Their concerns are valid.

With less research from clinical trials to help gauge how lasers impact darker skin tones, patients of color have long believed that laser treatments weren’t an aesthetic option for them.¹

Dija Ayodele, skincare expert and author of Black Skin: The Definitive Skincare Guide, says this isn’t true. There are laser treatments appropriate for dark skin, but clinicians need the nuance and knowledge to apply the same laser treatments to different skin types.¹

The good news is there’s already been a major shift towards inclusivity in the aesthetics industry.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons statistics report, an increasing number of Americans of diverse ethnicities are having cosmetic procedures. Data shows that 1.78 million African American patients had cosmetic procedures in 2020, rising from 1.62 million in 2018. Hispanic, African American, and Asian patients in 2020 also represented a greater proportion of the total patient numbers having cosmetic surgery compared to 2019.²

With this trend expected to continue, debunking popular myths about treating dark skin will be key to helping medical aesthetics practices unlock a diverse patient demographic.

Myth #1: Skincare issues manifest the same on darker skin

According to a New York Times article, Dermatology Has a Problem with Skin Color, common skin conditions often appear differently on dark skin, yet physicians are mostly trained to diagnose them on white skin.³

Although there’s been progress, most textbooks for diagnosing skin disorders have far fewer images of skin conditions as they appear on people of color. This can lead to misdiagnoses because many key characteristics of skin disorders—like red patches and purple blotches—appear differently in people with different complexions.³

For example, when most people think of eczema, they think of how it appears on light skin—as a red, dry, and itchy rash. However, in dark skin, this redness may be difficult to see. Eczema flare-ups look darker brown, purple, or ash grey in color. ³

Oftentimes, doctors miss rosacea in Black patients because clinicians expect to see redness and visible blood vessels on the face, but red is not seen as much if the background skin color is brown. ³

In the world of medical laser aesthetics, medical professionals must first recognize the disease process in darker skin to make appropriate treatment recommendations.

Myth #2: Light and dark skin patients have the same skin concerns

While light and dark skin patients may share some common aesthetic skin concerns, dark skin patients are prone to the following:⁴

Hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—Studies indicate a direct link between dark skin and the predisposition to develop PIH. PIH is significantly more frequent and severe in darkly pigmented skin.⁵

According to the Skin of Color Society, more than 65% of African American people experience symptoms of hyperpigmentation due to skin damage or irritation.⁶ Laser skin treatments such as HALO®, MOXI™, and ProFractional™ for skin types I-VI may be used alone or in combination to effectively address hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions in dark skin patients.

Melasma—Individuals of color, particularly women, are at increased risk for developing melasma. While clinicians know there is no cure for this skin condition, the visible signs associated with melasma can be treated with Sciton’s MOXI™ laser treatment for skin types I-VI. Clinicians typically recommend 3 MOXI treatments spaced 4 weeks apart and a skin maintenance regimen with Moxi.⁸

Keloid scars—Known for their dense, raised appearance, keloid scars tend to occur more commonly in skin of color, particularly in people of African descent. Laser treatments offer some of the best clinical responses in hypertrophic scars and keloids,⁹ including Sciton’s ProFractional laser for skin types I-VI. For dark skin types struggling with atrophic scarring from acne, studies have shown the efficacy of a YAG 1064 nm laser like Sciton’s ClearSilk® treatment in improving the appearance of scars.¹⁰

Dyschromia, alopecia, and seborrheic dermatitis—These skin conditions are found more frequently in patients with skin of color when compared with white patients. Dyschromia, or irregular skin discoloration resulting in either hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation and seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes scaly patches mainly on the scalp, may be treated with a skin resurfacing laser treatment for all skin types, such as HALO.

Myth 3 #: Dark skin patients don’t need to wear sunscreen

The American Academy of Dermatology’s official position on sunscreen, echoed by the Food and Drug Administration, is that ‘everyone, regardless of skin type, should wear sunscreen.’¹¹

Although dark skin is naturally more protective against harmful UV rays than fair skin—melanin provides a sun protection factor (SPF) of 13.4 in black skin, compared to 3.4 in white skin—people of all skin types can burn without sunscreen protection. The burn may not be visible, but it is still there. Dark skin patients can still get sunburn, skin cancer, and age prematurely. ¹⁰

All patients, including those with dark skin prone to dark spots and hyperpigmentation, are advised to stay out of direct sunlight and apply at least SPF 30 for the weeks preceding and following a laser treatment.

