Instruments and techniques for controlled removal of epidermal layers
An instrument and technique for the removal of epidermal layers in a controlled manner utilizing a hand-held instrument with a working end that (i) a vacuum aspiration system, (ii) a source for delivery of a sterile fluids or pharmacological agents to the skin; and (iii) a skin interface surface in the working end that has specially shape structure for abrading surface layers of the patient's epidermis as the working end is moved over the patient's skin while at the same time causing rapid penetration of the fluids into the skin for therapeutic purposes. Movement of the working end across the skin causes abrasion of the surface layers in a path over the patient's skin. The method of the invention may be used in a periodic treatment for the removal of superficial skin layers that enhances the synthesis of dermal collagen aggregates by inducing the body's natural wound healing response. The method of the invention creates more normal dermal architectures in skin with limited depths of skin removal by the series of superficial treatments that may be comparable to the extent of neocollagenesis caused by a deep skin removal treatment (e.g., CO 2 laser skin removal).
1. A method for abrading skin of a patient, comprising:
(a) placing a working end of a skin treatment device against the skin of the patient;
(b) drawing the skin against an abrading surface on a skin interface on the working end of the skin treatment device by applying suction to the skin through an aspiration opening in the working end, the abrading surface comprising apexes extending upwardly from the abrading surface and the apexes having sharp edges;
(c) moving the treatment device across the skin while the sharp edge of the apexes remain stationary with respect to the working end of the skin treatment device;
(d) abrading the skin drawn against the sharp edge of the apexes while continuously applying suction through the aspiration opening; and
(e) removing skin debris through the aspiration opening in the working end of the skin treatment device.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing a fluid to the skin.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the fluid is provided with a crystalline abrasive.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the fluid hydrates the skin.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the fluid is provided with a pharmacologically-active agent for treating skin.
6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the fluid is provided with an agent selected from the class consisting of citric acid and lactic acid.
7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the fluid is provided with an agent selected from the class comprising TCA (trichloroacetic acid), glycolic acid, alphahydroxy acid (AHA).
8. The method of claim 3 , wherein providing a fluid to the skin the fluid further comprises providing through a fluid opening provided in the working end of the skin treatment device.
9. The method of claim 2 , further comprising providing sterile water or saline solution to the skin.