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Development of a Numerical Multi-layer Model of Skin Subjected to Pulsed Laser Irradiation to Optimise Thermal Stimulation in Photorejuvenation Procedure

Development of a Numerical Multi-layer Model of Skin Subjected to Pulsed Laser Irradiation to Optimise Thermal Stimulation in Photorejuvenation Procedure
Development of a Numerical Multi-layer Model of Skin Subjected to Pulsed Laser Irradiation to Optimise Thermal Stimulation in Photorejuvenation Procedure
Background and Objective: This paper presents the development of a 3D physics-based numerical model of skin capable of representing the laser-skin photo-thermal interactions occurring in skin photorejuvenation treatment procedures. The aim of this model was to provide a rational and quantitative basis to control and predict temperature distribution within the layered structure of skin. Ultimately, this mathematical and numerical modelling platform will guide the design of an automatic robotic controller to precisely regulate skin temperature at desired depths and for specific durations. Methods: The Pennes bioheat equation was used to account for heat transfer in a 3D multi-layer model of skin. The effects of blood perfusion, skin pigmentation and various convection conditions are also incorporated in the proposed model. The photo-thermal effect due to pulsed laser light on skin is computed using light diffusion theory. The physics-based constitutive model was numerically implemented using a combination of finite volume and finite difference techniques. Direct sensitivity routines were also implemented to assess the influence of constitutive parameters on temperature. A stability analysis of the numerical model was conducted. Results: Finally, the numerical model was exploited to assess its ability to predict temperature distribution and thermal damage via a multi-parametric study which accounted for a wide array of biophysical parameters such as light coefficients of absorption for individual skin layers and melanin levels (correlated with ethnicity). It was shown how critical is the link between melanin content, laser light characteristics and potential thermal damage to skin. Conclusions: The developed photo-thermal model of skin-laser interactions paves the way for the design of an automated simulation-driven photorejuvenation robot, thus alleviating the need for inconsistent and error-prone human operators.
Skin photorejuvenation, biophysics, cosmetic dermatology, laser, robotics, thermal interaction, Laser, Thermal interaction, Cosmetic dermatology, Biophysics, Robotics
0169-2607
Muddassir, Muhammad
fd577a36-39cd-404c-8b14-e0b72aabec4a
Limbert, Georges
a1b88cb4-c5d9-4c6e-b6c9-7f4c4aa1c2ec
Navarro-Alarcon, David
2d869a9f-719e-4741-9b1a-789a476b693c
Muddassir, Muhammad
fd577a36-39cd-404c-8b14-e0b72aabec4a
Limbert, Georges
a1b88cb4-c5d9-4c6e-b6c9-7f4c4aa1c2ec
Navarro-Alarcon, David
2d869a9f-719e-4741-9b1a-789a476b693c

Muddassir, Muhammad, Limbert, Georges and Navarro-Alarcon, David (2022) Development of a Numerical Multi-layer Model of Skin Subjected to Pulsed Laser Irradiation to Optimise Thermal Stimulation in Photorejuvenation Procedure. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 216, [106653]. (doi:10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.106653).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Background and Objective: This paper presents the development of a 3D physics-based numerical model of skin capable of representing the laser-skin photo-thermal interactions occurring in skin photorejuvenation treatment procedures. The aim of this model was to provide a rational and quantitative basis to control and predict temperature distribution within the layered structure of skin. Ultimately, this mathematical and numerical modelling platform will guide the design of an automatic robotic controller to precisely regulate skin temperature at desired depths and for specific durations. Methods: The Pennes bioheat equation was used to account for heat transfer in a 3D multi-layer model of skin. The effects of blood perfusion, skin pigmentation and various convection conditions are also incorporated in the proposed model. The photo-thermal effect due to pulsed laser light on skin is computed using light diffusion theory. The physics-based constitutive model was numerically implemented using a combination of finite volume and finite difference techniques. Direct sensitivity routines were also implemented to assess the influence of constitutive parameters on temperature. A stability analysis of the numerical model was conducted. Results: Finally, the numerical model was exploited to assess its ability to predict temperature distribution and thermal damage via a multi-parametric study which accounted for a wide array of biophysical parameters such as light coefficients of absorption for individual skin layers and melanin levels (correlated with ethnicity). It was shown how critical is the link between melanin content, laser light characteristics and potential thermal damage to skin. Conclusions: The developed photo-thermal model of skin-laser interactions paves the way for the design of an automated simulation-driven photorejuvenation robot, thus alleviating the need for inconsistent and error-prone human operators.

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Mudassir-Limbert-Alarcon (2022) - Accepted Manuscript
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Accepted/In Press date: 20 January 2022
e-pub ahead of print date: 22 January 2022
Published date: April 2022
Additional Information: Publisher Copyright: © 2022
Keywords: Skin photorejuvenation, biophysics, cosmetic dermatology, laser, robotics, thermal interaction, Laser, Thermal interaction, Cosmetic dermatology, Biophysics, Robotics

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 454639
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/454639
ISSN: 0169-2607
PURE UUID: a2ac58ae-709b-47b8-a222-0794bb2dc5de

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Date deposited: 17 Feb 2022 17:42
Last modified: 17 Mar 2024 07:05

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Contributors

Author: Muhammad Muddassir
Author: Georges Limbert
Author: David Navarro-Alarcon

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