HALO Laser Treatment: Combining Ablative and Non-Ablative Benefits
What is HALO Laser Treatment?
HALO laser is a noninvasive, FDA-approved treatment for skin rejuvenation. It uses both ablative and non-ablative laser wavelengths to treat different skin conditions.
This innovative treatment targets both the surface and deep layers of the skin. The ablative laser removes the skin layers in a fraction. This triggers the wound healing cascade and new collagen forms. This will tighten and rejuvenate the skin. It treats wrinkles and other superficial skin problems.
The non-ablative laser goes deeper into the skin. It is even less invasive than the ablative component. It heats the inner layer (the dermis). Collagen is denatured and contracts. The heat also stimulates collagenogenesis. The non-ablative treatment provides a more long-term impact on the skin.
HALO Laser treatment solves the following problems:
- Age Spots;
- Sun Damage;
- Uneven Skin Tone;
- Rough Skin Texture;
- Enlarged Pores;
- Acne And Scarring;
- Fine Lines And Wrinkles;
This hybrid resurfacing treatment is safe and works well for all skin types and diverse skin conditions.
How does HALO Laser Work?
HALO laser treatment works by using ablative and non-ablative lasers to treat various skin conditions.
The ablative laser has a wavelength of 2940nm. It removes the skin’s top layer and treats superficial skin conditions. It can go as deep as 100 microns. It removes pigmentation and sun damage. It causes the formation of new collagen through the wound-healing cascade. The pigmentation is removed as microscopic epidermal necrotic debris (MENDs). The laser breaks the melanin pigments down and clears it out in a few days.
The non-ablative layer is at the wavelength of 1470nm and goes deeper into the skin than the ablative laser. It goes as deep as 700 microns into the skin. This produces stronger effects. It delivers heat to the dermis. It triggers collagenogenesis and collagen denaturing and restructuring. The result of these lighter complexion, more radiant skin, and rejuvenated skin.
HALO laser treatment treats microscopic regions of the skin. The surrounding tissues are unscathed leading to faster healing and recovery. While most laser treatments produce a 5% improvement, HALO laser produces a 25% improvement. Incredible right?
Benefits of Combining Ablative and Non-Ablative Lasers
HALO laser treatment gives great results for the skin. With the HALO laser’s versatility and minimal downtime, it is highly recommended among aesthetic experts and patients. This treatment is a great choice for comprehensive skin rejuvenation.
- Minimization of Acne Scars and Blemishes: HALO laser reduces acne scars and blemishes. It causes collagenogenesis and this fades out the scars.
- Treatment of Sun Damage and Pigmentation Issues: Ablative laser vaporizes pigmented cells, while non-ablative laser helps regulate melanin production. These will make the skin rejuvenated and even out the skin’s texture.
- Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The denaturing and restructuring of collagen bands, as well as collagenogenesis help tighten the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Improvement in Skin Tone and Texture: Ablative laser treats surface blemishes, and non-ablative laser refines skin texture
. Your skin will be radiant and rejuvenated. - Versatile Procedure: This treatment is versatile. It treats a variety of skin conditions. It is very synergistic and leads to the best skin results.
- Minimal Downtime: The procedure has minimal downtime and you can go back to work in 5-7 days.
- Safe and Effective: This treatment effectively treats all skin types and several body areas. It also doesn’t require many treatments. One or two are usually enough.
Expected Outcomes and Results
HALO laser treatment is safe and effective. It produces immediate and long-term results. With one or two treatments, your skin will remarkably improve.
Immediate Effects
A few days after HALO laser treatment, you will notice clear improvements. In 3-5 days, your skin texture and tone will start to improve. This is due to the denaturing and contraction of collagen fibers.
Long-Term Benefits
The good results noticed immediately after HALO laser treatments keep improving and the best results are seen by 6 months post-treatment. The laser triggers collagenogenesis and is the reason for these long-term results.
