Post care information

Needle entry points, redness, bruising, swelling and asymmetry around injection sites immediately after treatment is normal due to the very nature of the treatment.

There may also be some tenderness present as the bruising and inflammation sets in. These symptoms will resolve over the next 2-7 days, depending on your individual response to the treatment. It may take a full 2-4 weeks for all swelling to settle; until this time we cannot re-treat.

For 24 hours avoid:

• Touching your face

• Applying makeup

• Skincare with active ingredients

For 48 hours avoid:

• Intense physical activity

• Sleeping on side or front

• Spa's/Saunas

• Massage/facials

• Touching/rubbing/massaging/exfoliating/applying pressure to treated areas

• Alcohol & blood thinning medications

For 7 days avoid:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes

Needle entry points, redness, bruising, swelling and asymmetry around injection sites immediately after treatment is normal due to the very nature of the treatment.

There may also be some tenderness present as the bruising and inflammation sets in. These symptoms will resolve over the next 2-7 days, depending on your individual response to the treatment. It may take a full 2-4 weeks for all swelling to settle; until this time we cannot re-treat.

For 24 hours avoid:

• Touching your face

• Applying makeup

• Skincare with active ingredients

For 48 hours avoid:

• Intense physical activity

• Sleeping on side or front

• Spa's/Saunas

• Massage/facials

• Touching/rubbing/massaging/exfoliating/applying pressure to treated areas

• Alcohol & blood thinning medications

For 7 days avoid:

• Avoid wearing glasses altogether, or use the type of glasses that rest on the sides of the nasal bridge rather than directly on the bridge.

Some swelling, bruising and tenderness in the first one to two weeks is completely normal and part of how the treatment works. How you look after the area in these early days has a direct effect on your final result, so please read this through and follow it closely.

Compression garment

This is one of the most important parts of your aftercare.

For the first three days, wear your garment non-stop, day and night. Remove it only briefly to wash the area, do your massage and wash the garment, then put it straight back on.

After the first three days, keep wearing it as much as possible for a full month, including while you sleep and for at least one to two hours during the day. The more consistently you wear it, the better it controls swelling and helps your result settle smoothly.

It should feel snug and supportive, but never so tight that it digs in.

Head position and sleep

For the first week, sleep with your head raised on two or three pillows. Keeping your head above your heart overnight helps fluid drain away and noticeably reduces morning swelling. Try to avoid sleeping face down.

Massage

Firm massage is essential to a good result, so please do not skip it. Massage the treated areas exactly as shown at your appointment, two to three times a day, for 15 to 30 minutes each time. Massage encourages lymphatic drainage, softens any firmness and helps swelling settle faster. It may feel tender at first, but keeping it up over the first few weeks makes a real difference to your final result.

Pain relief

Any discomfort is usually mild and settles quickly. Please avoid paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin for the first few days if you can. If you feel you need something for pain, contact us first and we will advise you on what is best to take.

Shaving and washing your hair

You can shave the treated area and wash your hair from day two. When you shave, go gently and avoid pressing on any areas that still feel tender or firm.

Make-up and touching the area

Avoid make-up for the first 24 to 48 hours to let the skin settle. Do not touch, press or rub the treated areas beyond your prescribed massage. Try not to pick at the area or examine it constantly, as this can irritate the skin and slow healing.

Skincare and sun protection

Keep your routine gentle while you heal. Avoid harsh products, active ingredients and exfoliants for at least one week, then return to your usual products gradually. Keep the treated areas out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks. After that, apply SPF 50 every day to protect your skin and your result.

Exercise

For 7 to 14 days, avoid strenuous exercise and anything that pushes blood to the face, including high-intensity workouts, hot yoga, heavy lifting and vigorous cardio. Gentle walking and light day-to-day activity are absolutely fine and even help circulation, so there is no need to rest completely.

Heat

Avoid saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds and very hot showers or baths for at least seven days. Heat widens the blood vessels and can make swelling and bruising worse, so keep things cool and comfortable while you heal.

Diet and hydration

Follow a low-salt diet for two weeks. Too much salt encourages your body to hold on to fluid, which can prolong swelling. Drink at least two litres of water a day to stay well hydrated and support healing.

