Proper Halo setting for ice pick and rolling acne scars in medium toned Asian skin? (photo)

Question

Today is Day 6 after my 2nd Halo. I had my 1st Halo 3months prior at settings of 1470: 350,20 and 2940: 50,20 at 340kj. We did not see any significant results, so this time it was set to: 1470: 400, 40 and 2940: 20, 20 at 870kj!? I am concerned about hyperpigmentation for my Asian skin as they also seemed to be but they turned it WAAY up!? My face is also significantly more painful, like a horrible sun-burn sensation still to this day, after >90% MENDS have all sloughed off. Did they mess up?

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question. Although those are more aggressive settings, they are in line with what is normally used. If there is concern for hyperpigmentation, then I will pre-treat patients with hydroquinone to reduce the risk. The sensation of having a sunburn is normal, especially after a more aggressive treatment. Most patients require 3 or more treatments to see a significant improvement in acne scarring. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

Both treatments were aggressive and it takes several weeks to see the full results. In the picture there is no visible hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a risk with any laser and if it happens, prescription topicals can help lighten those areas. The sun burn sensation is normal after any Halo treatment. If you still have concerns please follow up with your treating physical.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Please see someone who treats individual scar types and not just use a 'laser'.My job involves lasers in at least 50% of my day and the Scition (Halo) is a good laser, but NOT for acne scars. Acne scar revision is a specialised field. For the best results, one should target the acne scar type with ideal treatments. The web reference below will take you to a resource. I embedded all the videos in one page to help. 
  
For example deep ice pick scars, and narrow box car scars can be treated with TCA CROSS peels, mixed scars, rolling, and atrophic scars treated with fractional devices such as Fraxel, fractional lasers, PRP and INFINI radiofrequency. Atrophic scars (depressions) can be treated with either fat grafts, or with HA dermal fillers. Tethered and anchored scars are best treated with surgery. 
  
The majority of patients will have a collection of different scar types, and hence a tailored treatment METHOD will be best. Careful examination, especially under angled lighting with scar mapping will give you an understanding of what are the best options for your scars. 
  
All the best, 
  
Dr Davin Lim. Acne scar dermatologist specialist. Brisbane, Australia.

Proper Halo setting for ice pick and rolling acne scars in medium toned Asian skin? (photo)

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Proper Halo setting for ice pick and rolling acne scars in medium toned Asian skin? (photo)

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.