Feb 21, 2026

BBL HEROic for Body Sun Damage in Chicago | Better Med Spa

Treat chest, arm, and hand sun damage with BBL HEROic body treatments in Chicago. Fade spots, improve tone, and refresh photo-aged skin at Better Med Spa in Lincoln Park with customized plans and supportive aftercare.

BBL HEROic for Body Sun Damage in Chicago: Chest, Arms, Hands & Beyond

If you only think of lasers as “for your face,” you are not alone. Many people in Chicago live with freckled chests, spotted forearms, and aging hands simply because they do not realize those areas can be treated too. At Better Med Spa in Lincoln Park, we use Sciton’s BBL HEROic technology to safely and efficiently treat body sun damage on the chest, arms, hands, and other exposed areas so your skin looks more even from head to toe.​​

This guide walks you through how body BBL works, what it can improve, what to expect before and after treatment, and how we often combine BBL with MOXI for extra texture and collagen support on the chest and hands. If you are ready to do more than just cover up your sun damage, you are in the right place.​​

Why Body Sun Damage Shows Up So Strongly

Chicago might not feel like a “sun city,” but the reality is that UV exposure quietly adds up all year, especially on the upper body. Even when you are bundled up in winter, your hands, forearms, and chest often get repeated, low-level sun exposure from driving, walking the dog, or sitting near windows. Over time, this leads to visible changes, including:​

  • Sun spots and age spots on the chest, arms, and hands.​​
  • Freckling and patchy brown discoloration on the décolletage and forearms.​
  • Redness, broken capillaries, and a “mottled” look to body skin.​
  • Skin that looks dull, crepey, or older than the skin on your face.​​

Because these areas have thinner skin and often less consistent sunscreen, they can show sun damage earlier and more dramatically than the face. That is why you might notice a sharp line between the more even tone on your face, which gets the most care, and the more spotted skin on your chest or hands.​

What BBL HEROic Does for Body Sun Damage

BBL HEROic is a next-generation BroadBand Light system from Sciton that is specifically engineered to treat large body areas like the chest, arms, hands, legs, and back efficiently and comfortably. The HEROic platform delivers:​

  • High Energy, Rapid Output (HERO), which allows for 4x faster treatments compared with older BBL systems.
  • Large treatment heads designed for body zones so chest, arms, and hands are practical to treat in a standard session.​​
  • Customizable filters and settings so we can target brown pigment, redness, and overall tone in a precise, skin-safe way.​​

For body sun damage, Forever Young BBL HEROic focuses on:

  • Breaking up excess pigment in sun spots, age spots, and freckles so your body can gradually clear them away.​
  • Softening red and mottled areas by targeting visible vessels and diffuse redness.​
  • Gently heating collagen-rich layers to support firmer, smoother, more even-looking skin over time.​

In other words, BBL HEROic is designed to do for your chest, arms, and hands what great photo-rejuvenation has long done for facial skin, but at a speed and coverage that finally makes treating larger areas realistic.​

Areas We Commonly Treat with BBL HEROic Body

At Better Med Spa in Lincoln Park, common body areas for BBL HEROic include:​

  • Chest and décolletage for brown spots, sun freckles, and uneven tone.
  • Backs of hands for age spots, sun damage, and a “weathered” appearance.
  • Forearms and upper arms for diffuse freckling and mottling.
  • Shoulders and upper back for chronic sun exposure and dark spots.
  • Legs or other exposed areas that show patchy pigmentation or sun damage.

Many of our Chicago clients come in initially “just for the face” and are relieved to learn we can also address the visible sun damage on their chest and hands within a customized BBL HEROic plan.​

When We Add MOXI for Chest and Hands

BBL HEROic is excellent at dealing with color, especially brown spots and red, sun-induced changes. MOXI, Sciton’s nonablative fractional laser, shines when it comes to fine texture, early crepiness, and collagen stimulation at the surface level.​

For certain body areas, especially the chest and hands, we may recommend a combination:

  • BBL HEROic first to target pigment and vascular changes.
  • MOXI afterwards on select areas to improve fine textural changes, early crepiness, and overall radiance.​

MOXI works by delivering fractionated laser energy that creates tiny micro-coagulation zones in the skin, triggering a natural healing response, increased cell turnover, and collagen production. This is particularly helpful when your concern is not just color, but also:

  • Fine lines and crepiness on the chest.
  • Subtle roughness, early thinning, or etched-in texture on the backs of the hands.​​

We will never treat actively irritated or compromised skin with MOXI, and we always sequence BBL and MOXI carefully so you can share a recovery window where appropriate.​

What Body BBL HEROic Feels Like

Your comfort matters, especially when treating larger zones like the chest and arms. BBL HEROic includes advanced cooling and in-motion techniques that make treatment more comfortable than older, “single-shot” IPL devices.​

During a typical body BBL session at Better Med Spa, you can expect:

