WO2009106969A1

WO2009106969A1 - Apparatus for carrying out aesthetic treatments, in particular for the treatment of skin stretch marks

Info

Publication number: WO2009106969A1
Application number: PCT/IB2009/000366
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gianpiero Nobbio
Original assignee: OESSE Srl
Current assignee: OESSE Srl
Priority date: 2008-02-28
Filing date: 2009-02-26
Publication date: 2009-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 2010-08-28
Also published as: ITTO20080139A1

Abstract

There is disclosed an apparatus (1) for carrying out aesthetic treatments, having: a single housing (2); an electronic circuitry (3, 5, 6) housed within the housing (2); and a plurality of application instruments (12, 14, 25, 31, 32), operatively coupled to the electronic circuitry (3, 5, 6) through the housing (2); the electronic circuitry (3/ 5, 6) and the application tools (12, 14, 25, 31, 32) implement a plurality of aesthetic treatments for the skin; in particular, these aesthetic treatments have a synergical effect for the treatment of skin stretch marks.

Description

APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT AESTHETIC TREATMENTS, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE TREATMENT OF SKIN STRETCH MARKS

TECHNICAL. FIELD The present invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out aesthetic treatments, in particular skin treatments for the treatment of skin stretch marks . BACKGROUND ART

Methods are known and used for the treatment of skin for the treatment and removal of skin defects and imperfections, such as for instance radiofrequency treatment, transdermal dielectrophoresis and dermoabrasion treatment, resulting in skin rejuvenation and toning effects . Among the treated skin imperfections, stretch marks are, as known, the expression of a delamination of the derma with a subsequent thinning thereof.

In particular, the radiofrequency treatment is a non-invasive treatment that exploits the heat generated by a radiofrequency radiation applied by means of electrodes on the skin to obtain a selective thermolysis; by penetrating a few millimetres under the skin, the radiofrequency radiation causes the denaturation and the contraction of collagen fibres thus promoting the production of new collagen (and in general of new cells), so as to restore the skin's compactness and freshness .

Transdermal dielectrophoresis allows to transdermalIy convey water-soluble active ingredients singularly or in combination. In particular, electrophoresis is a separation method based on the different migration speed of electrically charged particles in a solution under the influence of an electric field. The basic principle is that of a molecular sieve through which the different molecules pass through: the migration speed depends on the mass, the size, the charge and the shape of the various particles, i.e. their electrophoretic mobility. When a potential difference is applied between a pair of electrodes immersed in an emulsion, the particles migrate towards the electrode having opposite charge thereto, where they accumulate. Electrophoresis is an excellent separation method for macromolecules, and the simplicity by which it is carried out and its speed make it an optimal system to accelerate the formation of new epidermal cells, especially for the treatment of stretch marks . Dermoabrasion is a treatment consisting in mechanically abrading the outermost layer of the skin by using microcrystals of an appropriate material (for instance aluminium oxide) , to improve the unevenness of the skin making it more homogeneous and smoother and lending it an evener appearance. Micro-dermoabrasion allows for instance to correct the most superficial scars and wrinkles of the face and of the lip contour and improve the results of acne. As is known, each of these treatments is carried out by means of an appropriate device or a specific apparatus which generally allows to carry out a determined type of aesthetic treatment. Facilities wanting to provide their patients with a plurality of treatments for the skin, such as for instance aesthetic treatment specialised centres, are therefore forced to buy a specific equipment for each kind of treatment they want to provide, and subsequently go to rather high expenses for the purchase of all of the equipment. In particular, it is known that for the treatment of a determined skin problem, such as for instance stretch marks, it is advantageous to have recourse to several kinds of treatments to obtain a synergic effect; therefore, even a high number of apparatuses may have to be used to optimally treat even only one single skin problem. Furthermore, each apparatus is provided with a housing and application tools of its own, so that the combined use of several apparatuses to provide different aesthetic treatments requires occupying a significant space, and accordingly leads to considerable problems in rationally organising volumes. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to solve, in whole or in part, the above disclosed problems.

