprise a central electrode which has a polarity and side electrodes which have a polarity opposite to said polarity of said central electrode.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein a treatment area of said central electrode is identical to a total treatment area of said side electrodes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In the accompanying drawings:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of one example of applicator applied to the patient face.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the applicator with multiple elements.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of one example of single element having three RF electrodes.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of one example of single element having two RF electrodes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Referring first to FIG. 1, an applicator 11 is applied to the patient face and secured with belt 12. The applicator 11 is connected to an RF generator 13 through a cable or belt 14. The belt 14 may be made from an elastic material and can be adjusted for an individual patient. RF generator 13 supplies RF energy to each element in applicator 11 and processes the feedback from impedance and temperature measurements. The treatment attendant can set individual parameters for each patient or treatment zone. In addition to or instead of facial applicator 11, other applicators designed for different treatment area can be connected to the device. Another symmetrical applicator may be connected to the opposite side of the face and also connected to the RF generator 13.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows the facial applicator comprising four identical RF elements 21, 22, 23, 24 delivering RF energy to the treated skin area. Each element has three RF electrodes 25, 26, 27, wherein central electrode 26 has one polarity and side electrodes 25, 27 have opposite polarity. Each element is isolated electrically from other elements.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows schematically one element 31 having three RF electrodes 32, 33, 34. Central RF electrode 33 has one polarity while side electrodes 32 and 34 have opposite polarity. RF current 35 flows from the central electrode to the side electrodes and RF energy penetration depth depends on the size of the electrodes and the distance between them. The area of central electrode 33 may be similar to the total area of both side electrodes 32, 34.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 4, an alternative element assembly 41 is shown, wherein RF current 44 flows between two electrodes 42, 43. RF energy distribution in the tissue depends on the size of the electrodes and the distance between them. A larger distance between the electrodes causes a deeper RF energy penetration into the tissue.

[0027] Non-limiting parameters for the device are as follows:

[0028] 1. RF peak voltage applied to the tissue in the range of 10 V up to 1000 V

[0029] 2. RF frequency in the range of 100 kHz up to 40 MHz

[0030] 3. Number of elements in applicator depends on treatment area and can be varied from 2 to 20 elements.

[0031] 4. Each element may have an area of 1 cm.sup.2 to 7 cm.sup.2 for treatment of small zones as the face or neck and 6 cm.sup.2 to 30 cm.sup.2 for large body areas.

[0032] 5. Temperature sensor may be embedded into each element to control maximal tissue heating to be in the range of 40° C. to 50° C. (without limitation) according to user setting.

[0033] 6. RF energy is controlled according to feedback from temperature sensor and impedance measurements. If measured parameters are out of an acceptable range, the RF energy is terminated.