Halo Laser
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa
Hybrid fractional skin resurfacing with HALO is a two-in-one laser skin rejuvenation treatment that fights signs of aging. Californians know sun exposure is inevitable, and even on cloudy days, our skin is at risk. UV rays are also some of the most damaging to the skin, affecting its texture and tone significantly over time. Time and environmental conditions can also affect our skin, making it appear dull, dry, rough, and in dire need of a pick-me-up.
PSS chose the Halo rofractional Laser because of its innovative tecnology. It is state-of-the-art laser technology because it treats the dermis and epidermis simultaneously. We can resurface skin and build collagen deeper in the dermis, treating both surface wrinkles and skin laxity.. Results are remarkable.
At Plastic Surgery Specialists, we offer our patients surgical and non-surgical services to remodel and revitalize tired skin. At our Greenbrae office, our patients choose from a wide range of laser facial rejuvenation options to suit their needs. To find out if a HALO procedure is right for you, contact us to book a consultation with one of our med spa specialists. Call 415-925-2880 or fill out an inquiry form on our website to book.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About HALO Laser Treatment
- 3 Laser Science
- 4 Optimized Treatment
- 5 Benefits of HALO Treatment
- 6 Candidates
- 7 Personal Consultation
- 8 Preparation
- 9 Procedure
- 10 Recovery & Results
- 11 Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
- 12 Cost of Laser Facial Rejuvenation in the Bay Area
- 13 FAQ
- 14 References
Before and After Photos
About HALO Laser Treatment
HALO is the only hybrid fractional laser currently available for aesthetic skin treatments. This unique system can treat a number of common skin complaints including the following.
- UV Damage
- Wrinkles
- Fine Lines
- Uneven Texture
- Enlarged Pores
- Acne Scars
- Pigmented Lesions
- Scaly Lesions (Actinic Keratosis)
Clinical testing confirms that fractional lasers improve uneven pigmentation and wrinkles. (1) And its effects on other skin conditions are clear, thanks to the innovators behind it. The HALO laser platform is made by Silicon Valley’s Sciton, one of the leading producers of aesthetic lasers. Other Sciton platforms are familiar names at PSS, and include Contour TRL and BBL photorejuvenation, which are also offered in our med spa menu. Giving your skin the means to be brighter and smoother is easy with HALO treatment. Its two wavelengths of laser energy help you deal with superficial issues in the epidermis, and remodel deeper tissues in the dermis.
- Over 50,000 procedures performed
- Over 75 years of combined experience
Our experienced team of surgeons combine an aesthetic perspective, the ability to listen closely to your needs, and the skills to achieve those desires. This combination of talent is a hallmark of a world-class plastic surgery clinic, located in Marin County, CA.
Meet Dr. HvistendahlMeet Dr. Poulos
Laser Science
Why is HALO so effective? The answer is its laser technology! Laser energy wavelengths are measured in nanometers (nm), and HALO delivers its skin-replenishing energy at two different wavelengths, for maximum efficacy.
Targeted ablative energy causes controlled damage to the upper layer of the skin at a 2940 nanometer wavelength. Precise non-ablative energy heats skin at a wavelength of 1470nm, which does not cause any tissue damage, but aids the skin remodeling process. (2)
Used simultaneously, these two components make HALO fractional laser treatment an essential tool in the rejuvenation of aging skin, smoothing unevenly textured skin, and balancing unevenly pigmented skin. And best of all, the entire HALO procedure is fast and comfortable!
Optimized Treatment
The HALO hybrid fractional laser uses Dynamic Thermal Optimization for the best results. Lasers that use heat to remodel skin rely on a process called the photothermal effect, in which light is converted into heat energy. (3) The tissue-remodeling energy changes skin cells, causing a healing response that triggers the production of new collagen. In just one pass, pinpointed delivery of HALO laser energy creates the perfect conditions for skin remodeling, smoothing, refining, and brightening your complexion.
Benefits of HALO Treatment
- Comfortable, in-office procedure
- Deep skin resurfacing
- Removes blemishes and dark spots
- Smooths and brightens skin
- Fights signs of aging
- Suitable for every skin type
- Short recovery period
- Minimal downtime
Ready to Learn More?
5 Steps to
Facial Rejuvenation
Keeping your face youthful and beautiful goes beyond visiting us for a treatment. You’ve already started the learning process. Now, take the next step by checking out our e-learning guide that breaks down the science of aging and the ways you can combat it.
Ready to Learn More?
5Steps to Facial
Rejuvenation
Check Out the Guide
Candidates
The HALO system is suitable for any skin type, making it a great resource for skin of all tones. Most healthy patients will be good candidates for hybrid fractional laser treatment, however, there are a few exceptions.
At PSS, we only recommend procedures if they will benefit you. This advice is of particular importance if you have an autoimmune condition that affects your skin. And, in the below cases, it would be wise to speak to us about non-laser alternatives.
- Keloid Scarring
- Psoriasis
- Vitiligo
- Lichen Planus
- Isotretinoin Acne Treatment
If you are using, or have recently used oral isotretinoin for acne, we recommend waiting six months before you get HALO treatment.
Personal Consultation
For best results, we encourage patients to bring in a few pictures of themselves from a few years ago. Through these pictures we can help determine the best course of action for your results. We will also show you before and after pictures of other patients to give you a better understanding of the results that you might achieve.
