CO₂ Laser Resurfacing

CO₂ laser treatment creates controlled microscopic areas of ablation and heat within the skin. It removes damaged tissue and supports the gradual remodelling of collagen and elastin.

CO₂ laser energy is mainly absorbed by water within the skin. When the laser reaches the treatment area, it precisely removes part of the surface tissue. It also creates controlled heat in the deeper layers.

These microscopic treatment areas start the skin’s natural wound-healing response.

The skin then moves through several stages of repair. At first, the main focus is closing the small wounds, reducing oozing, and forming new skin on the surface. Later, collagen fibres in the dermis begin to contract, regenerate and reorganize.

As healing continues, acne-scar edges, fine lines, pores and rough texture may gradually improve.

The result does not come only from “removing a layer of skin.” Surface renewal can improve roughness, mild uneven pigmentation and fine lines. The deeper thermal effect supports collagen remodelling and longer-term texture improvement.

Different concerns require different settings. A shallow and even treatment may be used for mild texture concerns or fine lines. Depressed acne scars may require more targeted settings based on the depth and location of each scar.

The skin also varies across different parts of the face. Skin thickness and healing ability are not the same in every area. For this reason, the same settings should not automatically be used across the entire face.

Higher energy, heavier bleeding or thicker crusting does not always produce a better result. Over-treatment can increase the risk of prolonged redness, infection, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, loss of pigment and scarring. The goal is to balance visible improvement with safe healing.

Common treatment goals include depressed acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven texture, fine lines, sun damage and certain surgical or injury-related scars.

CO₂ laser treatment is mainly used to improve uneven skin texture, collagen loss and selected signs of ageing.

Common concerns that may be assessed include:

• Depressed acne scars
• Enlarged pores and rough texture
• Fine lines and some static wrinkles
• Sun-damaged and photoaged skin
• Mild skin laxity
• Certain surgical or injury-related scars
• Certain depressed scars on the body
• Surface damage and some uneven pigmentation.

The face is the most common treatment area. This includes the cheeks, temples, forehead and chin, where acne scars and enlarged pores often appear.

The mouth and eye areas may also be treated for fine lines. However, the skin in these areas is thinner and moves more often. Treatment settings must be adjusted carefully. Treatment close to the eyes also requires appropriate professional eye protection.

The neck, chest and body may also be assessed. However, these areas often have fewer oil glands and hair follicles than the face. They may heal more slowly and may have a different risk of pigmentation changes or scarring.

For this reason, settings designed for the full face should not automatically be used on the neck, chest or body.

CO₂ laser treatment is more suitable for depressed scars and texture concerns than for every type of scar. Raised, red or continuously thickening scars may require a different treatment approach. Scars that are inflamed, infected or not fully stable should usually be managed before laser treatment.

CO₂ laser treatment also cannot replace surgery for significant skin sagging, severe eye bags or very loose skin. The provider must first assess whether the main concern comes from the epidermis, dermis, fat, muscle or deeper skin laxity.

CO₂ laser treatment may improve the colour, width, depth and texture of some stretch marks. Several sessions are often needed, and complete removal cannot be guaranteed.

Stretch marks develop when the skin stretches quickly and the collagen and elastin fibres within the dermis become damaged or altered.

They are commonly linked to pregnancy. Similar marks may also develop after rapid weight gain, growth during puberty or a significant increase in muscle size.

Fractional CO₂ laser treatment creates many small treatment channels in the skin. These channels start the repair process and support collagen remodelling.

As the tissue gradually renews, some stretch marks may become lighter, narrower and smoother. The difference in colour and texture between the marks and the surrounding skin may also become less noticeable.

The result may depend on:

• How long the stretch marks have been present
• Their colour, depth and width
• The treatment area and size
• Skin tone and the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• The skin’s healing and collagen-producing ability
• The number of sessions completed
• The energy, depth and density used.

Newer stretch marks may still appear red or purple. Older stretch marks often become white or silver. These two types may respond differently and may require different treatment plans.

Older white stretch marks often require more sessions. Improvement may also develop more slowly.

Stretch marks commonly appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, breasts and upper arms. These areas may heal differently from the face. Redness, swelling, crusting, peeling or pigmentation changes may occur after treatment.

The main goal is to make the stretch marks lighter, smoother and less noticeable. The treatment cannot return the skin to exactly how it looked before the stretch marks developed.

A professional assessment is needed to review the type of stretch mark, skin tone and acceptable recovery time.

