An apparatus for aesthetic manipulation of the skin having a large pulsator with plurality of light emitting diodes of at least two different wavelengths and a small pulsator with one light emitting diode is disclosed. A frequency modulator automatically modulates the emitting frequency of the tight emitting diodes to a plurality of different frequencies. A power output modulator is provided to modulate the power output of the light emitting diodes. A phase switching subsystem allows selection between a plurality of operating phases, each operating phase operating the frequency modulator and power output modulator in a different predetermined manner. Calibration subsystem connected in circuit with the light emitting diodes calibrates the power output of the light emitting diodes. A vibrator is provided to vibrate the large pulsator. A vibration switching subsystem selectively activates the vibrator.

A method for treating wrinkles in skin involves the use of a beam of pulsed, scanned or gated continuous wave laser or incoherent radiation. The method comprises generating a beam of radiation, directing the beam of radiation to a targeted dermal region between 100 microns and 1.2 millimeters below a wrinkle in the skin, and thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region. The beam of radiation has a wavelength of between 1.3 and 1.8 microns. The method may include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region while partially denaturing the collagen in the targeted dermal region. The method may also include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region prior to thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving bodily safety during exposure to an eye hazardous monochromatic treatment light source by diverging the light, such as with a diffusing unit attached to the light source distal end so that the radiance of the light exiting the distal end is an eye safe level. At a first position of the light source distal end substantially in contact with an outer surface of a target, the energy density of an exit beam from the distal end is suitable for effecting a desired treatment, and at a second non-contact position of the distal end the exit beam energy density is significantly less than a value suitable for effecting the treatment. In an additional embodiment, the diverging or diffusing unit has a device for evacuating vapors or particles from the target.

Method and apparatus to treat unwanted dermatological conditions on a specific area of the body. The area of treatment is exposed to a specific pattern of multi-wavelength light which may have an added infusion of a particular wavelength from a unique non-collimated laser rod optical insertion. The light is generated by specific gas mixture multiple flashlamps that allow simultaneous, overlap, or consecutive firing with quasi-logarithmic spacing between pulses. Pre/Post low level optical heating increases lesion temperature to optimize pulsed treatment. The optimum fixed specific wavelength distribution pattern allows the treatment of various skin conditions by adjusting the intensity of light, and delay between pulses. The need for skin cooling and damage to skin treatment areas is eliminated by the quasi-logarithmic pulse spacing in conjunction with optimum length and characteristic shape of the individual pulses of light.

A light energy delivery head is provided which, in one aspect, mounts laser diode bars or other light energy emitters in a heat sink block which is adapted to cool both the emitters and a surface of a medium with which the head is in contact and to which it is applying light energy. In another aspect, various retroreflection configurations are provided which optimize retroreflection of back-scattered light energy from the medium. The size of the aperture through which light energy is applied to the medium is also controlled so as to provide a desired amplification coefficient as a result of retroreflection.