HALO Hybrid Fractional Laser

Skin ageing involves changes across several layers of tissue. Within the dermis, collagen fragmentation and reduced collagen production contribute to wrinkles and changes in skin structure. Cumulative ultraviolet exposure also affects pigmentation, epidermal organisation and the skin’s supporting extracellular matrix.

HALO addresses selected features of these changes through controlled microscopic treatment zones. Its ablative component removes small columns of superficial tissue, while its non-ablative component heats tissue to a selected depth. These complementary effects initiate repair processes that renew the epidermis and stimulate collagen production and remodelling within the dermis.

Surface clarity and smoothness can improve as the skin heals, while dermal remodelling develops progressively over the following months. This combination can also soften the appearance of enlarged pores and selected acne scars.

Treatment depth and coverage perform different roles. Depth determines how far each microscopic treatment zone extends into the skin. Coverage determines the proportion of skin treated during the session. Adjusting these parameters changes the extent of tissue injury, the repair response and the recovery required.

The superficial ablative component can be selected to address epidermal renewal, while the non-ablative component provides controlled coagulation within the epidermis and dermis. These settings allow different treatment approaches for different anatomical areas and clinical needs.

HALO also incorporates motion tracking to coordinate pulse delivery with handpiece movement. Its Dynamic Thermal Optimisation technology measures skin temperature and adjusts the energy of individual 1470 nm pulses to help maintain consistent treatment depths as the skin warms.

At Saphira Clinic, treatment planning considers your skin type, pigmentation history, skin condition and capacity for recovery. HALO Hybrid intentionally treats portions of the epidermis, so redness, swelling, bronzing and shedding are expected parts of the healing process, with their extent and duration influenced by the treatment selected.

The 2940 nm wavelength is strongly absorbed by water, allowing precise vaporisation of microscopic columns of superficial skin. This process, called ablation, supports epidermal resurfacing and renewal.

The 1470 nm wavelength creates columns of thermal coagulation extending to a selected depth within the epidermis and dermis. This controlled heating alters proteins within the treatment zones and initiates a wound-healing response, including processes involved in new collagen formation and extracellular matrix remodelling.

“Fractional” means these microscopic zones are separated by untreated tissue. The intervening tissue supplies viable cells that help repair the treated areas, supporting faster healing than comparable resurfacing of the entire skin surface.

During recovery, treated cellular material forms microscopic epidermal necrotic debris, known as MENDs. This debris moves towards the surface and sheds, contributing to the temporary bronzed appearance and rough, sandpaper-like texture commonly experienced after HALO. Epidermal renewal occurs during the initial healing period, while deeper collagen remodelling continues over subsequent months.