Patent Abstract:
Hair or partial hair removal system and hair growth deterrent that includes mechanical process for cutting, plucking or shaving hair follicles, along with pre and/or post skin treatment techniques. The skin treatment techniques can include the application of energy to the skin surface before, after and/or during the application of the mechanical process. Such techniques include the application of heat and/or energy from illumination sources and/or RF emitters. Further skin treatment techniques include the application of solutions before, after and/or during the mechanical process and/or the application of heat and/or energy. Overall, the system operates to treat an area of skin to facilitate the removal of all or a portion of hair, retard further growth, and recovery of skin surface.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a non-provisional application filed in the United States Patent Office under 37 CFR 1.53(b) and 35 U.S.C. 111 as a divisional of the presently pending United States Patent Application for patent Ser. No. 12/355,749 filed on Jan. 16, 2009, which application claims priority to United States Provisional Application for patent that was filed on Jan. 17, 2008 and assigned Ser. No. 61/021,723, and of the United States Provisional Application for patent that was filed on Apr. 16, 2008 and assigned Ser. No. 61/045,282, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The method and apparatus disclosed herein are related to the field of personal cosmetic procedures and in particular to hair removal procedures. 
         [0003]    External appearance is important to practically everybody. In recent years, methods and apparatus have been developed for different cosmetic treatments. Among these cosmetic treatments includes hair removal, treatment of vascular lesions, skin rejuvenation, as well as others. In some of these treatments, the skin surface is illuminated by visible or infra red (IR) radiation, generally termed optical radiation, to heat lower tissue volumes to a sufficiently high temperature so as to achieve a desired effect, which is typically in the range of 38-80 degrees Celsius. One such desired effect may include weakening of the hair follicle or root destruction. Another desired effect may include hair re-growth retardation, which is typically achieved by illumination of earlier depilated skin surface by laser, LED, Xenon lamp, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), or incandescent lamp radiation, generally termed optical radiation. The optical radiation may have a single wavelength, such as is the case with lasers, or several wavelengths as is the case for incandescent lamps. The wavelengths are selected to be optimal for the color of the contrasted component of the treated skin segment and are typically in the range of 400 to 1800 nm. 
         [0004]    Presently, a number of Radio Frequency (RF) based methods for treatment of deeper skin or tissue layers have been developed and are available. In these methods, electrodes are applied to the skin and an RF voltage in pulse or continuous waveform (CW) is applied across the electrodes. The properties of the RF voltage are selected to generate RF induced current in a volume of tissue to be treated. The current heats the tissue to the required temperature, which is typically in the range of 38-80 degrees Celsius. 
         [0005]    However, the above-described equipment that utilizes electrodes is both costly and bulky. Further, such equipment is typically operated in an ambulatory set-up by a qualified operator and frequently requires the presence of medical personnel specialized in such treatments. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a small size, low cost, and safe to use apparatus that may be operated by the user, enabling him/her to conduct skin treatment and get results similar or identical to those provided by professional equipment used for skin treatments. 
       GLOSSARY 
       [0006]    Several terms are utilized throughout this disclosure. The definitions for these terms are provided here for convenience. 
         [0007]    The term “illumination sources” and “light sources” as used in the present disclosure has the same meaning and includes sources of visible and invisible infrared radiation. 
         [0008]    As used herein, the term “hair removal” includes partial or complete hair removal from the treated skin surface as well as hair re-growth retardation. 
         [0009]    The term “skin surface” relates to the most external skin layer, which may be stratum corneum. 
