The Halo™ laser by Sciton provides patients with an original laser treatment device featuring dually-emitting wavelengths. Together, the targeted light beams address irregularities in both the superficial and deeper layers of skin during a single treatment. These two light sources deliver ablative and non-ablative results that will provide a complete treatment of facial skin. Other lasers target a single layer of skin during an aesthetic skin care session, and patients would require multiple sessions to achieve the outcome that Halo™ produces in just one visit. Dr. Ember Ewings at Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire, Wisconsin is now accepting new patients to undergo the Halo™ by Sciton laser treatment.
Understanding Halo™ Hybrid Fractional Laser
What is Fractional Laser Treatment?
A fractionated laser treats the skin in a specific way that is clinically proven to achieve great cosmetic results. The powerful light damages layers of skin in a vertical fashion, targeting a column of skin at a time. This type of technology can impact both the epidermis and dermis, creating changes from deep within the skin.
What is the Function of a Cosmetic Laser?
As lasers evolved, the medical field adopted their use to perform procedures that created less tissue damage and offered improved results. In the cosmetic field, lasers serve to regenerate tissues of the skin by creating micro injuries to amplify the healing properties of the body. Through this equipment, a practitioner can direct short bursts of concentrated light beams to areas of problem skin for improved aesthetics.
Halo Laser Treatment Before and After Photos
View our before and after photos
* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Ablative and Non-Ablative Lasers
The two types of lasers used in cosmetic medicine are ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers, which act upon the skin differently to target specific issues. Ablative lasers, which include CO2 or carbon dioxide lasers and erbium lasers, vaporize the outermost layers of skin, causing regenerative growth and increased collagen production. Ablative laser treatments offer the correction of more serious skin concerns, like advanced signs of aging, skin lesions, and acne scars.
The ablative laser’s less invasive counterpart is the non-ablative laser. The different types are PDL or pulsed-dye lasers, ND: YAG lasers (an abbreviated name for the crystal used in the equipment), and alexandrite lasers. While ablative lasers create a controlled destruction of skin cells, non-ablative lasers use targeted heating that raises the temperature of the cells without destroying them. This prompts the body to produce collagen in these areas to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles and other aesthetic concerns. During a sitting for the Halo™ laser, the device essentially punches microscopic depressions into the skin and then heats the depressions to amp up collagen production. While other lasers typically do not affect pore size or appearance, the Halo™ has been shown to reduce pore size after just one visit.
The Benefits of Combined Ablative and Non-Ablative Wavelengths
The Halo™ laser boasts the transformative results of an ablative laser treatment, but with the mild aftereffects that non-ablative laser sessions produce. Procedures that create similar results may cause bleeding and serious shedding of the skin, with redness and irritation. Often, patients would have to cover the treatment site with a petrolatum-based product for a week or so. With the Halo™ laser, there is as little as no downtime, with a maximum of 1-2 days required for recovery, and very mild side effects. During a treatment, the practitioner can alter both wavelengths to produce changes that would not otherwise be possible through a single laser session. This is cost effective as the Halo™ laser combines two different treatments into one appointment and offers the maximum benefit for various layers of skin.
While some laser treatments are not ideal for every skin type and color, the Halo™ laser successfully treats all skin types of varying colors and conditions. This is possible through the adjustable wavelengths. Most people make great candidates for this type of correction.
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The Halo™ Laser Procedure
After patients arrive for their appointment, the practitioner may request special photographs of the face to be captured. This allows the staff and Dr. Ewings to visualize the skin damage in depth to offer the most effective treatment solution through the adjustment of the laser. Patients will then be directed to a private room where they can prepare their face to receive the treatment. This may include removing any topical products and washing the area to be treated. The practitioner typically requests that patients arrive with no product (cosmetics, moisturizers, SPF, topical medications, fragrance) on or around the areas of skin to be treated. The patient and practitioner may go over some final details and will then be ready to begin the procedure.
