Halo Information & Instructions
HALO combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to address multiple levels of skin concerns on all skin types. Together, these wavelengths provide both short-term and long-term benefits to patients. By creating small thermal injuries in the skin, new, healthy skin is produced in a short amount of time. Patients across the globe have coined the phrase “HALO glow” to describe their flawless complexion after treatment.
Before your treatment:
It is recommended that all patients having resurfacing treatments done around the mouth have an oral anti-viral agent to prevent any cold sore virus getting into the treated areas.
Please let your provider know if you need a prescription. We recommend: Valtrex 500 mg, twice a day, to start 1 day before treatment, and continue on for 5 days post-treatment (7 days total)
- 14 days prior to treatment – Avoid sun exposure (including tanning beds). Avoid sunless tanning creams or sprays on the area to be treated. Do not wax or use depilatory creams in the areas of treatment.
- 7 days prior to treatment – Please discontinue any products containing active ingredients such as Retinol (Retin-A, Tretinoin, Vitamin A), Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, AHAs (Alpha-hydroxy acids), LHAs (Lipo hydroxy acids) and Benzoyl Peroxide.
- 3 days before your treatment – Avoid hydroquinone.
Day of treatment:
- Please come to your treatment with no make-up or moisturizer on your face.
- Please bring a hat with you on your treatment day to protect your skin when you leave the office. If you are treating the body, such as neck or décolleté, bring a soft, non-irritating scarf to wear home.
After your treatment:
Your skin will feel very warm for up to 3 hours after the treatment. You can use ice packs or cold compresses for comfort during this time. This will also help to relieve any swelling. To avoid further swelling, you may choose to sleep in an upright position the first night after the treatment. The first morning post treatment is when swelling is more prevalent, especially under the eyes. Swelling may last 2-3 days, depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment. Swelling is common and expected.
Redness is also normal and expected. Redness generally increases in intensity the first day after treatment. Mild Redness can persist for up to 7 days, depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment.
Itching may be experienced during the healing phase and is completely normal. Oral Benadryl may help itching but can cause drowsiness. DO NOT pick, rub, or scratch the treated area as scarring and pigmentation complications, and even infection, can occur. Ensure your hair is kept back and out of your face at all times during the healing process.
Beginning the morning after your treatment, cleanse the skin with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Please discuss which cleanser is right for you and your treatment with your provider. Ensure you wash your hands well before touching your face. Use your hands to gently apply the cleanser and water, and finish by patting dry with a clean soft cloth. You will cleanse your skin with the gentle cleanser twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, while healing. After cleansing, please use products recommended by your provider to help with swelling, decrease redness and downtime, and maximize results. You will need products like an HA serum, and a very good moisturizer, and your provider knows what is appropriate and beneficial for your skin.
You may shower the day following your treatment. When showering in the next few days, please be sure to avoid getting shampoo directly on the treated area. You may consider taking a shower with the back of your head to the water to avoid directly hitting your face with a full force stream of water. Alternatively, you may consider taking a bath instead.
Peeling and flaking generally occur within 24 hours of treatment and should be allowed to come off naturally. Peeling can continue for 3-5 days post treatment. Gently washing the skin more frequently will help to promote the peeling process.
Sunscreen is a MUST and should be used daily beginning the day after treatment and used vigilantly for up to 2 months post procedure. Please use our recommended mineral sunscreen with broadband protection (UVA and UVB). We want to ensure you have a mineral sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50. Do not use a chemical sunscreen. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. If direct sun exposure is necessary, wear a hat and clothing that covers the treated area. If the treated area is exposed to sun (direct or indirect) blistering, scarring, hyperpigmentation or hypo-pigmentation can / will occur. Direct, unprotected sun exposure should be avoided post treatment and beyond.
On the 2nd or 3rd day after treatment, you will increasingly notice tiny dark spots and bronzed appearance to the treated skin. These are called MENDS (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris). In individuals with heavily pigmented skin, or in areas where sun damage has produced pigmented lesions, the microscopic wounds, known as MENDS, contain large amounts of melanin. Because there are so many MENDS, they can make the skin look bronzed and small areas appear crusted (do not try to scratch them off). This is part of the healing process where treated tissue is working its’ way out of your body as new fresh skin is regenerated. During this time, your skin will be very dry, and have a sandpaper texture, and will begin to flake and peel. If the face is treated, it could take 5-7 days for the peeling process to be completed. If the neck, chest or anywhere on the body was treated, this process could take up to 2 weeks. After the peeling process is complete, your skin will have a rosy, pink glow that will gradually resolve.
If possible, please wait until after the peeling process to apply makeup (5-7 days post treatment). Please ensure any make-up brushes you use are properly cleansed.
Avoid strenuous activity and sweating until skin has healed (5-7 days).
For men – do not shave the treated area for 5 days after the treatment.
Continue to avoid skin irritants (i.e., Retinol, Retin-A, Tretinoin, Vitamin A, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, AHAs, LHAs, and Benzoyl Peroxide) for one month after your treatment.
After your skin is healed, your skin will continue to build new collagen for up to 2-3 months. It is important to be on a maintenance plan and a good skincare regimen to maintain healthy skin and optimal results. Please discuss with your provider. Please call us with any questions or concerns.
