September 10, 2024—What does it mean to be a “science-first” company?
A science-first company doesn’t just follow trends or rely on intuition; it builds its foundation on rigorous research, evidence-based practices, and data-driven decisions. Every innovation is grounded in proven scientific principles, validated with thorough testing, and backed by reliable data. A science-first company prioritizes scientific integrity at every level of operation, from research and development to product delivery.
At Sciton, being a science-first company is more than just a guiding principle—it’s the foundation behind everything we create. We engineer innovative laser and light-based technologies grounded in scientific research and clinical validation. Our devices undergo rigorous clinical trials and are continually validated in peer-reviewed studies to ensure their efficacy. We foster transparency by making this clinical data readily accessible.
Equally important is our commitment to gathering feedback from customers, ensuring we continuously refine our solutions to better serve those who rely on our products. We also prioritize education and training, empowering providers with a deep understanding of the science behind our technologies.
Keep reading to explore how Sciton exemplifies a science-first approach at every stage—from research and development to building and validating its advanced medical aesthetics technology with robots and cutting-edge diagnostic tools.
The foundation of a science-first company: Research & development
Building a Sciton device begins with extensive research and development, including the precise selection of wavelengths to effectively target specific skin concerns, such as pigmentation, vascular conditions, acne, scars, and hair reduction, in a wide range of skin types. Sciton’s engineers and scientists design devices that deliver these wavelengths with precision, using advanced physics and tissue interaction analysis to help guide development.
Feedback from Sciton’s Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and customers is incorporated to develop innovative design features that improve ease of use, efficacy, and practicality for providers. Following development, Sciton’s laser and light-powered technology is scientifically verified through rigorous testing and validation. This combined scientific and practical approach ensures that each device is optimized for performance and convenience, providing reliable treatments that deliver exceptional patient outcomes.
A legacy of innovation: Developing science-backed treatments
HALO®
To understand Sciton’s commitment to being a science-first company, let’s rewind to when Sciton developed HALO®, the world’s first hybrid fractional laser. This groundbreaking device was among the first to set Sciton apart as a leader in scientifically driven innovation. HALO was the first laser to combine a 2940 nm ablative erbium wavelength with a 1470 nm non-ablative wavelength, delivering exceptional results without the extensive downtime associated with traditional lasers.
One of HALO’s key innovations, Dynamic Thermal Optimization (DTO), introduced automatic energy delivery adjustments, effectively mitigating issues like over-treatment. Additionally, HALO achieved a breakthrough as Sciton’s first product to incorporate a roller mechanism, which significantly sped up the treatment process and ensured uniform coverage.
HALO’s combined ablative and non-ablative wavelengths, customizable settings, and proprietary design features soon established it as the gold standard laser treatment for skin revitalization. Furthermore, HALO’s efficacy was substantiated in numerous published studies, including in the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology and the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery. From addressing superficial sun damage and textural issues to deeper complexities like acne scars, dermal pigment, and wrinkles, HALO’s power has proved unrivaled in improving the appearance of aging skin in all skin types.
Dr. Sherrif Ibrahim, MD, Ph.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Rochester, NY, says, “Once you recognize the power and versatility of HALO, it will quickly become the most utilized tool in your practice. Capable of achieving so much with such a short recovery time, it eliminates the need to purchase multiple devices and establishes itself as the smartest investment for your practice.”
Erin Blackwell, LE, CLT, licensed esthetician and laser practitioner at Aya Medical Spa in Atlanta, GA, shares, “HALO changed everything for my patients. I could offer resurfacing-like results with very little downtime and commitment from my patients. HALO quickly became my patients’ favorite treatment, and word traveled fast based on the beautiful and dramatic results they received. HALO is my go-to for all skin types, challenging cases, and aging concerns. This is why, ten years later, it’s still my favorite treatment.”
MOXI™
Following the success of HALO, Sciton introduced another breakthrough device with the MOXI™ laser, a 1927 nm fractionated, non-ablative laser. MOXI was the first laser to offer a quick and comfortable 5-15 minute treatment to improve skin tone and texture, remove precancerous cells (actinic keratosis), reduce unwanted pigment, and treat pigment associated with melasma lesions.
What made MOXI stand out was its broad appeal—it was suitable for all skin types and could be used year-round (with proper pre- and post-care) with only a topical anesthetic. This versatility quickly made MOXI a top choice for first-time laser patients and those seeking prejuvenation treatments, providing an effective solution to maintaining youthful-looking skin with minimal downtime.
“MOXI is a 1927 nm thulium laser. This laser specifically targets water instead of melanin, making it safe for all skin types,” explains Dr. Karan Lal, DO, MS, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, in a recent BYRDIE article. “It also doesn’t penetrate as deep as other lasers, making it safer with a reduced risk of scarring.”
