Patent ID: 9072521
Filing Date: 2015-07-07
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: applying energy towards a skin with a combined energy applicator that comprises RF electrodes spaced apart that are operable in a bipolar mode for application of RF energy, one or more thermal energy elements for application of thermal energy, and one or more optical energy elements for application of light energy, and a temperature sensor assembled in said combined energy applicator for detecting patient skin temperature; and using control circuitry programmed to select which of the RF energy, optical energy and thermal energy is applied to the skin, said temperature sensor being operative in a control loop with said control circuitry to control the energies in accordance with sensed feedback temperature and using said control circuitry to switch between application of the RF energy, the optical energy and the thermal energy for different periods of time independent of the feedback temperature, and comprising applying RF energy, to cause deep sub-dermal heating, and thermal energy, to cause superficial treatment of epidermis, over a first time duration, and thermal energy, to cause superficial treatment of epidermis, and optical energy, to penetrate up to 1.8 mm into the skin, over a second time duration.