The Halo Procedure Can Be the Right Treatment for Deeper Skin Problems

As one of the best skin care clinics not only in Foster City but in nearby San Mateo and Burlingame, we believe in individual attention.  As much as we love seeing what the effects of laser technology can do for our patients, the same type of treatment will not work for everyone.

For instance, a Palo Alto resident might benefit from laser rejuvenation visits.  But, someone with deeper problems in Burlingame may do better with the Halo Procedure. 

For instance, a woman with enlarged pores might have already tried topical treatments like retinol and followed a strict face-cleansing routine with little improvement.  If nothing has worked, the Halo procedure might be the right fit.  It can take a little more effort than a less intensive laser procedure, but the results can be much more dramatic. 

This technology isn’t just for facial problems.  Other body parts that can benefit from the HALO laser treatment include the neck, chest, hands, and legs. 

What does the HALO Procedure do?

The technology uses a hybrid fractional laser, which includes non-ablative and ablative wavelengths to vaporize tissue.  The HALO wavelengths come out as Intense Pulsed Light (ILP) on the treated area.  In turn, it triggers the body’s immune system, which helps repair damaged skin.  Unlike other lasers that treat around 5% of the skin, HALO lasers can treat 25% to 35%.  This means more apparent results in less time. 

The treatments can be combined with other skin care procedures as well.  The overall result can balance and lift the skin while minimizing large pores.  It also treats sun damage, age spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

How do I prepare for a HALO treatment?

After an initial consultation and scheduling, we will ensure you are supplied with all the information and products to prepare for the HALO procedure.  Here are some overall practices to get ready. 

• Stay away from self-tanners like spray tan, and do not try to tan outside. 
• Avoid all waxing, tweezing, bleaching, and hair removal machines in the zone where the treatment will occur.
• Be vigilant about sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection at an SPF level of 30 or higher.  Use it daily. 
• Staying out of the sun altogether is helpful.  Other than sunscreen, if you have to go out, wear a hat or take an umbrella. 
• Stop taking topical products containing Retin-A, Tretinoin, or retinol one week before.

On the day of the HALO procedure, please arrive with the area cleanly washed with no lotions, makeup, gels, or creams used.  The procedure itself can take from 30 minutes to an hour.  This depends on the size of the area being treated.  We’ll provide you with a numbing cream before the procedure to keep you comfortable during the procedure.

What is recovery like after a HALO treatment?

For each person, recovery can vary.  It can take a few days to a whole week to recover.  Our clinic team will send you home with the proper information and products to heal comfortably and achieve the best results.  Here are a few things to expect in post-HALO laser care.

• The skin will be red and feel hot.  Ice packs and a cool fan can help ease the warmth.
• Swelling and puffiness will occur within a few hours.
• There shouldn’t be any pain, but you will feel the “graininess” and see brown spots coming to the surface.  These are called “mens,” which are damaged skin cells rising to the surface.  Allow the flakiness.  A bronzed look to the skin will occur and eventually slough off.  Please do not touch or pick at your skin during this natural process. 
• Please be diligent and follow our instructions for post-HALO laser treatment. 

Our main advice during recovery is to be patient and gentle with the recovering area.  Stay out of the sun and follow the post-HALO skin care regimen.  In a few days, you should begin to see that fabulous HALO glow appear!