The method disclosed includes combining iontophoresis and ultrasound to
deliver the appropriate chromophores to blonde, grey, white, vellus, and
other non-pigmented or laser resistant hair follicles to facilitate
photothermolysis hair removal using a laser, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL),
a combination of laser and RF energy, or a combination of IPL and RF.
This technique preferentially ultra-exposes the hair follicles to light
energy which is absorbed preferentially by naturally and synthetic
elements in and around the hair follicle. The result is focused
photothermolysis damage resulting in death of the hair producing tissue.
The combined use of iontophoresis and ultrasound with the appropriate
chromophore and laser light allows for immediate and permanent removal of
unwanted hair in selected locations on the body of mammals. This
combination is so effective that the patient can be treated with single,
or at least minimal, office visitations, thereby eliminating the need to
continuously prepare and re-prepare the skin with melanin or other
chromophores prior to multiple--in office--laser or IPL treatments for
completing desired hair removal results. Additionally, this method
discloses the use of iontophoresis together with High Intensity Focused
Ultrasound (HIFU) and also Radio Frequency (RF) energy combined with High
Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to specifically provide necrotizing
energy doses to target the regenerative zones of the hair and accomplish
hair removal.