Had Halo Sciton 3 days ago, black specks all over my face, will this clear up? Should I use hydroquinone? (photo)

Question

My face has black specks all over. When will this clear up? Should I start using hydroquinone today?

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.

You look wonderful - those specks are actually the unhealthy pigment and damaged collagen in your face working its way to the surface as your body replaces it with fresh new skin.

There are circumstances where your physician may want you to start hydroquinone after Halo, but it's really important that you stay in touch with the office before using any products. Unless they tell you to use it, though, stick to the cleansing and moisturizing routine your office gave you. Spots normally fall off day 4-7 and your skin with then be dry. Your skin will really start to rehydrate and look great about 2-3 weeks after the procedure.

Clifford P. Clark III, MD · Answer

What you are seeing is part of the normal post procedure process of Halo called, MENDS.  Patients with heavy pigmented skin or sun damage experience these microscopic wounds that appear speckled or crusted where the treated tissue is working it’s way out of your body as new skin is regenerated.  It is important not to pick or peel these areas. Follow the skin care procedure process your healthcare provider gave you and you should notice clearing within 5-7 days.

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question! Your face looks totally normal for this many days after the procedure. Those black dots are all of the little holes the halo created in your skin. The holes get filled with dead tissue which works its way to the surface of your face in the first 4-5 days after the procedure then falls off! Removing those columns of skin allows new collagen to grow into those areas, giving your skin a more bright and smooth appearance. Best of luck and I hope you love your results!~Dr. Sieber

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a perfectly normal healing process. Typically, these specks will last 5 - 7 days. Your treating physician will be able to guide you on how to care for them as he or she knows the scope of the procedure and the specifics about you. Typically, you should allow the process to continue without assistance.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. This is the intended response after Halo. I had it done myself, and now after 1 month I cannot believe how much of an improvement it has made in my skin tone. Everyone gets those micro "specks." They will slowly go away by about day 5-7. Do not scrub them, and do not use HQ until directed by your doctor. Best wishes.

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

No, that is exactly how you are supposed to look like. The laser makes a column in the skin and once it heals it looks like coffee grinds. Depending on the intensity of your treatment, it may take 5-10 days for all of those spots to flake off. Avoid any exfoliants during this time. It is normal to feel itching as the spots fall off.

Had Halo Sciton 3 days ago, black specks all over my face, will this clear up? Should I use hydroquinone? (photo)

Answers (6)

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