Method for cosmetic skin smoothening and device therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for cosmetic skin smoothening wherein two magnetic fields are generated perpendicular to each other and wherein the field strength of a quasi-static magnetic field or the frequency of an alternating magnetic field is modulated.

Claims

1. A method for cosmetic skin smoothening comprising the steps of: generating, by a first side part or a second side part of a device, a quasi-static magnetic field in a zone of a skin area to be smoothened, wherein the quasi-static magnetic field is generated by a first coil or a second coil respectively arranged in the first and second side parts, with each side part having an angular cross section for accommodating a head of a patient, and wherein generating the quasi-static magnetic field includes generating a magnetic field with field lines that extend from one of the side parts to the other one of the side parts, at least in portions thereof, simultaneously generating, by a base of the device, an alternating magnetic field in the zone of the skin area to be smoothened, wherein the alternating magnetic field is generated perpendicular to said quasi-static magnetic field, at least in portions thereof, by a third coil arranged in the base, and wherein the first and the second side parts extend from sides of the base to form a module, modulating a field strength of the quasi-static magnetic field or a frequency of the alternating magnetic field, wherein modulating the field strength of the quasi-static magnetic field or the frequency of the alternating magnetic field causes a fast adiabatic passage in a tissue to be treated, wherein the modulation frequency is selected so that magnetization is at least 60% of a maximum magnetization in the tissue to be treated, and wherein a cream is applied during the generation of the quasi-static magnetic field and the alternating magnetic field, which cream comprises hyaluronic acid.

2. The method for cosmetic skin smoothening according to claim 1, wherein the field strength of the quasi-static magnetic field or the frequency of the alternating magnetic field is modulated with a modulation frequency f.sub.M, wherein said modulation frequency f.sub.M is less than 100 Hz.

3. The method for cosmetic skin smoothening according to claim 1, wherein a modulation frequency f.sub.M is set between 0.1 Hz and 100 Hz.

4. The method for cosmetic skin smoothening according to claim 1, wherein the field strength of the quasi-static magnetic field is set to be less than 50 gauss.

5. The method for cosmetic skin smoothening according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of the alternating magnetic field is less than 100 kHz.

6. The method for cosmetic skin smoothening according to claim 1, wherein at least two different modulation frequencies are used during treatment.

7. The method for cosmetic skin smoothening according to claim 1, wherein the modulation of the field strength of the quasi-static magnetic field is by at least 5% of an amplitude of a minimum field strength of the quasi-static magnetic field.

8. The method for cosmetic skin smoothening according to claim 1, wherein the modulation of the frequency of the alternating magnetic field is by at least 5% of a minimum frequency of the alternating magnetic field.

9. The method for cosmetic skin smoothening according to claim 1, wherein the modulation of the field strength of the quasi-static magnetic field is by at least twice of the magnetic field strength of a terrestrial magnetic field.

10. The method for cosmetic skin smoothening according to claim 1, wherein a duration of treatment is from 1 to 150 min.

11. A device for cosmetic skin treatment, comprising: a first side part arranged with a first coil and a second side part arranged with a second coil for generating a quasi-static magnetic field, with each side part having an angular cross section for accommodating a head of a patient; a base arranged with a third coil for generating an alternating magnetic field; wherein the first and second side parts extend from sides of the base to form a module, wherein the alternating magnetic field is generated generally perpendicular to the quasi-static magnetic field, at least in portions thereof; wherein a field strength of the quasi-static magnetic field can be modulated with a modulation frequency f.sub.M; wherein the field strength of the quasi-static magnetic field causes a fast adiabatic passage in the tissue to be treated; wherein the modulation frequency is selected so that magnetization is at least 60% of a maximum magnetization in a tissue to be treated; wherein one cycle of rising and declining of the field strength of the quasi-magnetic field corresponds to 1/f.sub.M; wherein generating the quasi-static magnetic field includes generating a magnetic field with field lines that extend from one of the side parts to the other one of the side parts, at least in portions thereof; and wherein the device comprises means for setting a sequence of at least two different discrete modulation frequencies with a spacing of at least 5 Hz.

12. The device for cosmetic skin treatment according to claim 11, wherein the device opens opposite the base.

13. The device for cosmetic skin treatment according to claim 12, wherein the device comprises an adjustable chair.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings of FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 which show schematically illustrated embodiments of the invention.

