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Dr Brad's CO2 Laser Lesion Removal Aftercare Guide  

What to Expect After Treatment

Your unwanted skin lesions have been removed using CO2 laser ablation. This creates a shallow wound similar to a graze or abrasion that will heal over 10-21 days depending on the size, depth, and location of the lesion(s). The treated area will be red initially and will develop a scab as it heals.

Timeline of Healing

  • Days 0-2: Redness, mild swelling, possible slight oozing
  • Days 3-7: Scab formation; area may feel tight or itchy
  • Days 7-14: Scabs begin to fall off; pink skin appears underneath
  • Weeks 2-4: Pink mark gradually fades
  • Months 2-6: Continued colour normalisation to match surrounding skin

Immediate Post-Treatment (Day 0-1)

Initial Wound Care

  • An antibiotic ointment (Bactroban or Fucidin) and non-adherent dressing may be applied before you leave
  • Keep the dressing dry and in place for 24 hours
  • Some mild oozing or spotting through the dressing is normal

Comfort Measures

  • Mild discomfort is normal; take paracetamol if needed
  • Apply a cold compress around (not directly on) the dressing if there is swelling
  • Elevate the treated area if possible (e.g., if on a limb)

Days 1-14: Healing Phase

Dressing Removal (Day 1)

  • After 24 hours, gently remove the dressing
  • If it sticks, moisten it with cool water first
  • The treated area will look red, raw, or sore—this is normal

Cleansing

  • Begin gentle cleansing 1-2 times daily from Day 1
  • Use lukewarm water and mild soap or saline solution
  • Pat gently with clean gauze or soft cloth
  • Do not scrub or pick at the area
  • Pat dry thoroughly with a clean towel

Applying Antibiotic Ointment

  • After cleansing and drying, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if directed or you may also use Vaseline or Aquaphor as an alternative
  • Apply 2-3 times daily
  • Continue until the wound is fully healed (scabs have fallen off and skin is closed)

Dressing

  • Cover the treated area with a clean, non-adherent dressing or plaster
  • Change dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or soiled
  • Once a scab has formed (typically Days 3-5), you may leave the area uncovered if preferred and if protected from trauma and sun

Scab Formation and Care

  • A scab will form over the wound between Days 2-5—this is protective and normal
  • Do not pick, scratch, or remove the scab prematurely
  • Premature removal can lead to scarring, infection, and poor cosmetic results
  • Allow the scab to fall off naturally (typically Days 7-14)
  • Keep the scab moist with ointment to promote optimal healing

Days 14-28: Recovery Phase

Once Scab Falls Off

  • New pink skin will be visible—this is fresh, fragile skin
  • Discontinue antibiotic ointment unless otherwise directed
  • Apply gentle moisturiser 2-3 times daily
  • Protect the area from trauma, sun, and irritation

Sun Protection (Essential)

  • New skin is highly vulnerable to UV damage and hyperpigmentation
  • Apply SPF 50 sunscreen to the treated area daily
  • Reapply every 2 hours if exposed to sun
  • Keep area covered with clothing when possible
  • Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 6 weeks

Massage (Optional, After 2-3 Weeks)

  • Once the area is fully healed and the scab has completely fallen off, gentle massage may help soften the scar
  • Use moisturiser or silicone-based scar gel
  • Massage gently in circular motions for 2-3 minutes twice daily

Activity and Lifestyle Restrictions

Avoid for First Week:

  • Submerging the treated area in water (baths, swimming pools, hot tubs)
  • Strenuous exercise that causes sweating or friction on the treated area
  • Trauma or pressure on the treated site
  • Tight clothing that rubs the area (if on body)

Avoid for 2 Weeks:

  • Direct sun exposure to the treated area
  • Saunas, steam rooms
  • Shaving over the treated area
  • Applying makeup or cosmetics to the site

Avoid for 6 Weeks:

  • Excessive sun exposure (use sunscreen always)
  • Other treatments or procedures on the same area

Itching Management

If the Area Becomes Itchy (Common During Healing):

  • Do not scratch—this can damage healing tissue and introduce infection
  • Apply a cold compress
  • Gently tap or pat the area
  • Ensure the area is well moisturised
  • Take an oral antihistamine if itching is severe (e.g., Piriton/chlorphenamine)

Signs of Normal Healing vs. Infection

Normal Healing:

  • Pink to red colour around the wound
  • Mild warmth
  • Scab formation
  • Slight tenderness
  • Clear or slightly yellow fluid (serous discharge) in first few days