         [0010]    The term “tissue” relates to skin layers located below the stratum corneum. The layers may be located immediately below the stratum corneum and as deep as 6 or even 7 mm below the stratum corneum. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0011]    Various embodiments are directed towards an apparatus, system or method of providing complete or partial hair removal and hair growth deterrent. The embodiments may include various elements that may include, but are not limited or required in all embodiments. Some of these elements are: (a) a mechanical process for cutting, plucking or shaving hair follicles; (b) integrated and/or removable cartridges to provide the application of heat and/or energy to the skin surface before, after and/or during the application of the mechanical process; (c) further skin treatment techniques including the application of solutions before, after and/or during the mechanical process and/or the application of heat and/or energy. Overall, the various embodiments operate to treat an area of skin to facilitate the removal of all or a portion of hair, retard further growth, and recovery or health maintenance of the skin surface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0012]    The disclosure is provided by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the method. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for personal use for hair removal. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 2A-2C  are schematic illustrations of the first exemplary embodiment of the applicator of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIGS. 3A-3D  are schematic illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a hair removal mechanism of the applicator. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a magnified schematic illustration of a cut and retracted back hair follicle (shaft). 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of the second exemplary embodiment of the hair removal mechanism of the applicator. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 6A-6C  are schematic illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of an illumination cartridge of the applicator. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 7A-7B  are schematic illustrations of additional exemplary light source configuration of the applicator. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 8A-8E  are schematic illustrations of the third exemplary embodiment of the applicator. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 9A and 9B , collectively referred to as  FIG. 9 , are schematic illustrations of a hair removal treatment using the first exemplary embodiment of the present applicator. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of a hair removal treatment using the second exemplary embodiment of the present applicator. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of the forth exemplary embodiment of the present applicator. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B , collectively referred to as  FIG. 12 , are photographic images of a segment of a subject skin treated by the present method and an image of a untreated segment (control segment) of a subject skin. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    The principles and execution of the apparatus and the method described thereby may be understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description of non-limiting, exemplary embodiments. 
         [0026]    Reference is made to  FIG. 1 , which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for personal hair removal. Apparatus  100  comprises an applicator  104  adapted for sliding movement on a subject skin, a charging device  108 , and a harness  112  connecting between applicator  104  and charging device  108 . Harness  112  enables electric communication between applicator  104  and charging device  108 . Apparatus  100  may receive power supply from a regular electric supply network receptacle, or from a rechargeable or regular battery. LED  118  indicates operational status of applicator  104 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 2A  is a first side planer view of a first exemplary embodiment of the applicator of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2B  is a second side planer view in the direction of arrow E of  FIG. 2A  of the first exemplary embodiment of the applicator of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2C  is a top planer view in the direction of arrow D of  FIG. 2A  of the first exemplary embodiment of the applicator of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . The series of drawings represented in  FIGS. 2A-2C  may be referred to collectively as  FIG. 2 . Applicator  104  ( FIG. 2A ) is shown to include an ergonomically designed casing  204  which fits the hand, having a first end  208  and a second end  212 . One or more illumination sources  216 , at least one hair removal mechanism  220 , and at least one contact to skin sensing mechanism shown as micro switches  228  for activating illumination sources  216  and a hair removal mechanism  220 . Micro switches  228  are located at the first end  208  and are activated by slight pressure developed by application of applicator  104  to skin (not shown). When depressed, micro switches  228  enable one or more illumination sources  216  and other electric and electronic circuits of applicator  104 . In one embodiment, illumination sources  216  and other electric and electronic circuits may each be operated independently and have their own ON and OFF switch mechanisms, for example, RF current sensing mechanism. It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments, other sensor mechanisms may also be utilized such as capacitive coupling, ground detection, a mechanical on/off switch operated by a user as well as other techniques. 
