SkinTyte

Lincoln Park, Chicago

How SkinTyte Works: Infrared Collagen Remodeling

Understanding what happens during a SkinTyte session helps you set realistic expectations for your results. Here is the basic science behind the treatment.

The SkinTyte handpiece delivers rapid pulses of infrared broadband light into the dermis, the layer of skin where collagen fibers live. A sapphire crystal on the handpiece cools the skin's surface while the infrared energy passes through to deeper tissue, raising the temperature of collagen fibers to remodeling levels. This selective heating does two things. First, it causes existing collagen to contract immediately, which produces a subtle tightening effect you may notice right after the session. Second, it activates a wound-healing response that stimulates your body to produce new collagen and elastin over the following weeks and months.

Your provider moves the handpiece across the treatment area in multiple passes (typically four per session), adjusting energy levels to your comfort and skin type. Most patients describe the sensation as gentle warmth, similar to a hot stone massage, with brief flashes of heat followed by cooling. It is well-tolerated without numbing.

Because the results depend on your body building new collagen, the most visible improvements develop gradually. Most patients start to notice firmer skin after two or three sessions, with optimal results appearing about three months after completing the full series.

What SkinTyte Treats: Face, Neck, and Body

SkinTyte is versatile. It works on nearly any area where mild to moderate skin laxity has developed. Here are the most common treatment zones at our Lincoln Park clinic.

Face and Jawline

Softening along the jawline and lower face is one of the earliest signs of collagen loss. SkinTyte can tighten and define the jawline, lift the jowl area, and improve overall facial contour without filler or surgery. It also addresses subtle laxity around the eyes and brows when performed with appropriate safety protocols.

Neck and Chest

The neck and decolletage lose collagen faster than most people expect, partly because these areas get significant sun exposure and have thinner skin. SkinTyte smooths crepey texture and improves firmness across the entire area.

Arms, Abdomen, and Thighs

Loose skin on the upper arms, abdomen, flanks, and above the knees responds well to SkinTyte, especially for patients who have lost weight or noticed skin laxity after pregnancy. The treatment is frequently paired with body contouring services for a more complete result.

Who Is a Good Candidate for SkinTyte?

SkinTyte is a good fit if you:

• Have mild to moderate skin laxity on the face, neck, or body
• Are in your 30s through 60s and noticing early signs of collagen loss
• Want a non-surgical option with zero downtime
• Are looking for gradual, natural-looking tightening rather than a dramatic overnight change
• Want to maintain results from a previous procedure or complement other treatments
• Have any skin type or tone (SkinTyte is safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types)

SkinTyte may not be the best fit if you:

• Have significant excess skin or very heavy tissue that would require surgical intervention
• Are looking primarily for pigment correction or redness reduction (BBL HEROic is better suited for that)
• Want deeper skin remodeling for acne scars or pore refinement (RF microneedling targets those concerns more directly)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Not sure which category you fall into? That is completely normal. A lot of our Chicago patients come in thinking they need one treatment and leave with a different plan after their provider evaluates their skin in person.

Wondering if SkinTyte is the right option for your skin?

Book a consultation at our Lincoln Park clinic. Your provider will assess your skin, walk you through your options, and recommend a plan that fits your goals. No pressure, no obligation to proceed.

Book Your Consultation

Or call (312) 285-2618

What to Expect During a SkinTyte Appointment

Knowing exactly what happens before, during, and after your session removes the guesswork. Here is a quick walkthrough.

Before your session. No special preparation is required. We recommend arriving with clean skin, free of makeup or heavy moisturizers on the treatment area. Avoid excessive sun exposure for a few days beforehand, and let your provider know about any recent changes to your skincare routine (like retinoids or chemical exfoliants).

During the treatment (15-30 minutes). Your provider applies a thin layer of gel to the treatment area and moves the SkinTyte handpiece across the skin in overlapping passes. You will feel brief pulses of warmth followed by cooling from the sapphire contact tip. Most patients find it comfortable and do not need numbing. Some compare it to a warm facial massage.

