Halo Laser Treatment Aftercare Tips You Should Know
Are you considering a Halo Laser Treatment for healthy, beautiful skin? It’s an exciting — and perhaps intimidating — prospect to have a laser treatment. We understand that feeling, so our goal is to help guide you on your journey with effective, easy-to-understand aftercare tips. This blog will explain what to expect during the recovery process to ensure that you get the best possible results from your Halo Laser Treatment. From pre-treatment planning to post-procedure healing, we’ve got the answers to all your questions!
How Does the Halo Laser Work?
A Halo Laser treatment involves two laser lights used to precisely treat different layers of skin. Only a portion of the skin is treated at a time, allowing your skin to repair itself quickly with no extensive downtime. It is also a safer option with less risk of infection or inflammation. Downtime is usually a week, and you can wear medical-grade makeup after 2 days.
Impressive results can be seen in as little as one week after your procedure, and you will experience the “Halo glow,” where your skin will look healthier and more youthful than ever.
Halo Laser Post-Treatment Instructions
After your Halo Laser treatment, you will experience some redness that will disappear after a week. Pinpoint bleeding can occur but will only last a few hours, and swelling is common for the first 2-4 days. A cold compress can alleviate these symptoms, and all timelines and side effects depend on the areas treated and the aggressiveness of the treatment. The treated area will also be very warm for the first day after treatment.
On the second or third day post-treatment, you will see tiny dark spots and a tanned appearance to the treated areas of the skin. These are called microscopic epidermal necrotic debris and contain large amounts of melanin. Do not scratch them off if they appear crusted – this is part of the healing process as fresh skin appears, and they will flake and peel on their own. If you receive the Halo Laser treatment on your face, it can take 5-7 days for the peeling process to finish or up to 10 days for darker complexions.
You may experience breakouts or small bumps after your procedure in the first 4-5 days, as the ointment used during the treatment to calm the skin can obstruct the natural openings of your oil glands, causing buildup, which forms acne.
All post-treatment discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol, and anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen can alleviate redness. If you have to pinpoint bleeding, avoid using Ibuprofen until the bleeding has stopped completely. Benadryl can reduce any itchiness you experience, so you can avoid scratching the treated area and causing permanent scars.
Some steps you should take following your Halo Laser treatment include:
- Avoid getting shampoo on the treatment area for the first few days post-treatment.
- The morning after your treatment, cleanse your skin with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Do this twice a day, every day afterward.
- Do not pick, rub, or scratch your skin during the flaking and healing process.
- You must apply and reapply sunscreen daily with an SPF of at least 30.
- You can wear medically-approved makeup 2 days after your treatment.
- Keep your hair back and away from your face during the entire healing process.
- Avoid exercise and sweating until a week after your treatment.
- Avoid skin irritants like Retinol or Vitamin A for a month after your treatment.
- For men – do not shave the treatment area for 5 days post-treatment.
What is the Halo Laser Aftercare Routine?
Immediately after your treatment, it will feel like you have a bad sunburn, which can last up to 1 hour. A cold compress will aid in your comfort. Post-treatment balm and SPF will be applied to your skin, and your clinician at Skin Technique will discuss aftercare instructions and create a routine specialized for your healing.
AM Routine Tips
First Week: Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, and apply sunscreen daily. Do not pick or scrub at any dark spots, and avoid sweaty activities.
Second Week: Continue to cleanse your skin, apply SPF, and moisturize as often as your skin feels dry.
Third Week: You may resume your normal skincare routine if your skin is fully healed.
PM Routine Tips
First Week: Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, and apply lotion as needed. Do not pick or scrub at any dark spots, and avoid sweaty activities.
Second Week: Continue to cleanse your skin and moisturize as often as your skin feels dry.
Third Week: You may resume your normal skincare routine if your skin is fully healed.
What are the Do’s & Don’ts After Your Halo Laser Treatment
After your Halo Laser treatment, do the following:
- Use Tylenol or anti-inflammatory medication (under the guidance of your doctor) for discomfort.
- Sleep with your head elevated the first night to reduce swelling.
- Apply cold compresses for relief.
- Only use sunscreen starting the day after your treatment.
- Cleanse skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Moisturize a few days after your treatment any time your skin feels dry.
After your Halo Laser treatment, do not:
- Use sunscreen on the day of your treatment.
- Use an exfoliant or a skincare brush.
- Pick at or rub the skin until the flaking skin has healed.
- Exercise or engage in activities that cause you to sweat.
- Go out in the sun excessively for the first 4 weeks post-treatment.
- Apply moisturizer until 2 hours after your treatment.
- Cleanse your skin until 1 day after your treatment.
When Should I Call for Help?
You may experience some swelling and redness after your treatment, but if it becomes excessive, it could be a sign of infection, and you should contact your doctor immediately. If you experience drainage, increased warmth around the treated area, a fever, or extreme itching, contact your doctor or please contact the team at Skin Technique.
At Skin Technique, we are here to honor your beauty, and we work to revitalize and reveal your youthful skin through modern and innovative medical aesthetics and skin care services. Book a consultation with us today and look forward to youthful, rejuvenated skin.