Myth # 4: Pre and post-care are the same for light and dark skin

The skin’s recovery process can look very different on skin of color. Clinicians need to be able to recognize these issues and tailor pre- and post-care appropriately.¹

Theresa Reynolds, a multi-ethnic medical laser specialist and founder of AllSKN Aesthetics, tailors her pre- and post-care for each individual patient because dark skin, she says, reacts differently from light skin.

To learn more about treating skin of color with Sciton lasers from Theresa and Dr. Karan Lal, DO, FAAD, a double board certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist in Scottsdale, AZ, watch the Treating Skin of Color with Confidence webinar here.

Myth #5: Keep your marketing messaging generic

As the aesthetics industry aims to recognize and promote diversity, companies need to realign their messaging to be inclusive of patients of color. ¹

According to Dija Ayodele, companies can use language in their marketing to let patients know laser treatments are appropriate for their skin with a simple statement like, “This laser treatment is suitable for dark skin. This is how [expectations, results, recovery, etc.] it will work on dark skin.” ¹

Proper training and education for treating skin of color, product testing on darker skin types, and inclusive marketing messaging will become increasingly important in promoting diversity in a fast-changing industry.

Which Sciton laser treatments are right for your patients’ skin type?

At Sciton, a rigorous testing protocol ensures the efficacy and safety of laser treatments for patients of all skin tones, including darker skin.

Sciton’s clinical educators provide pre- and post-clinical training with treatment protocols for skin types I-VI as well as advanced clinical preceptorships.

To learn more about Sciton treatments by skin type, download Sciton’s Which Fitz Fits brochure.

References:

¹Podcast 101: Dija Ayodele on why black skincare matters

²American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic Surgery Statistics Report 2020

³New York Times: Dermatology Has a Problem With Skin Color

⁴How These 4 Skin Conditions Impact People of Color

⁵Markiewicz, E., Karaman-Jurukovska, N., Mammone, T., & Idowu, O. C. (2021). Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Dark Skin: Molecular Mechanism and Skincare Implications. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 15, 2555-2565.

⁶Understanding How Hyperpigmentation Affects Black Skin

⁷Kauvar AN. Treatment of pseudofolliculitis with a pulsed infrared laser. Arch Dermatol. 2000 Nov;136(11):1343-6. doi: 10.1001/archderm.136.11.1343. PMID: 11074696.

⁸Vingan NR, Panton JA, Barillas J, Lazzarini A, Hoopman J, Kenkel JM, Culver A. Investigating the efficacy of a fractionated 1927 nm laser for diffuse dyspigmentation and actinic changes. Lasers Surg Med. 2023 Apr;55(4):344-358. doi: 10.1002/lsm.23653. Epub 2023 Mar 23. PMID: 36950878.

⁹Alster TS. Laser treatment of hypertrophic scars, keloids, and striae. Dermatol Clin. 1997 Jul;15(3):419-29. doi: 10.1016/s0733-8635(05)70451-4. PMID: 9189679.

¹⁰Badawi, A., Tome, M. A., Atteya, A., Sami, N., & Morsy, A. L. (2011). Retrospective analysis of non-ablative scar treatment in dark skin types using the sub-millisecond Nd:YAG 1,064 nm Laser. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 43(2), 130-136.

¹¹New York Times: Should Black People Wear Sunscreen?

The post Debunking 5 Common Myths About Treating Skin Of Color With Lasers appeared first on Sciton.

Rapid growth and demand for energy-based aesthetic devices

The demand for aesthetic treatments is stronger than ever and climbing steadily. In 2022, the global medical aesthetics market grew 13% and is projected to reach $15.63 billion by 2026. ¹  

The HALO laser, popular among patients and providers, has established strong consumer brand recognition over the past decade. This multi-award-winning hybrid fractional laser for glowing skin has recently been named the 2023 New Beauty award winner for Best Multitasking Laser.

Skin revitalization for patients of all skin types

HALO simultaneously targets multiple skin concerns on all skin types, including the appearance of:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation
• Acne scars
• Enlarged pores
• Skin dullness
• Pigmented lesions

It’s the first hybrid laser to deliver a non-ablative 1470 nm and ablative 2940 nm wavelength to the same microscopic treatment zone for an unmatched improvement in the appearance of aging skin.

