METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR LASER TREATMENT USING NON-UNIFORM OUTPUT BEAM

摘要

Methods and apparatus for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, usenon-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiationcauses collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of thetreatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causesfibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions ofthe treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAGlaser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide alarge-diameter beam having a nonuniform energy profile, comprised of aplurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones withinthe treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of thetarget tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagenshrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for asecond treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production). A large area oftissue, preferably 7-10 mm in diameter, can be treated simultaneously, whileminimizing the risk of burning or other damage to the skin. In one embodiment,the invention uses a fiber bundle to provide a non-uniform energy output beam,hi another embodiment, the invention uses a diffractive lens array to producethe non-uniform output beam. A cooling system can also be integrated with thelaser treatment system. A pulse light source can also be integrated with thelaser treatment system in a combined skin rejuvenation therapy.