According to the present invention, an apparatus is therefore provided for carrying out aesthetic treatments , as defined in claim 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be disclosed by mere way of non-limitative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- figure 1 diagrammaticalIy shows an apparatus for carrying out aesthetic treatments according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- figure 2 shows a general block diagram of the electronic circuitry of the apparatus of figure 1;

- figure 3 shows a portion of a first handpiece of the apparatus of figure 1 and a cooling system being comprised in the apparatus of figure 1;

- figure 4 shows a portion of a second handpiece of the apparatus of figure 1;

- figure 5 shows a third handpiece of the apparatus of figure 1;

- figure 6 shows the waveform of an electric signal used in a treatment carried out by means of the apparatus of figure 1;

- figure 7 shows a detailed block diagram of an electronic board for a dielectrophoresis treatment in the apparatus of figure 1;

- figure 8 shows a general block diagram of the electronic circuitry of an apparatus for carrying out aesthetic treatments according to a different embodiment of the present invention;

- figure 9 shows a portion of a fourth handpiece of the apparatus of figure 8 and of an associated cooling system; and

- figures 10a, 10b show a perspective view of a further embodiment of the apparatus for carrying out aesthetic treatments, with an extraction and insertion mechanism for retractable handpieces highlighted. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As will be clarified in detail hereinafter, a particular aspect of the present invention comprises the provision of an apparatus (with a corresponding single housing and associated applying means) for carrying out aesthetic treatments, which allows to carry out a plurality of different skin treatments, which contribute, if necessary in a synergical manner, to treat skin imperfections and defects .

As shown in figure 1 and 2 , an apparatus for carrying out aesthetic treatments, indicated as a whole by numeral 1, comprises:

- a housing 2 (diagrammatically shown in figure 1) , adapted to enclose the whole electronic circuitry

(disclosed in detail hereinafter) required for carrying out a plurality of skin treatments therein ;

- a first electronic treatment unit 3, for carrying out a combined radiofrequency (RF) and infrared light (IR) energy treatment; a second electronic treatment unit 5, for carrying out a dermoabrasion treatment;

- a third electronic treatment unit 6, for carrying out a dielectrophoresis treatment;

- a management unit 7 of apparatus 1, comprising input and selection means (for instance, buttons or keys) , for the selection by the user of at least one among first, second and third electronic treatment unit 3, 5, and 6, and the setting of operating modes of first, second and third electronic treatment unit 3, 5 and 6;

- an electronic control unit 8 (ECU, not shown in figure 1) adapted to control the operation of apparatus

1, and in particular of first, second and third electronic treatment units 3, 5, and 6; and a display unit 9, comprising for instance a display controlled by electronic control unit 8, for displaying functionalities and operating modes of apparatus 1.

In particular, management unit 7 may include a keyboard, or a wheel or knob that may be pressed as well as rotated, or a series of buttons . Display unit 9 includes instead a liquid crystal display on which are displayed the data inputted by the user, as well as the different functions selectable by the operator and implemented by the different electronic treatment units and the information provided to the operator.

Management unit 7 and display unit 9 may also be integrated in a single device of the "touch screen" type, in which the data input or the selection of the different functions may be performed by finger pressure or by means of an appropriate stylus .

Each of first, second, third electronic treatment units 3, 5 and 6 is made in a respective printed circuit electronic board comprising appropriate circuit components, and is electrically connected to electronic control unit 8 (which may be made for instance as a

"backplane" board, to which the respective electronic boards are mechanically and electrically connected) . Furthermore, each of first, second, third electronic treatment units 3 , 5 and 6 are operatively coupled by means of appropriate connectors present on housing 2 and appropriate wirings, with respective handpieces or applicators /dispensers (which will be disclosed in detail hereinafter) , which allow the application of the plurality of aesthetic treatments to a patient.

Apparatus 1 for carrying out aesthetic treatments further comprises :

- a cooling system 10, of the closed circuit type, connected to first electronic treatment unit 3 for the combined radiofrequency and infrared light energy treatment, and to electronic control unit 8; and an electric motor 11, connected to second electronic treatment unit 5 for the dermoabrasion treatment .

In particular, as shown in figure 2 and partially in figure 3, first electronic treatment unit 3 comprises: a first handpiece • 12, for combined RF/IR treatments, provided with two electrodes 13a and 13b placed at a preset distance d one from another, for instance equivalent to 1 cm, and with an infrared light source 13c; first handpiece 12 is configured so as to send a first bipolar radiofrequency signal on a given portion of skin through electrodes 13a, 13b and an infrared radiation on the same portion of skin through infrared light source 13c; - a second handpiece ^• 14, for combined RF/IR treatments, having a greater size with respect to first handpiece 12 although made in a substantially similar manner, therefore provided with two respective electrodes (not shown in figure 3) placed at a preset distance one from another, for instance equivalent to 4.5 cm, and with a respective infrared light source, and configured so as to transmit a second bipolar radiofrequency signal on the skin and a respective infrared radiation; and - a radiofrequency control circuit 16, connected with first and second handpiece 12, 14 and with electronic control unit 8, and configured so as to generate and send a bipolar radiofrequency signal to electrodes 13a, 13b of first handpiece 12 and to corresponding electrodes of second handpiece 14, and to control respective infrared light sources 13c to generate a radiation having the desired value by which to perform the skin treatment on the patient. In detail, radiofrequency control circuit 16 is configured so as to generate and supply to first handpiece 12 the first bipolar signal, the radiofrequency of which may be set for instance to 600 KHz, 1 MHz or 1.5 MHz, with an emission power which may be set within a first range of preset values, in the range for instance between 30 J/cm³ and 120 J/cm³. These values are selected as a function of a penetration depth of the signal in the skin that allows to obtain a determined degree of effectiveness of the treatment (in particular, the smaller is the signal frequency, the greater is the depth at which the treatment acts) . The radiofrequency treatment performed by using first handpiece 12 is especially recommended to obtain a rejuvenation of the skin, for instance of the face.