Clinicians who perform HALO see consistent, predictable results in just one to two treatments vs. three to five traditional non-ablative resurfacing treatments.

According to RealSelf.com, a leading review site for cosmetic procedures, HALO has hundreds of positive reviews and before and after images. Patients have even coined the phrase “HALO glow” to describe their flawless complexion after treatment.

Dermatologist and HALO owner Arisa Ortiz says, “My patients love the HALO procedure. They always tell me their friends comment on how nice their skin looks after HALO. They look a lot brighter because the light reflects better off their skin.”

Maximum ROI and high-net revenue

High patient satisfaction isn’t the only reason practices invest in HALO. This multi-tasking laser is also Sciton’s highest net revenue fractional procedure ensuring maximum return on investment.

According to data from Sciton iQ™, a proprietary, real-time treatment analytics system, Sciton customers across the U.S. earn, on average, 4x their monthly lease payment in revenue. ²

Data also shows HALO has more than 2x higher consult requests than others in the facial laser category, and HALO owners earn 59% higher revenue per treatment than top facial laser competitors.³

It gets better.

Exponential results and earnings with ScitonStaX™

When combined with other award-winning Sciton treatments on the JOULE® multi-application system, such as BBL® HERO™—Sciton’s award-winning BroadBand Light® (BBL®) device for sun damage and hyperpigmentation—HALO owners further increase their revenue while dramatically improving patient outcomes. ScitonStaX combines up to three synergistic modalities on a Sciton platform to deliver stunning outcomes in a single session.

The JOULE, Sciton’s flagship platform, provides an extensive selection of aesthetic, medical, and surgical treatment options within a single, comprehensive system. The platform features more than ten laser and light-based modalities to address:

• Aging skin
• Photodamage
• Scars
• Vascular issues
• Unwanted hair

Profitable and reliable systems

Designed, manufactured, and assembled by hand at Sciton’s company headquarters in Palo Alto, California, Sciton systems are built to last.

In fact, 96% of all Sciton systems sold in the past 10 years are still in service today. It’s yet another testament to the company’s commitment to quality and exceptional craftsmanship.

Ready to partner with a leader in medical laser aesthetics?

Speak to an expert today about expanding your practice with a Sciton system.

References:

¹Business Wire: Medical Aesthetics Global Market Report 2022: Growing Adoption of Non-Invasive and Minimally Invasive Procedures 

^2,3Internal Sciton iQ data

The post 5 Reasons To Elevate Your Business With Sciton’s Award-Winning HALO® Laser appeared first on Sciton.

NewBeauty’s Beauty Awards are a leading and trusted awards program in the beauty space, honoring the best of the best in aesthetics after rigorous editor testing.

HALO is recognized for its ability to combine two laser wavelengths — ablative and nonablative — to target the top and deeper layers of skin, resulting in a single treatment that improves a variety of aging concerns, from acne scars, to fine lines and wrinkles, pigment irregularities and visible pore size.

HALO is the world’s first laser that targets several levels of skin at once, making it a go-to anti-aging, confidence-building treatment. This technology can be completely customized to the individual needs of each patient to address issues such as pigmentation, tone, and texture. HALO is also suitable for virtually all skin types with minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to normal activities shortly after treatment.

Launched in 2014, the HALO laser changed the aesthetic laser industry by providing patients ablative-like results with near non-ablative downtime. Its proven results are the reason this treatment continues to be recognized, even nine years after launch. This April, HALO’s manufacturing organization, Sciton Inc will celebrate its 26th year of global business.

“We are thrilled to receive this continued recognition for HALO from NewBeauty Magazine,” says Lacee J. Naik, Vice President, Marketing at Sciton. “HALO® is a game-changer in the aesthetics industry due to its ability to address multiple skin concerns with minimal downtime. It’s an honor to be recognized for our innovation, technology, and efficacy.”

Sciton is committed to providing innovative laser and light systems that help medical professionals enhance their patients’ appearance and confidence. HALO’s recognition by NewBeauty Magazine’s Beauty Awards further highlights Sciton’s commitment to excellence and delivering high-quality solutions to the aesthetic medical market.