Some clients may notice an early improvement after one session. Acne scars, enlarged pores and more noticeable texture concerns often require several treatments. Results develop gradually over several months and can last for a long time, but they are not permanent.

There is no fixed number of CO₂ laser sessions that is suitable for everyone.

The treatment plan depends on the treatment intensity, scar type, severity of the concern, skin tone, healing ability and the level of improvement the client hopes to achieve.

Mild fine lines, rough texture or early sun damage may show a noticeable change after one session. Depressed acne scars, enlarged pores or deeper texture concerns often require several treatments to build results.

A more intensive session may produce a greater change each time. However, it also involves more recovery and a higher risk of side effects. A gentler treatment may require more sessions.

The first visible change usually comes from surface renewal. After crusting and peeling have settled, the skin may look smoother or brighter.

This is not the final result. Collagen production and remodelling take more time. Acne scars, pores and fine lines may continue to improve over the following weeks and months.

The number of sessions may depend on:

• The type, depth and size of the scars
• Whether fibrous tethering is present
• The treatment area and skin thickness
• The energy, depth and density used
• Skin tone and the risk of pigmentation
• Recovery after each treatment
• Whether active acne is still present
• Expectations for results and downtime.

Results from collagen remodelling can last for a long time. Improved scars do not immediately return to their original condition when treatment stops.

However, natural aging, sun exposure, smoking, lifestyle and new acne can continue to affect the skin. New inflammatory acne may also create new scars.

Maintenance treatment should be based on the client’s results and current skin condition. Not everyone needs to repeat CO₂ laser treatment every year.

Most fractional CO₂ laser sessions are spaced several weeks to several months apart. This gives the skin time to heal and allows collagen remodelling to continue.

CO₂ laser treatment creates small wounds in the skin and starts a deeper repair process. Enough time must be allowed between sessions for the surface to close, redness to settle and collagen remodelling to continue.

A gentler, lower-density treatment may be repeated after several weeks. A deeper or higher-density treatment may require a longer interval.

The next session should not be based only on a fixed calendar. The provider should assess whether the skin has truly recovered.

Before another session, the provider may check:

• Whether the skin has fully closed
• Whether crusting, oozing or open areas remain
• Whether redness is still present or getting worse
• Whether darkening, lightening or uneven pigmentation has developed
• Whether infection, herpes or another unusual reaction occurred
• How much improvement followed the previous session
• Whether the depth, density or treatment area should be changed.

The loss of surface crusts does not mean the skin has fully healed. Inflammation and collagen repair may still be active below the surface.

Treatments that are scheduled too close together may increase the risk of long-term sensitivity, prolonged redness, pigmentation changes and scarring.

A shorter interval does not always produce faster results. Complete and safe healing is usually more important than completing more sessions quickly.

The treatment may cause stinging, burning or a strong feeling of heat. Topical numbing cream is commonly used for fractional facial treatment. Larger or more intensive treatments may require additional anaesthesia or comfort measures.

CO₂ laser is an ablative treatment. It creates microscopic treatment channels in the skin. It usually feels more intense than non-ablative light or laser treatments.

Common sensations include stinging, burning, brief sharp discomfort and heat that continues for a period after treatment.

The level of discomfort depends on:

• Treatment depth and energy
• Treatment density
• Size of the treatment area
• Skin thickness in the area
• Whether the same area receives more than one pass
• Individual pain tolerance.

Areas with thicker skin, such as the cheeks, may be easier to tolerate. The upper lip, sides of the nose, hairline, cheekbones and eye area may feel more sensitive.

Topical numbing cream is commonly used before fractional facial CO₂ treatment. Enough time is allowed for the numbing effect to develop.

More intensive treatments, full-face resurfacing or deeper targeted treatment may require local anaesthesia, cooling air, pain medication or other comfort measures. The plan should be based on the client’s health and the treatment intensity.

Do not apply extra numbing cream, leave it on longer than instructed or take sedatives or pain medication without professional advice. Excessive use of some numbing products can cause skin irritation or more serious side effects.

Tell the provider immediately if you feel persistent sharp pain, unusually strong heat in one area or a sudden increase in pain.

More pain, heavier bleeding or thicker crusting does not mean that the treatment will produce a better result.

The laser treatment itself may take about 20 to 60 minutes. The full appointment also includes assessment, photography, cleansing, numbing and aftercare. It is best to allow enough time for the complete process.

