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MOXI is an FDA-cleared non-ablative fractional laser that uses a 1927 nm thulium wavelength to treat sun damage, uneven pigmentation, melasma, enlarged pores, and early signs of aging. Unlike ablative lasers that remove the outer layer of skin, MOXI creates micro-columns of controlled thermal energy beneath the surface, triggering the body's natural cell turnover and collagen production without significant downtime. Clinical studies show that 96% of patients achieve statistically significant improvements in skin discoloration after just two treatments with a fractionated 1927 nm laser. At Better Med Spa & Wellness in Lincoln Park, Chicago, we use the Sciton MOXI platform with three adjustable treatment levels. That flexibility means we can tailor the treatment to your skin type, your goals, and how much recovery time you are willing to take on. Whether you want a light refresh before an event or a more aggressive correction for stubborn sun damage, MOXI adjusts to meet you where you are.
MOXI delivers fractionated laser energy at 1927 nm, a wavelength that targets water molecules in the superficial layers of the skin. "Fractionated" means the laser treats a pattern of tiny zones across the skin rather than the entire surface at once. Each micro-column of treated tissue triggers a healing response: the body pushes damaged, pigmented cells to the surface while generating fresh collagen and healthy skin cells underneath.
Because the 1927 nm wavelength works at a shallower depth than ablative resurfacing lasers (like CO2 or Erbium), MOXI addresses pigmentation and texture without the extended downtime those deeper treatments require. The treatment typically takes 8 to 15 minutes for the full face, making it one of the fastest laser sessions available.
One of the reasons MOXI stands out from other non-ablative fractional lasers is its tiered treatment approach. Your provider adjusts the energy, density, and number of passes based on which level best matches your skin.
A low-density setting designed for patients with minimal damage who want to maintain healthy skin and get a visible glow. Think of it as preventive care for your complexion. Downtime is virtually zero: you may look slightly pink for a few hours, and makeup can go on the same day. This level works well as a standalone "prejuvenation" treatment or as maintenance between more intensive sessions.
A moderate-density setting that targets mild to moderate pigment irregularities, early sun damage, and dull texture. Level 2 is particularly well-suited for melasma-prone skin, where aggressive treatments can backfire and trigger more pigmentation. Expect light bronzing and mild roughness for 1 to 2 days as treated skin cells shed.
The highest-energy setting, designed for more visible sun damage, stubborn pigment, freckling, enlarged pores, and early acne scarring. Level 3 delivers a more aggressive correction with 2 to 3 days of noticeable bronzing and flaking. Topical numbing is recommended at this level. The payoff is a more dramatic improvement in texture and tone per session.
Many patients at our Lincoln Park clinic start at Level 1 or 2 and graduate to Level 3 as their skin builds tolerance and their goals evolve. Your provider will recommend the right starting point during your consultation.
MOXI's 1927 nm wavelength is one of the safest laser options across a wide range of skin tones, including Fitzpatrick types IV and V, which are often excluded from other laser treatments. That safety profile, combined with its adjustable intensity, makes MOXI a fit for a broad group of patients.
MOXI may be right for you if:
MOXI may not be the best fit if:
Knowing the process ahead of time takes the uncertainty out of your first visit. Here is what happens during a MOXI treatment at our Chicago clinic.
Step 1: Skin assessment. Your provider examines your skin, discusses your concerns, and determines which MOXI level is appropriate. They will also assess whether MOXI alone is the right approach or whether combining it with BBL would give you a better result. If MOXI is not the best option for your specific concern, they will tell you directly and recommend a better path.
Step 2: Preparation. The treatment area is cleansed thoroughly. For Level 3 treatments, a topical numbing cream is applied and given about 20 minutes to take effect. Levels 1 and 2 generally do not require numbing, though it is available if you prefer it.
Step 3: Treatment (8 to 15 minutes for the face). The MOXI handpiece is moved across the skin in a systematic pattern. Most patients describe the sensation as a warm, prickly feeling. The entire face can be treated in under 15 minutes. Body areas like the neck, chest, or hands add an additional 5 to 15 minutes depending on the size.
Step 4: Immediately after. Your skin will look flushed, similar to a light sunburn. A soothing serum or moisturizer is applied before you leave. You can resume most normal activities the same day. Strict sunscreen use is essential for the next several weeks.