         [0028]    The illumination sources  216  may include a variety of sources, a few non-limiting examples include an incandescent lamp, xenon lamp, laser diodes, LED, laser or even a combination of two or more of these sources as well as other sources. Illumination sources  216  may operate in a pulsed, continuous, graduated, modulated, oscillating or other operation mode as well as a combination of two or more of these modes. The power and operational times of the sources are selected to avoid potential damage to the treated segment of skin. In some embodiments each of the illumination sources  216  may be packed in a cartridge-like packaging  224  detachable from the ergonomically designed, fitting-the-hand casing  204  of applicator  104 . The cartridge like packaging of the illumination source advantageously allows different illumination sources to be used with the same applicator. Each of the cartridges, like illumination sources  216  packaging  224 , may be mounted on springs or a flexible mounting enabling freedom of movement of the cartridge-like packaging  224  with light source  216  in respect to applicator casing  204  as shown by arrow  240  in  FIG. 2B . This allows cartridge  224  with illumination sources  216  to follow skin/casing contour  244  when applicator  104  is translated (moved) over a segment of skin to be treated. Motion direction sensor  232  senses the applicator movement direction and provides a signal for proper switching of the light sources  216 . 
         [0029]    A cooling arrangement, possibly a fan (not shown) which may be placed at a section  236  located at the second end  212  of applicator  104 . The fan removes the heat generated by the operation of electric and electronic circuits and lamps or LEDs of applicator  104  and enables normal operating conditions of the applicator. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2C  is a schematic illustration of a top view of the first end  208  of the exemplary embodiment of applicator  104 .  FIG. 2C  shows the cartridge-like packaging  224  of light source  216 , hair removal mechanism  220 , and micro switches  228 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a first state of the operation of an exemplary hair removal mechanism in operation.  FIG. 3B  illustrates a second state of operation of the exemplary hair removal mechanism in operation. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3A , hair removal mechanism  220  may include at least one, and in some embodiments more than one, set of tweezers  308  attached to a holder  316  rotating around axis  312 . Adjacent to tweezers  308  attached to the same axes is a lever  320  terminated by a blade  324 . Alternatively, lever  320  may be rigidly coupled to tweezers  308  to ensure a constant follow-up after tweezers  308 . There is a preset difference or offset between the location of tweezers  308  and the location of blades  324  of lever  320  with respect to skin  330 . Typically, blade  324  would be located closer to skin  330  than tweezers  308 . The difference in the location of blade  324  and tweezers  308  may be regulated according to the type of skin, hair, and particular treated segment of the subject casing. 
         [0032]    For hair  304  removal, tweezers  308  are applied to skin  330 . Holder  316  rotates in the direction indicated by arrow  328  and concurrently with rotation may move linearly on the surface of skin  330  in the direction indicated by arrow  332 . As tweezers  308  continue to rotate to the second state, they pick-up at least one hair shaft or follicle  304  ( FIG. 3B ) and begin pulling it out of skin  330 . A pulling force generated by the rotation of tweezers  308  and assisted by linear movement of holder  316  applied to hair shaft  304  pulls together with hair shaft  304 , skin  330  surrounding the hair shaft and follicle. This force deforms skin  330  and forms a type of goose bump or goose pimple  340  protruding over the rest of the skin surface surrounding the follicle. Blade  324  cuts hair  304  ( FIG. 3C ) substantially close to the peak of goose bump  340 . The pulling force is set to a particular tension with respect to the hair that is sufficient to impose a tension on the hair shaft but not enough to pull the hair shaft out of the skin. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is a magnified schematic illustration of a cut and retracted back hair shaft or follicle. Following the cut of hair shaft  304 , skin  330  that formed goose bump  340 , retracts or returns to its normal at rest state. The residuals  306  of hair shaft  304  retract to the original position. The residual  306  of hair shaft  304  retracts deeper than skin surface or stratum corneum  330 , such distance being indicated by numeral  404  ( FIG. 4 ), which marks the difference in the locations of the cut end of the residual  306  of the hair shaft  304  and skin surface  330 . As can be seen in the figure, the end of the residual  306  resides substantially below skin surface  330 . Numeral  408  indicates the underlying tissue. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3C  illustrates a third state of the operation of the exemplary hair removal mechanism in operation.  FIG. 3D  illustrates a fourth state of operation of the exemplary hair removal mechanism in operation. Holder  316  ( FIGS. 3C and 3D ) continues to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow  328  and move linearly or in any other type of motion on the surface of skin  330  in the direction indicated by arrow  332 . In the third state, tweezers  308  catch another hair shaft  304  and form bump  340  in the fourth operational state in a way similar to the one explained above. Next, hair  304  is cut in a way similar to the way that the previous hair shaft was cut. The tweezers  308  and blades  324  may be orientated in the same direction or staggered and oriented in different directions. When some of the tweezers  308  and blades  324  are oriented in different directions, the user may move back along the earlier treated skin segment and still be efficacious. When tweezers  308  and blades  324  are orientated in the same direction the user at the end of treatment stroke may rotate applicator  104  and move it in the opposite direction or simply reposition it to treat the next skin segment. 