ABOUT SCITON
Sciton, Inc., located in Palo Alto, California, is a totally employee-owned medical device company established in 1997 by co-founders Jim Hobart, Ph.D., and Dan Negus, Ph.D. Sciton is committed to providing best-in-class laser and light solutions for medical professionals who want superior durability, performance, and value. Sciton offers aesthetic and medical devices for women’s health, fractional and full-coverage skin resurfacing and skin revitalization, phototherapy, vascular and pigmentation lesions, scar reduction, acne, body contouring, and hair reduction. Sciton operates worldwide with direct sales forces in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and distributor partners in more than 45 countries. For more information and a complete listing of Sciton systems, visit sciton.com.

SOURCE Sciton, Inc.

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But the HALO laser also integrates another technological breakthrough that doesn’t get the full credit it deserves. It’s called dynamic thermal optimization (DTO), and it turns the HALO handset into a “smart” device that automatically adjusts the laser energy to ensure optimal treatment.

DTO focuses the energy so that you can focus on your patient

Dynamic thermal optimization is an innovative feature that continually measures the patient’s skin temperature during treatment and calculates the exact energy needed to optimally heat the tissue. It’s like cruise control in your car. You can drive up or down hills, but the cruise control maintains the programmed speed. DTO maintains the ideal laser energy, regardless of ups and downs in the patient’s skin temperature.

By automatically adjusting the laser energy to changes in the skin’s temperature, DTO lets you concentrate on operating the handpiece—without having to worry about controlling the power of the laser. If the tissue cools down, DTO automatically adds more power. If the skin heats up, DTO automatically reduces the power. You can remain focused on your patient and providing the optimal treatment. Without DTO compensating for tissue temperature, other lasers may overtreat, leading to complications. Or they may undertreat, leading to poor results.

The science of smart1

Why is it important that the laser energy be adjusted for skin temperature? For non-ablative fractional treatment, you want to heat a portion of the skin to the temperature that destroys or coagulates the tissue but does not remove it. The skin itself has a major impact on the energy required to reach this desired heat. If the tissue is colder, it will take more energy to heat the tissue. If the tissue is warmer, it will take less energy.
Many factors can affect the skin’s temperature during treatment, including changes in the room temperature. But more directly, numbing creams, cooling during treatment, and fluctuations in the laser’s application to the skin can impact temperature. For this reason, many adjustments to the laser’s energy level may be needed in real time. DTO technology uses infrared temperature sensors to monitor the skin before each pulse and adjusts the pulse energy to constantly ensure the ideal temperature in real time. Ultimately, DTO helps practitioners consistently produce amazing results.

HALO has other smart features, too

Beyond DTO, the HALO laser also incorporates optical navigation. This feature monitors the speed of the moving handset relative to the skin’s surface and automatically adjusts the pulsing to ensure an even, accurate treatment. In other words, HALO also adjusts to your speed. HALO also includes integrated cooling to keep the skin cool and comfortable throughout the treatment and integrated suction to evacuate smoke and keep the air clear of debris during ablation.

HALO is the “smart” choice for skin resurfacing

The HALO laser from Sciton is not only the world’s first hybrid fractional laser—it’s also the first and only hybrid laser to combine the advanced features of DTO, optical navigation, integrated cooling, and integrated suction. With HALO, your patients get the results they want, without the downtime they would expect from other laser procedures. In testimonials, reviews, and social media posts, patients and doctors express the highest levels of satisfaction with their HALO treatment and results.

Reference:

Pozner J, Robb CW. Hybrid fractional laser: the future of laser resurfacing. /wp-content/uploads/2600-003-13-Rev-A-Pozner-and-Robb-WP-HALO.pdf. Accessed February 2020.

The post Why a “Smart” Laser is the Smart Choice for Skin Resurfacing appeared first on Sciton.

In this article, we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the various laser technologies for skin resurfacing. We will also explore the advantages of combined technologies for providing optimal treatment control and outcomes.

Ablative versus non-ablative

Ablative lasers quickly superheat water molecules in the skin to vaporize and destroy the targeted tissue.¹ This process removes the epidermal layer, promotes collagen formation, and causes skin retraction and tightening. Although ablative lasers produce the most dramatic outcomes, they also result in more adverse effects and a difficult recovery process. For more severe facial wrinkles, dyspigmentation, and textural skin challenges, the ablative laser is often the treatment of choice.

In comparison, non-ablative lasers deliver a milder heat deeper into the skin to coagulate the tissue. This promotes collagen production and tightens the tissue without injuring the skin’s surface.^1,2 This process can create overall improvements in the skin including a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduced visible pore size, enhanced reflectivity and glow, and significant removal of discoloration. Though the results are less dramatic, non-ablative lasers are gentler and require little to no downtime.