Step 5: Days 1 to 3 (the shedding phase). For Level 2 and Level 3 treatments, you will notice a sandpaper-like texture as the treated micro-columns of skin work their way to the surface. This is the treatment doing its job. The old, damaged cells are being replaced. The roughness resolves on its own as the skin sheds.
Step 6: Days 7 to 14 (results emerge). As the shedding completes and new collagen production ramps up, your skin looks clearer, smoother, and more even. Full results from a single session typically develop over 2 to 4 weeks, with continued improvement for several months as collagen remodeling continues.
Not sure which MOXI level is right for your skin?
Our team can evaluate your concerns and walk you through the options. Book a consultation at our Lincoln Park clinic. No pressure, no obligation.
Or call (312) 285-2618
MOXI works at the texture and cellular turnover level, while other treatments target different concerns at different depths. Combining them often produces a stronger result than either treatment alone.
MOXI + BBL (BroadBand Light). This is one of the most requested combination treatments at Better Med Spa. BBL addresses surface-level pigment and redness by targeting melanin and hemoglobin with broad-spectrum light. MOXI works just beneath the surface to improve texture, stimulate collagen, and accelerate cell turnover. Performed together in a single visit, the combination tackles both color correction and resurfacing with recovery that is comparable to MOXI alone. Patients often call this their "glow treatment" because the combined effect on tone and texture is noticeable within a week or two.
MOXI + RF microneedling. For patients who want to address surface texture (MOXI's strength) and deeper skin tightening or scarring (RF microneedling's strength), this pairing covers both layers. The two treatments are typically performed in the same session or spaced a few weeks apart depending on your skin's response.
MOXI as maintenance. Many patients use MOXI Level 1 or Level 2 as seasonal maintenance between more intensive treatments. A few sessions per year can sustain results from BBL, chemical peels, or deeper resurfacing work, preventing sun damage from re-accumulating.
Three levels, not one-size-fits-all. Not every clinic offering MOXI uses all three treatment levels or takes the time to match the right level to your skin. At Better Med Spa, your provider adjusts the energy, density, and number of passes based on your skin type, your concerns, and how much downtime you can work with. That precision matters.
Experienced providers. Every laser treatment at Better Med Spa is performed by a trained provider and overseen by our Medical Director, Dr. Brett Brechner, DO. Our team has treated over 10,000 patients across more than 100 unique treatment types. Laser settings are not interchangeable, and the person holding the handpiece needs to understand how your skin will respond.
Safe for all skin tones. We routinely treat patients with Fitzpatrick IV and V skin types using MOXI, something not every clinic is equipped or trained to do. Our providers understand the parameters that make 1927 nm treatments safe and effective for darker complexions and melasma-prone skin.
Verified results. Better Med Spa holds a 4.8-star rating across 130+ Google reviews from patients serving Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Gold Coast, Wicker Park, and Chicago's North Side. Browse our before-and-after gallery to see real MOXI results from our clinic.
Transparent pricing helps you plan. Here is what MOXI treatments cost at Better Med Spa in Lincoln Park.
3-session MOXI face/body package: $1,620 (regularly $1,800)
3-session MOXI body, large area: $2,241 (regularly $2,490)
3-session MOXI body, small area: $1,485 (regularly $1,650)
Single sessions available for lower cost, though most patients opt for short-term series for skin rejuvenation or 2-3 sessions throughout the year for upkeep.
Most patients start with a 3-session package for the strongest cumulative correction, then transition to 1 to 3 maintenance sessions per year. The number of sessions and the treatment level you need depend on your starting point and goals.
Membership savings. Better Med Spa memberships provide ongoing savings on MOXI and all other treatments:
Patients who maintain regular MOXI sessions often save significantly with a membership compared to paying per session.
Dr. Brett Brechner, DO | Medical Director, Better Med Spa & Wellness
Dr. Brechner oversees all laser and aesthetic treatments at Better Med Spa's Lincoln Park, Chicago location, ensuring every MOXI treatment plan is tailored to the patient's skin type and goals.
Experience the best in aesthetic and wellness care at Better Med Spa. Our personalized treatments are tailored to you, designed to help you look and feel your absolute best with confidence and ease.
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