         [0035]    Alternatively, the hair removal mechanism  220  may be any one of the well-known mechanical hair removal mechanisms such as a razor, shaving, or an electric shaver such as for example, feminine electric shaver commercially available from Braun GmbH, Germany—model 3470 SOFTPERFECT. This model also includes other detachable heads of plucking and tweezing mechanisms. Similar or even the same mechanisms are also, of course, applicable to male hair removal/shavers. The illumination head/s may be attached and operate with a conventional epilator with only one head of either a shaver or epilator, or even a razor. The hair removal mechanism may be an exchangeable mechanism, where the mechanism most appropriate for the task is assembled on the applicator. 
         [0036]    Illumination sources  216  ( FIG. 2 ) may operate simultaneously with hair removal mechanism  220 . However; they illuminate a different segment of skin from which hair removal mechanism  220  has already removed hair. Illumination destroys or weakens hair follicles and roots that are occasionally left, and should follow mechanical hair epilation. In order to synchronize the operation of illumination sources  216  with hair removal mechanism  220 , a motion direction sensor, or even just a direction sensor (not shown) that switches between light sources  216  equips applicator  104 . The direction sensor may be of different types, for example, a rotating wheel with a plurality of openings to modulate a source of light, a mechanical switch of any type, an optical mouse type direction sensor, an accelerometer, pressure sensors on the applicator  104  and others. Further, the direction sensor may determine displacement speed and trigger an off state if the displacement speed is lower than a target value or an on state if the displacement speed is above a target value. It will be appreciated that hysteresis may be applied in entering and exiting the on and off states. For instance, the threshold displacement speed to trigger the on state may be higher than the displacement speed to trigger the off state. In addition, the hysteresis effect may be obtained also by utilizing a time delay. For instance, once the on state is entered, a time delay can be set to prevent entrance into the off state during a desired delay. Likewise, once the off state is entered, another time delay can be utilized to prevent the on state from being immediately entered again. Activation of the illumination sources by direction sensors alleviates occasional skin burns or other treatment side effects, since illumination sources are operative only when the applicator moves over the skin in a minimum velocity. Moreover, it is possible to ensure that the appropriate illumination source illuminating the treated skin segment is activated based on the direction of advance of the applicator  104 . Illumination sources  216  operate typically in continuous or pulse operation mode, but may also include any of the above-mentioned, or a combination of two or more of the above-mentioned operation modes, as well as other modes. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of the second exemplary embodiment of the hair removal mechanism. A comb type protective plate  500  protects skin  330  and especially bumps  340  from occasional damage by rotating blades  324  ( FIG. 3 ). The comb type protecting plate  500  may be attached to the applicator  104  or held independently by a user. Blades  324  may be replaced by a fixed blade, which would cut hair  304  pulled by tweezers  308 . In such embodiments, holder  316  in addition to rotation may have a linear motion. Alternatively, two comb-like blades linearly sliding with respect to each other may be implemented to cut the hair. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C, collectively referred to as  FIG. 6 , depict a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an illumination cartridge of the applicator. Enclosure  602 , which may be constructed of plastic, of cartridge  224  incorporates a source of illumination such as an incandescent lamp, xenon flash lamp, laser diode, LED, laser or a combination of two or more of these sources as well as others.  FIG. 6A  illustrates cartridge  224  with a xenon lamp  606  and a reflector  610  configured to collect a large part of the irradiance emitted by the xenon lamp  606  and direct it towards the treated segment of skin. 
