What is risk of fair-skinned woman (avoids sun & wears 50 SPF daily) of developing melasma or hyperpigmentation from HALO?

Question

I'm considering getting HALO with reputable provider. I'm concerned about risk of developing melasma or hyperpigmentation as HALO side effect. Provider shared she's seen this happen. I'm 41-years, fair skinned woman who will wear 50 SPF daily & will avoid sun afterwards. I don't want to spend money & take off work to end up with worse skin than what I started with. I have had series of 3-4 BBLs on face ending approx 6 months prior to date I want to schedule HALO.

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

Great question and glad that you're doing more research before aesthetic treatments.

First off, if you don't have melasma you won't develop it. If you have had issues with melasma (perhaps with pregnancy or other trigger in the past), then Halo is still entirely doable, but with some preparation and cautions.

I've been treating patients since 2013 with Halo, even combined with BBL (great combination) and have never had a case of hyperpigmentation in a fair-skinned person (especially one without medium-dark brown irises. I do strongly caution my patients on strict sun avoidance and protection one week before and at least one week after (2 weeks ideal). With that, your risk of hyperpigmentation should be minimal

What is risk of fair-skinned woman (avoids sun & wears 50 SPF daily) of developing melasma or hyperpigmentation from HALO?

Answers (1)

More Halo Laser Questions

What is risk of fair-skinned woman (avoids sun & wears 50 SPF daily) of developing melasma or hyperpigmentation from HALO?

Answers (1)

More Halo Laser Questions

Will getting HALO on thin-skinned neck (no neck fat) damage thyroid gland (that has Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroid disease)?

What appears as small dents or possible mends scarring? (Photo)

Halo/BBL left me with more pigmentation. What can I do about it? (Photo)