The appointment length depends on the treatment area, size, depth and whether different settings are needed for different scars.

A small area or localized scar treatment may take less time. Full-face acne-scar treatment, treatment around the eyes or mouth, or a session that requires different settings for different areas will usually take longer.

The full appointment may include:

• Health and skin assessment
• Review of medications, herpes history and recent sun exposure
• Before-treatment photography
• Cleansing and disinfecting the area
• Application of numbing cream
• Waiting for the numbing cream to take effect
• Removal of the numbing cream and further cleansing
• Professional laser eye protection
• Test settings when needed
• The laser procedure
• Cooling, repair ointment or dressings
• Home-care instructions.

The numbing period may take longer than the laser procedure itself. The appointment should not be planned around the machine time alone.

After treatment, the provider also needs time to check the skin response. This helps confirm that there is no unusual bleeding, excessive injury or another immediate concern.

After a more intensive treatment, avoid planning a very busy schedule on the same day. Arrange transportation home and prepare the recommended aftercare products in advance.

Initial recovery usually takes several days to about two weeks. Deeper and denser treatments usually cause more redness, swelling, crusting and peeling.

Recovery depends on the treatment intensity, density, area, skin tone and individual healing ability.

A gentler fractional treatment may complete the first stage of surface healing within several days. A deeper, higher-density or full-face treatment may require close to two weeks or longer.

A common recovery pattern may include:

• First several hours: Strong heat, stinging, redness and swelling
• First few days: Oozing, pinpoint bleeding, roughness or a grid-like pattern
• Following days: Dryness, light crusting and peeling
• After the surface closes: New skin may look pink, sensitive or dry
• Following weeks: Redness and sensitivity gradually settle while collagen remodelling continues.

Swelling around the face and eyes may look more noticeable in the morning. Itching and tightness may occur as the crusting starts to come away. Do not scratch or peel the skin.

Returning to normal daily activities is not the same as complete skin recovery.

Some clients may return to work after the oozing and surface dryness improve. However, redness, peeling or a grid-like pattern may still be visible at close range.

Pinkness or redness may continue for several weeks. It may last longer after a more intensive treatment.

Allow extra recovery time before a wedding, photoshoot, trip or important event. Heavy makeup should not be used to cover skin that has not fully healed.

A deeper skin tone does not always prevent CO₂ laser treatment. However, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and uneven colour is often higher. Energy, depth and treatment density must be selected carefully.

CO₂ laser energy mainly targets water in the skin rather than melanin. However, the treatment creates surface injury and inflammation. This can still stimulate pigment cells and cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Clients with deeper skin tones may need a more conservative treatment plan. This also applies to people who easily develop dark marks after acne, injuries or laser treatments.

The risk may increase with:

• Excessive energy or treatment depth
• High treatment density
• Sun exposure after treatment
• Using acids or irritating products too early
• Picking or rubbing the crusts
• Infection or long-lasting inflammation
• Treatment sessions placed too close together
• Melasma or unstable pigmentation.

Fractional treatment leaves areas of untreated skin between the treatment channels. It usually heals faster than fully ablative resurfacing. However, it does not remove the risk of darkening, loss of pigment or scarring.

The pre-treatment assessment should include skin type, recent tanning, previous pigmentation reactions, melasma, skin-barrier health and past healing after lasers or injuries.

A small test area or a lower-density treatment may be considered when appropriate.

A deeper skin tone is not always an absolute reason to avoid treatment. However, the provider should have experience treating a range of skin tones. Careful sun protection and pigmentation management are also important before and after treatment.

Complete removal cannot be guaranteed. The goal is usually to make scars shallower, soften their edges, reduce shadows and improve overall texture.

Depressed acne scars form when inflammation damages the structure of the dermis.

CO₂ laser treatment supports surface renewal and collagen remodelling. This may help lift the base of some scars and soften their edges. As a result, the shadows created by the depressions may become less noticeable.

The level of improvement depends strongly on the scar type:

• Rolling scars: These are wider and have softer edges. Some may respond well to collagen-remodelling treatments.
• Boxcar scars: The result depends on the depth of the scar and how sharp the edges are.
• Ice-pick scars: These have a small opening but extend deeply into the skin. Full-area laser treatment alone may provide limited improvement.
• Tethered scars: Fibrous bands pull the scar downward. The tethering may need to be treated first.
• Mixed scars: Several scar types may appear on the same face. Different areas may require different treatment methods.