(2) FIG. 1 schematically shows the field strengths of the two magnetic fields in an embodiment in which the quasi-static magnetic field is modulated;

(3) FIG. 2 schematically shows the salient components of a device for generating nuclear magnetic resonances;

(4) FIG. 3 schematically shows an arrangement comprising a device for generating nuclear magnetic resonances;

(5) FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically show an alternative device for generating nuclear magnetic resonances;

(6) FIG. 6 shows the device for generating nuclear magnetic resonances as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, mounted to a treatment chair;

(7) FIG. 7 shows the process of magnetization in the tissue to be treated;

(8) FIG. 8 shows the behavior of the static magnetic field and the frequency of the alternating magnetic field of an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the frequency of the alternating magnetic field is modulated;

(9) FIG. 9 shows another alternative device for generating nuclear magnetic resonances.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(10) In FIG. 1, the upper graph shows the static magnetic field plotted against time, and the lower graph shows the alternating magnetic field plotted against time.

(11) It can be seen that the field strength of the quasi-static magnetic field 1 comprises a basic amount which is indicated by the dotted line. Beyond the basic amount, the magnetic field strength of the quasi-static magnetic field 1 is modulated with a triangular signal, resulting in a linear rise and decline of the field. A complete pass, that is to say a rise followed by a decline to the amplitude of the basic amount, corresponds to 1 f.sub.M.

(12) To obtain a fast adiabatic passage, an alternating magnetic field is switched on during each drop of the static magnetic field. The field strength of the alternating magnetic field 2 which in the present embodiment is a sinusoidal field (not shown) does not change substantially. Rather, due to switching on and off essentially a square wave signal is provided. Other signal patterns are contemplated as well.

(13) During the decline of the field strength of the quasi-static field 1 nuclear magnetic resonance is generated in the tissue to be treated.

(14) With reference to FIG. 2, the salient components of a first device 3 for generating nuclear magnetic resonances shall be described.

(15) The device comprises means 6 for generating a quasi-static field which in this embodiment include permanent magnets and a coil (not illustrated). In this case, the permanent magnet may generate the basic field whereas the coil provides for the modulation of the field strength.

(16) The means 6 for generating the quasi-static field generates a field as homogenous as possible within the treatment zone 7 in the direction of the y-axis.

(17) Furthermore, the device 3 for cosmetic skin smoothening comprises coils 4 and 5 which can be used to generate an alternating magnetic field in the direction of the x-axis.

(18) Thus, the alternating magnetic field is superimposed on the quasi-static magnetic field and is perpendicular thereto which allows nuclear magnetic resonances to be produced in the tissue to be treated.

(19) FIG. 3 schematically shows a device 3 for generating nuclear magnetic resonances. The device comprises an annular tube 9 which includes the coils illustrated in FIG. 2.

(20) The means for generating the quasi-static field is not explicitly illustrated in this exemplary embodiment.

(21) A treatment zone 7 is arranged within annular tube 9. During treatment, the client (not shown) rests upon a couch 8, which extends through annular tube 9.

(22) The device moreover comprises a control means 10 which serves to control the coils (not shown) provided in the annular tube. The control means 10 on the one hand comprises a selection switch 11 to easily select different modulation frequencies.

(23) Additionally, the control means 10 of this exemplary embodiment comprises a card reader 12. The card reader 12 allows treatment frequencies and other relevant parameters that are stored on a chip or magnetic card to be read and so, likewise, to be easily selected by the client.

(24) FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a device 3 for generating nuclear magnetic resonances which is especially suitable for cosmetic purposes in this embodiment.

(25) The device 3 comprises a base 15 which for example serves as a rest for the client's head.

(26) Two side parts 14 extend from base 15.

(27) Side parts 14 have a curved shape, in a front view, and an approximately circle segment-shaped or U-shaped cross section.

(28) Furthermore, the two side parts 14 form a frame and so each have a recess 16.

(29) Device 3 is open opposite base 15 which provides for significantly better accessibility of the treatment zone 7 provided between side parts 14 and base 15.

(30) A first means for generating an alternating magnetic field is provided in base 15 (not shown).

(31) In one embodiment, the means for generating nuclear magnetic resonances is dimensioned for the treatment of the facial skin of the client.

(32) However it is also contemplated to use smaller dimensioned devices, for example for the treatment of the skin on arms and legs. In this case, the device as illustrated may be fixed to the arm or leg of the client, for example using straps, in particular velcro straps. An attachment to a treatment chair is also possible.

(33) FIG. 5 shows the embodiment of a device according to FIG. 4 for generating nuclear magnetic resonances, with a coil 17 schematically drawn as included in base 15 of this embodiment, which coil provides a means for generating an alternating magnetic field in this exemplary embodiment.

(34) A coil 18 is provided in each of the side parts 14 which can be used to produce a magnetic field. The coil in the left hand side part is not shown, but it will be understood that a magnetic field can be generated using the coils in the side parts 14 which is substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field generated by coil 17, within the treatment zone 7.

