INTRODUCTION
The Sciton HALO fractional laser treatment uses hybrid technology of 1470 nm non-ablative laser and 2940nm ablative laser to create controlled zones of coagulation to chosen depths into the dermis that stimulate neo-collagenesis (new collagen) and fractionally vaporize (ablate) micro laser channels in the epidermis in order to tone and texture of the skin.
Why have this treatment?
Sciton HALO laser is a special type of fractional hybrid laser that combines ablative and non-ablative resurfacing into one treatment. This type of treatment allows for a great improvement in skin tone, surface texture, redness and pigmentation. It is an excellent mild laser resurfacing in its own right and also an excellent maintenance treatment for those who have had aggressive laser resurfacing. The non-ablative component of the laser penetrates into the dermis (deeper layer of the skin) and removes pigmentation and coagulates blood vessels that cause redness-reducing overall brown and red discolouration in skin tone. It also stimulates new collagen production as the coagulated dermal tissue is replaced. This improves skin thickness and density, tightens the skin and contracts pores. The ablative component of Sciton HALO fractionally resurfaces the epidermis (outer layer) for improvement in overall skin quality. Laser treatment of this type also results in a reduction of abnormal cell types in the skin that can go on to form dangerous skin lesions. It is recommended that a HALO skin treatment is performed once every 6 months as maintenance.
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PROCEDURE DETAILS
▪ 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.
Patient’s 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.
▪ The Halo Profractional laser treatment may produce 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 an occlusive barrier e.g. Aquaphor/CU3 cream/Vaseline
▪ Cream will aid in the healing process.
POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
▪ 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 hive-like appearance in the treated area. Some persons have localized reactions to cosmetics or topical preparations. Systemic reactions are rare.
AFTERCARE
This treatment is designed to improve skin tone and smooth texture of the facial skin. It is a mild to moderate type of skin laser resurfacing procedure. Please adhere to these aftercare instructions following your Sciton HALO treatment. Immediate and very visible benefits can be seen in the form of reduction in laxity (tightening), reduction in wrinkles, removal of sun damage, increase in elasticity and improvement in collagen density and thickness.What you will experience following the treatment:
- You will experience a sensation of heat and following treatment and mild swelling of the face will develop over the next 24 hours. The burning sensation takes 24 hours to resolve.
- Over the next three days mild flaking of the skin occurs.
- The mild swelling will take 48hrs to settle
- Occasionally mild itching between 3-4 days following the treatment. Dr Hussein will advise on how to manage this.
- At the end of 4 days the skin will have largely healed. Swelling and redness will have largely settled.
- It will usually be safe to return to a simple skin care and make-up regime from day 5 onwards
Never pick or remove skin flakes or crusts. Allow them to shed naturally. Picking will increase the likelihood of scarring.
Please note the time periods above may vary according to the strength of treatment. For example the duration of crusting may be longer in more aggressive treatments.
You will be issued with a skincare pack containing dermol facewash, Eucerin Aquaphor and a pack of sterile gauze on completion of the procedure.
Dr Hussein will also prescribe Valciclovir (to prevent cold sore virus infection) and Fucibet cream (to help settle itch and irritation). The Valciclovir must be taken morning and evening for one week. Fucibet should only be used if Dr Hussein instructs.
Skincare day 1 to day 5
It is imperative that you adhere strictly to the following skin care routine after Sciton HALO laser treatment. The skin barrier has been temporarily impaired by the laser. Premature application of your normal skincare products will result in inflammation, irritation, slow healing and may increase the risk of pigmentation problems and/or scarring. You are more susceptible to contact irritant and allergic dermatitis during this first 7 day period.
After the first 5 days have elapsed you must use a sunscreen SPF50 for the following 4 weeks. You must minimize your sun exposure at all times throughout the treatment and for 6 weeks after treatment.
Morning
- Wash the face in the morning with Dermol face wash and allow to air dry OR pat dry gently with a clean face towel or clean kitchen roll (DO NOT RUB).
- Apply Eucerin Aquaphor barrier cream to the face. This will protect the skin and stop it from drying out while the epidermal barrier is healing.
- Take any antiviral tablets according to instructions that Dr Hussein may have prescribed. Complete the course of medication.
Throughout the day
- Top up the Eucerin Aquaphor cream at any point when the skin starts to feel dry and tight. This should be at least twice throughout the day. Allowing the skin to become too dry will slow the healing process.
Evening
- Repeat steps 1 & 2 (and step 3 if your Doctor has prescribed the medication) before going to bed.
Dr Hussein will review you at 2 weeks following treatment but do not hesitate to contact him before this if you need earlier advice/review/information.
Remember to send healing ‘selfie’ photos at least everyday so that Dr Hussein can monitor your healing. Use the details on the contact card.