Acne-scar treatment does not usually return the skin to a condition where it looks as though acne never occurred. The goal is gradual improvement in depth, edges, shadows and overall smoothness.

Deeper or older scars usually require more sessions. They may also require other treatments as part of the same plan.

Results are also affected by skin tone, age, collagen response, treatment intensity and aftercare. Two clients who receive the same number of sessions may have different results.

Active inflammatory acne should be controlled first. Otherwise, new scars may continue to form while older scars are being treated.

If the treatment area has significant redness, pustules, cysts or infection, the active acne should usually be controlled before acne-scar treatment is considered.

CO₂ laser treatment is mainly used for established depressed acne scars, enlarged pores and texture concerns. It is not a main treatment for active inflammatory acne.

If the skin has many inflamed pimples, pustules, cysts, open wounds or drainage, ablative laser treatment may make the inflammation worse.

It may also increase the risk of bacterial infection, pigmentation changes and new scarring.

Inflammatory acne can also make treatment planning more difficult. The skin around a red or swollen lesion may be more sensitive than normal skin. Its response to laser energy may be less predictable.

Treating directly over active inflammation may not improve the acne. It may instead extend the recovery period.

A small number of stable blackheads, whiteheads or occasional minor pimples may not require the whole session to be cancelled. After assessment, the provider may avoid individual inflamed areas. Treatment may also be delayed until the skin is more stable.

Before treatment, the provider should assess:

• Whether the acne is still actively inflamed
• Whether cysts, pustules or infection are present
• Whether acne medication is being used
• Whether the client easily develops dark acne marks
• Whether new scars are still forming
• Whether the skin barrier is stable.

Acne control and acne-scar treatment are different stages. It is usually better to reduce new inflammation and scar formation before treating existing scars.

Yes. CO₂ laser treatment may improve enlarged pores, fine lines, rough texture and signs of sun damage. However, it cannot replace surgery for significant sagging or very loose skin.

CO₂ laser treatment works on both the skin’s surface and the dermis.

Surface renewal may improve roughness, dullness and some uneven pigmentation. The controlled thermal effect in the dermis supports collagen production and remodelling. This may make the skin look smoother and firmer over time.

Common treatment goals include:

• Fine lines around the eyes, forehead and mouth
• Enlarged or visible pores
• Rough or uneven texture
• Sun-related skin ageing
• Some superficial uneven pigmentation
• Mild loss of elasticity and mild skin laxity.

Pores do not truly “open” and “close.” CO₂ laser treatment may improve collagen support around the pores, surface roughness and some oil-related texture. This can make the pores look smaller.

The result will also depend on oil production, acne, age and skincare habits.

The improvement in fine lines depends on their cause. Static fine lines caused by sun damage and collagen loss may respond to laser resurfacing. Dynamic lines caused by repeated facial movement may show less improvement from CO₂ laser treatment alone.

Significant facial sagging, deep folds, eye bags, protruding fat or very loose skin involve deeper structures. These may include fat, ligaments and muscles.

CO₂ laser treatment cannot fully correct these concerns. The provider should first decide whether the main issue is texture, wrinkles or deeper structural laxity.

Some fine lines and mild skin laxity around the eyes may be treated with CO₂ laser. However, the eye area is delicate and carries greater risk. Professional assessment and appropriate eye protection are required.

CO₂ laser treatment may improve crow’s feet, static lines under the eyes, rough texture and mild eyelid laxity in selected clients.

The treatment supports surface renewal and collagen remodelling. This may gradually make the skin around the eyes look smoother.

However, concerns around the eyes can have many causes, including:

• Fine lines and collagen loss
• Eye bags or protruding fat
• Tear-trough hollows
• Vascular or pigmented dark circles
• Shadows caused by bone structure
• Significant eyelid drooping or loose skin.

CO₂ laser treatment mainly improves surface texture and some collagen-related concerns. It cannot directly remove eye-bag fat, fill a tear trough or improve every type of dark circle.

The cause of the concern must be assessed before treatment. This helps set realistic expectations.

Laser energy can seriously damage the cornea, lens and internal structures of the eye.

When the eyelid or an area very close to the eye is treated, professional eye protection suitable for the CO₂ laser wavelength and treatment location must be used.

Closing the eyes, using gauze or wearing an ordinary eye mask is not enough.

Tell the provider if you have had eye surgery, eyelid surgery, filler around the eyes, permanent eyeliner or vision-correction surgery.