         [0039]    Plastic enclosure  602  of cartridge  224  includes two guides  618  supporting easy cartridge  224  insertion and cartridge movement along a direction indicated by arrow  622 . The disclosed cartridge construction allows the treated skin segment contour  244  to be easily followed, as shown in  FIG. 2B , and uniform illumination maintained of the treated skin segment. In one embodiment, cartridge  224  movement is utilized to replace micro switches  228 . This may be enabled by allowing the pressed-in cartridge  224  to activate electrical and electronic circuits of applicator  104  in a mode similar to that of micro switches  228 . Alternatively, guides  618  may be metalized and their descent would come in contact with a conductor and thereby close an electric circuit. It is also possible to have a section of guides to be transparent and another section opaque. Linear movement of such guide can modulate a light beam and activate or deactivate the electrical and electronic circuits of applicator  104 . As will be explained below, additional methods of replacing micro switches by other sensing and switching mechanisms can be used. 
         [0040]    Reflector  610  is shown to be constructed from two similar halves enabling free airflow for cooling lamp  606 . Alternatively, a reflector formed as an integral body with respective air intake openings  608  may be used. Reflector openings  608  cooperate with respective air vents or air intake openings  612  enabling convective cooling of lamp  606  or LEDs (not shown). 
         [0041]      FIGS. 7A and 7B , collectively referred to as  FIG. 7 , depict a schematic illustration of another exemplary light source configuration of the applicator.  FIG. 7A  illustrates cartridge  702  similar to cartridge  224  with a plurality of LEDs  706 . Each of LEDs  706  may emit a single wavelength or a plurality of wavelengths. LEDs  706  are configured to illuminate the treated segment of skin by a flux having relatively uniform flux distribution.  FIG. 7B  illustrates a cartridge  710  with two light sources  714 , such as Xenon or other type lamps. Sources  714  may be identical sources or different light sources. Their illumination fields may overlap and they may be configured to get a desired spectrum and illumination distribution on the treated skin segment. Sources  714  may be operated simultaneously, at different or partially overlapping periods and at different operating modes e.g. pulsed, continuous or otherwise. 
         [0042]    The described applicator architecture supports different combinations of hair removal mechanisms and illumination sources. Accordingly, a particular combination of the exchangeable hair removal mechanism and illumination sources may determine the mode of operation of the applicator. The mechanical hair removal mechanisms may be selected, for example, from a rotary-based tweezing epilator, spring type epilator, razor, or electric shaver. The illumination source may be, for example, selected from continuous or pulse operating sources as well as the other above-listed modes, sources providing a desired spectrum and illumination distribution on the treated skin segment. There may be a mix of sources operating simultaneously or at partially overlapping periods. This selection provides a wide array of combinations that may be adapted for different skin treatments. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 8A-8D  illustrate variations in a third embodiment, with the figures being referred to collectively as  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8A  depicts an additional embodiment in which the applicator  802  includes one or more RF electrodes  806  configured to contact the treated segment of skin and provide RF energy to the segment of skin  814  ( FIG. 8B ) located between electrodes  806 , the RF energy is generated by an RF generator located in applicator casing  810  ( FIG. 8A ). Typically, the electrical and electronic circuits of applicator  802  include circuits that enable power to one or more illumination sources and RF sources. When RF electrodes  806  touch the subject skin (as illustrated in  FIG. 8B ), they provide a path for the current of the electrical and electronic circuits of applicator  802 . An impedance sensing mechanism senses the impedance change from an infinite value to a measurable finite value and activates supply of RF energy having a magnitude sufficient to produce a desired skin or tissue treatment effect. RF induced current flows through tissue  818  as shown by lines  822  between electrodes  806  heating tissue volume schematically indicated by reference numeral  826 . Thus, the use of an applicator is safer than mechanical switching, since little or no RF is emitted if there is no contact of RF electrodes  806  and the skin. The electrical response to the impedance changes is faster than mechanical switching and if one electrode loses contact with the skin, the RF emission is instantly switched-off (Generally, a very low level of RF power may continue to be emitted in order to be able to activate the illumination sources and RF energy when contact with the skin will be once again established.) Optionally, applicator  802  may have an ON-OFF switch to switch off applicator  802  completely.  FIG. 8C  is another schematic illustration of the third exemplary embodiment of the applicator. In this embodiment, RF electrodes  806  are located at the external side of the cartridges  224  and  FIG. 8D  illustrates an additional of embodiment of the applicator, where RF electrodes  806  are located on both sides of the cartridges  224 .  FIG. 8E  illustrates still a further embodiment of the applicator  802 , where only one cartridge  224  is used with RF electrodes  806  located on both sides of the cartridge  224 . 
