I am day six after an aggressive Halo treatment at 450. Is this normal? Will there be scarring?

Question

Swelling is gone and peppering is sloughing off. But look like I have teenage acne all over my face. Is this normal? Will there be scarring?

Kian Karimi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question! It is difficult to assess without photos or an in-person consultation. Rebound acne post halo treatment is fairly common, especially if you are prone to acne breakouts in general. These post-Halo acne lesions are caused by clogged pores as well as a flare of acne bacteria that was already on or in your skin prior to the halo procedure. I recommend contacting your provider to determine if this is indeed acne or a different complication. Your provider will most likely have a protocol for you to follow, which may include a prescription for topical and/or oral medication.
Best of Luck, 
Dr. Kian

Promila Banerjee, MD · Answer

Breakouts can happen post halo. Typically its due to post skin care. Talk to your provider they may be able to tweak your regime. You may simply need lighter products vs.occlusive or heavy products

Carmen A. Traywick, MD, FAAD · Answer

This is a difficult question to answer without a picture. 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 2-7 days (or longer) for the peeling process to be completed.Hope this helps.

Thomas D. Griffin Jr., MD · Answer

Breakouts do happen post halo occasionally and resolve without issue. Although superficial infection is not common with halo, it’s not impossible. Before reassuring that everything is ok, I’d urge you to reach out to your provider and have him/her evaluate. Often a short course of doxycycline can calm you down. As for scarring, without a photo it’s hard to say but in my experience with halo on the face it’s highly unlikely scarring will occur.

Tianna Tsitsis, MD · Answer

This is a difficult question to answer without a picture.  Often, Halo will irritate the glands and produce what look like pimples.  Ive seen this happen quickly as well as even a month out.  However, maybe there is something else going on with you.  I would recommend you see your practitioner.  Halo typically does not cause scarring.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Impossible to see the clinical picture. Chances are- all OK, you do need to go back to your dermatologist or plastics for this. Follow up with laser is essential. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim.

I am day six after an aggressive Halo treatment at 450. Is this normal? Will there be scarring?

Answers (6)

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