Smoking and alcohol

Avoid both while you heal. Smoking restricts blood flow and slows the body's ability to repair itself, and alcohol thins the blood and increases swelling and bruising. The longer you can avoid them, the smoother your recovery is likely to be.

What to expect

Some bruising and swelling is expected and usually lasts one to two weeks. Some patients have more noticeable swelling for a little longer, along with temporary lumps, firmness or areas that feel uneven. This is a normal part of healing and settles gradually as your body recovers and the massage does its work. Try not to judge your result in the early weeks, as the tissue is still settling.

Recovery timeline

Day 1 to 3: Swelling and any bruising are at their most noticeable.

Day 4 to 7: Swelling begins to reduce and bruising starts to fade.

Day 8 to 14: Most visible signs of treatment resolve and you feel more like yourself.

Day 15 onwards: Gradual improvement continues as the deeper tissue settles.

Month 2 to 3: Early results begin to show as new collagen forms.

Final results are typically visible after three to six months, as your body continues to produce new collagen and break down fat cells. Depending on your goals, more than one session may be recommended for the best outcome. Dr Karwal will discuss this with you at your follow-up.

Follow-up appointments

Please attend all of your scheduled follow-up appointments so we can check your healing and make sure you are happy with how things are settling. These visits are an important part of your care.

When to contact us

Please contact us if you experience severe or increasing pain, swelling or bruising that is getting worse rather than better, any signs of infection such as heat, pus or spreading redness, a fever, or if you have any other concerns about your recovery. We would always rather hear from you and reassure you than have you worry at home.

Some swelling, bruising and tenderness in the first one to two weeks is completely normal and part of how the treatment works. The care you take in these early days plays an active part in your final result, so please read this through and follow it closely.

Compression garment

This is one of the most important parts of your aftercare. Wear your abdominal compression garment non-stop, day and night, for the first three days, removing it only briefly to wash the area and the garment before putting it straight back on. After the first three days, keep it on as much as possible for a full month, including while you sleep. The more consistently you wear it, the better it controls swelling and helps your result settle smoothly. It should feel snug and supportive but never so tight that it digs in.

Sleep position

For the first week, try to avoid sleeping on your front, as this puts pressure on the treated area. Sleeping on your back or your side is fine.

Massage

Firm massage is essential to a good result, so please do not skip it. Massage the treated areas exactly as shown in your appointment, two to three times a day for 15 to 30 minutes each session. This encourages lymphatic drainage, softens any firmness and speeds up how quickly swelling settles. It may feel tender at first, but consistency over the first few weeks makes a real difference to the final result.

Pain relief and medication

Any discomfort is usually mild and settles quickly. Try to avoid paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin if possible in the first few days. If you feel you need something for pain, please contact us first so we can advise you on what is best to take.

Clothing and the treated area

Wear loose, comfortable clothing over your garment and avoid tight waistbands or belts that press on the treated area. Do not touch, press or rub the treated areas beyond your prescribed massage, and try not to pick at or examine them constantly, as this can irritate the skin and slow healing.

Skincare and sun protection

Keep your routine gentle while you heal. Avoid harsh body products, body scrubs, exfoliants and fake tan on the treated area for at least one week, then return to your usual products gradually. Keep the treated areas out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks, then apply an SPF 50 whenever the area is exposed to protect your skin and your result.

Exercise and movement

Avoid strenuous exercise and anything that strains the abdomen for 7 to 14 days, including sit-ups, crunches, planks and other core work, high-intensity workouts, hot yoga, heavy lifting and vigorous cardio. Gentle walking and light day-to-day activity are absolutely fine and even help circulation, so there is no need to rest completely.

Heat

Avoid saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds and very hot showers or baths for at least 7 days. Heat widens the blood vessels and can make swelling and bruising worse, so keep things cool and comfortable while you heal.

Diet and hydration

Follow a low-sodium diet for two weeks, as too much salt encourages your body to hold on to fluid and can prolong swelling. Drink at least two litres of water a day to stay well hydrated and support healing.

Smoking and alcohol

Avoid both while you heal. Smoking restricts blood flow and slows the body's ability to repair itself, while alcohol thins the blood and increases swelling and bruising. The longer you can avoid them, the smoother your recovery is likely to be.