Similarly, the radiofrequency control circuit 16 is configured so as to generate and supply to second handpiece 14 a second bipolar signal, the frequency of which may be set for instance again to 600 KHz, 1 MHz or 1.5 MHz, with an emission power which may be set within a second range of preset values, in the range for instance between 5 J/cm³ and 30 J/cm³. In particular, the radiofrequency treatment performed by using second handpiece 14 is particularly recommended to obtain an improvement of the toning of skin and may be used, for instance, to effectively treat larger portions of the body with respect to first handpiece 12.

Radiofrequency control circuit 16 is configured so as to activate and operate handpieces 12 and 14 at the same time, which are totally independent one of another and may therefore operate at the same time on different parts of the body. Specifically, radiofrequency control circuit 16 is configured so as to generate the first and second bipolar radiofrequency signal in a manner known per se, for instance by using the PWM method and drawing a first DC voltage to be supplied to first handpiece 12, for instance equivalent to 50 V, and a second DC voltage to be supplied to second handpiece 14, for instance equivalent to 12 V, both intermittently by means of the action of respective MOSFET type transistors.

Radiofrequency control system 16 is also configured to verify the correct contact of handpieces 12, 14 with the skin, thus verifying the impedance value of the skin detected between the respective electrodes . In case the impedance value exceeds a preset limit (indicative of the failed contact between handpieces and skin) , radiofrequency control circuit 16 does not allow to perform or continue the treatment.

Apparatus 1 may be configured so that an operator may select and/or set the parameters of the infrared light radiation emitted by means of infrared light source 13c of the handpieces by means of management unit 7. In particular, the infrared light radiation may be emitted intermittently with switching-on time intervals that may be set between 10 ms and 50 ms . To make the radiofrequency treatment more effective, handpieces 12 and 14 may be connected with cooling system 10 and each comprise a cooling device 22, provided for instance with a Peltier cell, associated to each electrode 13a, 13b.

The cooling of the electrodes of handpieces 12 and 14 therefore allows to decrease the temperature of the skin surface which is in contact with first or second handpiece 12, 14 during the treatment, and to increase impedance of the skin surface, so that the transmitted signal (an electric current) tends to penetrate more deeply to reach more conductive subcutaneous areas . In particular, it has been ascertained that the radiofrequency treatment results more effective if the temperature of the treated skin surface is in the range between 5°C and 1O⁰C. Apparatus 1 is configured so that an operator may individually select and/or set by means of management unit 7 the cooling temperature of first and second handpiece 12, 14, to set a strong treatment (cooling temperature of the electrodes set at 5⁰C) or normal treatment (cooling temperature of the electrodes set at 10⁰C) .

In greater detail, with reference to figure 3, cooling system 10 of apparatus 1 comprises: a heat exchanger 40 appropriately housed within housing 2 of apparatus 1, and within which a cooling fluid circulates (for instance a mixture containing from 30% ethylene glycol and from 70% demineralised) ; a circulation pump 23; and a cooling circuit 24 that connects heat exchanger 40 and circulation pump 23 with cooling devices 22 of handpieces 12 and 14 of first electronic treatment unit 3. In case cooling devices 22 of electrodes of handpieces 12 and 14 are formed by Peltier cells, the cooling of the electrodes occurs as follows . In a manner known per se, Peltier cells comprise semiconductor material and, when flown by electric current, heat on one side and cool on the opposite side, thus generating in a few seconds a difference in temperature between the two sides that may even reach 60⁰C. Each Peltier cell 22, associated with a respective one of electrodes 13a, 13b, is supplied with current by means of radiofrequency control circuit 16, and is arranged in respective handpiece 12, 14 so as to have, when supplied, the cold side in contact with the respective electrode, and the warm side in contact with cooling circuit 24. In particular, as shown in figure 3, the warm sides of Peltier cells 22 are cooled by the cooling fluid which flows from cooling circuit 24 into a cooling chamber 42, the walls of which are indeed in contact with these warm sides .