Fractional versus non-fractional

Non-fractional lasers affect the entire area of targeted skin with a solid beam of laser energy.¹ In contrast, fractional lasers affect only a portion of the projected area but in an equally distributed pattern.¹ As expected, non-fractional lasers produce more dramatic results in a single treatment than fractional lasers. Non-fractional lasers are very effective at promoting collagen formation and tightening and clearing the skin; however, they can have serious side effects, including scarring, discoloration, infections, and difficult wound healing.¹

On the other hand, fractional lasers require more treatments to produce the same results, but fractional lasers have fewer complications and require less downtime between treatments. Both ablative and non-ablative lasers can employ fractional or non-fractional technology.¹

Fractional, ablative, and non-ablative hybrid

In 2014, an entirely new category of fractional laser was developed, called the hybrid fractional laser (HFL). By combining both ablative and non-ablative fractional lasers into one device, a hybrid laser can produce ablative-like results with non-ablative downtimes. HFLs work by delivering fractional ablation to the epidermis (from 20 to 100 microns) followed by fractional coagulation to the dermis (from 250 to 700 microns).^3,4

Because both the ablative and non-ablative treatments are fractionated, the dermis remains intact. This allows the epidermis to heal quickly because basal keratinocytes can migrate across the fractionated holes quickly. When less than 100 microns of ablation are used, the epidermis regenerates within 24 hours.³

HALO^® delivers the best of both worlds

The HALO laser from Sciton is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser. By delivering both fractional ablative and non-ablative laser wavelengths in the same pass, HALO treats the damage you can and cannot see at the same time. Patients receive both ablative and non-ablative results with non-ablative recovery times. What’s more, the dual wavelengths can be delivered in many different permutations of depths and coverage to customize the optimal treatment for each patient. In testimonials, reviews, and social media posts, patients express the highest levels of satisfaction with their HALO treatment and results.

References:

1. Preissig J, Hamilton K, Markus R. Current laser resurfacing technologies: a review that delves beneath the surface. Semin Plast Surg. 2012;26(3):109-116.
2. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Non-ablative laser rejuvenation. #. Accessed January 2020.
3. Pozner J, Robb CW. Hybrid fractional laser: the future of laser resurfacing. /wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2600-003-13-Rev-A-Pozner-and-Robb-WP-HALO.pdf. Accessed January 2020.
4. Cohen JL, Ross EV. Combined fractional ablative and nonablative laser resurfacing treatment: a split-face comparative study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(2):175-178.

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The sun damages skin in two ways. The sun’s heat dries skin and depletes it of natural lubricating oils. At the same time, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can burn skin and alter its structure.⁴

The cause of increasing sun damage is uncertain. It could include changes in the global environment or evolving lifestyles, but whatever it is, it shows no signs of slowing. As a result, dermatologists and cosmetic practitioners can expect to see more patients seeking treatment for a wider variety of sun-damaged skin conditions.

Laser therapy treats many of the signs of sun-damaged skin

The signs of sun-damaged skin include wrinkles, age spots, loose skin, spider veins, and a blotchy or ruddy complexion. These symptoms can be treated individually with a variety of therapies, including moisturizers, retinoids, injectable fillers, Botox, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing. But while some therapies can treat just a few isolated symptoms, only laser resurfacing can effectively treat them comprehensively.⁵ Laser treatment is also an effective method of treating precancerous skin conditions, like epidermal skin cancers.⁶

Why treat sun-damaged skin with laser therapy?

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery recommends laser therapy for the treatment of sun-damaged skin and cites the following benefits:⁶

• Less need for pain medication
• Increased energy for cells in the treatment area
• Improved immune response
• Improved healing response
• Promotes collagen for new skin production
• Better lymphatic drainage for less swelling
• Improved blood circulation in treatment area
• Reduced inflammation

Sun-damaged skin benefits from hybrid laser treatment

To effectively correct all the signs of sun-damaged skin, treatment needs to target elastosis in both the epidermis and dermis. In addition, treatment can be made more effective by combining both ablative and non-ablative (coagulative) therapies at the same time. Currently, this type of combination treatment is only available with a hybrid laser.

HALO® hybrid fractional laser provides ideal treatment

HALO is the world’s first and only hybrid fractional laser that delivers an ablative and non-ablative wavelength to the same area at the same time. In combination, these two targetable wavelengths provide unique and powerful benefits.