Duration of Results
The results of HALO laser treatment lasts for months to years. The results of this treatment vary due to:
- Skin type
- Proper skincare
- Maintenance treatments
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
The Consultation
Like every effective aesthetic treatment, HALO layer treatment starts with a detailed consultation session. In this session, the intention is to:
- Ensure you are in good health
- Ascertain if you’re a good candidate for the treatment
- Find out your desires
- Allay your fears about the treatment
- Help you set realistic expectations
- Explain the risks and potential side effects
- Book a date for the treatment
The aesthetic expert will tell you a few things to do and not to do. They include:
- Avoid excess sun exposure and apply Sunscreen 2 weeks before the treatment.
- Stop all skincare products with active ingredients—retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and LHAs
- Do not wax 2 weeks before the treatment
- Remove makeup before your appointment
- Stop all blood thinning medications at least 1 week before the treatment
- Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the treatment.
During the Procedure:
On the day of the treatment, here’s what to expect:
- Our experts will clean the treatment area properly
- A topical anesthetic will be applied to the skin to numb the treatment area
- The HALO laser handpiece is run across this skin and identifies superficial and deep imperfections
- The aesthetic professional will apply the laser to your skin
- You will have little or no discomfort throughout this treatment
- The feeling is commonly described as a warm, prickly feeling
- The procedure lasts 30-90 minutes, depending on the treatment area
Post-Treatment Care:
After the treatment with HALO laser, you will be given some instructions by the provider:
- Clean your face with a gentle cleanser or warm water for the first week post-treatment
- Avoid makeup for the first 24 hours after treatment.
- Mild redness and swelling are common but subside within a few days.
- Use mineral-based sunscreen for at least 1 month post-treatment
- Keep the skin moisturized. Apply barrier cream to help with this
- Don’t pick or scratch the skin as it heals
- No strenuous activities for at least 1 week post-treatment
Safety and Side Effects
HALO laser treatment is safe, FDA-approved, and has minimal downtime. It has minimal risks and side effects.
Some of the possible side effects are:
- Infection;
- Acne breakout;
- Redness;
- Recurrence of cold sores;
- Melasma;
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation;
Conclusion
HALO laser treatment is a safe, skin rejuvenation therapy having minimal downtime time. With both ablative and non-ablative laser wavelengths, HALO laser stands out among other lasers. It treats both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. You will look more radiant than ever!
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I wash my face after HALO Laser Treatment?
Patients can cleanse their face with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser the morning after their treatment. It is advisable to refrain from using products containing retinol, benzoyl peroxide, astringents, glycolic/salicylic acids, and vitamin C as they can irritate the skin.
What can go wrong with a HALO Laser Treatment?
Patients might experience a burning sensation, skin sensitivity, uneven pigmentation similar to sunburn, pinpoint bleeding, MENDs (Microscopic Epidermal Necrotic Debris – tiny black spots), and itchiness around the treatment areas lasting up to 12 hours after treatment. These side effects are typical of the body’s natural healing process and should subside within 12 hours.
Does your skin peel after HALO Laser Treatment?
Yes, on the third day after the treatment, the skin will peel in dots called “coffee grounds.” This should shed off by day six revealing fresh, new skin underneath. This collagen production and regenerative process of healing can continue for up to 2 months.
How many HALO Laser Treatments are needed?
On average, a single session should produce the desired result. However, in cases of advanced signs of aging and due to differences in skin types, the common practice is to have two deep treatments spaced eight weeks apart. This is followed by one treatment a year for maintenance for facial treatment and two to four treatments every 12 weeks for neck and body treatment to fully address concerns.
What is the difference between HALO Laser Treatment and ProFractional Laser?
The HALO Laser is a hybrid fractional laser that combines both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths while ProFractional utilizes an ablative fractional laser. HALO Laser treats the surface and deep layers of the skin while ProFractional targets specific problem areas and deep skin layers like the eye and mouth. The downtime and financial cost of both treatments also vary.