Tiny pinpoint holes in my face after a "light" halo treatment (fractional laser)? Will they go away?

Question

It has been 1 month since my halo treatment/fractional laser and I have noticed the development of pin-point needle holes on my cheeks were the laser has hit. My healing process was typical from my last treatment: 1st day- sunburn like appearance, 2/3rd day-swelling, 4/5- peeling , and 7th day-new skin. Skin looked good for 2 weeks, then i noticed the small holes. I was wondering if the small holes i am noticing are a permanent adverse reaction or if they will go away with time?

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question. It sounds like you did have a normal recovery after treatment. If the holes are very fine, they could be areas in which the collagen is still growing. I tell patients it usually takes about 12 weeks before your skin is completely healing from the treatment. During the last 8 weeks of healing is when the collagen is growing to rejuvenate the skin even further. These areas you're noticing should resolve with a little more time. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to see the patterns of a fractional laser for several weeks to months after a fractional laser. The skin will continue to remodel and the texture will continue to change. Be sure to use the advised skin care regime (we typically use a retinoid and brightener like hydroquinone both before and after lasers) to get and maintain the best results.Deep or aggressive lasers treating issues like acne scars may require additional procedures to maximally improve the texture, but after a light treatment like the one you describe I would guess that it will improve significantly with a little more time.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes, this is a common occurrence, its due to the ablative fractional Erbium component of this laser and not the 'invisible NA' laser of HALO. The erbium gives a larger hole than other lasers, however it will usually heal up within a few months. This is more common in darker skin patients. The use of SPF and Vitamin A creams can help. HQ can also help if its darker than the surrounding skin. Dr Davin Lim

Tiny pinpoint holes in my face after a "light" halo treatment (fractional laser)? Will they go away?

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Tiny pinpoint holes in my face after a "light" halo treatment (fractional laser)? Will they go away?

Answers (3)

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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.