What is normal

Some bruising and swelling is expected and usually lasts one to two weeks. Some patients experience moderate to severe swelling for a little longer, along with temporary lumps, firmness or areas that feel uneven. This is a normal part of healing and settles gradually as your body recovers and the massage does its work. Try not to judge your result in the early weeks, as the tissue is still settling.

Expected recovery timeline

Day 1 to 3: mild to moderate swelling and possible bruising, at their most noticeable.

Day 4 to 7: swelling begins to reduce and bruising starts to fade.

Day 8 to 14: most visible signs of treatment resolve and you feel more like yourself.

Day 15 onwards: gradual improvement continues as the deeper tissue settles.

Month 2 to 3: early results begin to show as new collagen forms.

Final results are typically visible after three to six months, as your body continues to produce new collagen and break down fat cells. Depending on your goals, more than one session may be recommended for the best outcome. Dr Karwal will discuss this with you at your follow-up.

Follow-up appointments

Please attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing, check your progress and make sure you are happy with how things are settling. These visits are an important part of your care.

When to contact us

Contact us straight away if you experience severe or increasing pain, unusual or worsening swelling or bruising, signs of infection such as heat, pus or spreading redness, persistent redness, a fever, or if you have any other concerns about your recovery. We would always rather hear from you and reassure you than have you worry at home.

Some swelling, bruising and tenderness in the first one to two weeks is completely normal and part of how the treatment works. The care you take in these early days plays an active part in your final result, so please read this through and follow it closely.

Compression garment

This is one of the most important parts of your aftercare. Wear your arm compression garment non-stop, day and night, for the first three days, removing it only briefly to wash the area and the garment before putting it straight back on. After the first three days, keep it on as much as possible for a full month, including while you sleep. The more consistently you wear it, the better it controls swelling and helps your result settle smoothly. It should feel snug and supportive but never so tight that it digs in.

Arm position and sleep

When resting, keep your arms raised on pillows where possible, as this helps fluid drain away and reduces swelling. For the first week, try to avoid sleeping on your side with your weight on a treated arm. Sleeping on your back with your arms supported is best.

Massage

Firm massage is essential to a good result, so please do not skip it. Massage the treated areas exactly as shown in your appointment, two to three times a day for 15 to 30 minutes each session. This encourages lymphatic drainage, softens any firmness and speeds up how quickly swelling settles. It may feel tender at first, but consistency over the first few weeks makes a real difference to the final result.

Pain relief and medication

Any discomfort is usually mild and settles quickly. Try to avoid paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin if possible in the first few days. If you feel you need something for pain, please contact us first so we can advise you on what is best to take.

Clothing and the treated area

Wear loose, comfortable clothing over your garment and avoid tight sleeves or straps that press on the treated area. Do not touch, press or rub the treated areas beyond your prescribed massage, and try not to pick at or examine them constantly, as this can irritate the skin and slow healing.

Skincare and sun protection

Keep your routine gentle while you heal. Avoid harsh body products, body scrubs, exfoliants and fake tan on the treated area for at least one week, then return to your usual products gradually. Keep the treated areas out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks, then apply an SPF 50 whenever the area is exposed to protect your skin and your result.

Exercise and movement

Avoid heavy lifting, including anything over 2kg, and strenuous exercise for 7 to 14 days. This includes upper body and arm workouts, press-ups, high-intensity workouts, hot yoga and vigorous cardio. Gentle walking and light day-to-day activity are absolutely fine and even help circulation, so there is no need to rest completely.

Heat

Avoid saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds and very hot showers or baths for at least 7 days. Heat widens the blood vessels and can make swelling and bruising worse, so keep things cool and comfortable while you heal.

Diet and hydration

Follow a low-sodium diet for two weeks, as too much salt encourages your body to hold on to fluid and can prolong swelling. Drink at least two litres of water a day to stay well hydrated and support healing.

Smoking and alcohol

Avoid both while you heal. Smoking restricts blood flow and slows the body's ability to repair itself, while alcohol thins the blood and increases swelling and bruising. The longer you can avoid them, the smoother your recovery is likely to be.

What is normal

Some bruising and swelling is expected and usually lasts one to two weeks. Some patients experience moderate to severe swelling for a little longer, along with temporary lumps, firmness or areas that feel uneven. This is a normal part of healing and settles gradually as your body recovers and the massage does its work. Try not to judge your result in the early weeks, as the tissue is still settling.