The targeted treatment areas may be prepped with a thorough cleansing and the application of a cooling or numbing cream. The topical anesthetic remains on the skin for about 30-60 minutes to ensure efficacy. In some cases, the area may be marked prior to the session, especially if different areas of the face require varied laser settings. Before the Halo™ laser is powered on, the patient and practitioner have to don special protective eyewear as some of the emitted light rays can be harmful to the eyes. Next, the dials on the laser are adjusted to accommodate the patient’s specific concerns. The practitioner passes the handheld laser over the patient’s skin. Even if select areas of the face show signs of aging, scarring, or other visible issues, typically the entire face is treated to provide a full renewal to all of the skin, resulting in uniformly beautiful skin.
Generally, it will take about 20 to 30 minutes for a full face treatment. The skin may feel sunburned, and specific post-treatment instructions from the practitioner can provide comfort. The skin will appear pink and dry for the next few days, but makeup can be safely applied 24 hours following the treatment. Healing is typically completed within 4-5 days. It is recommended that this procedure be performed three times, depending on a patient’s needs. After a single procedure, patients will see results that were once only possible through 6 months of continuous treatments with other lasers. Because the basis for this technology is cell renewal, it can take a while for the full results to be visible. Patients can undergo three Halo™ laser sessions for optimal impact, and it is recommended that they schedule at least one annual session to maintain their results.
What to Expect After a Halo™ Laser Session
The skin may display redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, or other effects following a Halo™ treatment. A patient’s face may also feel warm to the touch. These symptoms are completely normal and should dissipate within a few days. The patient may notice peeling and “bronzing” of the skin, but discoloration will fade. It is recommended that patients use a petroleum jelly or other similar product topically to create a moisture barrier of the skin and prevent hydration from leaving the area during the post-procedural days. While patients are generally free to return to work immediately, it will be approximately four days until they are cleared to perform more strenuous activities, like exercise.
Candidates for Laser Therapy with Halo™ by Sciton
The dually-emitting wavelengths in the Halo™ laser offer a highly customizable experience that can be safely performed on a wide range of skin tones. Dark-skinned individuals who once faced the risk of skin damage through this type of treatment can now safely undergo a laser session. Another benefit of this technology is that various skin conditions can be treated at one time. Dr. Ewings recommends that prospective patients visit her Eau Claire clinic if they are interested in any of the following:
- Prevent the signs of aging
- Correct existing sun damage, such as lightening brown spots
- Smooth the skin tone and texture and reduce pore size
- Correct uneven skin tone and poor skin texture
The Halo™ Consultation
Interested candidates for this type of laser skin refinishing can schedule a visit with Dr. Ewings or the Enza Medispa team at her Eau Claire, Wisconsin practice. During this initial meeting, the patient has the opportunity to share aesthetic concerns with the practitioner. The practitioner will study the patient’s medical history, examine their skin, and will take into consideration their special requests for their care.
Why Choose Dr. Ember Ewings
For over a decade, Dr. Ember Ewings has taken pride in delivering excellence in plastic surgical care. She earned her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and completed her surgical residency training in plastic surgery at Saint Louis University. Additionally, she gained extensive experience in pediatric and craniofacial surgery during her fellowship at the University of Tennessee – Memphis, and Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades in Paris, France. Dr. Ewings is also Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Ewings has enjoyed caring for patients of all ages from across the upper Midwest, and performs both cosmetic surgical, non-surgical, and reconstructive procedures, and is delighted to be able to provide outreach services in Durand, Wisconsin.
She owns and operates the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire in Eau Claire. Prospective patients can reach Dr. Ewings through her online Consult Form, or at her practice, Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire – 715.833.2116 or 800.456.8222.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Halo™ Laser
Dr. Ember Ewings of Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire, WI
Dr. Ember Ewings completed her medical school training at Michigan State University and has been in private practice in west central Wisconsin in the Eau Claire area since 1984. She has performed over 10,000 reconstructive and cosmetic surgery procedures and sees patients in Eau Claire, WI. Dr. Ewings is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and serves as the physician provider at Enza Medispa in Eau Claire.
Breast Lift
Dr. Ewings customizes each breast lift to match her patient’s unique aesthetic goals for beautifully-shaped, perky breasts and lifted nipples.
Liquid Rhinoplasty
Dr. Ewings can fill in indentations, subtly improve the shape of the nose, and even enhance facial balance by making small adjustments to the nose.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 600,000 new cases are reported each year.
