Q: How do non-surgical skin tightening treatments work? A: Non-surgical skin tightening works by delivering controlled heat energy deep into the dermal layer of your skin. This heat tricks your body into thinking there is a mild injury, triggering a massive wave of new collagen and elastin production. Over the next 2 to 3 months, your skin gradually lifts, firming up saggy jowls and smoothing out fine lines.