  1. A detailed consultation
    We start by understanding your goals, reviewing your medical history, and examining your skin in good light. This helps us determine if BBL HEROic is appropriate for your skin type and concerns, and whether a combination plan with MOXI makes sense.​​
  1. Prep and protective measures
    We cleanse the treatment area, apply a clear gel, and place protective goggles as needed. Photos may be taken to help you track your progress over time.​
  1. The treatment itself
    You will feel quick flashes of light and a warm, snapping sensation as the BBL HEROic handpiece moves over your skin in a smooth, gliding pattern. Thanks to integrated cooling and the rapid, in-motion technique, most people describe it as very tolerable, even on sensitive areas like the chest.​​
  1. Duration
    Because HEROic was designed for speed and large areas, treating the chest, arms, and hands is surprisingly efficient. Session length depends on how many zones we treat in a single visit, but full upper-body sessions are typically manageable within a standard appointment.​
  1. Immediately after
    Your skin may look a bit pink and feel warm, similar to a fresh sunburn, for a few hours. Brown spots often look darker right away and over the next few days, which is a normal sign that the pigment is coming to the surface.​​

Downtime, Recovery, and When You See Results

Body BBL HEROic is considered non-invasive, with minimal downtime compared with more aggressive resurfacing, but it still involves a real healing and renewal process.​

Here is what you can generally expect:

  • Days 1-3
    Mild redness and warmth on treated areas are common. Brown spots often darken and may look “peppered.” You should avoid hot tubs, saunas, and very intense workouts during the initial period, especially if vessels were treated.​
  • Days 4-14
    Darkened spots gradually flake or fade as your skin naturally turns over. The chest and body can take the better part of 1 to 2 weeks to fully clear in many cases, especially if you had a lot of pigment to start.​
  • 2-4 weeks and beyond
    Improved clarity, fewer obvious spots, and more even tone become noticeable as your skin settles. Collagen-related benefits, such as smoother and subtly firmer-looking skin, continue to build over several weeks and with repeat treatments.​

Most people need a series of treatments for significant body sun damage, not just one session. During your consultation, we will walk through a realistic series based on your current damage, your lifestyle, and your goals, so you know exactly what to expect.​

How Many BBL HEROic Treatments Will I Need?

Body sun damage has usually accumulated over years, so it is important to think in terms of a series and a maintenance plan, not a single, “once and done” visit.​

In general, you can expect:

  • A starting series of 3 or more BBL HEROic sessions for noticeable improvement in body sun damage.​
  • Spacing of about 4-8 weeks between sessions, depending on your skin’s response and how aggressively we are treating.​​
  • Optional maintenance treatments once or twice a year to help keep new spots and sun-related changes in check, especially if you spend time outdoors.​

If we combine BBL HEROic with MOXI for chest or hands, we will also plan for the MOSI-specific series, often 3-4 treatments spaced several weeks apart, to support texture and collagen improvements.​

Is Body BBL HEROic Right for My Skin Type?

BBL HEROic offers flexible settings to accommodate a wide range of skin types, but every plan starts with a personalized evaluation. We carefully consider:​​

  • Your Fitzpatrick skin type (how your skin burns or tans).
  • The depth and intensity of your sun damage and spots.
  • Whether you also have redness, visible vessels, or textural changes.
  • Any history of pigment changes, scarring, or medication use that might affect healing.​​

Protocols and filters are adjusted per skin type, and certain settings are not appropriate for deeper skin tones. If BBL HEROic is not the safest option for your particular skin, we will walk you through alternative treatments that can still help you address sun damage and uneven tone in a responsible way.​

Seasonal Timing: Why Chicago Fall and Winter Are Ideal

Living in Chicago actually gives you a seasonal advantage for BBL HEROic body treatments. Because this treatment targets pigment and makes your skin more sensitive to UV for a period of time, we strongly prefer to treat significant body sun damage during the lower-sun months.​

Ideal timing often includes:

  • Fall and winter, when you are already covering up more and outdoor UV exposure is naturally lower.
  • Early spring, before you spend more time at outdoor events, on the Lakefront Trail, or at summer festivals.
  • Anytime you can commit to consistent SPF, sun-protective clothing, and avoiding tanning for at least several weeks after treatment.​

By planning ahead, we can often help you enter summer with clearer, more even-looking chest, arms, and hands, instead of scrambling to hide spots at the last minute.

How to Protect and Maintain Your Results

Your BBL HEROic investment is meant to last, and your home care plays a big role in that. After your treatment series at Better Med Spa, we will help you build a realistic, K-beauty-inspired maintenance routine that fits your life in Chicago’s shifting seasons.​

Core recommendations typically include:

  • Daily broad-spectrum SPF on all exposed areas, including chest, forearms, and hands, even in winter.​
  • Reapplying SPF when outdoors for extended periods or when driving for long stretches.
  • Sun-protective clothing and accessories, such as UPF gloves or sleeves for cycling, running, or long commutes.
  • Gentle, hydrating body skincare that supports barrier repair and healthy turnover without over-exfoliating treated areas.

If new spots appear over time, they are usually from fresh sun exposure, not the original ones “coming back.” Occasional touch-up BBL sessions can keep your chest, arms, and hands looking more even and youthful as years go by.​​

Realistic Expectations: What BBL HEROic Can and Cannot Do

Honest expectations are essential for a good experience. Body BBL HEROic is powerful, but it is still a non-surgical, light-based treatment.

