Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser In LOS GATOS, CA
Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser In LOS GATOS, CA
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Los Gatos, Mountain View, Palo Alto and San Jose, CA
It can treat the following conditions:
Wrinkles and fine lines
Uneven skin texture
Acne scarring
Enlarged pores
Sun damage/dyschromia
Pigmented lesions
Scaly skin lesions
(actinic keratosis)
Dr. Patrick Bitter, Jr., innovator of numerous photorejuvenation treatments and developer of the FotoFacial, is a board certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience in skin, face, body and hair treatments. He offers this revolutionary laser treatment at Advanced Aesthetic Dermatology to help you reinvigorate your complexion. To schedule a personal consultation, please call us at (408) 358-5757 or fill out a convenient inquiry form for further details on this highly effective, one-of-a-kind treatment.
An In-Depth Look at Lasers
LASERS IN MEDICINE
Lasers are used in many specialized areas of medicine, including dermatology, dentistry, ophthalmology, and surgery. With their first implementation in cosmetic procedures beginning in the 1980s, laser skin resurfacing has undergone a number of breakthroughs in the last few decades. Halo is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser. The targeted areas of treatment are measured in nanometers (nm), showing just how precise it is! During treatment, it applies tunable non-ablative (1470nm) and ablative (2940nm) wavelengths to resurface and replenish skin.
WHAT IS A HYBRID FRACTIONAL LASER?
The word “fractional” in this context means a small amount. Hybrid lasers combine two or more different wavelengths of energy. They direct a targeted wavelength of light to a treatment area with microscopic precision, for optimal results. Both the epidermis (the thin, outermost layer of skin) and the dermis (the deeper layer of skin) can be treated. Surface layer pigmented cells can be eliminated by splitting laser energy into thousands of tiny but deep columns. What’s more, the deeper penetration into the dermis can trigger the body’s production of new skin-scaffolding collagen fibers.
THE HALO HYBRID FRACTIONAL LASER
Studies have shown that combined fractional lasers improve wrinkles and pigmentation issues. Moreover, the Halo laser sets itself apart from its competition with its consistent, comfortable results and fast healing. We love Halo because it is both easy to use, and is an effective treatment option for people of all skin types. For patients who want to address classic signs of aging skin such as photodamage, and thinning skin, a HFL skin resurfacing could be an ideal solution! Similarly, if you have experienced scarring due to acne, or if you have large pores, a Halo procedure could be exactly what you need to transform your skin.
Benefits of Hybrid Laser Skin Rejuvenation
The Halo HFL treatment offers many benefits to patients who choose this skin rejuvenation option, which include:
More comfortable than traditional treatments
Suitable for all skin types
Simple and safe procedure
Fast treatment time
Minimal downtime
Straightforward aftercare
Consistent, effective results
THE PERFECT COMBINATION
Receiving ablative laser treatments alone can produce dramatic results. Unfortunately, they can also be associated with more discomfort, lengthy downtime, and greater risks. Non-ablative laser treatments are less invasive, more comfortable, and have a faster healing time, but their results are so subtle that multiple treatment sessions are necessary. The Halo hybrid fractional laser is the best of both worlds and produces ablative results with the minimal downtime of a non-ablative procedure.
Serving the South Bay and beyond, you can rely on professional care at Dr. Bitter’s Los Gatos location. Find out why we’re the South Bay’s premier skin treatment destination by calling (408) 358-5757 or contacting us via our online inquiry form today!
Candidates for HFL Rejuvenation
HFL is primarily designed for facial resurfacing, although it is easily modified for skin conditions of the neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs. Unlike some other skin treatment procedures, it is suitable for any skin type. Commonly, patients who want to address the symptoms of aging skin, acne scarring, sun damaged skin, and people who want to improve skin texture are great candidates!
If you have a history of keloid scarring or have another skin condition that could affect the success of your treatment such as psoriasis, vitiligo, or lichen planus, Halo skin resurfacing may not be a good fit for you. Similarly, please speak to Dr. Bitter if you are currently taking, or have recently stopped taking oral isotretinoin for acne (commonly known as Accutane), as it is recommended to wait a full six months after stopping this medication to receive Halo treatment.
Be sure to read Dr. Bitter’s blog for in-depth, scientifically-informed articles about the technology behind the innovative skin treatments he offers at his brand-new Los Gatos location.
Personal Consultation
Dr. Bitter is a board-certified dermatologist widely recognized both nationally and internationally. He is an expert light energy skin rejuvenation specialist, and pioneer of the FotoFacial. He and his staff work diligently to provide the highest quality care to patients with their many years of knowledge and experience.
At your consultation, you will learn more about Dr. Bitter’s skin expertise first-hand. During your meeting, you can tell us about your skin concerns, and inform us of any medical conditions that could affect your treatment. We will ask you questions about your medical history and examine the areas you wish to treat. We will then design a personalized treatment plan which will outline your stated goals, and the number of Halo laser treatments necessary to achieve them. Please come prepared to ask questions and feel free to ask him about anything you are unsure about.