To ensure the electric isolation of the patient subjected to radiofrequency treatment of the skin, apparatus 1 is provided with an isolation transformer (not shown in the figures) , adapted to electrically isolate first electronic treatment unit 3 from the body of the patient. Furthermore, again to ensure the safety of the patient, apparatus 1 is provided with appropriate electrical circuits (not shown in the figures) , configured so as to measure the current and the voltage applied on the surface of the skin, and to transmit the measured values to electronic control unit 8 of apparatus 1, which sends them to display unit 9 in order to show them to the operator. This allows the operator to correctly set the radiofrequency signal frequency and power and ensure the emission safety thereof. To further facilitate the application of radiofrequency, and improve the effects thereof, a cosmetic cream, for instance Epilgel, may be used for improving the electric conductivity of the skin and the penetration of the radiofrequency signal in the part to be treated.

Second electronic treatment unit 5 performs the dermoabrasion treatment, and is for this purpose configured so as to create, by means of an appropriate handpiece, microabrasions on the skin of the patient by means of a pumping and suction mechanism for microcrystals of an appropriate and sterile material (for instance aluminium oxide or "micropeeling") .

In detail, with reference again to figure 2, second electronic treatment unit 5 comprises: - a third handpiece 25, configured so as to apply the microcrystals on the skin surface which is to be treated;

- electric motor 11, operatively connected to third handpiece 25, and to which a pump is associated; and

- a dermoabrasion control circuit 26, connected with third handpiece 25, with electric motor 11 and with electronic control unit 8, and configured to control and manage the operation of second electronic treatment unit

5.

In particular, as shown in figure 4, third handpiece 25 comprises a substantially cylindrical elongated body, formed by two distinct parts: a first part 45, made for instance of aluminium, within which are provided a feeding duct 27, through which the microcrystals flow, for instance micronized aluminium oxide (the crystals of which have a size for instance equivalent to about 0.01 μm) , and a suction duct 28, through which the microcrystals together with the fragments of abraded skin are sucked; and a second part 46, preferably made of "Vidiam" , through which the feeding and suction ducts 27, 28 also extend, and designed to be covered with a disposable head 3.0, which comes in direct contact with the skin surface subjected to treatment and from which the microcrystals exit through a single through-hole (not shown in figure 4) .

The action of electric motor 11 and the pump associated thereto (and of an electrovalve, not shown in the figure, controlled by dermoabrasion control circuit 26 and adapted to act on suction duct 28) generates a strong vacuum (for instance a depression of 750 mbars) within third handpiece 25, which results in the suction of microcrystals and abraded skin particles . In particular, the new microcrystals are sucked from a feeding container, whereas used ones are conveyed and collected in a discharge container; both containers, not shown in the figure, are arranged within an appropriate compartment obtained in housing 2 of apparatus 1, so as to be accessible from outside. In particular, a metal wall separates and mechanically isolates the suction circuit for the microcrystals from the electronic boards of the circuitry of apparatus 1, so as to avoid any accidentally escaped microcrystals from compromising the correct operation of the electronic boards.

During the dermoabrasion treatment, the skin surface affected by the mechanical and controlled action of the microcrystals is gently abraded so as to remove part of the epidermis and uncover the superficial layers of the dermis . Following the inflammatory action caused by the aluminium oxide particles, the repair action of the tissues occurs and the superficial layers of the skin are restored without any signs. This treatment is therefore particularly recommended for the elimination of stretch marks and pigmentations and texture of the skin.

Third electronic treatment unit 6 carries out the dielectrophoresis treatment, which allows the molecular transport beyond the dermal barrier, allowing the introduction of water-soluble active ingredients singularly or in association, at different depths in the tissues without damaging the epidermis by means of an appropriate electrical wave. This treatment is especially recommended for the treatment of stretch marks as it allows to convey within the skin specific substances accelerating the formation of new cells and promoting the regeneration of skin. For further details thereupon, reference should be made to Italian patents IT1341411 and IT1341364 to the same applicant.

