Are you constantly trying to hide skin imperfections with make-up, hairstyles, hats, etc.? Do you ever wish the photo apps and filters on your phone worked 24/7 in real life? Don’t despair, you’re not alone. According to a recent ASDS consumer survey, 73% of us are most bothered by our skin texture and/or pigment and 72% of us are disturbed by the lines and wrinkles under and around our eyes. The good news is that recent advances in laser resurfacing technologies have the ability to provide photoshop caliber results without major surgery.
The latest gamechanger, hybrid fractional resurfacing or Halo, takes that magic up a few more notches by providing radiant skin without the traditional downtime associated with its resurfacing predecessors. The Sciton Halo changes the idea that better results require more downtime or multiple treatments. Hybrid fractional resurfacing takes the best of both resurfacing worlds- fractional ablative and non-ablative and transforms dull, sun-damaged skin into luminous glowing skin minus the downtime and side effects of traditional resurfacing treatments.
Not Your Mother’s Laser Resurfacing
Understanding the history of laser resurfacing treatments helps provide a better appreciation of what hybrid resurfacing can accomplish. Laser resurfacing can dramatically improve fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pigment, and control acne. The concept of laser resurfacing is simple- specific wavelengths of light target the water in your skin, causing a controlled heat injury of sorts. Ablative resurfacing removes the top superficial skin layers (like a chemical peel, but deeper) and resembles a sunburn in terms of how it looks and heals. These were the first resurfacing treatments on the market, mostly CO2 and erbium treatments which provided great results but involved extensive social downtime. The more intense the treatment, the longer the recovery. This could mean wound care and dressing changes, and some not so pleasant side effects.
Fractional resurfacing (which can be either ablative or non-ablative) delivers light wavelengths in a scanned pattern, similar to how a lawn is aerated. Non-ablative resurfacing targets the deeper skin layers and does not break the skin, which means less downtime, but requires more treatments for the full effect and tends to be painful. (Fraxel is probably the best know treatment in this category. ) Fractional ablative lasers remove microscopic columns of tissue (or treats a fraction of the skin), while leaving the surrounding skin intact, allowing for faster, less painful healing. In this case, the treated skin “bronzes”, and then flakes off in a few days. Fractional resurfacing took skin rejuvenation to a new level, as it was able to treat deeper skin issues, such as acne scars, without less chance of complications and a far better healing time.
Halo resurfacing provides the best of both worlds in that you get the ablative results of traditional resurfacing with the minimal downtime of a non-ablative laser treatment. Halo simultaneously fires dual wavelengths of light, rejuvenating the skin at the dermal, or deep skin layers, as well as the epidermal, or outer skin layer for a combined synergistic effect. This means three things- 1) you are receiving two treatments at the same time 2) Halo treats aging and damaged skin that you can and cannot see with the naked eye, and 3) the treatment encourages the production of collagen in your skin. Since the Halo is a fractional laser, the recovery time is minimized due to the fact that some skin is left intact during the treatment process. Halo treatments effectively address sun damage, unwanted pigment, wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, skin texture issues, and loose (or lax) skin.
According to board-certified plastic surgeon and Halo expert Dr. A. Jay Burns of Dallas, TX, “Halo is a great way to both improve and maintain healthy, glowing skin. It will make skin appear more youthful by improving texture, sun spots, and fine wrinkles.” Basically, if you have skin, Halo can improve it. And unlike the some of the other resurfacing devices, your provider has the ability to customize, or fine tune the treatment based on your skin issues and goals.
Am I a Candidate?
So, who’s the best candidate for Halo treatment? According to Dr Burns, “Halo is ideal for patients in their 30’s to 60’s with light but sun-damaged skin that needs combination improvement in texture, fine lines, and brown spot improvement.”
Halo treatments can be performed on the face; although sometimes a deeper treatment is performed on a specific area, such as around the eyes, around the mouth, or the cheeks. Halo can also be performed on the chest, hands, or neck. Halo treatments are a simple in-office treatment that lasts about 90 minutes. Some redness and swelling in the treatment area is normal and expected for about two to three days, but most people can wear makeup during this time. Expect to see initial results as soon as two to five days after treatment; your skin will continue to improve over time.
According to Dr. Burns, “The ideal candidate is willing to have some minimal downtime (four to five days on average), but doesn’t want the more intense and longer downtime of more aggressive procedures.” The greatest improvement in pigment is seen within two to three weeks following treatment. Long term results (collagen rebuilding) will take about two to three months to fully appreciate. Dr. Burns comments, ”Patients can expect to see improvements in the lines, texture, brown spots and even mild to moderate improvements in redness in many cases after one treatment.” Pre- and post-treatment instructions and recommendations will definitely enhance and prolong the results of your Halo procedure.
Aesthetic Medicine specialist Dr. Sharon McQuillan, Medical Director of NEW YOU Medical located in Fort Lauderdale, FL comments, “Halo has transformed the way we treat sun damage and aging skin in our practice. Patients love the results and the treatment is safe, effective, and well tolerated.” Patients too, are happy with results and are reaching out to social media and other outlets to discuss the success of their treatments. According to realself.com, an unbiased discussion site for treatments, Halo has an 89% “worth it” rating.
Based on this information, it seems that Halo is a win-win for both patients who want an observable improvement in their skin with minimal downtime, and for providers who desire a safe, effective and transformative treatment for skin rejuvenation. To discover Halo and reclaim your inner glow, talk to your cosmetic provider today or go to www.halobysciton.com to learn more about Halo and to find a provider near you.
What to Expect During Your Halo Treatment
Congratulations! You have decided to take the plunge. Here is what you can expect at your appointment:
- Consultation: Your treatment provider will review your concerns and explain how Halo can address them
- Treatment Plan: Your treatment provider will formulate a personalized action plan which may include skin care products and possible treatment series for the best results
- Procedure: Your treatment provider will provide numbing agents to help with the mild discomfort experienced during the treatment. You will wear safety goggles to protect your eyes during the treatment. The treatment area is measured with motion tracking technology to ensure that area is treated effectively. Your treatment provider will treat each measured section by rolling the handpiece over the skin until the system determines the correct energy has been delivered. Most people describe the treatment as warm with a prickling sensation but tolerable.
- After treatment: The treatment area will feel warm for about 30 minutes after the treatment. The treatment area will be red and there may be swelling for the first couple of days. It is very important to follow your post-treatment instructions and avoid the sun during the healing period; you will be able to use make-up and go about your normal activities. After two-four days, you will notice a “bronzing” appearance to your skin, which will eventually slough off on day three or four following treatment.
- Enjoy your glowing rejuvenated skin!