A personal consultation in beautiful Greenbrae is the perfect setting to discuss how we can help you smooth and re-energize your skin. We will invite you to tell us the areas you want to focus on, and one of our skin specialists will examine your skin’s texture, tone, and signs of aging. Once we have all the relevant information, we will provide you with the details of your personalized treatment plan.Book your HALO laser resurfacing consultation at PSS by calling 415-925-2880.
Preparation
To prepare for laser treatment you should make a concerted effort to stay out of direct sunlight. We will also ask you to stop using certain medications and supplements, and stop certain skin treatments, particularly those listed below.
- Retin-A
- Vitamin A
- Accutane
- AHAs
- LHAs
- Glycolic Acid
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Salicylic Acid
Patients prone to cold sores should take preventive medication such as Valtrex (valacyclovir) before and after HALO treatment.
Procedure
We will administer topical anesthetic for your HALO treatment session, but it will take some time to work. Therefore, it is important to come to our office at least 30 minutes before your treatment time.
Laser treatment plans look different for every patient. However, the process itself is relatively fast once we administer your anesthesia. In fact, most HALO procedures are no longer than 30 minutes. We will ensure every area of concern receives the benefits of HALO’s dual ablative and non-ablative laser treatment.
Some of our patients describe a “rubber band-snapping” sensation on the surface of the skin during the procedure, but this does not cause any undue discomfort.
“I think your whole life shows in your face, and you should be proud of it”
-Lauren Bacall
Recovery & Results
Immediately after the procedure and for a few hours after, your skin may still feel warm to the touch. There may be small areas of bleeding in the hours that follow, which is also an expected side-effect of fractional laser procedures. Most patients find that these side effects resolve after 24 hours. As the laser treatment has caused the skin to remodel, there will be some redness and swelling. You may also experience a stinging sensation similar to a sunburn.
Advanced Healing
Powerful fractional lasers like the HALO platform produce effective results. But in order to achieve them, patients must follow the guidelines we provide very carefully. Peeling, accompanied by a darkening of the skin signals the second stage of the healing process. At this time, it is very important you do not attempt to peel away any skin. Doing so could cause the skin to darken (hyperpigment) or cause residual scarring that could negatively affect your results. Rest assured that once the skin peels away naturally, you will have softer, smoother skin, and noticeably improved skin texture and quality!
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Finding the right laser procedure is important. That’s why the PSS med spa gives you a range of options to choose from based on your aesthetic goals.
Laser BBL Photorejuvenation
From the makers of HALO, broadband light energy is an alternative to fractional laser resurfacing. Forever Young BBL photorejuvenation is Sciton’s equivalent to the BBL Hero and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Fotofacial. Fight signs of aging, sun damage, skin pigmentation issues and more with Forever Young BBL.
Contour TRL Laser Resurfacing
Sciton’s Contour TRL (Tunable Resurfacing Laser) is an Erbium YAG laser with the ability to tackle problem skin in the face and body. The dual-mode Erbium laser has some of the world’s most effective ablative laser technology to resurface and support skin health in the deeper layers. Erase acne scars, surgical scars, pigmented lesions, lax skin, and more. Best of all, Contour TRL is suitable for all skin types!
Chemical Peel
Although they are incredibly effective, lasers aren’t the first choice for some patients. In fact, if you would rather go for a simpler procedure, we can help. Choose a superficial, medium, or deep Chemical Peel to start afresh with your skin, achieve baby-soft texture, and banish your blemishes. At PSS, we also offer Cosmelan, a special peel for people with melasma. As a laser alternative, a chemical peel is a low-tech way to achieve smoother skin and reduce imperfections.
Cost of Laser Facial Rejuvenation in the Bay Area
The cost of your treatment will be determined once we have fully evaluated which of our skin treatments will work best for you. To book your personal consultation to find out, call 415-925-2880 or complete a simple form to get in touch.Find more med spa treatments and learn more about our surgical services by reading the PSS blog!
FAQ
Is a HALO laser procedure painful?
HALO fractional laser treatments are well-tolerated by the majority of patients, and are conducted with local anesthesia. The laser pulses feel like a light rubber band-snap against the skin.
Is the HALO laser the same as broadband light?
Although they both use light energy, the HALO system is a hybrid fractional laser. It heats and causes controlled tissue damage to remodel skin. Broadband light, or BBL, is not a laser device. Instead, it uses a wide range of light wavelengths to rejuvenate the skin.
How long does peeling take after fractional laser resurfacing?
Every patient is different, so peeling times will vary from person to person. However, most people find that peeling resolves between 7-10 days after treatment.
References
- Cohen, J. L., & Ross, E. V. (2013). Combined fractional ablative and nonablative laser resurfacing treatment: a split-face comparative study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: JDD, 12(2), 175–178. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23377390/
- HaloTM – Hybrid Fractional Laser. (n.d.). Sciton Aesthetic & Medical Lasers. Retrieved January 5, 2022, from https://sciton.com/physicians/halo/
- Kim D, Kim H. Optimization of Photothermal Therapy Treatment Effect under Various Laser Irradiation Conditions. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022;23(11):5928. doi:10.3390/ijms23115928
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