HALO: Contraindications, Pre-Care and Post Care Instructions

Introduction

Welcome to Omniya Clinic’s guide to your HALO treatment. Below, you will find comprehensive contraindications, pre-care and post-care information for your treatment. If you have any questions, please contact our reception team who will be happy to assist you.

Medical History

You will receive a medical history form by email ahead of your appointment. If you’re not able to complete it beforehand, we kindly ask that you arrive about 10 minutes early to fill it in at the clinic.

If there have been any changes to your health, or you’ve started any new medication since your last visit, please let us know before your appointment so we can make sure your treatment is still right for you.

Contraindications

HALO (1470 nm) and HALO Pro (1470 nm and 2940 nm) may not be suitable if you:

• Patients who are intolerant to anesthetic based agents
• Patients with infectious disease
• Patients with connective tissue disease
• Patients with propensity for keloid formations
• Patients who are immunocompromised or compromised healing
• Patients who are on long-standing systemic steroids (e.g. Prednisone, Dexamethasone)
• Patients who are pregnant
• Patients who have used isotretinoin (e.g. Accutane) within the past year
• Patients with a medical condition that may affect wound healing

Pre Treatment Instructions

To prepare for your HALO treatment, please:

• Stop using prescribed retinoids (tretinoin) or other prescription grade actives such as Benzoyl Peroxide 2 weeks prior to treatment.
• Avoid retinol, exfoliating acids and any other active skincare 5-7 days before your treatment, depending on strength
• Avoid waxing the area 7 days prior to treatment.
• Avoid using fake tan on the skin 2 weeks prior to the treatment. 2-4 weeks no sun exposure (real tan) prior to the treatment
• Allow 2 weeks since any injectable treatments (Dermal fillers, Botox, polynucleotides, etc)
• If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that this treatment could contribute to a recurrence. Prophylactic treatment is advisable.
• No one who has taken the medication Accutane or its generic forms within the last year may have this procedure.
• No one on anti-coagulants may have this procedure.
• Skin care or treatment programs may be used before and after laser skin treatments in order to enhance the results.
• Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI and melasma patients must prep their skin with medical grade tyrosinase inhibitors for 4 weeks prior to the treatment or Hydroquinone - prescription - for 2 weeks prior
• Hair on the treated area must be clean shaven; it needs to be shorter than 0.5 mm
• Please contact the clinic in advance if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medication

Post Treatment Instructions & Expectations

Post Treatment

• Redness is normal and expected. Redness generally increases in intensity the first few days after treatment with day 3 being most intense. Redness can persist for up to 7 days depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment.
• Pinpoint bleeding may occur. This can last for a few hours - 12 hours depending on the treatment depth and may be isolated to certain treated areas.
• Immediately after treatment, swelling is common and expected.  Use of a cold compress or ice packs will help to relieve the swelling.  To avoid further swelling, you may choose to sleep in an upright position the first night after the treatment.  The first morning post treatment is when swelling is more prevalent, especially under the eyes. Swelling may last 2-4 days depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment.
• The treated area may be extremely warm for 12-24 hours after the treatment. Cold compresses or ice packs may provide comfort during this time.
• On the 2nd or 3rd day after treatment, you will increasingly notice tiny dark spots and bronzed appearance to the treated skin. This is called the MENDS (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris). In individuals with heavily pigmented skin, or in areas where sun damage has produced pigmented lesions, the microscopic wounds, known as MENDS, contain large amounts of melanin. Because there are so many MENDS, they can make the skin look bronzed and small areas appear crusted (do not try to scratch them off). This is part of the healing process where treated tissue is working its way out of your body as new fresh skin is regenerated. During this time, your skin will be very dry and have a sandpaper texture and will begin to flake and peel. If the face is treated, it could take 5-7 days for the peeling process to be completed. If the neck, chest or anywhere on the body was treated, this process could take up to 2 weeks.
• After the peeling process is complete, your skin will have a rosy, pink glow that will gradually resolve. Your clinician will inform you and advise you of when make-up can be used and which kind.
• If an antiviral was prescribed for you, continue to take as directed.
• Post treatment discomfort may be relieved by over the counter oral pain relievers or prescribed pain medication if ordered by the doctor.
• Itching may be experienced during the healing phase and is completely normal. Oral Benadryl may help itching but can cause drowsiness. DO NOT scratch the treated area as scarring and pigmentation complications can occur.

Post Care

• Immediately after treatment, your clinician may apply an occlusive barrier or another cream such as Cicalfate to the treated area and should be reapplied as needed to keep the skin moist. The use of a moisturiser with petroleum may be suited for individuals who receive more graduated coverage while the cream may be sufficient on less aggressive treatments.
• Cleanse the skin two times a day with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, beginning the morning after the treatment.  Use your hands to gently apply the cleanser and water and finish by patting dry with a soft cloth.  DO NOT rub, scrub, use an exfoliant or a skin care brush e.g. Clarisonic in the treated area. Doing so could result in scarring and pigmentation complications.
• Moisturiser should be applied generously over the treated area and reapplied whenever your skin feels dry. For severe dryness, add Elta MD or Aquaphor on top of your moisturiser or mix it in with it.
• Peeling and flaking generally occur within 24 hours post treatment and should be allowed to come off naturally.
• Do not pick, rub or force off any skin during the heeling process. This could result in scarring, pigmentation complications and infection.
• Gently washing the skin more frequently will help to promote the peeling process.
• 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 protection (UVA and UVB) and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30-50. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. If direct sun exposure is necessary, wear a hat and clothing that covers the treated area. If treated area is exposed to sun (direct or indirect) blistering, scarring, hyperpigmentation or hypo-pigmentation can / will occur. Sun exposure should be avoided for 2 months post treatment.
• Typically after the peeling process is complete, make up can be worn.
• When showering in the next few days, be sure to avoid getting shampoo directly on the treated area. You may consider taking your shower with the back of your head to the water to avoid directly hitting your face with the full force stream of the water.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until after skin has healed.

Common Side Effects and Risks

• Edema (swelling) of the skin may occur and can be minimised by keeping the area upright.
• Urticaria (itching) often times 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 resolve within 2-6 months. 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 infections around the mouth 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.
• Allergic reaction is uncommon from treatment. Some persons may have a hive-like appearance in the treated area. Some persons have localised reactions to cosmetics or topical preparations. Systemic reactions are rare.

Complications

Complications, though rare, occasionally occur and should be discussed and understood. The patient must understand the importance of the post care instructions and that failure to comply may increase the probability of complications.

The potential complications of HALO are:

• Scarring- hypertrophic and non-hypertrophic
• Burns- from superficial to full thickness
• Extensive tissue destruction
• Ulceration
• Hyperpigmentation
• Hypopigmentation
• Induced bruising or petechiae formation
• Severe edema

When to Contact Us

If you have any concerns, have had a reaction or think you might have had a reaction, please contact us.

There may be some degree of swelling immediately post treatment; however, if you have excessive swelling or any of the following signs of infection, you should contact the clinic immediately. Signs of infection include:

• Drainage – looks like pus
• Increased warmth at or around the treated area
• Fever of 38.6 C/101.5 F or greater
• Extreme itching

Phone: 020 7584 4777
Email: [email protected] - please include photos if applicable.

Follow Up Appointments

If you would like to schedule a follow-up appointment or have any questions regarding future appointments, please contact us by:

• Phone: 020 7584 4777
• Email: [email protected]
• Online: Book an appointment online here

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We look forward to supporting you throughout your treatment journey and helping you achieve excellent results.