With the latest technologies available at SchlessingerMD, like HALO® and MOXI™ laser treatments, younger- and brighter-looking skin is attainable without downtime. These cutting-edge options have quicker results with less recovery time. For this reason, many interested in laser treatments find MOXI™ and HALO® laser treatments to be the perfect starting point.
Before you begin your journey to younger-looking skin with MOXI™ and HALO® laser treatments, let’s go over a few terms and concerns you may have heard:
- Ablative vs. non-ablative fractional lasers
- What skin concerns do MOXI™ laser treatments target?
- What skin concerns do HALO® laser treatments target?
- Products to use with MOXI™ and HALO® laser treatments
Ablative vs. non-ablative fractional lasers
Board-certified dermatologist,cosmetic surgeon and Mohs surgeon Dr. Joel Schlessinger outlines the difference between ablative vs. non-ablative fractional lasers:
“Since ablative lasers work by removing the top layer of the skin, they’re definitely the more invasive of the two, and they offer more effective results, but more downtime. Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, target the deeper layers of the skin, addressing skin concerns by stimulating collagen production. This leaves the top layer of the skin intact, which lessens downtime. However, the trade-off is that more treatments may be needed to see better results.”
When looking at MOXI™ and HALO® laser treatments, it’s important to keep in mind MOXI™ laser uses non-ablative wavelengths while HALO® laser utilizes a unique hybrid of fractional ablative erbium with non-ablative diode wavelengths—the first in the world to do so.
MOXI™ laser treatments are designed to be suitable for every skin type. According to board-certified dermatologist,cosmetic surgeon and Mohs surgeon Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, “It is a quick treatment that can be performed over a lunch hour. This gentle, non-ablative laser works by targeting the water molecules within skin cells. This jumpstarts the body’s natural regenerative process to rejuvenate skin, and while two to four treatments are optimal for best results, many patients experience a renewed glow after one MOXI™ laser treatment.”
Thanks to its hybrid approach, a HALO® laser treatment is much more comfortable and has less downtime than traditional fractional resurfacing. It’s also capable of targeting multiple problem areas while remaining safe for all skin types. Dr. Joel Schlessinger says HALO® laser is the most impressive non-invasive treatment he’s ever seen. “People can see immediate results, and we use topical anesthetics that make the procedure comfortable.”
Unlike MOXI™, there is typically some downtime associated with HALO®. Dr. Joel Schlessinger says, “Generally, there is swelling that lasts about a day. Crusting will occur for the first few days, but as that clears, it reveals beautiful, glowing skin.”
With that in mind, which laser treatment is right for you? That largely depends on your skin concerns and goals.
What skin concerns do MOXI™ laser treatments target?
MOXI™ laser treatments are suitable for addressing a wide range of skin concerns, especially with its reputation for being gentle yet effective. It treats skin on the face and body alike, including the face, neck, chest, hands, arms and legs.
Ideal for those interested in delaying visible signs of aging and maintaining their already youthful skin, MOXI™ laser is a popular choice for those looking to take a preventative approach to aging. That’s not to say it doesn’t provide visibly stunning results. Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says:
“MOXI™ laser is a great option for patients looking for a proactive prejuvenation treatment with minimal to no downtime. It rejuvenates skin showing early signs of aging and sun damage. While two to four treatments are optimal for your best results, it can provide a renewed glow in a single treatment, giving patients a cost-effective way to achieve healthier-looking skin. It is safe in skin of color patients as well, which cannot be said for many other lasers.”
You can see the results firsthand with our MOXI™ laser before and after photos.
What skin concerns do HALO® laser treatments target?
While MOXI™ laser can take multiple treatments to attain substantial results, HALO® laser can provide significant improvements after a single treatment, though some patients do a second one to follow or a MOXI to keep their skin glowing after a few months. Dr. Joel Schlessinger says, “People can see an immediate tightening and glow with improvement of the quality of the facial, neck and chest areas. We recommend one to two treatments over a period of a month or so, but most patients repeat it every six to nine months if they wish to see continued improvement.”
HALO® laser treatments are also shown to greatly reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, acne scarring and uneven skin tone, promoting an overall more youthful and radiant complexion. If you have darker skin, HALO® may cause some post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which should be considered when choosing the right laser treatment for you.
Want to see the results for yourself? You can see some examples with our HALO® laser before and after photos.
Which products should I use with fractional lasers?
Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger recommend using ALASTIN Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology before and after MOXI™ and HALO® laser treatments. Applying this product up to two weeks before treatment helps prep and strengthen skin ahead of time. Immediately after treatment, it can be applied to reduce recovery time and any redness. It’s recommended to use the product at least fourteen days following your procedure.
If you are experiencing any itchiness following your laser treatment, you can apply FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Body Balm up to four times a day, which will help heal and soothe skin.
Remember to avoid direct sun exposure for at least one month and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen safe for post-procedure skin, like the EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Facial Moisturizer and Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal therapy SPF 35.
Now that you’ve learned the basics of HALO® and MOXI™ laser treatments and seen the results firsthand, you can visit our appointment portal to book your consultation with Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger today.