Expected recovery timeline

Day 1 to 3: mild to moderate swelling and possible bruising, at their most noticeable.

Day 4 to 7: swelling begins to reduce and bruising starts to fade.

Day 8 to 14: most visible signs of treatment resolve and you feel more like yourself.

Day 15 onwards: gradual improvement continues as the deeper tissue settles.

Month 2 to 3: early results begin to show as new collagen forms.

Final results are typically visible after three to six months, as your body continues to produce new collagen and break down fat cells. Depending on your goals, more than one session may be recommended for the best outcome. Dr Karwal will discuss this with you at your follow-up.

Follow-up appointments

Please attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing, check your progress and make sure you are happy with how things are settling. These visits are an important part of your care.

When to contact us

Contact us straight away if you experience severe or increasing pain, unusual or worsening swelling or bruising, signs of infection such as heat, pus or spreading redness, persistent redness, a fever, or if you have any other concerns about your recovery. We would always rather hear from you and reassure you than have you worry at home.

How your skin heals after fractional CO₂ resurfacing depends as much on how you look after it as on the treatment itself. This guide covers everything you need to do in the four weeks after your treatment. Please read it fully and keep it to hand during your recovery.

Part One: What to expect as your skin heals

The timings below describe a light or medium CO₂ treatment, which is what most people have. If Dr Karwal has treated you at a deep setting, every stage takes a few extra days, so your recovery will run a little past the days given here. Your depth is decided at your consultation, so you will already know which of these applies to you.

First 24 to 72 hours

Immediately afterwards your skin will feel hot and tight, much like a strong sunburn, and will look red or flushed. Swelling is common and tends to peak around day two or three, particularly across the cheeks and around the eyes, and you may notice the eye area feels puffy first thing in the morning. A small amount of pinpoint bleeding or clear to slightly yellow oozing and weeping from the skin can occur in the first day and is normal. This is an expected part of healing. We will give you sterile gauze for this. On the first day, gently dab any oozing away with it so it does not run down your face. Dab only, never wipe or rub, and use a fresh piece each time. You are unlikely to need it beyond the first day.

This is the most uncomfortable phase, and keeping the skin well covered and elevated makes a real difference. Sleep elevated on extra pillows for the first two to four nights to noticeably reduce overnight swelling, especially around the eyes.

Days three to seven

The redness settles into a bronzed or darker tone and the skin takes on a rough, sandpaper texture. Tiny brown flecks, sometimes described as micro-crusting, appear across the treated area. Around this point the skin begins to flake and peel as the damaged surface sloughs away to reveal new skin beneath. This peeling can feel itchy and look dramatic, but it is exactly what should happen. The single most important rule of this phase is to let it come away on its own. Do not pick, scratch, rub or peel the skin.

Week one to two

After a light or medium treatment the skin usually closes at around day six or seven, and the last of the flaking finishes over the following few days, leaving fresh pink skin. After a deep treatment this takes a few extra days, so do not measure yourself against these days if your treatment was deep. The pinkness is normal and fades gradually. Once the skin is intact and no longer raw, you can usually return to gentle makeup, though check with us first. Mild dryness, tightness and the occasional itch can linger as the new skin matures.

The weeks and months ahead

A pink or rosy tone can persist for several weeks, and occasionally longer, before the skin returns to its normal colour. The deeper benefit, the collagen remodelling that improves texture, fine lines and scarring, develops slowly over the following two to three months and beyond, so the final result is not what you see at week two but what emerges over time. If you have a deeper or more easily pigmented skin tone, there is a higher chance of temporary darkening of the treated area, which is why strict sun protection matters so much.

Part Two: How to care for your skin

Keep it clean and gentle

From the day after treatment, cleanse with cool or lukewarm water and the Dermol 500 cleanser we have given you, using your fingertips only and never a flannel, brush or anything abrasive. Pat dry with a clean soft towel rather than rubbing. Then apply the petroleum jelly we have given you generously all over the treated area. Do this four times a day for the first five days, and keep going to day six or seven if your skin has not yet closed, or for seven to ten days if you have had a deep treatment. Your face must never be allowed to dry out, so reapply the petroleum jelly whenever the skin feels tight or looks dull, as often as you need to through the day and before bed. Keeping it constantly covered is the single most important thing you can do in these first days. Do not apply ice to the skin.