Non-ablative wavelength

The non-ablative wavelength (1470 nm) is tunable from 250 to 700 microns to effectively treat the epidermis and papillary dermis. This wavelength is ideal for correcting epidermal and dermal elastosis, including wrinkles, age spots, loose skin, enlarged pores, spider veins, and discoloration.⁷

Ablative wavelength

The ablative wavelength (2940 nm) is tunable from 20 to100 microns and provides pure ablation with no bulk heating. This process removes the epidermal layer, promotes collagen formation, and causes skin retraction and tightening. This wavelength effectively treats more severe wrinkles and dyspigmentation and improves the general appearance of the skin.⁷ It also speeds healing through faster clearance of microscopic epidermal necrotic debris (MENDS).

HALO is the laser of choice for sun-damaged skin

Lasers provide the most effective treatment for sun-damaged skin, and HALO is the optimal laser. By delivering both fractional ablative and non-ablative laser wavelengths in the same pass, HALO treats the damage you can and cannot see at the same time. Patients receive both ablative and non-ablative results with non-ablative recovery times. What’s more, the dual wavelengths can be delivered in many different permutations of depths and coverage to customize the optimal treatment for each patient. On the review site RealSelf.com, 88% of patients say the HALO treatment is “Worth It.”⁸

References:

1. National Cancer Institute. Cancer stat facts: melanoma of the skin. #. Accessed January 2020.
2. Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin cancer facts & statistics. #. Accessed January 2020.
3. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. ASDS members performed more than 12.5 million treatments in 2018. #. Accessed January 2020.
4. Harvard Medical School. Sun-damaged skin. #. Accessed January 2020.
5. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Wrinkles and other signs of sun-damaged skin can be treated. #. Accessed January 2020.
6. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Laser/light therapy for sun-damaged skin. #. Accessed January 2020.
7. Preissig J, Hamilton K, Markus R. Current laser resurfacing technologies: a review that delves beneath the surface. Semin Plast Surg. 2012;26(3):109-116.
8. DeMaio KB. Halo laser: what you should know. RealSelf.com. #. Accessed February 2020.

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In a recent survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), 24% of patients said that social media was the number-one influence on their decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure.¹ At the same time, 43% said that their decision to schedule an appointment was encouraged by a provider’s social media presence.¹

In another survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), 55% of patients said that they wanted to look better in selfies and social media posts.² From lip fillers and laser resurfacing to facelifts and rhinoplasty, patients are enthusiastically sharing their cosmetic enhancements on social media, and it’s inspiring others to seek similar treatments.

How can you influence your social media buzz?

One thing is clear: Social media can play a vital role in attracting new and returning patients, especially for treatments like skin resurfacing that can be readily appreciated in selfies. Of course, while positive social media buzz can build your business, negative chatter can turn away new patients. So, it’s important that the overall opinion of your practice and your skin-resurfacing treatment is positive. While much of this “spin” is out of your control, there are two actions that you can take to guide the narrative:

1. Make sure that your skin treatment provides impressive results and that your practice delivers a positive patient experience.
2. Maintain your own social media presence, including posting on Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, YouTube, and/or LinkedIn.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the social media discussion about a leading laser skin treatment called HALO®.

HALO hybrid fractional laser creates a positive buzz

Since its development in 2014, the HALO hybrid fractional laser has quickly become one of the most popular skin-resurfacing treatments. It delivers both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to the same treatment zones to provide ablative results with non-ablative downtime.

The HALO hybrid laser’s success has been attributed to patient satisfaction and a groundswell of positive online buzz. The review site RealPatientRatings.com, for example, reported a 92% patient satisfaction rate. On the review site RealSelf.com, 88% of patients rated HALO as “Worth It.” On YouTube, more than a dozen social media influencers have given favorable reviews to the HALO laser treatment and its results.

Across all social media sites, HALO has been the subject of tens of thousands of posts from patients. While the overwhelming majority of comments are positive, patients will also point out the negative aspects of the treatment. Negative comments are also important because they confirm the objectivity and legitimacy of the endorsement.

A closer look at one of these social media sites can be quite revealing. On Instagram, the hashtag “#halolaser” features more than 7,000 posts. One of the top posts reads, “I tried the HALO laser and filmed the good, the bad and the ugly for you guys…” The post, which includes a link to a video, received more than 4,000 likes. Here’s one of them: “I love this!!! Thank you for sharing your experience. I just had a talk with my doctor about this procedure and getting it done in the next couple weeks. I’m so glad I found you!!”

