Halo™ Hybrid Fractional Laser

Halo™ is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser, and it has revolutionized skin resurfacing. For three years in a row, the Halo™ laser treatment has won awards in the categories of “The Most Effective Laser for Glowy Skin” (2016), “The Anti-Aging Laser Treatment” as a Problem Solver (2017), “The Best In-Office Treatments That Get Results’ (2018) by New Beauty Magazine. The Halo laser also won the New Beauty Award for Best Multitasking Laser in 2023.

Book a Halo treatment at our Vancouver clinic.

About Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments

In order to understand how Halo™ works, you need to understand the two types of laser skin resurfacing treatments out there. These are:

Ablative Lasers

Ablative lasers remove the topmost layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis, to reveal new, smooth skin underneath. These laser treatments are more invasive and require a longer recovery time. However, they also produce dramatic results in just one treatment. Ablative lasers require a few days of downtime, and can effectively treat wrinkles, scars, and discoloration.

Non-Ablative Lasers

Non-ablative lasers work by heating up the deeper layers of the skin tissue. These lasers are less invasive and milder on the skin. Non-ablative lasers are best for improving the skin’s texture and tone, but they can also smooth fine lines and minor wrinkles. No downtime is required after a non-ablative laser treatment. However, a series of five to six treatments are required to see the most dramatic results.

How Does the Halo™ Hybrid Fractional Laser Work?

Halo™ is the first laser to deliver a hybrid of both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to the skin simultaneously. Together, the two lasers cause the stimulation of collagen and elastin and target the pigment in the skin to result in a brighter, more even skin tone while simultaneously improving the tightness and texture of the skin. By using scientific innovation to combine both laser types, Halo™ is able to maximize skin improvements while reducing pain and downtime.

Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser | Vancouver & Surrey BC

What are the Benefits of Halo™ Laser Treatments?

The Halo™ skin resurfacing technology is far more comfortable than the previous generation of ablative lasers and requires much less recovery time. However, you can still achieve remarkable results in just 1-2 treatments. The Halo™ technology also renews both the dermis and epidermis, creating even more impactful results.

Halo™ can be used to treat:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Sun damage
  • Acne scarring
  • Pigmented lesions
  • Enlarged pores
  • Dull complexion
  • Signs of aging
  • Medical dermatology conditions
  • such as actinic keratosis

Learn More About Halo™ Hybrid Fractional Laser

The Halo™ hybrid fractional laser is an incredibly effective treatment option for visible acne scars. If you no longer have active acne but have been left with textural and pigmented acne scars, Halo™ laser skin resurfacing may be the right treatment for you. The Shine MD Acne Clinic also offers a variety of other treatment options for both active acne and acne scarring. Speak to one of our trained clinical staff members to find out what acne or acne scar treatment is right for you.

Before your laser treatment begins, a member of our clinical staff will apply a topical anesthetic to your skin to improve your comfort level. You may request the use of nitrous oxide or Pronox to further improve your patient experience. During the treatment, you will feel the warmth of the laser on the skin and an occasional prickling sensation. One of our staff members will slowly and uniformly roll the Halo™ handpiece over the surface of your skin until the entire area has been treated.

After the treatment, your skin will remain red and feel warm. On day two, you may start to have some peeling and swelling. For the next few days, you can expect skin changes that show signs of healing.

Patients can usually wear makeup and return back to work within one week of treatment, depending on their personal factors and healing process. While skin changes can be present for up to seven days, the ability to return to work is not limited by the healing process. It is dependent on each patient’s comfort level with social interactions. By days five to seven, most of the post-treatment changes resolve, surface skin sloughs off, and you will notice an energized and vibrant finish to your skin.

After Halo™ laser treatment, fine lines will gradually lessen as collagen and elastin production continues. You will start to see your results between two and five days after the treatments, with more visible results appearing over time.

While some patients may achieve their desired results after just one treatment, two treatments are often recommended. Depending on your specific goals, your Halo™ treatment is often combined with a BroadBand Light to deliver even more impressive results.

Sun protection and sunscreen are important parts of post-treatment care because your skin will be especially sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays. Results from Halo™ are long-lasting with proper skincare.

Halo™ is safe for all skin types, including those with darker skin. The treatment is most frequently performed on the face, but can also be done on the body, depending on your areas of concern. Other popular locations for treatment are the neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs. You are not a candidate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have active acne, rash, or infection within areas to be treated.

Halo™ Hybrid Fractional Laser Pre and Post Care Instructions

At Shine MD, your comfort and safety are our top priority. In order to ensure that you have the best experience possible, we have compiled a list of guidelines to follow before and after your treatment. Click on the button below to learn more.

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Before & After Gallery

Want to see real patient results from our innovative skin treatments? View our impressive before and after images in our photo gallery.

Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser B&A | Vancouver & Surrey BC

*Individual results may vary.

Before Your Appointment
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure for a period of 2 weeks before treatment.
  • Avoid dermal fillers and neuromodulators for 2 weeks before and after treatment.
  • Stop all active skin care products 7 days before treatment, including retinols, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and bleaching creams.
  • Please let us know if you have a history of cold sores, gold therapy, lupus or connective tissue disease, or if you have any metal plates, rods, or screws near the areas to be treated.
After Your Treatment
  • Redness is normal and expected. It generally increases in intensity the first few days after treatment, with day 3 being most intense. Redness can persist for up to 7 days.
  • Pinpoint bleeding may occur. This can last for a few to twelve hours depending on the treatment depth and may be isolated to certain treated areas.
  • Swelling is common and expected, and may last 2-4 days depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment. Use of a cold compress and 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 most prevalent, especially under the eyes.
  • Benadryl may be taken at bedtime the night before the treatment and for up to 4 nights after, to mitigate the histamine response.
  • 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.
  • On the second or third day after treatment, you will increasingly notice tiny dark spots and bronzed appearance to the treated skin. This is called the MENDS (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris). 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. Your clinician will advise you of when make-up can be used.
    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 Advil.
  • 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 Care Instructions
  • Beginning immediately after treatment, avoid sun exposure.
  • Cleanse the skin two times a day with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser; e.g. Cetaphil, beginning the morning after the treatment. Pat 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.
  • Moisturizer should be applied generously over the treated area and reapplied whenever your skin feels dry. For severe dryness, add Aquaphor on top of your moisturizer or mix it in with it.
  • 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, this could result in scarring, pigmentation complications and infection.
  • Sunscreen is a MUST and should be used daily for up to 3 months post procedure, beginning the day after treatment. Use a recommended sunscreen with broadband protection an SPF of 30. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply 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 hypopigmentation can/will occur. Sun exposure should be avoided for a minumum of one month post treatment.
    Typically after the peeling process is complete, make up can be worn.
  • 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.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until after skin has healed.
Please Note:

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 at (604) 782-6309 or email Dr. Mona Khurana at monakhurana@shinemd.com. For increased redness, swelling, or uncontrolled pain, please visit an after hours medical provider.

Signs of infection include:
  • Drainage that looks like pus
  • Progressive increase in warmth or pain at or around the treated area
  • Fever of 38.0 Celsius or greater

 

Please note that it takes over 24-48 hours for an infection to develop so an increase in redness or warmth during the first two days is more likely related to the normal healing process than an infection. If in doubt, please contact the clinic.