         [0044]    All earlier described applicator  104  ( FIG. 2 ) components, such as a hair removal mechanism, illuminators and their functionality are mutatis mutandis applicable to applicator  802 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 9A and 9B , collectively referred to as  FIG. 9 , depicts a schematic illustration of a hair removal treatment using the first exemplary embodiment of the present applicator. The first end  208  of applicator  104  is applied to skin  244 . This applies slight pressure on micro switches  228  and therefore hair removal mechanism  220  and appropriate illumination sources are enabled. (Generally, both the hair removal mechanism and the illumination source may be enabled by other mechanisms independent of a micro switch mechanism). The user of the applicator translates applicator  104  in a scanning motion in the first direction indicated by arrow  902  ( FIG. 9A ) from one segment of skin  244  to another skin segment. During the translation, hair removal mechanism  220  removes hair from the treated segment of skin  244 . A motion direction sensor senses the movement direction and activates trailing illumination source located in cartridge  224 - 1  to illuminate a skin segment from which the hair was removed. Continuous illumination flux produced by the trailing illumination source  224 - 1  heats the skin segment from which earlier hair was attempted to be removed mechanically, weakens and perhaps destroys the hair follicles and bulbs. Typical useful values of the illumination flux would have a value in the range of 0.5 J/cm 2  to 20 J/cm 2 . In addition to destroying hair follicles and bulbs, illumination flux accelerates skin-healing effect. 
         [0046]    When applicator  104  moves in a second direction indicated by arrow  906  ( FIG. 9B ), hair removal mechanism  220  functions in a similar way and removes hair from the mechanically treated skin segment. The motion direction sensor senses the change in the movement direction and switches off the now leading illumination source, relative to the new movement direction, located in cartridge  224 - 1 ; the motion direction sensor then activates the illumination source located in cartridge  224 - 2 , which has now become a trailing illumination source relative to the new movement direction, to illuminate a skin segment. Illumination sources located in cartridges  224 - 1  and  224 - 2  may operate simultaneously (concurrently) with hair removal mechanism  220 . However, illumination sources located in cartridge  224 - 1  and  224 - 2  operate on different segments of skin  244  than the hair removal mechanism  220  operates. Illumination sources may operate in a continuous mode and their power set to cause a desired skin effect and prevent skin burns. An optional temperature sensor may be used to continuously measure skin temperature and accordingly deactivate the RF and/or light sources. 
         [0047]    As noted the illumination flux produced by the trailing illumination source located in cartridge  224 - 1  generates the effects described above of stunning the hair shaft growth as well as skin-healing effect. The effect may be further enhanced by proper selection of the illuminating wavelength and intensity. 
