SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTROSURGICAL REMOVAL OF THE STRATUM CORNEUM

摘要

The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for removing the outer layer, or stratum corneum, of a patient's skin. In one aspect of the invention, a method includes positioning an active electrode (58) adjacent to or near a target site on a patient's outer skin, and applying a sufficient high frequency voltage to the active electrode to remove the stratum corneum without removing the entire epidermis layer. In this manner, the present invention removes dead and/or damaged skin cells on the surface of the skin which improves the overall appearance of the skin. In addition, this process helps to stimulate the bodies own rejuvenation process. In some embodiments, this rejuvenation process occurs by the actual removal of the stratum corneum, which accelerates the regrowth of new cell layers in the skin. In other embodiments, thermal energy is applied to the underlying epidermis and/or dermis to stimulate the growth of new collagen. In both of these embodiments, the skin appears healthier and, in some cases, small wrinkles are removed or reduced.