HALO delivers the best of both worlds

The HALO laser from Sciton is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser. By delivering both fractional ablative and non-ablative laser wavelengths in the same pass, HALO treats the damage you can and cannot see at the same time. Patients receive both ablative and non-ablative results with non-ablative recovery times. What’s more, the dual wavelengths can be delivered in many different permutations of depths and coverage to customize the optimal treatment for each patient. In testimonials, reviews, and social media posts, patients and doctors express the highest levels of satisfaction with their HALO treatment and results.

References:

1. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. 2019 ASDS consumer survey on cosmetic dermatologic procedures. #. Accessed February 2020.
2. American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery. AAFPRS annual survey reveals trends in facial plastic surgery [press release]. PR Newswire; January 29, 2018. Accessed February 2020.

The post How Can Selfies and Social Media Build Your Skin-Treatment Practice? appeared first on Sciton.

Most laser skin-resurfacing treatments result in clearer, lighter, and smoother skin. Patients appreciate that their skin looks younger, healthier, and more beautiful. Many report that their skin feels refreshed and revitalized. But for some reason, the term “glowing skin” seems to be more frequently attributed to one laser in particular—the HALO hybrid fractional laser.

Of course, this could be a result of the brand’s marketing. The term “HALO glow” appears in HALO sales literature. But that doesn’t explain why so many doctors have noted the “glow” in their reviews, why patients see the “glow” in themselves, or why their friends and family see it, too.

HALO patients love “the glow”

HALO patients use many different terms to describe their glowing complexion. They feel that their skin looks “brighter,” “more reflective,” “luminous,” and “radiant.” But a surprising number simply identify it as “glowing.” Some say that the glow lasts for a few weeks, while others say that it lasts for much longer, but it’s always seen as a desirable enhancement. Here are a few patient quotes about the HALO laser from social media posts:

“My coworker said my skin really does look a lot brighter, really glowy.” “My skin has a more even color and glow.” “The treatment left my skin very smooth and glowing after the first few weeks.” “My skin texture was improved and I had a glow to my skin.” “I feel like my skin is glowing months later—it’s like new.”

Can a laser treatment really create a noticeable glow?

The question is, can any laser treatment actually create a visible glow? Could there be a noticeable difference in the quality of skin enhancement among laser treatments? Some researchers may have a scientific explanation.

In a clinical study entitled “Optical properties of the human skin,” researchers concluded that visual perceptions of skin depend on interactions between the light and structures of the skin surface and the tissue components below the surface.¹

In other words, skin reflects light from its surface and from deeper within. Clearing the skin surface allows for greater absorption of light into the dermis. Revitalizing the dermis can affect the subsurface scattering of light and change the visible wavelengths reflected by various components, such as cell membranes, keratohyalin granules, melanosomes, mitochondria, and collagen fibers.

This would suggest that a hybrid laser, like HALO, that targets both layers of the skin at the same time—with both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths—could, in fact, have a different effect on the skin’s absorption and reflection of light.

HALO practitioners recognize the “glow”

Dermatologist Chris W. Robb, a devoted practitioner of the HALO treatment, has seen the light. “Patients are always happy when they come back. They look more reflective, and they’re much brighter. And that’s a real thing that we can track, when we look at the ultraviolet photography and we see that they no longer have these deep, deep freckles and deep sun damage. That deep sun damage acts like a sink, and it just soaks up sunlight. Once HALO gets rid of that, they’re just more reflective. There’s no sun damage, so they just reflect light like a baby.”

Dermatologist Arisa Ortiz, who has also made HALO a big part of her practice, has a similar observation. “My patients have been really loving the HALO procedure. They always mention with the HALO procedure that their friends comment on how nice their skin looks. They look a lot brighter, because the light just reflects a little bit better off their skin.”

HALO gets glowing praise from patients and doctors

The HALO laser from Sciton is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser. By delivering both fractional ablative and non-ablative laser wavelengths in the same pass, HALO treats the damage you can and cannot see at the same time. Patients receive both ablative and non-ablative results with non-ablative recovery times. What’s more, the dual wavelengths can be delivered in many different permutations of depths and coverage to customize the optimal treatment for each patient. In testimonials, reviews, and social media posts, patients and doctors express the highest levels of satisfaction with their HALO treatment and results.