Clients with glaucoma, dry-eye disease, retinal disease or another important eye condition also require individual assessment.

Yes. However, not every procedure should be performed on the same day. The order and timing depend on the treatment area, skin response and recovery.

Acne scars, enlarged pores and skin ageing may involve several layers of the skin. Some clients may benefit from combining CO₂ laser with other treatments as part of a long-term plan.

For example, rolling scars with strong fibrous tethering may require treatment of the bands pulling the scars downward.

Deep ice-pick scars may require a more localized and targeted treatment. CO₂ laser treatment may then help improve wider texture concerns, scar edges and collagen remodelling.

The provider should consider:

• Whether both treatments affect the same area
• Whether both treatments create wounds or strong inflammation
• Whether the skin barrier has fully recovered
• The location and timing of injectable products
• The client’s risk of pigmentation, infection or scarring
• The amount of downtime the client can accept
• The overall goals and treatment priorities.

Tell the provider if you recently received fillers, botox, collagen-stimulating injections, threads, microneedling, chemical peels or another laser treatment.

Provide the treatment name, date and area whenever possible.

Ablative CO₂ laser temporarily damages the skin barrier. Several intensive treatments should not be placed close together only to save time.

The loss of surface crusts does not mean that deeper inflammation and collagen repair are complete.

The goal is not to complete as many treatments as possible in one visit. The goal is to create a safe and logical plan based on the skin’s ability to heal.

Please disclose your health conditions, medications, allergies, herpes history, history of abnormal scarring, recent sun exposure and any recent surgery, injections or aesthetic treatments.

CO₂ laser treatment creates real wounds in the skin. A complete health screening and skin assessment are important before treatment.

Tell the provider if any of the following applies:

• You are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
• The treatment area has an open wound, infection, eczema, dermatitis or active acne
• You have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex
• You have a history of keloids, hypertrophic scars or abnormal healing
• You have diabetes, an immune condition, a bleeding disorder or another important medical condition
• You use anticoagulants, prescription medication or products that may affect healing
• You currently use or previously used oral isotretinoin
• You recently had strong sun exposure, sunburn, tanning-bed exposure or intentional tanning
• You previously developed darkening, loss of pigment or scarring after laser treatment
• You recently received injections, surgery, threads, microneedling, peels or another laser treatment
• The area contains permanent makeup, a tattoo or a suspicious pigmented lesion
• You are allergic to numbing products, antibiotics, dressings or skincare products.

A history of herpes is especially important. CO₂ laser treatment may reactivate a dormant herpes virus. Some clients may require preventive treatment under medical guidance.

Diabetes, reduced immune function, smoking and certain medications may delay healing. Anticoagulants and bleeding conditions may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.

These factors do not always mean that treatment is impossible. However, they may affect treatment suitability, anaesthesia, settings, preventive medication and recovery planning.

Do not stop prescription medication without medical advice. Do not hide recent treatments or products you are currently using.

The prescribing doctor or treatment provider may need to be consulted before the procedure.

Follow the provider’s instructions for cleansing and wound care. Keep the area protected and appropriately moisturized. Do not pick the crusts. Avoid irritating skincare, makeup, heat and heavy sweating until the skin has recovered.

The skin barrier is temporarily damaged after CO₂ laser treatment. Correct wound care supports healing and helps reduce the risk of infection, pigmentation changes and scarring.

Follow the instructions provided by the treatment clinic.

General aftercare may include:

• Clean the area with saline, cooled boiled water or the recommended method
• Use the recommended repair ointment, moisturizer or dressing
• Keep the area appropriately moisturized and avoid excessive drying
• Wash your hands before touching the area
• Use clean gauze and clean supplies
• Do not scratch, rub or peel the crusts
• Stop scrubs, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids and irritating brightening products
• Avoid hot water, saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga and heavy sweating
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs and activities that may increase infection risk
• Keep pet hair, dust and unclean items away from the healing skin.

Oozing or small crusts may appear during the first few days. Clean the area and reapply the recommended repair product as directed.

Do not avoid all cleansing because you are worried about getting the skin wet. However, do not over-clean or rub the area.

Wait until the skin has fully closed before applying makeup. There should be no oozing, open areas or significant crusting.

Applying makeup too early may increase irritation, blockage and infection risk.

Start sunscreen when the surface is ready for sunscreen products. Use hats, masks or other physical protection as directed.

