Halo Laser Treatment Guidelines

Avoid any irritants to your skin including products containing Retin-A, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, and vitamin C.
Avoid blood thinners 5-7 days before your treatment, such as aspirin, Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen), Alieve (naproxen), fish oil, and vitamin E. *If you have prescription blood thinners, speak with your healthcare provider before discontinuing.
Avoid sun exposure for at least 7 days prior to treatment
Do not wax or use depilatory creams on treatment areas
Avoid any sunless tanning creams or sprays on treatment areas

One Day Before

If indicated, the day prior to the procedure, take an antiviral and/or antibiotic if prescribed by your provider.

Immediately Post Treatment

Your treatment provider will apply topical moisturizer to the treated area.
Avoid wearing makeup for at least 48 hours
Do not exercise for 48 hours
Avoid sun and outdoor sports/activities for 1 week. Wear mineral SPF at all times when outdoors.
Swelling is common and expected. The use of cold compresses and ice packs will help to relieve swelling. To avoid further swelling, you may choose to sleep in an upright position the first night after treatment. The first morning post-treatment is when swelling is more prevalent, especially under the eyes. Swelling may last 5-7 days, depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment.
Redness is normal and expected. Redness generally increases in intensity the first few days after treatment, with day 3 being the most intense. Redness can persist for 7-10 days, depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment.
Pinpoint bleeding may occur. This can last anywhere from 1-12 hours, depending on the treatment depth, and may be isolated to certain treatment areas.
The treated area may feel warm to the touch for 12-24 hours after treatment. Cold compresses may be used to provide comfort during this time.

Days 1-7

Cleanse the skin two times a day with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, such as Cetaphil, beginning the morning after treatment. Use your hands to gently apply the cleanser and water, and finish by patting dry with a soft cloth. Do NOT rub, scrub, exfoliate, or use a skincare brush, such as a Clarisonic or spinning brush, in the treated area. Doing so may result in scarring and pigmentation complications. or
Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until after the skin has healed.
Post-treatment discomfort may be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Call the office ASAP if you experience severe pain.
Itching may be experienced during the healing phase and is a normal side effect. Do NOT scratch the treated area as scarring and pigmentation complications can occur. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) are non-drowsy and may be taken during the day. Over-the-counter Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which may cause drowsiness, can be taken at night to relieve itching.
On the second or third day after treatment, you will increasingly notice tiny dark spots and a bronzed appearance to the treated skin. This is called the MENDS (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris). Do not scratch or peel off these bronzed and crusted areas. This is part of the healing process where treated tissue is working its way out of the body, and new skin is being regenerated. During this time, your skin may have a sandpaper texture and will begin to flake and peel. If the face is treated, it could take 7-10 days to complete the healing process. If the neck, chest, or other body parts are treated, it could take up to two weeks to heal.
After the peeling process is complete, your skin will have a rosy, pink glow that will gradually resolve. Make-up can be worn at this time.
Sunscreen is a MUST and should be used daily beginning the day of treatment and used vigilantly for up to 3 months post-procedure. Use recommended sunscreen with broadband UVA and UVB protection. Reapply sunscreen 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 the sun (direct or indirect), blistering, scarring, hyperpigmentation and/or hypopigmentation may occur. Sun exposure should be avoided for 2 months post-treatment.

Recommended Aftercare Products

Wash treated area with gentle cleanser, such as Cetaphil
Wash face with vinegar soaks twice or 3-4 times daily
- Directions: Mix two teaspoons of white vinegar with two cups of bottled water. Dip clean gauze into the solution and lay across the skin for 10-15 minutes, gently pressing into the skin but not rubbing. Rinse with plain bottled water.
Skinceuticals Biocellulose mask- Apply mask to the treated area for 30-45 minutes to relieve warmth and redness

For the first 48 hours post-treatment, use the following products twice daily:

Alastin Regenerating Skin NECTAR (Purple bottle)
Skinceuticals Hydra Balm
Aquaphor or Cerave ointment
Skinceuticals Epidermal repair
Avene Cicalfate

Daily SPF: Avene Mineral SPF Skinceuticals Physical Fusion

For the next 7-10 days post-treatment, use the following products once or twice daily and/or as needed:

Alastin Regenerating Skin NECTAR (Purple bottle)
Skinceuticals Hydra Balm
Aquaphor or Cerave ointment
Skinceuticals Epidermal repair
Avene Cicalfate