Method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening

Abstract

A method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening are disclosed. An exemplary method and treatment system are configured for the imaging, monitoring, and thermal injury to treat the SMAS region. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary method and system are configured for treating the SMAS region by first, imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area and surrounding structures, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, timing, and energy level to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, and third to monitor the treatment area before, during, and after therapy to plan and assess the results and / or provide feedback.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This Application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 616,755, entitled “Method and System for Noninvasive Face Lifts and Deep Tissue Tightening”, and filed on Oct. 6, 2004.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to ultrasound therapy and imaging systems, and in particular to a method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0003] Coarse sagging of the skin and facial musculature occurs gradually over time due to gravity and chronic changes in connective tissue generally associated with aging. Invasive surgical treatment to tighten such tissues is common, for example by facelift procedures. In these treatments for connective tissue sagging, a portion of the tissue is usually removed, and sutures or other fasteners are used to suspend the sagging tissue structures. On the face, the Superficial Muscular Aponeurosis System (SMAS) forms a cont...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening by using ultrasound imaging and therapy. The system includes an imaging / therapy probe, a control system, and a display system. The method involves first imaging the treatment area, then delivering ultrasound energy at a specific depth, timing, and energy level to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The treatment area is then monitored before, during, and after therapy to plan and assess the results. The system can use various probe and control system configurations, and can also include safety measures to avoid injuring vital structures. The technical effects of the patent include improved safety and precision in noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening using ultrasound imaging and therapy.

Problems solved by technology

No present procedures have been developed yet, which provide the combination of targeted, precise, local heating to a specified temperature region capable of inducing ablation (thermal injury) to underlying skin and subcutaneous fat.

Attempts have included the use of radio frequency (RF) devices that have been used to produce heating and shrinkage of skin on the face with some limited success as a non-invasive alternative to surgical lifting procedures.

RF energy is impossible to control precisely within the heated tissue volume and depth, because resistive heating of tissues by RF energy occurs along the entire path of electrical conduction through tissues.

Another restriction of RF energy for non-invasive tightening of the SMAS is unwanted destruction of the overlying fat and skin layers.

Similarly, mid-infrared lasers and other light sources have been used to non-invasively heat and shrink connective tissues of the dermis, again with limited success.

However, light is not capable of non-invasive treatment of SMAS because light does not penetrate deeply enough to produce local heating there.

Below a depth of approximately 1 mm, light energy is multiply scattered and cannot be focused to achieve precise local heating.

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