Sciton HALO

Sciton HALO is a hybrid laser resurfacing treatment designed to give a renewal of the epidermal skin surface and remodelling of the deeper dermal layer of the skin. It is a hybrid fractional laser.

The primary benefits of this laser technology are as follows:

• Resurfacing of the outer layer of skin (Epidermis) – This is achieved with the Sciton HALO fractional ablative 2940nm laser. This improves surface texture and removes superficial pigmentation as well as helping to refine pore openings within the skin.
• Remodelling of the dermis – The Sciton HALO 1470nm fractional non-ablative laser that creates MTZs (Micro Thermal Zones) within the skin that triggers new tissue formation within the dermis. Old dermal tissue is replaced by newly constructed collagen matrix. This gives the skin greater elasticity and collagen density. This is what helps improve deeper wrinkles and texture.
• Can be safely used in all skin types.
• Social Downtime between 4-7 days depending on treatment depth and intensity.

Sciton HALO laser is a procedure that is performed under a topical (cream) local anaesthetic. You will have a 30-45minute preparation time with the local anaesthetic cream. This cream will then be removed. Your laser treatment will commence.

Eye protection in the form of metal goggles will be placed over the eyes.

Surface area measurements of the face will be calculated with the HALO scanner.

The appropriate settings will be entered and the treatment commenced.

The skin is simultaneously cooled. The sensation will amount to a 3/10 prickly discomfort.

Depending on the areas being treated a typical treatment will last from 30-60mins

• The 2940 nm Erbium YAG laser wavelength of Halo Pro is delivered through a focused scanning device that precisely removes channels of tissue by vaporizing (heating to high temperature) the water within the tissue. The device has the ability to create micro-channels while leaving the area around the channels intact.
• The 1470 nm laser wavelength of Halo is delivered through a scanning device that creates microscopic columns of wounded tissue that stimulates new collagen.
• Laser treatment procedures may produce scanning patterns visible on the skin. This event usually fades while in the healing phase.
• Light from a laser can be harmful to eyes and wearing special safety eyewear is necessary at all times during the procedure.
• A topical or local (block) anaesthetic is used to reduce the sensation of the laser as it interacts with the skin. The sensation, while being treated, may feel like pinpricks, bursts of heat or similar to a sunburn. The type of topical and or injected anaesthetics is at the discretion of the practitioner.

Patients with known allergies to anaesthetics should inform the practitioner.

Pre-Treatment Considerations

If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that this treatment could contribute to a recurrence. Please take the cod sore prophylaxis medications prescribed.

No one who has taken branded capsules for severe acne or its generic forms within the last six months may have this procedure.

Skin care or treatment programs may be used before and after laser skin treatments in order to enhance the results.

Treatment Considerations

• The procedure necessitates a post-treatment wound care regime that must be followed. You will receive a procedural aftercare sheet.
• The Sciton Halo Hybrid laser treatment may produce occasional pinpoint bleeding in the area of the channels. This event usually subsides in a few minutes to a few hours. More uncommon, it can persist up to 24 hours.
• Redness and exfoliation (flaking of the skin) is associated with this procedure and may last from 3-4 days depending on the depth and density (percentage) of the laser channels of the treatment performed. You may notice a sandpaper texture and bronzing of the skin as the microscopic columns begin to heal. This is treated tissue working its way out as new skin is regenerated. Keeping the area moist with a light application of the DrH Healing Cream that is specially formulated for laser resurfacing procedures.
• Cream will aid in the healing process.

• Oedema (swelling) of the skin may occur and can be minimised by keeping the area upright.
• Urticaria (itching) often occurs as the old skin is shed and the new skin is being formed.
• If any of the above symptoms intensify, your clinician should be notified. A cool compress placed on the area provides comfort. The treated area should be cared for delicately. Limited activity may be advised, as well as, no hot tub, steam, sauna, or shower use.
• Discomfort, especially a sunburn feeling, may persist for a few days.
• PIH or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (browning) and hypopigmentation (lightening) have been noted with laser procedures. These conditions usually will resolve within 2-4 months. The permanent colour change is a rare risk. Vigilant care must be taken to avoid sun exposure (tanning beds included) before and after the treatment to reduce the risk of colour change. After the skin has gone through its healing phase and is intact, sunscreen and / or sun block should be applied when sun exposure is necessary.
• Infection is not usual after treatments; however, herpes simplex virus (cold sore virus) infections around the mouth and face can occur following treatments. This applies to both individuals with a past history of the virus or individuals with no known history. Other signs of an infection can be a fever, purulent (pus) material, severe redness, swelling in the area, and skin that is hot to the touch. Should these symptoms occur, the clinician must be notified to prescribe appropriate medical care.
• An allergic reaction is uncommon from treatment. Some persons may have a hivelike appearance in the treated area. Some persons have localized reactions to cosmetics or topical preparations. Systemic reactions are rare.