Keep it moist and protected

Healing skin must not be allowed to dry out and crust hard. Apply the petroleum jelly generously and as often as needed to keep the surface comfortable and slightly glossy, reapplying whenever it feels tight. As the skin closes you can move to a lighter layer. A well moisturised wound heals faster and with less risk of texture changes.

At day six, look at your skin. If it has closed, meaning it is no longer open, raw, weeping or oozing anywhere, you can stop the petroleum jelly and start your SPF 50 that morning. If any part of it is still open or weeping, carry on with the petroleum jelly and no SPF until day seven, then look again. If it is still not closed at day seven, keep going with the petroleum jelly and email a photograph to contact@karwalaesthetics.com so we can advise. This is more likely after a deep treatment, where healing takes longer. If you have had a deep treatment, make this check at seven to ten days rather than at day six.

Nothing else goes on the skin in the meantime. No makeup and no other product. Once your skin has closed, you can use a simple fragrance free moisturiser alongside your SPF 50. After a deep treatment this is different, and the cleanser and petroleum jelly stay as the only things on your skin for longer, as set out in Part Three.

Showering and washing your hair

You can wash your hair from three days after treatment, but keep harsh soap, shampoo and hot water away from the treated skin. Tilt your head straight back with your back to the shower nozzle so the water and shampoo run down your back rather than over your face, and it helps to have someone rinse for you if that is an option. Use lukewarm or cool water rather than hot water or heavy steam, keep showers short, and use a mild or baby shampoo, taking care that no suds run onto the healing skin. Reapply your petroleum jelly to the treated area as soon as you have finished.

Shaving

Avoid shaving the treated area until the skin has fully healed and all peeling has finished, usually 7 to 10 days. An electric shaver is the gentler first option. Hold off on a wet shave with a razor until the skin is fully settled, as the blade can disturb fragile new skin.

Pain and discomfort

If your face feels sore or hot, take 1000 mg of paracetamol every six hours as needed, up to a maximum of four doses and 4000 mg in twenty four hours. Do not take ibuprofen. Itching is common as the skin heals. If the treated area feels itchy, spray a solution of two tablespoons of white vinegar in one cup of water over it. Do not scratch your face, and if the itching is not settling, tell us.

Sun protection

For the first five to seven days after treatment, while the skin is still closing, do not go out in the sun at all. You cannot use SPF on skin that is still open, so staying indoors and out of direct sun is the only protection you have at this stage. If you do have to go outside, wear a wide brimmed hat and keep to the shade.

From day six, once your skin has closed, apply your broad spectrum SPF 50 every morning and reapply through the day. Most people are ready by day six or seven. If any part of your skin is still open at day seven, do not apply SPF to it, stay out of the sun and email a photograph to contact@karwalaesthetics.com so we can advise. Stay out of direct sun for four weeks after your treatment, keeping to the shade and wearing a wide brimmed hat whenever you are outdoors, and treat bright overcast days the same as sunny ones. No sunbeds, no tanning injections and no fake tan of any kind for those four weeks. New skin is extremely vulnerable to burning and to pigment changes, so sun protection is the most important long term step you can take to protect your result and minimise the risk of hyperpigmentation. Continue daily SPF well beyond the initial recovery.

If you have had a deep treatment, your skin takes longer to close, so do not go out in the sun at all for the first seven to ten days and wear your wide brimmed hat whenever you are outdoors. From seven to ten days you can start your SPF 50, as long as the skin has closed and is no longer raw, weeping or oozing anywhere. If you are not sure, email a photograph to contact@karwalaesthetics.com and we will tell you.

Pets

During your recovery, do not touch your pets and be careful of pet fur sticking to your face, as this can cause infection.

Support your healing

Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals to support your skin's healing process and collagen production.

Part Three: What to avoid

Do not pick, scratch, rub or peel the skin, and do not pull at flaking edges however tempting it is, as this is the most common cause of scarring and pigment marks.

If you were using retinoids such as tretinoin, retinol or adapalene, a vitamin C serum, or exfoliating acids such as glycolic, lactic, mandelic or salicylic before your treatment, you may restart them two weeks after your treatment, once the skin has fully closed and settled. Keep wearing your SPF 50 every morning as you bring these back in, because they make the skin more sensitive to light. Scrubs and anything labelled brightening or resurfacing wait until four weeks. All of this applies only if you were using these products beforehand. If you were not using them, do not introduce them during your recovery, and speak to us first and we will advise on the right time to start.