Here is what it can typically achieve for body sun damage:​

  • Noticeable reduction in the number and intensity of sun spots, age spots, and freckles.
  • More even overall tone, with less mottling and visible sun damage.
  • A brighter, “cleaner” look to chest, hands, and arms that better matches facial skin.
  • Progressive improvement in superficial texture and firmness as collagen responds.

Here is what it is not designed to do:

  • It does not replace surgery for severe skin laxity on the chest or arms.
  • It does not erase all pigment in a single session. A series is almost always needed.
  • It does not prevent future sun damage if you skip SPF and ongoing protection.

We will always use language like “improvement,” “reduction,” and “visible change,” rather than promising total removal, because your safety and trust matter more than a quick, unrealistic promise.​

How BBL HEROic Body Fits into a K-Beauty-Inspired Plan

Better Med Spa is rooted in a K-beauty-inspired philosophy of layered, long-term skin health rather than one-time fixes. For many of our Lincoln Park and North Side clients, body BBL HEROic becomes one part of a layered plan that also includes:

  • Medical-grade body skincare for pigment, texture, and hydration support.
  • MOXI sessions for chest and hands when crepiness or fine texture changes are present.​
  • Occasional facial treatments, such as Glass Skin Facials or MOXI for the face, so your complexion and body skin age more gracefully together.​

This approach is especially helpful if you are in your 40s-60s and noticing that sun damage has “moved beyond” your face to areas that are harder to ignore in summer clothing. We are here to help you create a plan that feels sustainable, not overwhelming.​

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for BBL HEROic Body in Chicago?

You may be a great candidate for BBL HEROic body treatments at Better Med Spa if:​

  • You are in generally good health and not pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • You have visible sun damage (spots, freckles, uneven tone) on your chest, arms, hands, or other body areas.
  • Your active tan has faded, and you are willing to avoid tanning before and after treatment.
  • You can commit to SPF and simple protective habits after your series.
  • You understand that a series of treatments is usually needed and that maintenance may be recommended.

During your consultation, we will review all relevant medical factors, including medications such as photosensitizing drugs, past pigment issues, and any history of keloids or unusual scarring. If BBL HEROic is not your best option, we will be honest and recommend safer alternatives.​​

Your First Visit: What Happens at Better Med Spa

From the moment you walk into our Lincoln Park med spa on Halsted Street, our goal is to make you feel informed, comfortable, and cared for.

At your first BBL HEROic body consultation, you can expect:​

  • A warm welcome and check-in that respects your time.
  • A one-on-one conversation with a licensed provider about your top concerns and what you hope to change.
  • A thorough assessment of your chest, arms, hands, and any other areas you are considering treating.
  • Education on how BBL HEROic and MOXI work, what kind of results we expect for your specific case, and how many sessions we recommend.
  • Transparent pricing, membership options if relevant, and a clear plan that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

There is no pressure to book on the spot, but if you are ready, we can often start with your first treatment that same day or schedule it at a convenient time around your work, travel, or special events.​

Why Choose Better Med Spa in Lincoln Park for BBL HEROic Body

When you are trusting someone with lasers on your chest, arms, and hands, experience and attention to detail matter. At Better Med Spa, we focus on:

  • Advanced technology
    We have invested in Sciton’s BBL HEROic platform because of its power, speed, and safety profile for both face and body rejuvenation.​
  • A K-beauty-inspired philosophy
    We believe in multi-step, layered plans that emphasize prevention, maintenance, and gradual, natural-looking improvement, rather than aggressive, one-off procedures.​
  • Personalized protocols
    Your settings, number of passes, session spacing, and whether we combine BBL with MOXI are all customized based on your skin, not a generic template.​
  • Local understanding
    We understand Chicago’s seasonal swings, from harsh winters to bright summers, and design your treatment timing and home-care plan to work with our climate, not against it.​​

Our goal is for you to feel confident showing your chest in a scoop-neck top, your arms in a sleeveless dress, and your hands in every photo, without feeling like you have to hide behind makeup or clothing.

Ready to Treat Body Sun Damage? Your Next Step

If you are tired of seeing your chest, arms, or hands age faster than your face, BBL HEROic body treatments can be a powerful way to reclaim more even, radiant skin from the neck down.​

At our Lincoln Park med spa in Chicago, we will walk you through every step, from your first consult to your last follow-up, with a focus on safety, comfort, and realistic, meaningful results. Whether you are just starting to notice spots or you have decades of sun damage to address, we will help you create a plan that fits your life.

To get started, schedule a personalized BBL HEROic body consultation at Better Med Spa in Chicago. You can book your visit online or contact our team to find a time that works for you. Your chest, arms, and hands have been carrying years of sun stories; it is time to help them look as refreshed and cared for as you deserve.

The content provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health or medical conditions. We strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, but outcomes and experiences may vary. Our med spa is not responsible for any actions taken based on this blog. If treatments, products, or procedures are mentioned, please consult with a licensed professional to determine if they are appropriate for you.

Book your consultation at Better Med Spa and experience where beauty meets expert care tailored to your individualized goals.