Why am I getting a lot of acne since my Halo laser treatment?

Question

I am a 43yr old woman who has no prior history of adult acne. I had the Halo laser done on my face/neck/chest 4 weeks ago & am getting very bad pimples. Even my chest is covered with them but they stop where the laser stopped (so it MUST be laser related??!). I am NOT using any new facial cleaners etc, so that can't be causing the problem. Before the Halo, I never wore more than lip gloss & mascara. Now after this expensive treatment, I am forced to use cover up to hide the acne. Please help!

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the great question and I'm sorry you're having this issue. The good news is that this is only temporary! What happens in some patients is that the swelling from the laser treatment causes the pores to close up and acne to form. As the swelling goes down and the pores open up again the acne should improve. The frustrating part is that this process may take 4-8 weeks to resolve after the treatment, but it will get better!. Hang in there!~Dr. Sieber

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing an acne breakout after your Halo treatment.  This is not an uncommon side effect of laser resurfacing treatments - I suspect that it occurs due to pores being blocked by some combination of (often heavy and greasy) numbing creams and the swelling from the laser treatment itself.  I would recommend following-up with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon - these breakouts often respond to a short course of oral antibiotics.  Best of luck!

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

This is quite common, especially in patients who have occasional acne for it to flare after any form of fractional laser. It is in part due to the occlusive balm that you are wearing, but also just happens. Contact the office that performed the procedure right away and they should be able to start you on an antibiotic like doxycycline and get you on to a less pore-blocking moisturizer. With those steps, it usually clears right up.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Several reasons, first the occlusion from the dressing or emollient you are putting on. Secondary affect of inflammation from the laser. I usually give pre-laser antibiotics or go through a GENTLE exfoliation process 4-5 days post laser. Alternatively use a less occlusive moisturiser. Your specialist will guide you according to your skin type. Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Why am I getting a lot of acne since my Halo laser treatment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Acne, HALO and prevention

Answer: Acne, HALO and prevention

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Everything you need to know about Halo Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Why am I getting a lot of acne since my Halo laser treatment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Acne, HALO and prevention

Answer: Acne, HALO and prevention

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Halo Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.