In detail, third electronic treatment unit 6 again see figure 2 as well as figure 5 - comprises : a first and a second dispenser 31, 32, for instance of the shower type, configured so as to distribute an appropriate substance on the surface of the skin to be treated and to transmit within said surface an electric signal (for instance of the type disclosed hereinafter with reference to figure 6) such as to deliver the particles of the above said substance on the skin;

- a first and a second reference electrode 34 (only reference electrode 34 associated to first dispenser 31 is shown in figure 1 for illustrative simplicity) , which are operatively coupled with respective dispenser 31, 32 and adapted to be positioned on a portion of the body of the patient so as to close the current path for the above said electric signal; and

- a dielectrophoresis control circuit 33, connected with dispensers 31, 32 and with electronic control unit 8 of apparatus 1, and configured so as to generate and supply to dispensers 31, 32 the electric signal by which to perform- the treatment, and to manage the operation of third electronic treatment unit 6.

In particular, as shown in figure 5, first dispenser 31 (although also second dispenser 32 is intended as having a substantially similar structure) comprises: a positive electrode 35, connected by a dedicated plug to dielectrophoresis control circuit 33; a container 36 where the active substance to deliver is stocked, for instance a conductive gel mixed with one or more water-soluble and ionisable active principles; a shower dispenser 38, releasably coupled to container 36 and within which positive electrode 35 is housed; and a dispensable head 39 that closes shower dispenser 38 above positive electrode 35, and is arranged in use in contact with the skin portion to be treated.

In particular, positive electrode 35 of each dispenser 31, 32 and corresponding reference electrode 34, which represents the negative pole, are used to transmit to the skin a specific treatment signal (for instance of the type shown in figure 6) generated by dielectrophoresis control unit 33 that allows to introduce and deliver the active substance in the skin tissue. Specifically, as shown in figure 6, the above said treatment signal has a sinusoidal waveform asymmetric with respect to its zero, having a positive half-wave with a preset maximum peak, for instance equivalent to 50-60 V, the value of which is a function of the load applied, a negative half-wave having a preset minimum peak, for instance equivalent to - 25 V, and a relatively low frequency, for instance equivalent to 2 KHz (corresponding to a period T of 5-10^"3 s) , and therefore totally tolerable by the human body in a manner known per se.

Preferably, again with reference to figure 1, reference electrode 34 may be of the fabric type and is applied over a part of the body other than that undergoing treatment (and in any case far from the heart of the subject) , on which dispenser 31, 32 is passed, so as to ensure the closing of the electric circuit; for instance, reference electrode 34 is applied on the opposite part (with respect to the median plane) of the body with respect to corresponding dispenser 31, 32.

The introduction of the active substance to be delivered by means of the treatment signal occurs as follows . When the positive half-wave of the treatment signal is applied to positive electrode 35 of dispenser 31, 32, all of the positive ions of the active substance tend to move away from positive electrode 35 and to move towards reference electrode 34, passing through the human body and therefore through the epidermal layers on which dispenser 31, 32 is passed; instead, when the treatment signal changes sign and the negative half-wave of the same signal is applied to positive electrode 35 of dispenser 31, 32, all of the positive ions of the active substance move away from reference electrode 34 and again move towards positive electrode 35 of dispenser 31, 32 again passing through the human body and therefore the epidermal layers in the treatment area. The movement of the positive ions in the epidermal layers allows to deliver the active substances and carry out the desired treatment.

The dielectrophoresis treatment may be applied as an alternative or in addition and synergically, to the radiofrequency treatment and is especially recommended for the treatment of stretch marks, of cellulite, of muscle pain etc. Even in this case, the availability of two handpieces allows to operate at the same time on two different parts of the body; in particular, the output channels to first and second dispenser 31, 32 are separate and independent, and individually settable and controllable by dielectrophoresis control circuit 33.

In greater detail, and as shown in figure 7, dielectrophoresis control circuit 33 includes a first channel 50 and a second channel 51, which are separate and distinct, each having an output connected to a respective of first and second handpiece 31, 32, and adapted to provide the signal for the dielectrophoresis treatment .

Each channel 50, 51 comprises: a dedicated microprocessor 52, having an input connected to electronic control unit 8 of apparatus 1; a power stage 53 controlled by dedicated microprocessor 52 and adapted to generate the waveform required for the treatment signal and provide it as output to the respective handpiece; a first optoisolator 54, interposed between dedicated microprocessor 52 and power stage 53 (in a known manner, for safety and electrical isolation reasons); and a second optoisolator 55, connected between the output of power stage 53 and a dedicated input of electronic control unit 8, which receives as a feedback, for controlling and managing operation, the electric values generated by power stage 53.