Reference:

1. Gajinov Z, Matić M, Prćić S, Ðuran V. Optical properties of the human skin. Serbian J Dermatology Venereol. 2010;2(4):131-136.

The post What is the HALO Glow? appeared first on Sciton.

“Sciton’s practice of designing and manufacturing innovative medical and aesthetic lasers with technology-driven value ensures reproducible results-based solutions,” shares Director, Marketing and Public Relations Lacee J. Naik. “Recognition of trailblazing practices that advance a high level of performance is one of the ways Sciton engenders client relationships.”

The innovative HALO treatment delivers both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to the same microscopic treatment zone, addressing epidermal and deeper dermal pigmentation as well as tone and texture. The operator can customize coverage-based treatment levels depending on the needs of the patient to deliver the exact amount of energy necessary to complete a safe and effective treatment.

“Sciton’s HALO is a game-changer. HALO’s unparalleled combination of both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths offers laser surgeons the ability to individually customize treatments for each patient. I can finally give patients precise and consistent results,” says Dermatologist, Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD.

The Distinguished Partner Program exemplifies Sciton’s long-standing commitment to innovation and will launch in North America with designated practices. This is a follow-on program to our already successful Center of Excellence program for our Women’s Health division that was launched in 2017. Both programs identify practices that have demonstrated excellence through their application of the hybrid fractional laser modules on the JOULE platform, Sciton’s flagship system.

ABOUT SCITON
Sciton, Inc., located in Palo Alto, California, is a totally employee-owned medical device company established in 1997 by co-founders Jim Hobart, Ph.D., and Dan Negus, Ph.D. Sciton is committed to providing best-in-class laser and light solutions for medical professionals who want superior durability, performance, and value. Sciton offers aesthetic and medical devices for women’s health, fractional and full-coverage skin resurfacing and skin revitalization, phototherapy, vascular and pigmentation lesions, scar reduction, acne, body contouring, and hair reduction. Sciton operates worldwide with direct sales forces in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and distributor partners in more than 45 countries. For more information and a complete listing of Sciton systems, visit sciton.com.

The post Sciton, Inc. Unveils The HALO Distinguished Partner Program appeared first on Sciton.

Hailed number two among the Top 10 Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Treatments With Highest Interest Growth, 2017 – 2018, these findings are part of the RealSelf 2018 Aesthetics Trend Report, compiled by analyzing behavior trends of U.S. consumers researching on RealSelf during 2018.

“HALO has become a go-to anti-aging, confidence-building treatment in practices because it can be completely customized to the individual needs of every patient to address pigmentation, tone, and texture,” says Lacee Naik, Director, Marketing and Public Relations at Sciton. “With HALO, virtually all skin types can be treated. There is minimal downtime and patients can return to normal activities shortly after the treatment.”

According to Boca Raton, FL Plastic Surgeon Jason Pozner, MD, “There is a good reason that HALO is one of the top-rated and researched procedures on RealSelf. It’s one of the most effective treatments in our office for skin revitalization with a very short recovery period. Most patients can wear makeup and go out the next day, and they look great after one to two treatments. HALO delivers a definite wow factor!”

Physicians on RealSelf don’t see the minimally invasive trend slowing down in 2019. Keep an eye on Sciton in the new year.

ABOUT REALSELF
RealSelf is the leading and most trusted source for people considering an elective cosmetic treatment. More than ten years ago, we built RealSelf as the destination for people to learn about cosmetic procedures, share their experiences, and connect with top providers.

ABOUT SCITON
Sciton, Inc., located in Palo Alto, California, is a totally employee-owned medical device company established in 1997 by co-founders Jim Hobart, Ph.D., and Dan Negus, Ph.D. Sciton is committed to providing best-in-class laser and light solutions for medical professionals who want superior durability, performance, and value. Sciton offers aesthetic and medical devices for women’s health, fractional and full-coverage skin resurfacing and skin revitalization, phototherapy, vascular and pigmentation lesions, scar reduction, acne, body contouring, and hair reduction. Sciton operates worldwide with direct sales forces in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and distributor partners in more than 45 countries. For more information and a complete listing of Sciton systems, visit sciton.com.

The post HALO Ranked Top 2018 Aesthetic Treatment In ‘RealSelf’ Reveal appeared first on Sciton.