(35) The coils can be powered via a mains-independent control device, in particular one that includes an accumulator (not shown).

(36) Thus, nuclear magnetic resonances can be generated within the treatment zone 7 in the skin area to be treated (not shown).

(37) A first magnetic field is produced using coil 17 incorporated in base 15, with field lines that extend substantially along the y-axis, in the treatment zone.

(38) The coils in the side parts 14 generate a field perpendicular thereto, with field lines that extend substantially along the x-axis. Thus, the coils in the side parts 14 form a second means for generating a substantially static magnetic field. The generated field is very homogeneous, due to the arrangement that is close to that of a Helmholtz coil.

(39) Thus, for producing nuclear magnetic resonances in the tissue to be treated it is advantageous to produce a substantially static magnetic field using the coils arranged in the side parts 14, and to produce an alternating field perpendicular thereto which causes the spins to turn, using coil 17.

(40) FIG. 6 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which the device 3 for generating nuclear magnetic resonances comprises a seat 19 on which a client may sit. To enhance comfort, the device additionally comprises a backrest 20, an armrest 21, and a neck support 22.

(41) A module 23 which comprises base 15 and side parts 14 is disposed essentially vertically.

(42) Preferably, module 23 is adjustable, at least in height, so that the device can be adjusted to different sizes, or to treat different skin portions.

(43) Preferably, the treatment chair including seat 19 and backrest 20 is further equipped with an adjustable legrest (not shown), and is designed to be adjustable in various ways, in particular adjustable in height, with an adjustable backrest and adjustable armrests.

(44) Referring to FIG. 7, magnetization 13 in the skin area to be treated will now be described schematically. The rate at which the spins react with its neighbors depends on the lattice. With a fast adiabatic passage a maximum magnetization of the tissue to be treated can be yielded, which in this case is indicated by a dotted line. In reality this maximum value cannot be achieved entirely; rather relative magnetization of the tissue approximates the maximum value. By altering the modulation frequency, among others, magnetization more or less approaches this maximum value. The inventor has found that a magnetization of about 60% is sufficient to obtain significant smoothening effects.

(45) With reference to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of the invention is described in which the frequency of the alternating magnetic field is modulated.

(46) In this exemplary embodiment, the field strength of the illustrated static magnetic field 1 is constant.

(47) Below, the frequency of the alternating magnetic field 2 is illustrated which is modulated as a triangular signal. Here likewise, a complete pass corresponds to 1 f.sub.M. A modulation of the alternating magnetic field has the same physical results as a modulation of the quasi-static field. The modulation of the frequency of the alternating field provides for a fast adiabatic passage in the area to be treated.

(48) FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a device 24 for generating nuclear magnetic resonances.

(49) The device 24 for generating nuclear magnetic resonances in this exemplary embodiment comprises a motor-driven adjustable couch 27 with a backrest 28 which not only allows the client to lie but also to sit in an upright or half-upright position.

(50) This device 24 for generating nuclear magnetic resonances comprises two treatment zones.

(51) To this end, two side parts 25, 26 are provided which extend along couch 27. Each of the side parts has incorporated a coil (not shown). Using the coils included in side parts 25, 26, a substantially static magnetic field can be generated which extends from one of the side parts to the other one. Below couch 27 a coil (not shown) is arranged for generating an alternating magnetic field which extends substantially perpendicular to the static magnetic field, between side parts 25 and 26. Thus, a first treatment zone is provided between side parts 25 and 26. To provide for a better access, at least one of the side parts 25, 26 is mounted to a pivot joint 13 and can be pivoted sideways towards rest 28.

(52) In the head zone, another device for generating magnetic fields is arranged in form of a module 23. This module 23 is used to treat the facial skin. The configuration of the coils corresponds to the coil configuration described in conjunction with FIG. 6.

(53) So, the device 24 for generating nuclear magnetic resonances illustrated in FIG. 9 can be used to treat the skin of the client in two treatment zones. The treatments may be performed independently from each other; in particular, the static field produced by module 23 can be swept using a different frequency.

(54) It will be understood that the invention is not limited to a combination of features as described above; rather a person skilled in the art will combine any features as far as appropriate.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(55) 1 field strength of quasi-static magnetic field 2 field strength of alternating magnetic field 3 device for generating nuclear magnetic resonances 4 coil 5 coil 6 means for generating a quasi-static field 7 treatment zone 8 couch 9 annular tube 10 control means 11 selection switch 12 card reader 13 relative magnetization of the skin area 14 side part 15 base 16 recess 17 coil 18 coil 19 seat 20 backrest 21 armrest 22 neck support 23 module 24 device for generating nuclear magnetic resonances 25 side part 26 side part 27 couch 28 backrest