Halo™ Hybrid Fractional Laser
The effects of time, sun, the environment and habits like smoking all impact the way our skin ages. It’s possible to minimize damage, in particular by avoiding the sun. Still, eventually the epidermis will thin and the melanocytes (pigment containing cells) reduce in number but increase in size resulting in uneven pigment and skin spots. Meanwhile the deeper layer of skin, the dermis, loses its elasticity. At some point, you may decide it’s time to give your complexion a helping hand in regaining a more youthful appearance. One of the most exciting treatments we have for this at Ancaster Dermatology Center in Hamilton, Ontario is Halo, the first hybrid fractional laser available today.
At Ancaster Dermatology we look forward to working with you to help you reach your aesthetic goals. Please call us at (905) 304-1122 to schedule your visit.
Is Halo Right for Your Skin?
Manufactured by the Sciton® company, this unique device is often referred to as providing “the best of both worlds” in that it provides two separate laser treatments in one. The first ablative laser targets tiny pathways in the skin, leaving the area around it unscathed. Meanwhile, the non-ablative laser creates a series of controlled thermal pulses into the skin. Together, these two laser wavelengths deliver positive texture changes and stimulate new collagen for maximum anti-aging benefit. Typically ablative lasers have been used for treating more serious skin damage by targeting deeper layers of the skin. Results are dramatic, however the procedure requires a significant recovery period. Non ablative lasers are not as invasive, require far less downtime, but show more modest results and often require multiple treatments. As a hybrid device, the <em>Halo</em> laser directs both ablative (2940 nm) and non-ablative (1470 nm) wavelengths to the skin to significantly improve its appearance and quality without the lengthy healing time typically associated with singular ablative lasers.
Halo is effective at remedying the following conditions:
- Freckles, sun spots, or areas of high pigmentation
- Fine lines and deeper wrinkles
- Irregular, rough texture
- Enlarged pores
- Acne scarring
- Sun damage
The Halo Experience at Ancaster Dermatology
At Ancaster Dermatology Centre, your Halo laser treatment is administered by our laser technican Laura. Upon arrival, we will apply a topical numbing cream for one hour, and the procedure itself will last from 30 minutes to one hour. Your practitioner passes the laser handpiece over your skin, administering powerful laser energy in short bursts. You may feel a sensation of warmth or tingling, but the procedure is not typically painful. The Halo device regulates its temperature to ensure your skin stays comfortable. Immediately after treatment your face will feel hot, similar to an intense sunburn. This sensation of heat can last 1–2 hours post procedure but can last longer for up to 12–72 hours. Depending on the strength of your Halo procedure your face may be puffy and red. Swelling may last hours and at most 1–3 days post laser. On the second of third day after treatment you will increasingly notice tiny dark spots and a bronzed appearance. These tiny spots are called MENDS (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris) that will exfoliate off in a few days. This can feel very dry and sand paper like. Follow our post-treatment recommendations for skin care, and avoid scratching. As the MENDS peel off the new skin is fresh, even, and glowing. You will have achieved that Halo effect. Your results will be visible within a week or two and will continue to improve as your skin regenerates itself. The Halo laser stimulates collagen development and smooths and evens your skin tone, resulting in increased elasticity and a youthful glow that is long lasting.