Premier reputations are upheld by stellar reviews. Discover why our patients love us by reading Dr. Bitter’s testimonials page!
Preparation for Laser Skin Resurfacing
Preparing for Halo laser skin resurfacing is straightforward. We will ask you for details about the current medications you are taking at your personal consultation, and provide you with a list of important preparatory measures before your treatment date. Please read these materials carefully, as some precautions must be taken several months and weeks out.
- Cease the use of acne medications that contain isotretinoin (Accutane).
- Avoid other Retinol-based products (Retin-A, Tretinoin, Vitamin A).
- Stop taking aspirin and other blood-thinning medications.
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and any other UV exposure.
- Discontinue Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, AHAs (Alpha-hydroxy acids), LHAs (Lipohydroxy acids).
- Stop using Benzoyl Peroxide, differin, or tazorac-containing products.
- Stop using exfoliating skin resurfacing treatments.
- If you are prone to cold sores, take valacyclovir (Valtrex) pre/post treatment.
The Halo HFL Procedure
Please arrive thirty minutes to an hour early for your procedure. At this time, Dr. Bitter’s staff will administer topical anesthetic to the area you have chosen to treat. This will reduce sensation and ensure your comfort. Once the anesthetic has started to take effect, you will be ready to receive your state-of-the-art Halo laser treatment! Each Halo HFL procedure takes roughly 30 minutes to complete, although individualized treatments may differ in duration. The Halo system will use a combination of ablative and non-ablative laser wavelengths to reinvigorate your skin, restore a healthy glow, and promote healing collagen deep in the dermis.
Patients who are concerned about pain should have no fear. Hybrid fractional laser treatment is a focused, finely-executed procedure that causes minimal discomfort! You are also in the experienced professional hands at California’s leading dermatologists! Many patients liken the sensation of the laser to a continuous snapping of a rubber band onto the skin as the handpiece moves over it. The Halo system employs sensitive motion-tracking technology to ensure the laser is applied with accuracy and uniformity.
Recovery & Results of Halo Skin Resurfacing
After your Halo treatment you may experience a burning feeling. Please understand that this is temporary and will subside quickly. Dr. Bitter advises his patients to avoid applying any creams, topical treatments, makeup, or other coverings on your skin for the first 4 hours. To augment the healing process, you should stay well-hydrated and drink lots of water.
After around 12 hours, you may see some tiny areas of bleeding , and may still experience skin warmth. This is a common side-effect to be expected after fractional laser therapy. Our patients usually find that the bleeding is brief, and their skin temperature is at a normal level after 24 hours. In the first few days after your treatment, you may see some redness, swelling or stinging similar to sunburn, which will subside after around a week.
Once the skin enters its next healing phase, it will start to darken and peel. Though it may be tempting to do so, Dr. Bitter requires a strict “no-peel period.” Please don’t be tempted to remove peeling skin manually, or by any other method. This is to prevent negative conditions such as hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration) and unintended scarring that could impact your results. Soon, the skin peeling will decrease, eventually stopping completely, revealing the fresher, smoother skin beneath.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Dr. Bitter is not only renowned as both a pioneer of his own skin revitalization technology in FotoFacial, but is also an expert dermatologist with the ability to combine multiple treatments.
BBL TECHNOLOGY
As Sciton’s newest light-based skin rejuvenation technology, Dr. Bitter’s BBL procedures utilize the broadband light (BBL) to rejuvenate skin in various areas of the body, including the arms, legs, chest, and hands. Choose from a range of cutting-edge laser and light-energy treatments, including the “new FotoFacial” the TurboFacial, or Forever Body and discuss procedure combinations with Dr. Bitter! Learn more about combination treatments here!
Cost
The cost of your procedure will depend on your individual circumstances. We will discuss your treatment plan at your personalized consultation.
FAQs
Hybrid fractional lasers (HFL) combine both ablative (removes tissue) and non-ablative (does not remove tissue) wavelengths of laser energy to rejuvenate skin, combat aging and restore a healthy, luminous glow to your complexion. It resurfaces the skin and replenishes vital skin health fiber collagen
Yes! Treatments such as the Halo hybrid fractional laser can treat all skin types!
Although ablative lasers can give fast results, they are often associated with discomfort and long downtime periods. In contrast, hybrid lasers combine both ablative, and non-ablative wavelengths of laser energy with minimal downtime and noticeably revitalizing results.
- Cohen, J. L., & Ross, E. V. (2013). Combined fractional ablative and nonablative laser resurfacing treatment: a split-face comparative study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: JDD, 12(2), 175–178. Click here
- Heidari Beigvand, H., Razzaghi, M., Rostami-Nejad, M., Rezaei-Tavirani, M., Safari, S., Rezaei-Tavirani, M., Mansouri, V., & Heidari, M. H. (2020a). Assessment of Laser Effects on Skin Rejuvenation. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 11(2), 212–219. Click here
- Verma, N., Yumeen, S., & Raggio, B. S. (2020). Ablative Laser Resurfacing. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. Click here
- HaloTM – Hybrid Fractional Laser. (n.d.). Sciton Aesthetic & Medical Lasers. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
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