According to a different embodiment of the present invention, see figure 8 (in which elements similar to already disclosed ones are indicated by the same reference numerals), apparatus 1 is also provided, in addition to the previously disclosed treatment units, with a fourth electronic treatment unit 4, for performing a depilation treatment or pulsed light photorejuvenation. In particular, also see figure 9, fourth electronic treatment unit 4 comprises :

- a fourth handpiece 17 provided with a lamp 18, for instance of the flash-type, having a preset maximum power, for instance equivalent to 50 J, and a preset wavelength, for instance equivalent to 580 nm or 610 nm, and with a filter 19 placed in front of lamp 18, and connected with cooling system 10; and

- a pulsed light control circuit 21, connected to fourth handpiece 17 and with electronic control unit 8, and configured to control and actuate lamp 18.

In detail, pulsed light control circuit 21 is configured to control the switching-on and the switching-off of lamp 18 at preset time intervals, in the range for instance between 10 ms and 200 ms, so as to emit a pulsed light, which , through filter 19, invests the skin surface in contact with fourth handpiece 17 and in particular the hairs to be eliminated.

Similarly to the radiofrequency treatment, also the depilation or light pulsed photorejuvenation treatment provides for the possibility to cool the skin surface to be treated and the part of fourth handpiece 17 in contact with the skin, in order to make the treatment more effective and comfortable.

For this purpose, as figure 9 schematically shows, cooling circuit 24 has a branching extending within fourth handpiece 17 up to chamber 43, extending around lamp 18 and in which the cooling fluid is collected. In this manner, the cooling of lamp 18 may be obtained; the operator may select by means of management unit 7 of apparatus 1, the depilation or pulsed light rejuvenation treatment with the cooling of fourth handpiece 17, and set the desired cooling temperature. In detail, electronic control unit 8 controls and adjusts a dedicated valve (not shown in figure 9), placed upstream of chamber 43 which allows to control the inflow of cooling fluid in chamber 43.

Figures 10a, 10b show a further embodiment of apparatus 1, in which all handpieces /dispensers used to perform the treatments are advantageously housed, when not in use, within housing 2 of apparatus 1, being retractable therein.

In detail, housing 2 of apparatus 1 has in this currently preferred variant a generically parallelepipedal shape having a main extension in a vertical direction. In a manner not shown in detail, the whole electronic circuitry allowing to perform the previously disclosed treatments and the corresponding printed circuit electronic boards, are housed within a first portion 2a of housing 2 (for instance a back portion thereof) .

In this variant, management unit 7 and display unit 9 are integrated in a single device of the "touchscreen" type 60, arranged in a lid 61 of housing 2, which closes this housing on top. Within a second portion 2b of housing 2 (for instance a front portion thereof) , a plurality of sectors 62 are provided, one for each handpiece/dispenser of apparatus 1 (including in this definition first, second, third handpiece 12, 14, 25, and, if present, fourth handpiece 17, and first and second dispenser 31, 32) . A sheath 63 is housed within each sector 62, in which are enclosed the connection cables for the handpieces/dispensers (as well as cooling circuit tubes 24, in case for instance of the handpieces for radiofrequency and infrared light treatment or for light pulsed treatment; or microcrystals suction and feeding ducts 27, 28, in case for instance of dispensers for dermoabrasion) . By mere way of example, it should be noted that in figures 10a and 10b only first and second handpieces 12, 14 and third handpiece 25 are shown.

An extraction/retraction mechanism 65 of the respective handpiece/dispenser is associated to each sheath 63, comprising: a pulley 66, for instance made of metal, in which sheath 63 is housed so as to be maintained in tension (downwards, i.e. in a direction opposite to lid 61) ; and an electric motor 67, operatively coupled to sheath 63 to facilitate the extraction and the retraction of the handpiece/dispenser (as diagrammatically shown by the arrows in figure 10a) . Each pulley 66 is free to slide downwards by a vertical translation movement on a respective vertical rail 68.

Each sheath 63 has a first end 63a, internally attached to apparatus 1 at a top portion of corresponding sector 62, and a second end 63b, adapted to extend from housing 2 and attached to the respective handpiece/dispenser. The segment of sheath 63 near second end 63b is also sandwiched between two opposite shafts 69 at the ends of which there is a pair of rollers 70. In use, electric motor 67 controls the rotation of rollers 70 of the pair of opposite shafts 69, thereby facilitating the sliding of corresponding sheath 63 upwards or downwards (depending on the direction of the induced rotation) , and therefore facilitating the extraction/retraction of the corresponding handpiece/dispenser . Switches 71, arranged for instance at lid 61, allow, when operated, to control electric motor 67 for the extraction/retraction operations of the corresponding handpiece/dispenser. For this purpose, the pressure of switch 71 may for instance be detected by electronic control unit 8 (electrically connected to the corresponding handpiece/dispenser, in a manner not shown herein) , which may accordingly control electric motor 67 so that it performs the requested operation.

