Hybrid Fractional Laser Treatments in Albuquerque
Smooth Texture and Tone, All in One Treatment
HALO® combines two laser wavelengths in one treatment, smoothing texture and evening tone with minimal downtime.
Trusted HALO Providers in Albuquerque
Why Choose Sandia Skin + Face for HALO?
- Access to the world's first hybrid fractional laser, combining ablative and non-ablative wavelengths in a single session
- Pretreatment with a topical pigment protector when needed, to guard against unwanted pigment changes during healing
- Advanced cooling technology used throughout treatment to keep you comfortable
- Recognized as a Sciton Luminary, an elite designation for providers who teach other injectors and laser providers on Sciton's technology
Hybrid Fractional Skin Resurfacing
What Is HALO® Laser Treatment?
HALO® is a hybrid fractional laser designed to treat both the surface and deeper layers of the skin during the same appointment.
The treatment combines an ablative wavelength, which addresses surface-level damage, with a non-ablative wavelength that delivers energy deeper into the skin to stimulate collagen production.
This dual-wavelength approach allows HALO to improve pigmentation, fine lines, enlarged pores, uneven texture, sun damage, and overall skin quality.
Treatment intensity can be customized according to your skin, concerns, desired results, and preferred recovery time.
Surface Renewal and Deeper Rejuvenation
Two Laser Wavelengths, One Personalized Treatment
HALO treats multiple layers of the skin without removing the entire surface, allowing untreated tissue between the laser channels to support faster healing.
The result is a more comprehensive treatment than a single wavelength can provide, with less recovery than many traditional fully ablative resurfacing procedures.
Request a ConsultationDual-Wavelength Laser Energy
How Does HALO® Work?
The HALO handpiece creates microscopic treatment zones within the skin while leaving the surrounding tissue intact.
The ablative wavelength targets the epidermis and upper layers of damaged skin, helping improve surface pigmentation, roughness, and visible imperfections.
The non-ablative wavelength penetrates deeper into the dermis, creating controlled thermal stimulation that encourages collagen remodeling.
As the skin heals, damaged cells are shed and new collagen develops, revealing smoother, brighter, and more even-looking skin.
A Two-Layer Treatment Approach
What Happens Beneath the Skin?
- Surface resurfacing: Ablative energy addresses damaged cells in the upper skin.
- Deeper stimulation: Non-ablative energy supports collagen production below the surface.
- Fractional healing: Untreated tissue surrounding each channel supports recovery.
- Progressive improvement: Skin texture and tone continue improving as collagen remodels.
Comprehensive Skin Renewal
What Concerns Can HALO® Treat?
HALO may be used to address both visible surface damage and deeper signs of skin aging.
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Supports smoother-looking skin through resurfacing and collagen remodeling.
- Sun damage: Targets uneven brown pigmentation caused by accumulated sun exposure.
- Uneven skin tone: Helps improve blotchy or irregular-looking pigmentation.
- Rough texture: Removes damaged surface cells and supports smoother skin.
- Enlarged pores: Resurfacing and collagen stimulation may reduce visible pore size.
- Acne scarring: May improve selected textural acne scars in appropriate patients.
- Dull skin: Encourages a brighter, more radiant-looking complexion.
- Melasma and pigmentation: May be considered with careful evaluation, preparation, and aftercare.
Face and Body Resurfacing
What Areas Can HALO Treat?
HALO can be customized for several facial and body areas affected by sun damage, aging, pigmentation, or uneven texture.
Complexion Renewal
Face
HALO can improve fine lines, pores, pigmentation, texture, acne scars, and overall skin quality.
Sun-Exposed Skin
Neck and Décolletage
Treatment may improve sun damage, crepey texture, fine lines, and uneven coloring on the neck and upper chest.
Visible Aging
Hands
HALO can target age spots, rough texture, and signs of sun exposure on the backs of the hands.
Customized Resurfacing
Body
Selected areas of the arms, legs, and body may be treated to improve texture, tone, scars, and sun damage.
Deep Renewal With a Customizable Recovery
Benefits of HALO®
- Hybrid technology: Treats surface and deeper skin layers in one appointment.
- Customizable intensity: Treatment settings can be adjusted around your concerns and desired downtime.
- Improved texture: Helps smooth fine lines, enlarged pores, roughness, and scars.
- More even tone: Targets sunspots and uneven pigmentation.
- Collagen stimulation: Deeper laser energy supports continued improvement over time.
