Considering a HALO treatment but not sure what the process is really like? One of the reasons patients love HALO is because it delivers dramatic improvements in tone, texture, and overall skin quality while keeping downtime manageable. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after your session can help you feel confident and prepared for your appointment.
Before Your HALO Treatment
Every journey with HALO begins with a consultation. During this appointment, your provider will assess your skin, discuss your goals, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. HALO is highly customizable—your provider can adjust the intensity depending on whether you want a lighter refresh or a more dramatic resurfacing.
In the days leading up to your appointment, you may be advised to avoid tanning, excessive sun exposure, and certain skincare products like retinoids. Following these guidelines helps ensure your skin is in the best condition for treatment and reduces the risk of irritation.
What Happens During a HALO Treatment
When you arrive for your HALO treatment, your provider will start by cleansing your skin and applying a topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable. Once your skin is numb, the HALO handpiece is guided across the treatment area in a precise, grid-like pattern.
Because HALO is a hybrid fractional laser, it delivers two types of wavelengths simultaneously: ablative energy that removes tiny columns of damaged skin and non-ablative energy that stimulates collagen production below the surface. This combination allows for impressive results with less downtime than traditional resurfacing lasers.
Most patients describe the sensation as a feeling of heat with some prickling, but the numbing cream and built-in cooling technology help minimize discomfort. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the session usually lasts 30–60 minutes.
Immediately After Treatment
Right after your HALO treatment, your skin will feel warm—similar to an intense sunburn. Redness and mild swelling are expected and usually last for a few days. Your provider may apply a calming ointment and give you detailed instructions for at-home care.
Over the next 24 hours, you’ll notice your skin gradually darken as treated areas begin to form microscopic zones of healing. These are sometimes called “MENDs” (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris) and are a normal, healthy part of the recovery process. They eventually flake away, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath.
The Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–2: Redness, warmth, and swelling are most noticeable. Your skin may feel tight and slightly rough.
- Days 3–4: MENDs become more visible as tiny dark spots, especially on sun-damaged areas. Makeup can usually be applied after 24 hours to cover redness if desired.
- Days 5–7: The flaking process accelerates, and fresh skin begins to emerge. Most patients feel comfortable returning fully to social activities by the end of the week.
- 1–2 Weeks: Skin tone looks clearer, texture feels smoother, and a noticeable glow appears.
- 1–3 Months: Collagen continues to rebuild beneath the surface, leading to ongoing improvements in firmness, fine lines, and overall quality.
Results You Can Expect
The beauty of a HALO treatment is that results build over time. Many patients see visible improvements after just one session, but your provider may recommend a series of treatments for optimal results, especially if you are targeting deeper wrinkles or significant sun damage.
Because HALO stimulates collagen, results are long-lasting and continue to develop for months. With proper skincare and sun protection, you can enjoy a healthier, more youthful appearance that lasts for years.
Maintaining Your Investment
Your HALO results can be enhanced and maintained with the right skincare routine. Medical-grade products, consistent SPF use, and occasional maintenance treatments will help extend your glow. Your provider may also recommend pairing HALO with other services, like BBL HEROic or MOXI, for comprehensive skin rejuvenation.
Ready to Begin Your HALO Journey?
At Aesthetic Center of Excellence, our providers are extensively trained in advanced laser technology, including HALO. We tailor every HALO treatment to your skin type, concerns, and goals to ensure safe, natural-looking results.
If you’re ready to experience a refreshed, youthful complexion with manageable downtime, schedule your consultation today. Our team will guide you through every step of the process and design a plan that works for you.