Avoid waxing, plucking, threading, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and other professional skin treatments for four weeks. Avoid sunbeds, tanning injections and fake tan of any kind for four weeks, and wear your SPF 50 and a wide brimmed hat throughout. Avoid makeup until the skin has fully closed and you have been cleared to use it.

Keep away from heat and sweat for the first two weeks, which means no saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga or strenuous exercise, and no swimming pools because of the chlorine and infection risk.

Avoid alcohol and smoking during recovery, as both slow healing and worsen swelling. Do not use any product on the area that we have not approved.

If you have had a deep treatment, the skincare timings above do not apply to you. For the first seven to ten days nothing goes on your skin except the Dermol 500 cleanser and the petroleum jelly. That means no moisturisers, no healing balms and no other product of any kind, however gentle it looks. Your SPF 50 starts at seven to ten days, as long as the skin has closed and is no longer raw, weeping or oozing anywhere, and your usual skincare waits until the four weeks are up. If you are not sure whether your skin is ready, email a photograph to contact@karwalaesthetics.com and we will tell you. Staying out of the sun, keeping to the shade and wearing your wide brimmed hat apply from day one.

Your sun protection at a glance

Broad spectrum SPF 50, a wide brimmed hat, staying out of direct sun and no tanning of any kind all run for four weeks after your treatment. The only days you do not wear SPF are the first five to seven days after treatment, while the skin is still closing and staying indoors and out of the sun is your only protection. After a deep treatment that first stretch runs to seven to ten days, with no sun at all and the hat whenever you are outdoors, and your SPF starts then once the skin has closed.

When to contact us

Some discomfort, redness, swelling, oozing, weeping and itching are all normal. You should contact the clinic promptly if you notice signs that go beyond expected healing, such as pain that is increasing rather than easing, spreading or intense redness, heat and tenderness, thick yellow or green discharge, a foul smell, blistering, or a fever. The early signs of a developing cold sore, including tingling or clustered spots, should also be reported straight away so we can act quickly. Trust your instinct, and if something does not feel right we would always rather hear from you.

Your review

We will see you for follow-up reviews at 3 months and 6 months so Dr Karwal can assess your healing progress and discuss any further treatment plans. Please keep both appointments even if your skin feels completely healed. If you have any questions during your recovery, the team at Karwal Aesthetics is always here to help.

Karwal Aesthetics | 07340 664 388 | contact@karwalaesthetics.com | karwalaesthetics.com

How your abdomen heals after fractional CO₂ resurfacing depends as much on how you look after it as on the treatment itself. This guide covers everything you need to do in the four weeks after your treatment. Please read it fully and keep it to hand during your recovery.

Skin on the body heals more slowly than skin on the face, so every stage below takes a little longer than you may have read about facial treatments. The timings here are for the abdomen.

Getting ready at home

We provide the Dermol 500 cleanser, petroleum jelly and sterile gauze on the day, so there is no need to buy those. Before your treatment, have paracetamol at home, plus a few loose, soft cotton tops and old underwear you do not mind marking with petroleum jelly, and your broad spectrum SPF 50 ready for when the skin has closed. If you prefer, you can also buy Aquaphor Healing Ointment and use it in place of the petroleum jelly we provide.

Part One: What to expect as your skin heals

First 24 to 72 hours

Immediately afterwards the treated skin will feel hot and tight, much like a strong sunburn, and will look red or flushed. Some swelling is normal and tends to peak around day two or three. A small amount of pinpoint bleeding or clear to slightly yellow oozing and weeping from the skin can occur in the first day or two and is an expected part of healing. We will give you sterile gauze for this. Gently dab any oozing away with it so it does not run or soak into your clothing. Dab only, never wipe or rub, and use a fresh piece each time.

This is the most uncomfortable phase, and keeping the skin well covered with petroleum jelly and protected from rubbing makes a real difference.

Days three to ten

The redness settles into a bronzed or darker tone and the skin takes on a rough, sandpaper texture. Tiny brown flecks, sometimes described as micro-crusting, appear across the treated area. Around this point the skin begins to flake and peel as the damaged surface sloughs away to reveal new skin beneath. This peeling can feel itchy and look dramatic, but it is exactly what should happen. The single most important rule of this phase is to let it come away on its own. Do not pick, scratch, rub or peel the skin, and do not let clothing rub it away either.