Possible Infection (Contact Clinic):

  • Increasing redness spreading beyond the treatment site
  • Significant swelling or warmth
  • Yellow or green pus
  • Increasing pain after Day 3
  • Red streaks extending from the wound
  • Fever or feeling unwell
  • Foul odour

Location-Specific Considerations

Facial Lesions

  • Healing typically faster (7-14 days)
  • More visible initially but usually excellent cosmetic results
  • Extra sun protection critical
  • May resume makeup once scab has fallen off

Body Lesions

  • May take longer to heal (10-21 days)
  • Protect from friction (clothing, bras, belts)
  • Keep area clean and dry

Lesions on Hands/Feet

  • Healing may be slower due to movement and moisture
  • Keep area dry and protected
  • Wear gloves or protective footwear if needed

Expected Results and Scarring

Cosmetic Outcome

  • Most lesions heal with excellent cosmetic results
  • Pink mark typically fades to match surrounding skin over 3-6 months
  • Minimal scarring when proper aftercare is followed
  • Final appearance assessment should be made at 6-12 months

Factors Affecting Scarring:

  • Following aftercare instructions (keeping area moist, not picking scabs)
  • Sun protection during healing
  • Individual healing characteristics and skin type
  • Location and size of original lesion

Recurrence

Viral Lesions (Warts)

  • May recur in some cases as CO2 laser does not eliminate the virus from your system
  • Recurrence rate is similar to other wart treatments
  • If recurrence occurs, additional treatment can be performed

Other Lesions

  • Properly ablated benign lesions (moles, keratoses, skin tags) rarely recur
  • New lesions may develop elsewhere
  • Monitor your skin and report any concerning changes

When to Contact Dr Brad's Clinic

Urgent (Same Day):

  • Signs of infection (pus, increasing redness, warmth, swelling)
  • Severe pain not controlled by over-the-counter pain relief
  • Fever or feeling systemically unwell
  • Excessive bleeding

Routine (Within a Few Days):

  • Concerns about healing progress
  • Unexpected appearance of the healing wound
  • Questions about aftercare

Long-Term Care

Sun Protection

  • Continue using high-SPF sunscreen on the treated area indefinitely
  • Sun exposure can cause the healed area to become darker than surrounding skin

Scar Management

  • Once fully healed, silicone-based scar gels or sheets may be used to optimise scar appearance
  • Gentle massage can help improve texture

Follow-Up

  • A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to assess healing
  • Take photographs to document your healing progress
  • Report any concerns promptly

General Advice for All CO2 Laser Treatments

Lifestyle Factors That Support Healing

Nutrition

  • Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc
  • Stay well hydrated (2 litres water daily)
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 7-14 days post-treatment (impairs healing)

Smoking

  • Do not smoke during the healing period
  • Smoking dramatically impairs wound healing and collagen formation
  • Increases risk of infection and poor scarring

Sleep

  • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly
  • Sleep with head elevated if facial treatment
  • Clean pillowcases daily during healing

Stress

  • Minimise stress—stress hormones can impair healing
  • Rest and relax during the recovery period

Sun Protection Cannot Be Overstated

Why Sun Protection is Critical:

  • UV exposure on healing or recently healed skin can cause permanent hyperpigmentation (dark marks)
  • This is especially important for patients with darker skin types (Fitzpatrick III-VI)
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can take months to years to fade if it occurs

How to Protect:

  • Use SPF 50 broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen daily
  • Reapply every 2 hours outdoors
  • Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
  • Seek shade
  • Avoid sun exposure between 10am-4pm
  • Use sun protection even on cloudy days and indoors near windows

Contact Information

For any concerns, questions, or complications, please contact us

In Case of Emergency:
If you experience severe symptoms outside of clinic hours (severe pain, signs of serious infection, allergic reaction, breathing difficulties), seek immediate medical attention at your nearest Emergency Department or call 999.

 

Final Notes

These aftercare instructions are based on current best practice and are designed to optimise your healing and results. Every patient heals differently, and you may experience variations from the timelines described. The most important principles are:

  1. Keep the treated area moist (for resurfacing) or clean and protected (for lesion removal)
  2. Do not pick, scratch, or interfere with scabs or peeling skin
  3. Protect from sun exposure rigorously
  4. Watch for signs of infection and seek help promptly
  5. Follow the instructions exactly as provided

Your commitment to proper aftercare will directly impact your results. If you have any questions or concerns at any point during your recovery, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Brad's clinic.

We are here to support you through your healing journey and help you achieve the best possible outcomes.