Sciton HALO Hybrid Fractional Laser

HALO is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser, combining ablative and nonablative wavelengths in a single treatment. The dual-modality approach allows patients to experience dramatically improved skin tone, texture, and overall skin quality. Patients seeking a nonsurgical option to soften fine lines, reduce sun damage, improve acne scars, or restore a healthy glow can start their journey with a consultation at Dr. Sarah Avila’s practice in Miami, FL, to see whether HALO Hybrid Fractional Laser is their ideal solution.

How Does HALO Hybrid Fractional Laser Work?

HALO uses two laser wavelengths during the same treatment:

Ablative Wavelength: Gently resurfaces the outer layer of skin.
Nonablative Wavelength: Heats the deeper tissue to stimulate collagen production and long-term skin remodeling.

This combined approach allows for dual treatment of the skin surface and the deeper tissues simultaneously. When performed by an experienced clinician, HALO can deliver significant rejuvenation with less downtime than traditional resurfacing lasers.

What Concerns Does HALO Treat?

By combining ablative and nonablative wavelengths, HALO can treat a broad range of skin concerns. HALO can improve:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Sun damage
Uneven pigmentation
Melasma
Enlarged pores
Rough skin texture
Acne scars
Surgical scars
Dull skin

Benefits of HALO

Hybrid laser technology
Customizable treatment intensity
Improves multiple concerns simultaneously
Less downtime than traditional resurfacing
Stimulates long-term collagen production
Natural-looking results
Safe for many skin types

What Areas Can HALO Treat?

The HALO Hybrid Fraction Laser can be used for treatment on most body areas, with the most common treatment areas being:

Face
Neck
Chest
Hands

What Happens During Treatment?

A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment to keep the experience comfortable. We typically allow for about 30 minutes for the numbing to take full effect, though you may need more time for more sensitive areas. The treatment itself usually will last 30–60 minutes, during which your clinician will run the HALO device over the treatment area. They will carefully track each pass, ensuring even treatment across the area. With topical numbing, patients tend to describe the sensation as a mild warmth with occasional prickling.

Downtime & Recovery

A core advantage of treatment with HALO is the mild to moderate recovery experience. Side effects are typically mild and temporary, with their duration largely depending on treatment intensity. Common post-treatment effects include:

Redness for 2–4 days
Mild swelling for 1–3 days
Skin feeling warm for several hours
Tiny bronzed dots (microscopic treatment zones) that naturally exfoliate over 5–7 days

While no full downtime is required, most patients will want to take some time off from work and social engagements to allow the redness and swelling to fade. Additionally, we recommend waiting 1 week after treatment before resuming any strenuous exercise.

Sciton HALO Hybrid Fractional Laser FAQs

Who is a good candidate?

As a hybrid laser, HALO is open to a broader range of patients, including those who may not be able to have treatment with traditional ablative lasers. Furthermore, HALO is an excellent option for patients who want noticeable skin rejuvenation without the extended downtime associated with fully ablative lasers.

Ideal candidates include individuals who wish to:

Improve skin texture
Correct pigmentation
Reduce fine lines
Minimize acne scarring
Stimulate collagen production
Refresh aging skin

Your clinician will also assess your concerns and skin health to ensure HALO is appropriate and safe for your skin type. Even in cases when HALO might not be your ideal option, we explore alternatives to help you safely reach your goals.

When will I see results?

Initial improvements are often visible within 1 week once redness and swelling fade. From there, you should see progressive improvements. Firstly, the skin turnover will show visible improvements. The ongoing collagen production will then continue to boost skin texture and firmness over several months.

A single treatment will deliver notable changes, though some patients need a second treatment to properly address certain signs of aging. We build each patient regimen individually based on the type and severity of concerns to be treated.

How long do HALO results last?

The typical timeline for results is between 6 months and 2 years. The length of your results will depend on several important factors, including:

Age
Type of concerns
Lifestyle habits
Treatment intensity
Skincare routine

We provide counseling for patients on ways to maintain their results for as long as possible. Many of these steps you may already do, such as UV protection, hydration, and living a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, patients may have touch-up treatments to help give their results longevity. This may include another HALO treatment 1–2 times per year or another nonsurgical treatment that we offer.

Schedule Your Consultation

Patients can discover how HALO can restore smoother, healthier, more youthful-looking skin by scheduling a consultation at Dr. Avilas practice in Miami. Her experienced team will create a customized treatment plan designed to resolve your skin concerns and reach your aesthetic goals.

Sarah Avila, MD

Board Certification:

Oculofacial Plastic Surgery

Specialization:

Eyelid Surgery & Aesthetics

Dr. Sarah Avila is a Double Board-Certified Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon in Miami, Florida. After completing medical school, Dr. Avila completed a residency in ophthalmology at the Mount Sinai Hospital, followed by a highly competitive two-year ASOPRS-accredited fellowship in reconstructive and cosmetic oculofacial surgery at Emory University.

More about Dr. Avila