Immediately after. You may notice mild redness similar to a light sunburn. This typically fades within a few hours. There is no peeling, no bruising, and no restrictions on activity. You can apply sunscreen and makeup right away and return to your normal routine.

Over the following weeks. Collagen remodeling happens gradually. Subtle firmness may be noticeable after your first or second session, but the most meaningful tightening builds over two to three months as new collagen forms. A typical treatment plan at Better Med Spa involves 3 to 5 sessions spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart.

SkinTyte vs. Other Skin Tightening Treatments

There are several non-invasive tightening options on the market. Here is how SkinTyte compares to the alternatives we offer at Better Med Spa.

SkinTyte vs. RF Microneedling

RF microneedling uses tiny needles and radiofrequency energy to create controlled micro-injuries deeper in the skin, triggering more aggressive collagen remodeling. It is better for acne scars, large pores, and texture issues. SkinTyte is gentler, requires no needles, and has zero downtime. For patients who want tightening without any recovery period, SkinTyte is the more comfortable option. Many patients use both treatments at different points in their skin plan.

SkinTyte vs. BBL HEROic

BBL HEROic uses broadband light on the same Sciton platform, but it primarily targets pigmentation, redness, and sun damage rather than laxity. SkinTyte uses the infrared wavelength range specifically optimized for collagen heating. The two treatments are often done in the same session as a combination "tone and tighten" protocol.

SkinTyte vs. Surgical Facelift

A surgical facelift addresses moderate to severe laxity with dramatic, long-lasting results, but it involves anesthesia, incisions, and weeks of recovery. SkinTyte is for patients with mild to moderate laxity who want improvement without surgery. Think of it as a maintenance and prevention tool, not a surgical replacement.

Why Chicago Clients Choose Better Med Spa for SkinTyte

Sciton BBL platform expertise. Better Med Spa operates the full Sciton BBL HERO system, which powers SkinTyte along with BBL HEROic, MOXI, and other light-based treatments. Our providers are trained across the entire platform, which means they can combine modalities in the same session and adjust parameters based on your skin type and goals.

A layered approach to skin health. SkinTyte works best when it is part of a bigger picture. Our team often pairs it with BBL HEROic for pigment correction, MOXI laser for texture improvement, or RF microneedling for deeper remodeling. Instead of treating one concern in isolation, we build a plan around your skin as a whole.

Results you can verify. Better Med Spa has a 4.8-star rating across 130+ reviews. Our team has treated over 10,000 patients across more than 100 unique treatment types at our Lincoln Park location, all under the oversight of Medical Director Dr. Brett Brechner, DO.

Convenient location. Our clinic at 2117 N Halsted St in Lincoln Park is easily accessible from Lakeview, Gold Coast, Bucktown, Old Town, and River North. With sessions lasting under 30 minutes and no downtime, SkinTyte fits easily into a lunch break.

SkinTyte Pricing at Better Med Spa

SkinTyte is priced by treatment area size and sold in packages of four sessions, which is the minimum series most patients need for visible results. Here is what the packages cost as of March 2026.

4 Sessions, Small Area (jawline, under-chin, or around eyes): $1,224

4 Sessions, Medium Area (full face, neck, or upper arms): $1,944

4 Sessions, Large Area (abdomen, full chest, or thighs): $3,096

Single sessions are also available at a lower cost, though most patients opt for a series of treatments.

Your provider will recommend the right package size during your consultation. Some patients treat a single area; others combine face and neck or add body zones over time. There is no pressure to commit to everything at once.

Membership savings. Better Med Spa memberships include discounts on all treatments, including SkinTyte packages. Members who come in for regular maintenance often save significantly across the year.

Pricing as of March 2026. Contact us for current rates.

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Dr. Brett Brechner, DO  |  Medical Director, Better Med Spa & Wellness

Dr. Brechner oversees all aesthetic and light-based treatments at Better Med Spa's Lincoln Park, Chicago location.

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