What truly sets the MOXI laser treatment apart are its results, says Dr. Quenby Erickson, DO, FAAD, FACMS, a board-certified Chicago-based dermatologist. “It provides a more even complexion with a refreshed glow due to the renewed collagen produced during the healing,” she explains in a NewBeauty article. “I find that even though the results are long-lasting, many patients choose to repeat the treatment once or twice yearly because of the great results with minimal downtime.”
BBL® HEROic™
Building on its legacy of innovation, Sciton’s latest breakthrough device, BBL HEROic, exemplifies this commitment to a science-first approach. BBL HEROic is the newest innovation in Sciton’s acclaimed BroadBand Light® (BBL®) product line, which was first developed in 2004.
BBL expanded the treatment capabilities beyond pigmentation and vascular issues to include acne management, permanent hair reduction, and improving the appearance of aging skin. In 2020, Sciton set a new benchmark with the launch of BBL HERO (High Energy Rapid Output). HERO brought about a significant upgrade in performance, with enhanced cooling, unprecedented peak power, and speed.
Fast forward to April 2024 when Sciton introduced BBL HEROic (High Energy Rapid Output with Intelligent Control™), the fastest light-based technology available and the first device on the market to feature a fully automated pulse delivery system, Autodynamic Pulsing™. This innovation not only set a new paradigm in aesthetics but also demonstrated Sciton’s commitment to ongoing product evolution and enhancement.
HEROic’s unique innovations, including Intelligent Control™ (IC™) and the Skin Positioning System™ (SPS™), mitigate common user technique issues, such as striping and pulse stacking, as well as speed up treatment times, enhance patient comfort, and empower providers of all skill levels to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients with a wide range of skin conditions.
Video caption: Thermal imaging of a BBL HEROic back treatment.
With HEROic, Sciton has continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible, delivering solutions that surpass the expectations of providers and patients.
“Because we’re able to deliver so many hundreds of pulses in a given area of skin in a short period of time, it allows us to achieve a revitalizing effect on the skin that is really unmatched by any other IPL device on the market,” says Ibrahim in New Beauty magazine. “And what I have found in my own practice is results that you can’t achieve with any other device because now we can treat anywhere from head to toe in a matter of a few minutes.”
He adds, “I always tell patients that if you used every product in the world every day for the rest of your life, it wouldn’t do what one BBL HEROic treatment can do—and I feel very strongly about that.”
What is the difference between BBL HEROic and BBL HERO?
BBL HEROic lead engineer Andrew Balk, PhD, explains what differentiates HEROic from its predecessor, HERO.
The key difference lies in how each technology adapts to the clinician’s hand movement, says Balk. HEROic measures the speed at which a provider moves the handpiece and adjusts the firing rate to ensure consistent treatment separation. For example, if a provider sets the system to overlap treatments by 20%, HEROic will maintain that 20% overlap regardless of how fast or slow they move. If a provider speeds up, it fires faster; if they slow down, it fires slower. And if they stop moving, it stops firing.
This adaptive feature sets HEROic apart from HERO, which fires at a constant rate regardless of handpiece speed. The result is a uniform, consistent treatment every time, even if the provider’s hand speed varies. This feature helps mitigate technique issues, such as striping or pulse stacking, explains Balk.
Another key feature that has elevated BBL treatments is the unique testing protocol each HEROic system undergoes to ensure it performs optimally.
The pinnacle of science-driven precision: HEROic’s robotic testing
Sciton’s robotic testing protocol is a prime example of Sciton’s meticulous science-first approach.
“At Sciton’s manufacturing facility in Palo Alto, CA, it’s absolutely essential that we verify and validate every single Sciton platform that goes out the door. In fact, for some systems, we invest more time in validation and testing than in the actual assembly. With the introduction of BBL HEROic, we needed to devise innovative methods to test the precision of our systems. Fortunately, Joel Hwee, Sciton’s robotics engineer, developed a process where a state-of-the-art robot meticulously tests each system we produce, ensuring the highest level of accuracy,” says Balk.
Joel Hwee, Sciton’s robotics engineer, explains further, “The HEROic Skin Positioning System needs to be very accurate, and it’s important to test that accuracy before a new system leaves Sciton’s facility. To do this, we needed a device that could replicate human movements to simulate how the device would be used in real life and could accurately measure its position in space. That’s where the robot comes in. Every HEROic system is tested and validated by the robot to ensure its functioning properly before being shipped.”
Video caption: BBL HEROic‘s robotic testing system.
What does the robot measure?
The robot tests each HEROic system by moving the handpiece in a controlled, repeatable way and measuring the accuracy of each pulse, says Balk. This ensures that every component is functioning correctly before the system is shipped. While we could technically do this by hand—pulsing the system and measuring the distance between each pulse with a ruler—it would be extremely tedious and prone to error. Humans are not very good at this. They naturally vary in movements, making it difficult to achieve the same speed and positioning every time, Balk says.
