Patent ID: 6080146
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for the removal of and for at least inhibiting the regrowth of a patient's hair growing from a hair follicle, the method comprising the steps of:(a) applying at least one optical radiation pulse to the follicle, each said pulse being of an energy, duration and wavelength to enhance the optical absorption characteristics of at least one of melanosomes in the follicle, tissue heated by adjacent melanosomes or tissue whose optical absorption characteristics were previously enhanced and without appreciably damaging skin outside the follicle; and(b) applying optical radiation to the follicle of a wavelength which is more readily absorbed by said components of the follicle having optical absorption characteristics enhanced during step (a) then by unenhanced components of the follicle and of an energy and duration to heat such enhanced components sufficiently to substantially destroy the follicle.