Halo Laser Aftercare

Thank you for attending Youth Lab for your Halo laser tratment. Please take the time to carefully read your post-treatment instructions below.

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Only use the provided aftercare creams for 7 days: 

• Soothing Cleanser: AM + PM 
• C+E Ferulic: AM only 
• Metacell B3: AM + PM (reapply as required for hydration)  
• Ultra Face Defence SPF 50+: AM (reapply as required) 

• Avoid any heat or sweat inducing activities, including vigorous exercise for 24-48hrs.  
• Avoid applying makeup over the treated areas for 24-48 hours, mineral makeups are preferred.
• Avoid swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, saunas and ocean water for 72 hours. 
• Do not use fake tan or spray tan for 7 days. 
• Do not use any AHA or BHA, exfoliants or acidic based products for 7 days (eg Glycolic, Lactic, Salicylic etc) – gentle exfoliation may be used after this time.
• Do not use Vitamin A/Retinol products for 7 days (eg Retin A, Stieva A, Zorac etc)
• Strictly avoid sun exposure for 14 days. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation change. Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post-treatment.
• Do not shave the area until sensitivity has subsided. 
• Do not pick, pull or scratch the treated skin. This can lead to scarring, infection and pigment changes.
• Avoid smoking/vaping for a minimum of 14 days. Smokers generally experience poorer healing and suboptimal results so cessation is recommended.

WHAT TO EXPECT 

The listed below are all normal side effects and should self-resolve within a few days up to weeks.

• Swelling (mild to severe) 
• Redness 
• Itching 
• Discomfort 
• Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation/Hypopigmentation (PIH)
• Purging / Breakouts 
• Dermatitis or a rash
  

More severe complications may include:

• Itching or a rash that intensifies and is not resolved with antihistamines. 
• Infection / HSV (cold sore) outbreak. Including; fevers, development of pus/oozing, worsening raised rashes.  
• Blistering or broken skin. Please contact the clinic immediately. Keep the affected area moist and avoid direct sunlight. 
• Possible allergic reaction

If you experience any of the above severe complications please contact the clinic on (08) 9324 1604 (West Perth), (08) 9260 6800 (Claremont), (08) 9260 6880 (Joondalup) or (08) 9260 6820 (Applecross).

For further information on how to manage these side effects, please see ‘Management’. 

MANAGEMENT

Cold Sores

Cold Sore (HSV) outbreak in individuals who are susceptible is possible even for those who have not had an outbreak in a long time. 

Cold Sore Relief

• It is recommended these individuals take prophylactic antiviral medication available over the counter from their local pharmacy prior to and post-treatment.

Swelling

Swelling of the skin is a common and expected side effect. This is usually more prominent on day 2-3 post-treatment. By days 4-5, swelling may persist and can begin to resolve around days 6-8 (depending on severity). 

Swelling is normal and can vary between individuals, especially those prone to swelling. It is often worse around the eyes.

Swelling relief:

• Apply a cool compress / keep the area cool for the first 24 hours. 
• Take an antihistamine (e.g. 10mg loratadine)
• Try sleeping on your back, slightly elevated, to prevent pressure build-up on the face. 
• Avoid physical exertion and extreme heat. 

Redness 

The skin will appear red and have a sunburn sensation. This is a normal reaction. It can last from a few hours to a few days after treatment. The severity of redness will vary from person to person. In stronger treatments, transient redness can last several weeks and potentially a few months post treatment. 

Redness relief

• Applying a cool compress / keep the area cool for the first 24 hours. 
• Avoid physical exertion for 48hrs. 
• Makeup can be applied after a minimum 24hrs, or until sensitivity has subsided. 
• Take an antihistamine (e.g. 10mg loratadine)
• For prolonged redness – please follow your practitioners specific aftercare instructions. 

Itching 

Itching often occurs as the old skin is shed and the new skin is being formed. Please avoid scratching or picking as this can lead to infection and scarring. 

If any of the above symptoms intensify, your practitioner should be notified. 

Itching relief

• Apply a cool compress to the area. 
• Take an antihistamine (e.g. 10mg loratadine)

Rash

An allergic reaction is uncommon from treatment. Some individuals may have a hive-like appearance in the treated area. Some individuals have localised reactions to cosmetics or topical preparations. Systemic reactions are rare. Do not pick at these areas, as this may result in infection or scarring.

If any of the above symptoms intensify, your practitioner should be notified. 

Rash relief

• Apply a cool compress to the area. 
• Take an antihistamine (e.g. 10mg loratadine)

Discomfort 

Post-treatment discomfort is typically mild, however, if the area is very uncomfortable you may follow the below recommendations.  

It is normal to experience an increase in discomfort when applying products to the area, during hot showers, exercise or any heat-inducing activity. 

Discomfort relief

• Apply a cool compress to the area. 
• Take an oral pain reliever (e.g.  i.e. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen) 

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation/Hypopigmentation (PIH)

PIH or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (browning) and hypopigmentation (lightening) have been noted with laser procedures. These conditions usually resolve within 2-6 months. Permanent colour change is a rare risk. 

PIH risk reduction 

• Vigilant care must be taken to avoid sun exposure (tanning beds included) before and after the treatment to reduce the risk of colour change. 
• SPF 50+ Daily. 
• Do not pick or scratch the skin. 
• For some patients, it will be mandatory to undergo a specific pre and post-treatment prescriptive routine to reduce risk of PIH. Please follow this diligently. 

Purging / Breakouts 

Breakouts are common in susceptible individuals, due to stimulation of the sebaceous glands. 

Purging relief

• Ensure you are adequately cleaning your face morning and evening.
• Do not pick or scratch at any breakouts. 

The HEALITE II LED treatment in the clinic is a good option for those cases where purging is severe and not manageable with home remedies. 

FAQs

How long until I see results?

Results are ongoing and will continue for up to 12 weeks post-treatment. For more intense treatments/scarring treatment, it is expected to continue seeing improvement for up to 6 months post-treatment.  

Adherence to recommended skincare and product advice will ensure optimal results and maintenance of the skin. Failure to commit to active home skin care will limit results significantly. 

When should I get another treatment? 

Subsequent treatments are based on your practitioner’s recommendation. Some clients may require a second or third treatment depending on the severity of their concerns and desired results. 

We recommend regular maintenance treatments with Forever Young BBL to be carried out every 3-4 months following Halo, with Halo to be performed every 12-18 months. Aura Laser Facial can also be done as maintenance and for a skin “pick me up”.

Do I need a follow-up?

A review is required at 7 days post-treatment following Halo Laser. Subsequent follow-ups may be required and scheduled as needed. 

  Please contact the clinic on (08) 9324 1604 (West Perth), (08) 9260 6800 (Claremont), (08) 9260 6880 (Joondalup) or (08) 9260 6820 (Applecross)  if you have any questions about your treatment or aftercare instructions.