HALO FAQ
Halo laser is a hybrid fractional laser treatment that combines both ablative and non-ablative technology for customizable skin rejuvenation. Halo provides noticeable improvement after one to two sessions, while older technologies require more treatments for comparable results.
Ablative wavelengths vaporize skin cells at the surface.
Non-ablative wavelength targets deeper imperfections.
The unique synergy of dual wavelengths achieves improvements in both surface and structural skin health, with less inconvenience than older methods
The “Halo glow” refers to the radiant, luminous skin quality that appears days to weeks after Halo laser treatment, characterized by healthy radiance and clarity. Halo is for those seeking refreshed, youthful skin without major downtime. Improvements begin around day 5–7, with full glow apparent by 1–2 weeks and lasting several weeks to months.
- Signs of aging: fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, enlarged pores, and mild laxity
Sun damage: brown spots, hyperpigmentation, roughness, dullness
Scarring: acne, injuries, chickenpox scars
Skin texture irregularities
- The most popular treatments are on the face, neck, and chest.
Read Marie Claire article about Halo laser stacking featuring Dr. Contreras here.
Dr. Contreras strives to achieve noticeable, satisfying results while balancing downtime, safety, and patient preferences. Laser stacking refers to using multiple energy devices or lasers during the same session to achieve the best possible results in one visit. Common combinations include Halo with BBL (for sun damage), VBeam (for redness, vessels) and microlaser peel (MLP) for rough or raised spots. Our Halo pricing always includes any of these “stacked” treatments.
Halo’s hybrid technology often requires fewer sessions than older lasers to see dramatic improvement, delivering visible results in just one, or sometimes two treatments. Treatment plans are always individualized. Factors like skin sensitivity, downtime tolerance, and concerns (such as acne scarring or pigmentation) will affect the recommended number of sessions.
A consultation determines the most effective and safe schedule for each person. Dr. Contreras will customize your treatment using settings appropriate for the degree of sun damage and wrinkling present while taking into consideration the allowable recovery time.
- The treatment takes about 45 minutes for the full face. BBL (intense pulsed light) is usually performed just prior to Halo to maximize the overall effect on sun damage. BBL takes about 15 minutes, and Halo takes about 30 minutes for the full face.
- We ask patients to arrive one hour early to apply a topical anesthetic to numb the skin.
- The Halo handpiece glides over the skin, delivering laser energy in a targeted, customizable fashion—settings can be adjusted for deeper or gentler results.
- Integrated cooling and the topical anesthesia provide comfort; patients feel a moderate warmth or prickling during the procedure.
With topical numbing for one hour before Halo, pain is tolerable but uncomfortable, about 6/10 on average. Patients are encouraged to take Tylenol one hour before treatment. Other methods to reduce pain can be considered and will be reviewed during your consultation.
- For a few hours the skin will be hot and feel like an intense sun burn. Most patients have minimal pain by bedtime.
- Swelling is most prominent during the first 2-4 days.
- By day 3 or 4, mild scattered crusting appears; most peeling of this crust is complete by day 5-7.
- Post-care products like Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar or SKNV Bounce Back Skin improve the healing process and overall results.
- Most patients can cover residual redness with makeup after a few days. Redness fades over the course of 2-3 weeks, on average.