Disposable electromagnetic energy applicator and method of using it
A skin treatment apparatus that includes, a disposable electrode carrier with a plurality of voltage-applying dome-shaped elements protruding from the surface of the electrode carrier. Further, the protruding elements are spaced apart in a pattern. The apparatus operates to apply a voltage to at least some of the protruding elements. The apparatus applies a voltage to the protruding elements with a magnitude that is sufficient to result in an electrical break down of the skin and thereby cause electric current enabling the desired treatment.
1. A carrier for use in conjunction with a skin treatment apparatus, said carrier comprising:
a substrate; and
an array of miniature, discrete conductive elements located on a first surface of the substrate and configured to provide a conductive path to a skin surface contacting at a least a portion of said array; and
wherein the discrete conductive elements are configured to avoid penetration into the skin; and
wherein a second side of the substrate includes a plurality of electric conductors configured to provide RF energy to each individual conductive element.
2. The carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate includes an insulating material and wherein the insulating material is a polyimide film having a thickness ranging from about 12.5 micron to about 150 micron.
3. The carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electric conductors located on the second side of the substrate interface the plurality of the electric conductors with a source of RF voltage.
4. The carrier according to claim 1 , further comprising a rigid backing attached to a surface of the substrate.
5. The carrier according to claim 1 , wherein said carrier is a disposable carrier.
6. The carrier according to claim 1 , further comprising a quick mounting arrangement to enable quick attachment and release of the carrier to an applicator.
7. The carrier of claim 1 , wherein the carrier can be removably attached to the treatment apparatus.
8. A carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the carrier is integral with the substrate.
9. A carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the carrier is a three-dimensional carrier.
10. A carrier for use in conjunction with a skin treatment apparatus, said carrier comprising:
a substrate; and
a plurality of miniature conductive elements protruding from a first surface of the substrate, said conductive elements configured to couple with an energy source for delivering energy to a target section of the skin and facilitate electric discharge between the conductive elements and the skin.
11. The carrier according to claim 10 , wherein the plurality of miniature conductive elements are configured to selectively apply energy to at least one of a group of elements consisting of an individual conductive element, a group of conductive elements, and all of the conductive elements.
12. The carrier of claim 10 , wherein the carrier can be removably attached to the treatment apparatus.
13. A carrier according to claim 10 , wherein the carrier is integral with the substrate.
14. A carrier according to claim 10 , wherein the carrier is a three-dimensional carrier.