- Versatile applications: May be used on the face, neck, chest, hands, and body.
- Fractional recovery: Surrounding untreated tissue helps support faster healing.
- Long-lasting improvement: Results may be maintained for years with appropriate skincare and sun protection.
Personalized Fractional Resurfacing
Who May Be a Good Candidate for HALO?
HALO may be appropriate for adults seeking improvement in sun damage, fine lines, enlarged pores, uneven tone, rough texture, acne scarring, or dull skin.
Your provider will evaluate your skin tone, pigmentation pattern, medical history, medications, recent sun exposure, and previous procedures before recommending treatment.
HALO can be used on many skin types, but treatment settings and preparation must be carefully selected to reduce the risk of unwanted pigment changes.
Patients with melasma or a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may require additional pretreatment and conservative settings.
Prepare for Safe, Even Healing
HALO Pretreatment
Your provider may recommend a topical pigment-protection regimen before treatment, particularly if you have a history of melasma, darker skin tone, or post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Pretreatment instructions vary and may include specific skincare products, antiviral medication, or temporary changes to active ingredients.
Follow the personalized plan provided by your treatment team rather than beginning products on your own.
Reduce Treatment Risks
Before Your Appointment
- Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure before treatment.
- Stop self-tanning products according to your provider’s instructions.
- Disclose cold sores, infections, medications, and recent procedures.
- Pause retinoids or other active products when directed.
- Arrive with clean skin free from makeup and skincare products.
What to Expect Before, During, and After
The HALO Treatment Process
Step One
Consultation and Assessment
Your provider examines your skin, reviews your concerns, and determines whether HALO is appropriate.
Treatment depth and intensity are selected according to your skin and desired recovery.
Step Two
Numbing and Preparation
Your skin is cleansed, and topical numbing cream is generally applied before the procedure.
Protective eyewear is used throughout treatment.
Step Three
Laser Application
The HALO handpiece is passed evenly across the treatment area while delivering both laser wavelengths.
The device tracks treatment coverage to support consistent energy delivery.
Step Four
Cooling and Comfort
Cooling technology is used during treatment to help protect the skin and improve comfort.
Patients commonly feel warmth, prickling, or a heated sensation as the handpiece passes over the skin.
Step Five
Post-Treatment Care
Your skin may appear red, warm, and mildly swollen immediately after treatment.
You will receive specific skincare, cleansing, moisturizing, and sun-protection instructions.
Customized to the Area and Desired Correction
How Long Does HALO Treatment Take?
Treatment duration depends on the area being treated and the intensity of the resurfacing plan.
Facial treatment commonly takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes after numbing. The neck or chest may require around 20 minutes, while the hands may take approximately 15 minutes.
Larger body treatment zones may require approximately 30 to 90 minutes.
Additional time is needed before treatment for topical numbing and skin preparation.
Treatment Overview
- Face: Approximately 30 to 45 minutes
- Neck or chest: Approximately 20 minutes
- Hands: Approximately 15 minutes
- Body areas: Approximately 30 to 90 minutes
- Numbing: Additional preparation time required
Progressive Renewal Over Several Days
What Is HALO Recovery Like?
Immediately after treatment, the skin may look red and feel warm, similar to a sunburn. Mild swelling may occur during the first day or two.
After approximately two to three days, the skin may develop a bronzed appearance and feel rough or sandpaper-like.
Tiny darkened particles known as microscopic epidermal necrotic debris may appear as damaged skin moves toward the surface.
These particles gradually flake away over several days, revealing brighter and smoother-looking skin underneath.
Typical Recovery
- Day one: Redness, warmth, and swelling
- Days two to three: Bronzing and rough texture
- Following days: Gradual flaking and peeling
- Early results: Often visible within one week
- Continued improvement: Develops over several months
Gentle Healing Support
HALO Aftercare
- Cleanse only with products approved by your provider.
- Apply recommended moisturizer or post-procedure products.
- Avoid picking, scratching, or exfoliating peeling skin.
- Pause retinoids, acids, scrubs, and harsh active ingredients.
- Follow any antiviral or pigment-protection instructions exactly.
Protect New Skin
Sun Protection After HALO
- Avoid direct and unprotected sun exposure during healing.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing outdoors.
- Avoid tanning beds and self-tanning products.
- Continue daily sun protection to maintain results.
Allow the Skin to Begin Healing
When Can I Wear Makeup After HALO?
Patients are commonly advised to wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup, although your specific instructions may vary based on treatment intensity and skin response.
