Zeltiq Aesthetics, Inc.

Systems and methods can be implemented in which an electromagnetic charge is used to strengthen, tone, and firm muscle tissues. For example, the method may include receiving parameters for operation of a magnetic muscle stimulation device. The method may also include causing, based on the received parameters, a first alternating current having a first phase to flow through a first coil and generate a first time-varying magnetic field that induces a first electric charge in muscle tissue under a skin surface of a patient when the first applicator surface is positioned substantially on and parallel to the skin surface of the patient. The method may also include causing a second alternating current having a second phase to flow through a second coil in a similar manner. Optionally, a phase offset between the first and second phases may be adjusted to limit to a predetermined maximum electric charge.

Systems and methods can be implemented in which an electromagnetic charge is used to strengthen, tone, and firm muscle tissues. For example, a magnetic muscle stimulation device may be provided that includes a processor and a device applicator having a housing and a coil positioned within in the housing. The processor may be configured to receive parameters for operation of the device applicator, and to cause, based on the received parameters, an alternating current to flow through the coil to generate a time-varying magnetic field that induces an integrated electric charge or electrical conductivity in a portion of tissue under a skin surface of a patient.

A method in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention includes increasing a concentration of a modified or unmodified saccharide within a subject's skin, applying an applicator to the subject's skin, and cooling the subject's skin via a heat-transfer surface of the applicator. The saccharide within the subject's skin can enhance a resistance of at least some cells within the subject's skin to damage associated with the cooling. A corresponding system includes the applicator, the saccharide, and an energy-delivery device. The energy-delivery device can be configured to apply ultrasound, optical, thermal, or another type of energy to the subject's skin to drive the saccharide into the subject's skin. The system can also include a penetration enhancer configured to enhance penetration of the saccharide into the subject's skin. The penetration enhancer can be applied with the saccharide or separately.

Systems and methods can be implemented in which an electromagnetic charge is used to strengthen, tone, and firm muscle tissues. For example, the method may include receiving parameters for operation of a magnetic muscle stimulation device. The method may also include causing, based on the received parameters, a first alternating current having a first phase to flow through a first coil and generate a first time-varying magnetic field that induces a first electric charge in muscle tissue under a skin surface of a patient when the first applicator surface is positioned substantially on and parallel to the skin surface of the patient. The method may also include causing a second alternating current having a second phase to flow through a second coil in a similar manner. Optionally, a phase offset between the first and second phases may be adjusted to limit to a predetermined maximum electric charge.

A treatment system for cooling subcutaneous lipid-rich cells in a human subject includes an applicator and a control unit. The treatment system has a cooling mode for cooling tissue and a heating mode for warming tissue. The control unit includes a circulation circuit in fluid communication with the applicator, a chiller apparatus configured to chill fluid from the applicator circulation circuit, and a heater apparatus to warmed fluid from the applicator circulation circuit. The control unit mixes the chilled fluid and/or the warmed with fluid in the applicator circulation circuit control the temperature of the fluid circulated in the applicator.

Systems for treating a subject's tissue can include a thermally conductive cup with vacuum features configured to facilitate removal of air located between the cup and the subject's skin. The vacuum features can extend along cup to provide airflow paths to a vacuum port. The applicator can cool and/or heat the retained tissue to affect targeted tissue. After the treat period, the vacuum can be reduced or stop and the applicator can be removed from the subject.

A cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject having skin is provided. The cooling device includes a support having a first portion and a second portion. A first cooling element having a first heat exchanging surface is located at the first portion of the support. A second cooling element having a second heat exchanging surface is located at the second portion of the support. At least one of the first and second cooling elements is movable along the support and is configured to rotate for adjusting an angle between the first and second heat exchanging surfaces.

Application systems, disposable interface assemblies and methods for cooling subcutaneous lipid-rich tissue. One embodiment of an application system includes a cooling unit, a cryoprotectant vessel, a contact member and an array of selectively addressable heating elements. The cryoprotectant vessel is configured to contain a fluidic cryoprotectant such that at least a portion of the cryoprotectant is cooled by the cooling unit to a desired base temperature. The contact member is attached to the cryoprotectant vessel and includes a backside in contact with the cryoprotectant and a front side opposite the backside. The contact member is configured to allow the cryoprotectant to flow from the backside to the front side. The array of selectively addressable heating elements is carried by the contact member.

A method and system in accordance with a particular embodiments of the technology includes applying a substance onto skin of a human subject. An applicator is then applied to the subject to cool a region of the subject. After cooling the tissue, a nucleation initiator is used to initiate a freeze event in the tissue. The nucleation initiator can be an ice crystal that inoculates the skin upon contact to create a predictable freeze event therein. The time of contact between the ice crystal and the skin can be controlled to achieve desired effects.

Treatment systems, methods, and apparatuses for improving the appearance of skin or other target regions are described. Aspects of the technology are directed to improving the appearance of skin by tightening the skin, improving skin tone or texture, eliminating or reducing wrinkles, increasing skin smoothness, or improving the appearance sites with cellulite. Treatments can include cooling a surface of a patient's skin and detecting freezing in the cooled skin. The tissue can be cooled after the freeze event is detected so to maintain the frozen state of the tissue to improve the appearance of the treatment site.