What is HALO Laser Skin Resurfacing?
At JEM Medspa, skin resurfacing with the HALO® laser is a nonsurgical treatment that utilizes pulsating beams of energy to deeply exfoliate the complexion and remove damaged skin cells. The procedure treats signs of aging and improves skin irregularities. Also referred to as a laser peel, fractional skin resurfacing is considered an effective facial treatment for patients who want softer, clearer, and younger-looking skin. Depending on the needs of the patient's skin, we can customize the treatment for the best results. With most laser skin resurfacing procedures, you will require some recovery time. Please call either of our locations to learn more about this innovative procedure.
Types of Laser Treatments
HALO offers two kinds of laser resurfacing skin treatments. Based on the condition of your skin, we select which treatment type works best for you. Some are performed for milder cases of skin damage while others are more aggressive:
- Ablative Laser Treatments
Ablative lasers treat thin skin layers, like a deep chemical peel, with a precision that allows the laser technician to avoid damaging nearby skin. Ablative lasers are ideal for tightening skin and reducing the appearance of acne scars and wrinkles. - Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
To prompt natural healing, non-ablative lasers do not remove any skin — the light simply makes micro-injuries to the skin cells. Non-ablative procedures are ideal for minimizing wrinkles and fine lines on those who are willing to wait a few months for strong results.
What Are the Benefits Of HALO Laser Skin Resurfacing?
A personalized laser skin resurfacing treatment at JEM Medspa offers a number of great benefits to remake your look, including:
- Offering multiple treatment options
- Reducing wrinkles, lines, and other signs of aging
- Removing dead, damaged skin cells
- Addressing skin imperfections, spots, and discoloration
- Diminishing scars, blood vessels, sun damage, and more
- Smoothing and softening the skin
- Creating a healthier, more youthful look
- Results can be long-lasting
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Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Laser Skin Resurfacing?
When selecting which laser peel procedure is best for you, we will consider many factors. Laser skin resurfacing can help patients who feel unhappy with their complexion. If you have sun damage, age spots, acne scars, wrinkles and fine lines, redness, or pigmentation concerns, laser skin resurfacing may help reduce the appearance of these issues. Also, laser skin resurfacing works well for patients who have scaly patches, rough texture, or other skin problems. If you have very dark skin or active acne, this treatment isn't recommended. Also, you will need some recovery time after a laser peel. Some patients, depending on their skin condition, may require 2 – 3 weeks to recover.
How Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Performed?
If you plan to undergo a more intense laser resurfacing treatment, we may provide a topical retinoid for 2 – 3 weeks before your procedure. The retinoid helps prepare the skin for better results. To help lessen pain and to ensure you remain comfortable, we may suggest or prescribe certain medications before the procedure. If your skin only needs mild treatment, a local anesthetic is applied so it numbs the treatment area. If you require a deeper laser peel, we may provide mild sedation. Throughout the procedure, you can relax in a comfortable treatment chair while the laser passes over the skin, precisely targeting the needed areas. You will feel the heat of the laser followed by cold air from the system's built-in cooling device. The laser works to remove damaged skin cells while also encouraging the production of collagen.
What Should I Expect After My Treatment Session?
After light peels, an ointment is applied to the treated skin and you can go home to recover. The skin may appear pink, and you will experience some swelling and irritation. Over the next 3 – 5 days, these symptoms should subside and the skin peeling process will start to occur. If you undergo a more intense laser treatment, your recovery period will last longer, and we cover the treatment areas with protective dressings. Additionally, the swelling, burning, and irritation will intensify. To lessen these symptoms, patients may receive prescribed pain medication. The recovery time for deeper laser treatments can last 2 – 3 weeks. Regardless of the intensity, the skin will naturally crust, flake, and peel away. Following the procedure, every patient should reduce their UV exposure and frequently apply sunscreen. After the peeling is completed, the treated skin will feel softer while also looking clearer, rejuvenated, and younger.
Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ
Does laser skin resurfacing hurt?
While there may be minor discomfort, especially during a deeper laser peel, most patients do not find it painful. Before we begin, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the treatment area to numb the skin and keep you comfortable. During your consultation, we will discuss what to expect before, during, and after your laser peel. If pain is a concern, please feel free to ask questions during your consultation.
What's the best type of resurfacing for me?
Our team at JEM Medspa can help you decide which laser resurfacing option fits your concerns and goals in your initial consultation. The best treatment for you will depend on the condition of your skin, any skin concerns, and how deep you want your treatment to go. The length of recovery time may also be an important consideration when you create a treatment plan. When in doubt, it is best to start with a lighter treatment, then assess your results and decide if you want something stronger for your second treatment.
How can I help my skin recover after a resurfacing treatment?
A member of our team will give you tips on ways to speed skin healing following your laser resurfacing treatment. The top rule is do not peel or pick your skin. Doing this can create long-term damage, including scars. You should forgo all hair removal methods on the treated skin, which includes waxing, shaving, or depilatory creams. We can suggest an ointment to help soothe and heal your skin.
How often should I get laser resurfacing treatments?
Based on the laser resurfacing options chosen for your procedure, you may need to wait weeks or even months between appointments. Deep laser treatments will provide results that last a long time; however, they will require a longer recovery period. You should tell our team about how often you are willing to come back for treatments so we can consider this when recommending a type of resurfacing in your consultation.
Should I get laser skin resurfacing, a chemical peel, or microneedling?
After listening to your issues, our team will help you choose whether laser skin resurfacing, microneedling, or a chemical peel is best for you. While they all improve the surface of the skin, each has pros and cons. During your consultation, we will explain each choice and make a suggestion for your treatment.
How soon can I wear makeup after laser skin resurfacing?
Most patients can start wearing makeup within 48 – 72 hours after treatment once initial redness and swelling have subsided. During your consultation, we will give specific aftercare instructions, including when it's safe to apply makeup without disrupting the healing process.
A Softer, Clearer Complexion
If you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, or other skin blemishes, the Halo laser skin resurfacing treatment offers excellent results. We encourage you to schedule an appointment to learn more about laser peels and other nonsurgical skin rejuvenation procedures. At JEM Medspa in Orland Park, IL, we strive to help you attain your cosmetic goals and to help you feel more comfortable in your skin.