Doctor and patient during treatment

Preparing For Your Treatment

Prior to your laser skin resurfacing in Palo Alto at Mehta Plastic Surgery, you will have a consultation in which our nurse will review all of your skin-related concerns, and determine the appropriate treatment options to achieve your goals. A detailed medical history and examination of your skin will follow. In particular, it is critical to let us know if you have had any of the following issues, so that the appropriate precautions may be taken:

  • Prior bad reaction to a laser treatment, IPL, BBL, chemical peel or dermabrasion
  • Past herpes simplex (cold sores)
  • Sun allergies
  • Recent radiation treatment for cancer
  • Recent radiation treatments
  • History of keloid or hypertrophic scars (thick scars)
  • History of skin cancer
  • Previous or current melasma
  • If you are now pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
  • Current or prior Accutane use
  • Sun burn or prolonged sun exposure in the last 4 weeks
  • Retinol or Retin-A use within the last week
  • Surgery or cryosurgery within the last six weeks to the area that you plan to have treated

Depending on the treatment upon which you and Shannon decide, you will be given detailed pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions.

Logo media

The Treatments

At Mehta Plastic Surgery, we use the state of the art Joule X by Sciton, which includes both the Halo and BBL modalities. The Halo is the very latest in laser technology, combining ablative (2940 nm) and non-ablative (1470 nm) wavelengths, producing better results with less downtime. BBL (broad band light) is the strongest IPL-type treatment available. Its unique technology yields maximal results while reducing the risk of side effects. These two types of treatments can be completed together, in one visit, or done separately based on each individual’s specific skin care needs.

Halo (Hybrid Fractional Laser)

This laser treatment is the first of its kind! Halo is a resurfacing-type laser that uses both ablative and non-ablative technology, to provide ablative-like results with less downtime. This type of treatment can provide improvement to fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, sun damage, pore size, redness, and mild scarring. It can be used on all skin types. This is a very tolerable treatment, with minimal discomfort due to the use of topical numbing cream applied prior to the treatment, and a Zimmer chiller used to cool the skin during the treatment. With only a few days of true downtime, this treatment is an ideal choice to help combat the visible signs of aging!

Broad Band Light (BBL)

This treatment is an excellent option for a number of skin conditions, on skin types I-V. These include red or brown spots (sun/age spots), sun-damaged skin, wrinkles, scar pigmentation, rosacea, port wine stains, cherry angiomas, telangiectasias (small facial veins), small areas of unwanted hair, and acne. The treatment uses various wavelengths of light that deliver heat to targeted depth of tissue, in order to treat each individual skin condition. When correcting a skin condition, at least 3 treatments, each spaced 4 weeks apart, are advised. After the correction is complete, maintenance treatments are advised a few times per year, or at every change of season. There are both short-term and long-term benefits to yearly BBL treatments. The immediate, short-term benefits include clearer, brighter, and more vibrant skin. The long-term benefits include smoother, healthier, and younger looking skin. Your recovery after BBL will be quite minimal. The brown pigmented spots generally appear a bit darker for two to four days after treatment, but should be easily concealed with makeup or tinted sunscreen during this time. The spots begin to clear five to seven days after treatment.

Banner media

Post-Treatment

After each of the procedures discussed above, Shannon will give you detailed post-treatment instructions and will be available to answer any of your questions. Specific length of recovery will be discussed depending on the treatment decided upon. Your provider will follow you closely in the following weeks and months after the treatments to ensure the best results possible.

For more information or to schedule a consultation for laser skin resurfacing in Palo Alto, please contact our office.

watercolor flower
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (650) 668-2258.
Contact Us