Makeup should not be applied over open, weeping, or significantly irritated skin.
Use clean applicators and gentle, non-irritating products when your provider says makeup can be resumed.
Visible Renewal and Continued Collagen Remodeling
When Will I See HALO Results?
Many patients notice brighter and smoother-looking skin within approximately one week as the initial peeling process resolves.
Pigmentation, texture, pores, and fine lines may continue improving during the following weeks.
Deeper collagen-related benefits can continue developing for several months after treatment.
Personalized Corrective and Maintenance Care
How Many HALO Treatments Will I Need?
Some patients achieve their desired result after one more intensive treatment, while others prefer a series of gentler sessions.
The number of treatments depends on the severity of your concerns, treatment intensity, skin response, and recovery preferences.
When a series is recommended, appointments may be spaced several weeks apart according to your provider’s plan.
Protect and Maintain Your Improvement
How Long Do HALO Results Last?
HALO can create long-lasting improvement by removing damaged skin cells and stimulating new collagen.
The treatment cannot stop future aging, sun exposure, or new pigmentation from developing.
Daily sunscreen, appropriate skincare, avoiding tanning, and periodic maintenance treatments can help preserve results for years.
Gentler Fractional Renewal
HALO vs. MOXI
MOXI is generally a lighter fractional laser treatment designed for early signs of aging, maintenance, and patients seeking less downtime.
HALO reaches both surface and deeper layers and may provide stronger correction for texture, sun damage, pores, and scars.
Pigment and Redness Correction
HALO vs. BBL HERO
BBL HERO uses broadband light to target brown pigment, redness, and visible vessels.
HALO uses fractional laser energy to resurface texture, pores, wrinkles, and deeper sun damage.
Comprehensive Skin Rejuvenation
Combination Treatment
HALO may be paired with BBL HERO to address texture, pigmentation, redness, visible vessels, and sun damage within a broader treatment plan.
Your provider will determine whether treatments should be performed together or during separate appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can HALO treat melasma?
Yes! HALO is often used to address melasma, a condition that causes dark, discolored patches from sun exposure, hormonal changes, or genetics. Because HALO works at multiple depths in the skin, it can help even out these stubborn patches when paired with the right aftercare.
What areas besides the face can HALO treat?
HALO isn't limited to the face. It's also used on the neck, chest, hands, and body to improve texture, tone, and sun damage anywhere you're noticing it. We'll talk through your goals during your consultation to map out the right treatment areas for you.
What happens during HALO recovery?
Your skin will look and feel similar to a sunburn for the first day or two, with mild swelling possible. Over the following days, you'll notice gradual peeling as your skin heals and regenerates, revealing smoother, more even-toned skin underneath.
Will I need to prepare my skin before treatment?
Some patients need to pretreat with a topical pigment protector before their HALO session, especially if they're prone to pigment changes. We'll walk you through any prep steps during your consultation so your skin is ready for the best possible results.
Is HALO safe for my skin tone?
HALO is designed to be safe for most skin types, though your provider will confirm the right settings for your specific skin during your consultation. If a gentler option makes more sense for your tone or goals, we'll recommend MOXI instead.
Is HALO painful?
Topical numbing cream is generally applied before treatment. Patients may feel warmth, prickling, or heat, while cooling technology helps improve comfort.
How many HALO treatments will I need?
Some patients achieve noticeable correction after one session, while others benefit from a series. The number depends on your skin concerns, treatment strength, and desired recovery.
How soon will I see HALO results?
Early improvement may be visible within approximately one week. Texture, tone, and collagen-related results can continue improving over the following weeks and months.
How long does HALO treatment take?
Facial treatment commonly takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes after numbing. Smaller areas may take less time, while larger body zones may require approximately 30 to 90 minutes.
How long do HALO results last?
Results may last for years with proper skincare and sun protection. Future aging and sun exposure can create new damage, so maintenance treatment may be recommended.
Can I wear makeup after HALO?
Patients are commonly advised to wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup. Your provider may recommend waiting longer based on treatment intensity and how your skin is healing.
Can HALO be combined with other treatments?
Yes. HALO may be combined with BBL HERO, MOXI, injectables, and other treatments when safely planned and appropriately timed.
How do I request a HALO appointment near me?
Requesting your visit is easy! Just use our online appointment request tool to reach out, and our team will follow up to confirm a time that works for you. We can't wait to help your skin look smoother and brighter!