HALO™ Care Instructions

Before your HALO™ fractional laser treatment, please follow these instructions:

  • Stop topical prescriptions a week before treatment.
  • Use the provided skincare kit starting one week prior to treatment.

After your HALO™ fractional laser treatment, please follow these instructions:

  • Redness is normal and expected. Redness generally increases in intensity the first few days after treatment with day 3 being the most intense. Redness can persist for up to 7 days depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment.
  • Pinpoint bleeding may occur. This can last for a few hours to 12 hours depending on the treatment depth and may be isolated to certain treated areas.
  • Swelling immediately after treatment is common and expected. Use of a cold compress or ice packs will help to relieve the 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 2-4 days.
  • The treated area may be extremely warm for 12-24 hours after the treatment. Cold compresses or ice packs may provide comfort during this time.
  • Dark spots will appear on the second or third day after treatment. You will increasingly notice tiny dark spots and a bronzed appearance to the treated skin. This is called the 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, have a sandpaper texture, and will begin to flake and peel. If the face was 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. Your provider will inform and advise you of when make-up can be used and which kind.
  • If an antiviral was prescribed for you, continue to take as directed.
  • Post-treatment discomfort may be relieved by over-the-counter oral pain relievers; i.e., Extra Strength Tylenol or prescribed pain medication if ordered by the provider.
  • Itching may be experienced during the healing phase and is completely normal. Oral Benadryl may help itching but can cause drowsiness. Do not scratch the treated area as scarring and pigmentation complications can occur.

Post-Treatment Care

  • Immediately after treatment, your provider may spray your skin with Avene thermal water spray. This can be reapplied as needed to keep the skin moist. The use of a moisturizer with petroleum may be suited for individuals who receive more graduated coverage while the cream may be sufficient for less aggressive treatments.
  • Cleanse the skin two times a day with plain, lukewarm water and the cleanser that has been provided for you beginning the morning after the treatment. Use your hands to gently apply the cleanser and water and finish by patting dry with a soft cloth. Do not rub, scrub, use an exfoliant or a skin care brush e.g., Clarisonic, in the treated area. Doing so could result in scarring and pigmentation complications.
  • Immediately after treatment, we ask that you refrain from any products on your skin. You may apply the provided moisturizer as needed for dryness beginning the day after treatment. Another option to help speed healing is to use Alastin Nectar. This is also included in your skincare kit and can be applied prior to the moisturizer.
  • Peeling and flaking generally occur within 24 hours post-treatment and should be allowed to come off naturally. DO NOT PICK, RUB, OR FORCE OFF ANY SKIN DURING THE HEALING PROCESS, AS THIS COULD RESULT IN SCARRING, PIGMENTATION COMPLICATIONS, AND INFECTION! Gently washing the skin more frequently will help to promote the peeling process.
  • When showering in the next few days, be sure to avoid getting shampoo directly on the treated area. You may consider taking your shower with the back of your head to the water to avoid directly hitting your face with the full force of the stream of water.
  • Sunscreen is a must and should be used daily beginning the day of treatment and used vigilantly for up to 3 months post-procedure. Use recommended sunscreen with broadband protection (UVA and UVB) and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. 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 the sun (direct or indirect) blistering, scarring, hyperpigmentation or hypo-pigmentation can/will occur. Sun exposure should be avoided for 2 months post-treatment.
  • Typically, after the peeling process is complete, make-up can be worn.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until after skin has healed, typically one week.

Skin Care Regime

  • Wash face in the morning and evening with provided Alastin Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream. Pat dry with disposable washcloth.
  • Apply Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar. It can be applied morning and night.
  • Apply Alastin Ultra-Light Moisturizer over that on entire face, morning and night.
  • Starting on the first day after treatment, apply Alastin SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen if you are going to be outside. If you are not going outside, then you do not have to apply sunscreen.

There may be some degree of swelling immediately post-treatment; however, if you have excessive swelling or any of the following signs of infection, you should contact the office immediately. Signs of infection include:

  • Drainage – looks like pus
  • Increased warmth at or around the treated area
  • Fever of 101.5 or greater
  • Extreme itching

If you have any questions or concerns, please call 585.244.1010 during our business hours of Monday-Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday 8am-5pm, and Saturday 9am-4pm. If you have an urgent issue after hours, you may call 585.258.4851 to reach the physician on-call.

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