HALO hybrid fractional skin resurfacing is an advanced laser resurfacing treatment for a variety of skin concerns. HALO by Sciton is the first-of-its-kind hybrid fractional laser, combining ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to rejuvenate the upper and deeper layers of skin.1 This dual approach delivers more comprehensive results than traditional lasers, improving fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.2 Both lasers work to create an efficient laser treatment and effective skin rejuvenation. The result for most patients is smoother, clearer skin that is known to have a “HALO glow.”
Dr. Prischmann’s advanced practice estheticians are highly trained in HALO laser resurfacing. Amy Nelson has completed a preceptorship on HALO with Chris Robb, MD, a dermatologist and thought leader in this specialized treatment.
Who is a good candidate for HALO™ laser treatment?
The best candidates for HALO laser treatment are typically individuals who are:
- Looking for improvement in skin clarity, to address discoloration, appearance of pore size, and skin texture or wrinkles
- Lighter skin types (this laser is not typically used for Indo-Pakistani or African skin types)
- Not prone to melasma (our practice occasionally makes exceptions to this rule; however, we feel this laser is not intended to be a treatment for melasma and can make it worse)
- Are not currently on Accutane or have recently been on Accutane
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What are the benefits of HALO™ laser skin resurfacing?
In our experience, the greatest benefits of a HALO laser treatment include:
- Customizable for different skin concerns; HALO can treat sun spots, pigmentation, fine lines and more in a single treatment
- Limited discomfort after the first few hours (although there is swelling, which creates downtime)
- Some downtime (once swelling subsides, patients can resume many normal activities)
- Enhanced collagen production leading to improvements in skin elasticity and texture
- Versatile and customized treatment for each patient (we typically treat 20% to 40% of treatment areas, which allows for reduced risk and faster healing than traditional full-field laser resurfacing)
How is the HALO™ laser different from other types of laser treatments?
HALO treatments offer the benefits of deeper laser treatments without some of the drawbacks of deeper laser treatments. Compared to traditional full-field laser resurfacing, HALO procedures are:
- Less painful
- Not bloody or raw
- Faster to heal with less redness
- Simple with regards to aftercare with NO ointment or Vaseline®
- Theoretically safer due to less of an open wound
Can the HALO™ laser treatment serve as a good alternative to surgery for mild to moderate signs of aging or other skin conditions?
This is a common question. Facial plastic surgery procedures can be great for repositioning sagging tissue and removing excess skin. HALO is great for improving the clarity and health of skin. This means that HALO does something that surgery doesn’t do, and vice versa. HALO is a great compliment to surgery and many of our facelift patients will have a HALO treatment before or after surgery for comprehensive rejuvenation. HALO does, however, replace many older, more painful laser treatments.
What does the HALO™ laser treatment involve?
First, we apply a topical anesthetic in the form of a numbing cream for 60 minutes. Then, we remove the numbing cream thoroughly. HALO settings are customized for each patient’s individual goals and desired results. During the laser treatment, a computerized handpiece tip is run over your skin and creates small channels. This creates some burning discomfort. To help with the discomfort, we use a device that blows out very cold air, and apply cool, sterile gauze to the skin. The treatment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the areas treated.
Most patients see a noticeable improvement with one treatment; however, sometimes, two treatments lead to better results.
What can I expect during recovery from HALO™ laser skin resurfacing?
It always surprises us when we read information online about “no downtime” associated with HALO treatment. In our experience, this is very misleading. HALO is a “no downtime” treatment ONLY if the settings are very low. Our most common settings create about five to seven days of downtime, which includes swelling, redness, and flaking. If a patient desires less downtime, we can decrease the settings; however, this will also decrease the eventual result.
It is also misleading to call this treatment “painless.” At typical settings, we feel that there is burning discomfort during and after the treatment. We say it is about a 4 to 5 out of 10 in terms of discomfort. Immediately after the treatment, it feels like you got a sunburn and then walked into a hot shower. The good news is that this discomfort abruptly resolves in about four hours. Most patients are able to tolerate this level of discomfort easily. Because the discomfort is very short-lived, many patients do not find it to be a deterrent for future treatments.
The day following a HALO treatment, most patients will experience swelling. This swelling can often be “distorting.” In other words, it looks very obvious and you will likely want to stay home. There is often 48 hours of swelling. The swelling is not painful. Once the swelling starts to subside, you may experience redness, itchiness, or light peeling. We provide all necessary wound care to help you get through this part of the healing process. During this time, avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen outdoors is important. By day 5 to 7 after HALO treatment, you are able to wear makeup and may start to see the “glow” that everyone raves about as new skin cells reveal healthier skin.
We typically see our patients back 4 to 6 weeks after HALO for a synergistic treatment called BroadBand Light™ (BBL™). There is no downtime associated with this procedure and it improves your eventual result. The cost of BBL is included in your HALO package.
How much does HALO™ laser skin resurfacing cost?
The average cost of a HALO laser treatment is $1,500. The cost can be less if more conservative settings are used. The cost can be greater if multiple areas are treated during the same session.
The cost of HALO includes the following:
- Comprehensive consultation with customized treatment settings
- Pre- and post-laser skin care products, including a pre-laser product that retails at $195
- A BroadBand Light treatment 4 to 6 weeks after HALO ($395 value)
What makes Prischmann Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery a great place for a HALO™ treatment?
- We will only recommend HALO if we feel it is the best procedure for you.
- Our laser carries the highest-level warranty, which ensures that it has been fully examined by an engineer, is properly calibrated, and, therefore is as accurate as possible.
- Our providers have completed preceptorships with some of the most experienced dermatologists in the country and use advanced laser technology to deliver optimal results.
- Dr. Prischmann will be available before and after HALO for any questions or concerns. We want to make sure you have the best experience possible.
- If you feel like you did not get the result you were hoping for, we will often credit you for other procedures in our office. This ensures that WE are as invested in your success as you are.
Schedule A Consultation
If you have additional questions about HALO laser skin rejuvenation, other skin treatments we offer, or if you would like to schedule a consultation at our Minneapolis, Minnesota office, please contact us today.