The skin may remain more sensitive to sunlight for several weeks or months. Sun protection should continue beyond the first few days.

The timing for exercise, makeup and active skincare depends on the treatment intensity and the way the skin is healing. It should not be based only on a fixed number of days.

Common reactions include redness, swelling, burning, oozing, crusting and peeling. Less common but more important risks include infection, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, loss of pigment, prolonged redness, contact dermatitis and scarring.

Redness, swelling, heat, stinging, oozing, crusting and peeling are expected parts of the healing process for many clients.

A deeper or denser treatment usually causes a stronger reaction.

Some clients may also develop:

• Temporary itching or tightness
• A grid-like treatment pattern
• Temporary breakouts or milia
• Sensitivity to repair ointments or dressings
• Redness that continues for several weeks or longer.

More important risks include:

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: The treated area becomes darker. This is more common in deeper skin tones and in people who easily develop dark marks.
• Hypopigmentation: The treated area becomes lighter or loses pigment.
• Infection: This may be bacterial, fungal or viral.
• Herpes reactivation: This is more likely in clients with a history of cold sores.
• Contact dermatitis: Antibiotic ointments, dressings or skincare products may cause irritation or allergy.
• Prolonged redness: Redness may last longer after a more intensive treatment.
• Scarring or abnormal texture: This is less common but may occur after over-treatment, infection, picking or abnormal wound healing.

Treatment settings, client selection, clean technique and aftercare all affect the level of risk.

An experienced provider can reduce some risks, but no treatment can guarantee that side effects will not occur.

Before treatment, clients should understand the difference between normal healing and an abnormal reaction.

The clinic should also provide a clear plan for follow-up care and the management of complications.

The cost depends on the treatment area, size, depth, anaesthesia and recommended number of sessions. An accurate quote usually requires an in-person assessment.

There is no single price that represents every CO₂ laser treatment. The time, intensity, supplies and professional care can vary significantly between treatment plans.

Common treatment plans may include:

• Localized acne-scar treatment
• Full-face acne scars and enlarged pores
• Fine lines around the eyes or mouth
• Full-face texture renewal
• Scars on the neck, chest or body
• A gentler, lower-density treatment
• A deeper or more intensive treatment.

A full-face treatment usually requires more time than a small scar treatment.

The type of anaesthesia, dressings, repair products and follow-up appointments may also affect the total cost.

When requesting a quote, ask whether the price includes:

• The exact area and size
• Fractional or fully ablative treatment
• A uniform full-area treatment or additional work on selected scars
• Numbing cream, local anaesthesia or other comfort measures
• Post-treatment dressings and repair products
• Follow-up appointments and wound checks
• The recommended number of sessions and intervals
• Support if an unusual reaction develops.

Do not compare treatments only by the number of pulses, energy level or lowest single-session price.

Treatment quality also depends on the device, provider experience, treatment design, wound care and post-treatment support.

Contact the treatment provider promptly if pain or burning continues to worsen, swelling spreads, or you develop pus, an unusual smell, significant blistering, abnormal bleeding, rapid colour changes or eye symptoms.

Redness, swelling, warmth, mild stinging, oozing and crusting may be part of normal healing.

These reactions should gradually stabilize or improve. They should not continue to get worse.

Contact the treatment provider promptly if you develop:

• Pain or burning that continues to increase
• Symptoms that remain uncontrolled after following the recommended comfort measures
• Swelling that suddenly becomes worse, spreads or looks clearly uneven
• A large amount of pus, an unusual smell or strong local heat
• Fever, chills or general illness
• Large blisters, a clear burn or ongoing bleeding
• A sudden increase in wound drainage or an unusual drainage colour
• Signs of a cold-sore or herpes outbreak
• Ongoing drainage under the crusts or a wound that does not close
• Rapid darkening, whitening or a clear change in skin colour
• A hard lump, depression, raised area or scar change
• Eye pain, light sensitivity, ongoing tearing or a vision change.

When contacting the clinic, provide clear photographs when possible.

Record when the symptoms began, how quickly they changed, the level of pain, your temperature and any medication, ointment or skincare product used.

Do not puncture blisters, remove crusts, squeeze the skin or apply unapproved antibiotics, steroids or home remedies.

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you develop difficulty breathing, rapid swelling of the face or throat, sudden vision changes, heavy bleeding or another rapidly worsening serious symptom. Do not wait for the clinic to respond.