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Abstract

An apparatus and method for hair depilation using a beam of light, preferably a scanned continuous output diode laser beam, operating primarily in a range of wavelengths from 650-1000 nanometers is disclosed. The beam of light is focused by a handpiece such that the power density and energy density of the beam is sufficient for selective coagulation of dermal melanosomes and destruction of hair follicles adjacent to melanosomes. The beam is directed over the treatment area by any type of motorized mirror and lens-based scanning device such that the duration of exposure to the treatment area is limited to a fixed time interval according to the velocity of the beam moving across the treatment area, or a specified dwell time whereby the scanned beam is held at each position in the scan for a specified time duration, preferably in a pseudo-random sequence. The scanner connects to a contact member, at least a portion of which is held in contact with the skin, to provide a fixed focus and surface contact cooling. The scanned beam velocity or dwell time, focal spot size, and output power therefore determine the energy and energy density at each location within a scanned area. This method provides for selective coagulation by wavelength absorption which is enhanced by differential cooling using high energy, short duration exposure produced by a scanned laser beam which can be performed with a wide variety of available laser beam scanners and with continuous output diode or other lasers of suitable wavelengths.

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