Patent ID: 8728064

Claim:
A handheld apparatus for treating a subcutaneous fat region, comprising: a housing including a skin contacting portion defining a chamber, wherein the chamber is defined by a bottom surface of a first transparent optic recessed in the chamber and a rim extending from the perimeter of the first transparent optic toward the skin contacting portion of the housing, wherein the chamber is exposed to a surface of skin overlying the subcutaneous fat region; a second transparent optic including a bottom surface spaced from a top surface of the first transparent optic, the second transparent optic disposed in the housing, the first transparent optic and the second transparent optic defining a first spaced region through which a coolant passes without being directly exposed to the surface of skin; a third transparent optic including a bottom surface spaced from a top surface of the second transparent optic, the third transparent optic disposed in the housing, the second transparent optic and the third transparent optic defining a second spaced region filled with a thermally insulating gas, thereby at least preventing or reducing condensation on the second transparent optic caused by the coolant passing through the first spaced region; a source of electromagnetic radiation disposed in the housing relative to a top surface of the third transparent optic, wherein the source of electromagnetic radiation comprises a plurality of diode lasers integrated in the housing; a source of vacuum in fluid communication with the chamber, the source of vacuum capable of removing air from inside the chamber so that the surface of skin overlying the subcutaneous fat region is drawn into contact with the bottom surface of the first transparent optic; and a source for the coolant, the source flowing the coolant through the first spaced region so that thermal energy is removed through the first transparent optic from an epidermal region and at least a portion of a dermal region overlying the subcutaneous fat region.