         [0048]    The trailing and leading illumination sources typically, may be operative to generate different flux values most appropriate for getting the desired effect. When illumination sources are LED based sources, such as shown in  FIG. 7A , the trailing and leading illumination sources may be operative to emit different wavelengths more suitable for getting the desired effect. Generally, as previously explained, the illumination source cartridge may be constructed to include more than one lamp to operate them at different power levels or emit energy at different spectrums, as would be most appropriate for getting the desired treatment effect. 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of a hair removal treatment using another exemplary embodiment of the present applicator. Applicator  1000  is applied to skin  1002  such that it forms a contact between RF electrodes  806  and skin  1002 . Impedance sensing mechanism senses the change in the impedance from infinity to a certain value and activates electric and electronic circuits of applicator  1000 . Thus, the impedance sensing mechanism can replace the micro switch mechanism described earlier, although both mechanisms may be combined to provide enhanced safety in the treatment. Mechanical hair removal mechanism physically removes the hair. RF induced current shown by lines  1022  heats tissue  1006  and in particular volume  1026 , weakens or even destroys residual hair follicles and bulbs. The user of the applicator translates applicator  1000  in a scanning motion from one segment of skin  1002  to another skin segment and heats respective tissue volumes  1026 . In the course of the translation, hair removal mechanism  220  removes hair from the segments of skin  1002  located over the heated tissue volumes. Motion direction sensor  232  ( FIG. 2A ) senses the movement direction and activates trailing illumination source  224  to illuminate a skin segment from which the hair was removed. Illumination flux produced by the trailing illumination source  224  weakens the hair follicle and hair shaft, and to some extent, heats the skin and destroys the remaining hair follicles and bulbs not removed by mechanical means. In addition to destroying hair follicles and bulbs, illumination flux accelerates skin-healing effect. All disclosed above illumination flux and wavelength variations and illumination source switching are mutatis mutandis applicable to the present embodiment that uses RF to heat deeper tissue layers. 
         [0050]    The skin treatment results may be improved by proper preparation of the skin segment to be treated. Post treatment rash may be reduced by application of a solution, such as creams, lotions or other liquid or powder.  FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present applicator. Applicator  1100 , in addition to the earlier described hair removal mechanism  220 , illumination sources  224 , RF electrodes  806 , and micro switches  228  includes a skin and hair pre-treatment device  1104  and a skin and hair post treatment device  1108 . The skin and hair pre-treatment device  1104  may be operative to clean by spray or similar solution a segment of skin to be treated. The skin and hair post treatment device  1108  may be operative to disperse over the treated segment of the skin a cream or solution reducing irritation that the treatment may occasionally cause to the skin. Optional variable length spacers  1112  may be used to maintain a desired gap between the location of the hair removal mechanism and the skin. 
         [0051]    Typically, any one of the applicators described will be electrically driven, i.e. by a drive rotating the hair removal mechanism and operating other units of the applicators. Alternatively, the applicator may be configured such that the sliding movement over the skin of the subject would provide a rotational movement to the hair removal mechanism. 
         [0052]    Application of the method enables almost a hair free skin area to be achieved due to mechanical hair removal, and retard or completely eliminate hair re-growth enabled by (concurrent, or subsequent, or prior to mechanical hair removal) RF application and skin illumination Skin healing process is accelerated by selection of proper skin illumination wavelengths. 
         [0053]      FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B , collectively referred to as  FIG. 12 , are photographic images of a segment of a subject skin treated by the present method ( FIG. 12B ) and an image of non-treated segment (control) of a subject skin ( FIG. 12A ). The treated segment  1206  does not contain even residual hair. The non-treated segment  1202  is shown for comparative purposes. 
         [0054]    Several embodiments have been described using detailed descriptions thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to be limiting. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments. Some embodiments utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments that are described and embodiments comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art. 
         [0055]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the follow claims are thus not limited to the disclosed embodiments, features, functions, etc. but that rather the claims may encompass additional embodiments.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0