Robots, on the other hand, are very good at knowing where they are in space and moving in repeatable, controlled ways, he explains. This is why they’re great for tasks like this. We want to move the handpiece exactly the same way every single time at the same speed so we developed custom software to interact with the robot. The robot is connected to a Sciton platform, and we record the position of every pulse to ensure it’s perfectly accurate, says Balk. This is a crucial step in guaranteeing the system’s reliability and ensures that each system functions flawlessly, delivering precise, reproducible results.
Could a robot perform the treatment?
Balk says that’s a challenging project, and making it truly useful for clinicians is no small feat. While the idea of simply “throwing a robot on it” might sound appealing, it’s not that simple. The robot must perform better than a provider or clinician could on their own.
We’ve experimented with robotic treatments, and to be practical, a robot needs to be more efficient, precise, and reliable than a human, says Balk. What’s unique about the robot is that it’s a cobot—designed specifically to work alongside humans. Though it’s challenging to program a robot to interact directly with a person, this cobot includes detection safeguards to ensure safety during operation.
Ensuring efficacy: Advanced tools validate Sciton’s treatments
Video caption: The Bay Area Laser Lab (BALL), in Palo Alto, California.
Along with robotic testing, Sciton utilizes a range of advanced testing tools at the Bay Area Laser Lab (BALL) to thoroughly validate treatments.
This clinical validation process includes leveraging state-of-the-art equipment not commonly found at other clinics or facilities to ensure Sciton’s treatments deliver measurable improvements and consistently achieve their intended outcomes.
Sciton substantiates its technology’s impact with robust and diverse data that demonstrate clinical efficacy. This meticulous validation process bolsters customer confidence in the consistent outcomes that Sciton treatments deliver.
Eileen Fumire, the BALL research clinic coordinator, walks us through some of the clinic’s cutting-edge technologies. “The diagnostic tools in the clinic provide Sciton’s R&D and marketing teams with data-driven insights into the performance and efficaciousness of all Sciton devices. This ensures every product meets the highest standards of quality and delivers optimal results for providers and patients,” says Fumire.
These leading diagnostic tools deliver precise data and insights that further authenticate Sciton’s evidence-based results:
Vectra XT® 3D imaging system elevates testing capabilities with high-resolution 3D imaging of the face and body. This advanced tool simulates potential treatment outcomes for facial, hair removal, and body contouring treatments. It allows users to visualize how procedures may improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, or address pigmentation issues. Vectra’s RBX technology provides a deep analysis of skin tones, helping to identify and target specific areas of concern, such as redness or hyperpigmentation.
Antera 3D® is a sophisticated imaging device used to analyze the skin’s surface in detail, showing details invisible to the naked eye and removing subjective interpretation of treatment results. The camera captures high-resolution 3D images of specific facial areas to assess pigmentation, redness, and texture changes over time. The Antera software can simultaneously analyze skin issues across different channels and multiple images.
FLIR Boson® thermal camera captures and analyzes thermal data by detecting temperature variations across the skin. It allows for precise thermal analysis by recording temperature information from every pixel. This capability is particularly useful in medical and aesthetic applications, where it helps visualize skin heat patterns, monitor treatment effects, and ensure the safety and efficacy of procedures.
Cutometer® measures skin elasticity, a key indicator of skin health and resilience. By assessing the skin’s viscoelastic properties—how it stretches and returns to its original shape—the Cutometer evaluates the effectiveness of treatments targeting skin firmness, texture, and overall skin quality.
Corneometer® assesses skin hydration levels, moisture retention, and skin barrier function before and after treatment.
Visia® skin analysis system, commonly found in many clinics, captures and analyzes facial images to assess skin conditions, such as wrinkles, texture, and pores. The process involves taking multiple images from different angles and comparing them over time to track improvements. Additionally, Visia compares a patient’s skin health to a database of 100 people in their age group, providing valuable benchmarks for assessing progress.
VivoSight OCT™ (Optical Coherence Tomography) uses infrared laser light to produce high-resolution, 3D images of the skin’s subsurface structure. Similar to ultrasound but with greater detail, it can penetrate up to 1 mm deep into the dermis, allowing for clear and precise visualization of skin conditions, such as cherry angiomas.
Clarius Ultrasound™ provides real-time, detailed images of the skin’s layers and measures skin thickness in specific areas.
Myoton Probe® measures the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of superficial soft biological tissues. The device evaluates muscle health by measuring tone, stiffness, and elasticity.
Together, these technologies provide objective data to clinically validate Sciton’s treatments, ensuring their efficacy and reliability in clinical practice.
Solutions rooted in science, backed by proven results
At Sciton, science isn’t just part of our process—it’s at the core of everything we do. Every system we develop is built upon rigorous and thorough research and development, clinical validation, and strong scientific evidence.
By leveraging advanced technology and innovative testing methods and providing in-depth scientific education on all of our treatments, we empower providers to deliver exceptional care that aligns with our mission of improving people’s lives.