| abstract |
Methods and devices according to certain embodiments of the present invention include applying an adhesive to the skin of a human subject. The applicator is then contacted with the adhesive such that the adhesive is disposed between the applicator and the subject's skin. The applicator is activated to cool the tissue area through the subject's skin, the heat transfer surface of the applicator, and the adhesive. During cooling of the tissue region, the adhesive cools, thereby reversibly strengthening the adhesive between the subject's skin and the heat transfer surface to form a strong bond therebetween. The reinforced adhesive prevents any movement of the applicator against the skin. After cooling the tissue area, the adhesive warms up, weakening its adhesion thereto, and allowing the heat transfer surface of the applicator to readily detach from the skin. |