When housed within housing 2 (with respective sheath 63 completely housed within corresponding sector 62 and corresponding pulley 66 arranged in a lower limit position on respective vertical rail 68) , as shown in figure 10b, the handpieces/dispensers have a head portion arranged substantially flushed with lid 61 of housing 2 within a dedicated support 72..

The advantages the disclosed treatment apparatus allows to obtain clearly result from the previous discussion.

In particular, it allows to perform a plurality of different skin treatments by using a single apparatus, in which the several electronic boards adapted to allow carrying out of the treatments are enclosed within a single housing. The various treatments are advantageously synergical in performing the treatment of skin imperfections, and in particular the treatment of stretch marks .

Advantageously, all of the containers of the substances required to carry out the above disclosed treatments, are contained within the housing of the apparatus .

Furthermore, according to a specific embodiment, all of the handpieces/dispensers used for carrying out the treatments are housed within the housing of the apparatus, when not used, being extractable from, and retractable within this housing by means of the action of appropriate electromechanical mechanisms.

It is finally apparent that modifications and variants may be made to what is disclosed and illustrated herein without, because of this, departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims .

In particular, apparatus 1 may carry out a certain number of treatments at the same time (for instance a dielectrophoresis treatment and a radiofrequency treatment), advantageously in different parts of the body.

Furthermore, a different cooling system may be provided to carry out the cooling of the parts in contact with the skin of the handpieces for the radiofrequency and pulsed light treatment. In particular, cooling system 10 of Peltier cells 22 and lamp 18, respectively of first and second handpiece 12, 14 and of fourth handpiece 17 could simply comprise, instead of the above disclosed cooling circuit, a heat exchanger associated to a fan. Although cost-effective to implement, this system may in general be less effective than the previous since, as known, air has a lower heating value with respect to water.

Furthermore, the administration of a radiofrequency radiation may also be combined to the depilation or pulsed light photorejuvenation treatment (by means of appropriate electrodes provided in the fourth handpiece) , so as to further increase effectiveness of the specific aesthetic treatment.

Apparatus 1 may possibly be configured so that an operator may also select and/or set the frequency and the power of the infrared light radiation emitted by means of handpieces 12 and 14 by means of management unit 7.

Finally, it is apparent that first electronic treatment unit 3 could carry out distinct treatments by radiofrequency (RF) energy and infrared (IR) light, and there could therefore be separate handpieces for the application of radiofrequency and of infrared light. As a further alternative, there could also be two distinct electronic treatment units, one for the management of the administration of radiofrequency energy, and the other for the management of infrared light administration .

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for carrying out aesthetic treatments, characterised by comprising:

- a single housing (2);^' - an electronic circuitry (3, 4, 5, 6) housed within said housing (2); and

- a plurality of application tools (12, 14, 17, 25, 31, 32), operatively coupled to said electronic circuitry (3, 4, 5, 6) through said housing (2), wherein said electronic circuitry (3, 4, 5, 6) and said application tools (12, 14, 17, 25, 31, 32) are configured so as to implement a plurality of aesthetic treatments for the skin, in particular for the treatment of a given skin imperfection .

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said aesthetic treatments have a synergical effect for the treatment of skin stretch marks.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein said aesthetic treatments comprise at least: a combined radiofrequency and infrared light radiation treatment; a dermoabrasion treatment; and a dielectrophoresis treatment .

4. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic circuitry (3, 4, 5, 6) comprises a plurality of printed circuit electronic boards, housed in said housing (2), each adapted to carry out a respective of said plurality of aesthetic treatments .

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein said electronic circuitry (3, 4, 5, 6) and said application tools (12, 14, 17, 25, 31, 32) are configured so as to carry out at the same time two or more of said aesthetic treatments, in particular on different portions of skin of a subject to be treated.

6. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said housing (2) is provided with an extraction/retraction stage (65) of said application tools (12, 14, 17, 25, 31, 32), configured so as to aid a user in the extraction of said application tools outside said housing (2) , and in the substantially total retraction of said application tools within said housing (2), when not in use.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said application tools (12, 14, 17, 25, 31, 32) are provided with a respective sheath (63) adapted to house respective electric connection cables for connection to said electronic circuitry (3, 4, 5, 6), and wherein said housing (2) defines an inner portion (2b) within which said sheaths are housed (63); said extraction/retraction stage (65) comprising a pulley device (66) , adapted to house a respective of said sheaths (63) and free to move along a guide element (68), and an electric motor (67) operatively coupled to said respective sheath (63) to facilitate the sliding and the extraction/retraction of the respective application tool .

8. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said sheath (63) has a first end (63a) internally attached to said housing (2), and a second end (63b), adapted to extend from said housing (2) and attached to the respective application tool (12, 14, 17, 25, 31, 32); a portion of said sheath (63) near said second end (63b) being arranged between two sliding elements (69, 70) adapted to be controlled in rotation by said electric motor (67) so as to facilitate its sliding.

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 6-8, wherein said extraction/retraction stage (65) further comprises actuation means (71) which may be operated by a user to drive said electric motor (67) to control winding/unwinding; a head portion of said application tools (12, 14, 17, 25, 31, 32) being positioned, in a retracted position of said application tools, flushed with a top wall (61) of said housing (2), so as to be gripped by said user from outside said housing (2) .

10. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic circuitry (3, 4, 5, 6) comprises:

- a first electronic board (3) adapted to carry out a skin treatment by means of radiofrequency and/or infrared light;

- a second electronic board (5) adapted to carry out a treatment of the skin by means of dermoabrasion;

- a third electronic board (6) adapted to carry out a treatment of the skin by means of dielectrophoresis; and also another electronic board (4) adapted to carry out a treatment of the skin by means of pulsed light.

11. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said application tools (12, 14, 17, 25, 31, 32) comprise at least one first handpiece (12) which may be controlled by said electronic circuitry (3, 4, 5, 6) to send a radiofrequency -and/or infrared light signal to a portion of skin of an individual to be treated, and provided, for this purpose, with a pair of electrodes (13a, 13b) electrically connected to said electronic circuitry; further comprising a cooling system (10) of the closed circuit type, operatively coupled to said electronic circuitry and to said first handpiece (12) to carry out the cooling of said electrodes (13a, 13b) .

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said cooling system (10) comprises: a Peltier cell (22) for each of said electrodes (13a, 13b) , having a first side in contact with a respective electrode; a container (42) arranged in contact with a second side of said Peltier cell (22), opposite to said first side; and a circulation circuit (23, 24, 40) configured so as to induce a circulation of cooling fluid within said container (42) .

13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said application tools (12, 14, 17, 25, 31, 32) comprise a second handpiece (14) which may be controlled by said electronic circuitry (3, 4, 5, 6) to send another radiofrequency and/or infrared light signal to a different portion of skin of said subject to be treated, and provided for this purpose with a respective pair of electrodes (13a, 13b) electrically connected to said electronic circuitry; wherein said electrodes (13a, 13b) of said first handpiece (12) are placed facing at a first predetermined distance, and said electrodes (13a, 13b) of said second handpiece (14) are placed facing at a second predetermined distance, different from said first distance. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said application tools (12,

14, 17, 25, 31, 32) also comprise:

- a third handpiece (25) configured to apply a microcrystalline substance on a surface of treated skin and to suck said microcrystalline substance together with fragments of abraded skin;

- a first (31) and a second dispenser (32) , each configured to deliver an active substance on a surface of skin to be treated and to transmit an electric signal having a power and a frequency which may be set; and

- a fourth handpiece (17) configured to send a pulsed light on a portion of skin of a subject to be treated, and wherein said electronic circuitry (3, 4, 5, 6) comprises:

- a first control circuit (16) , connected with said first (12) and second handpiece (14) and configured so as to generate and send a first radiofreguency and/or infrared light signal to said first handpiece (12) and a second radiofrequency and/or infrared light signal to said second handpiece (14) , during a treatment of the skin by means of radiofrequency and/or infrared light; - a second control circuit (26) , connected with said third handpiece (25) and configured so as to control said third handpiece (25) during a treatment of the skin by means of dermoabrasion;

- a third control circuit (33) connected with said first (31) and second dispenser (32) , and configured so as to control said first and second dispenser during a dielectrophoresis treatment; and

- a fourth control circuit (21) connected with said fourth handpiece (17) and configured so as to control said fourth handpiece (17) during a depilation or photorejuvenation treatment.

15. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising:

- display means (9) ; - input means (7) ; and electronic control and processing means (8) connected with said electronic circuitry (3, 4, 5, 6), with said display means (9) and with said input means (7) and configured so as to control operating modes of said electronic circuitry (3, 4, 5, 6), said display means (9) and said input means (7) .

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said display means (9) and said input means (7) are implemented in a single "touch-screen" unit (60) housed in an upper wall (61) of said housing (2) .