Patent ID: 8187256
Filing Date: 2012-05-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of removing a portion of a tattoo, said method comprising the steps of: providing a device capable of generating a pulse of electromagnetic radiation having a temporal pulse length that is controllable by hardware comprising a programmed computer, to be in the range of 100 to 300 femtoseconds in duration and have a bandwidth in a range of 10 GHz to 100 THz; locating a position of a pigment defining said portion of said tattoo on or within a dermal layer of said patient; providing a focusing element comprising at least one lens, to focus said pulse of electromagnetic radiation to a focal volume having a diameter less than the thickness of said dermal layer containing said pigment and to an intensity that is equal to or greater than 10 positioning, comprising using said programmed computer, said focusing element such that said focal volume will occur in a range of 10 μm to 2000 μm below an upper surface of said dermal layer containing said pigment; and initiating, comprising using said programmed computer, generation of said pulse of electromagnetic radiation by said device, thereby producing a localized, multi-photon process event in or within a vicinity of said pigment causing molecules of said pigment to dissociate and no longer appear colored.