SkinTyte II with the Sciton BBL is intended for selective photocoagulation of soft tissue for firmer looking skin. SkinTyteTM is a fast intense pulsed light non-invasive skin firming treatment. SkinTyte treatments utilize optimized cut-off filters which emit energy with wavelengths in the visible to infrared spectrum, and provide dermal heating for the purpose of elevating tissue temperature for firmer skin. This proprietary technology is used to selectively heat the water within the dermal collagen matrix. Tight, firm skin requires good elasticity. Elasticity means the ability of the skin to snap back or tighten after it has been displaced or pulled away from the body. Good elasticity depends on healthy collagen and elastin fibers that lie very deep, near the bottom of the dermis. Collagen and elastin fibers act like small rubber bands that hold the skin tight against our body, and pull the loose tissue back when it is stretched or pulled. Tight, firm skin requires good elasticity. Elasticity means the ability of the skin to snap back or tighten after it has been displaced or pulled away from the body. Good elasticity depends on healthy collagen and elastin fibers that lie very deep, near the bottom of the dermis. Collagen and elastin fibers act like small rubber bands that hold the skin tight against our body, and pull the loose tissue back when it is stretched or pulled. Aging, sun damage from ultraviolet (UV) light, smoking, stress, excessive alcohol intake and an unhealthy diet and lifestyle all destroy collagen and elastin in the dermis and cause the skin to loosen and sag. Although it is located beneath the epidermis, it is changes to the dermis that cause the outer skin to wrinkle and lose elasticity. As we grow older, the amount of fat found in our lower layer of skin decreases, our glands produce less oil, and collagen and elastin fibers lose their elasticity. The natural process of cell reproduction in the dermal layer also decreases, resulting in a slower rejuvenation of our skin cells. SkinTyte deposits heat into the dermis. The epidermis is a robust and resilient structure that is at the surface of the skin. It functions as a physical barrier to protect the deeper dermis, and to retain the skin’s hydration. As a result of cooling by the sapphire crystal the highest temperature will occur below the epidermis in the more hydrated dermis. The result is a higher temperature within the dermis. The immediate response to this thermal exposure is a contraction of the collagen and elastin fibrils. Longer term, fibroblasts are activated stimulating the production of new collagen, elastin and other components of the extracellular matrix in response to wound healing which takes place up to six months after the initial heating. This tissue remodeling results in a thickening of the dermis and the shrinking of the elastin fibers, resulting in improvement of skin firmness.