Week two

The skin on the abdomen usually closes at around day seven to ten, and the last of the flaking finishes over the following few days, leaving fresh pink skin. The pinkness is normal and fades gradually. Mild dryness, tightness and the occasional itch can linger as the new skin matures.

The weeks and months ahead

A pink or rosy tone can persist for several weeks, and on the body often longer than on the face, before the skin returns to its normal colour. The deeper benefit, the collagen remodelling that improves texture, laxity, stretch marks and scarring, develops slowly over the following two to three months and beyond, so the final result is not what you see at week two but what emerges over time. If you have a deeper or more easily pigmented skin tone, there is a higher chance of temporary darkening of the treated area, which is why strict sun protection matters so much.

Part Two: How to care for your skin

Keep it clean and gentle

From the day after treatment, cleanse the treated area with cool or lukewarm water and the Dermol 500 cleanser we have given you, using your fingertips only and never a flannel, sponge or anything abrasive. Pat dry with a clean soft towel rather than rubbing. Then apply the petroleum jelly we have given you generously all over the treated area. Do this four times a day until the skin has closed, which on the abdomen is usually seven to ten days. The treated skin must never be allowed to dry out, so reapply the petroleum jelly whenever it feels tight or looks dull, as often as you need to through the day and before bed. Keeping it constantly covered is the single most important thing you can do in these first days. Do not apply ice to the skin.

Keep it moist and protected

Healing skin must not be allowed to dry out and crust hard. Apply the petroleum jelly generously and as often as needed to keep the surface comfortable and slightly glossy. As the skin closes you can move to a lighter layer. A well moisturised wound heals faster and with less risk of texture changes.

At day seven, look at your skin. If it has closed, meaning it is no longer open, raw, weeping or oozing anywhere, you can stop the petroleum jelly and start your SPF 50 that morning. If any part of it is still open or weeping, carry on with the petroleum jelly and no SPF, and look again every day. If it is still not closed at day ten, keep going with the petroleum jelly and email a photograph to contact@karwalaesthetics.com so we can advise.

Nothing else goes on the skin in the meantime. No body lotion, oils, balms or any other product. Once your skin has closed, you can use a simple fragrance free moisturiser alongside your SPF 50.

Clothing

What you wear matters more on the abdomen than anywhere else, because clothing sits directly on the healing skin. Wear loose, soft, breathable clothing, ideally cotton, that does not press, rub or cling to the treated area. Avoid tight waistbands, belts, shapewear, tights and anything with seams or elastic across the treatment area until the skin has fully closed. Petroleum jelly will mark clothing, so wear old or dark tops and underwear you do not mind staining, and change into clean clothes daily. If the jelly is transferring onto your clothing, you can lay a piece of the sterile gauze we have given you loosely over the area, but never a plaster or anything adhesive, and never anything that pulls at the skin when you take it off.

Piercings

If you have a navel piercing, it comes out before your treatment and stays out until the skin has fully closed and all peeling has finished, so it does not catch the healing skin or hold bacteria against it.

Showering and bathing

You can shower 24 to 48 hours after your CO₂ laser treatment, but use lukewarm water and avoid letting the shower stream hit your abdomen directly. Keep soap and shampoo away from the treated area, keep showers short, and avoid hot water or heavy steam. Cleanse the treated skin only with the Dermol 500 cleanser, pat it dry gently and reapply your petroleum jelly as soon as you have finished.

Once the skin has closed and all peeling has finished, you can have a short, lukewarm bath without bubble bath, oils or salts. Pools, hot tubs and sea water stay off limits for the full four weeks.

Hair removal

Do not shave, wax, pluck or use hair removal cream on the treated area until the skin has fully healed and all peeling has finished, and hold off on waxing or any other hair removal treatment on the area for the full four weeks.

Pain and discomfort

If the area feels sore or hot, take 1000 mg of paracetamol every six hours as needed, up to a maximum of four doses and 4000 mg in twenty four hours. Do not take ibuprofen. Itching is common as the skin heals. If the treated area feels itchy, spray a solution of two tablespoons of white vinegar in one cup of water over it. Do not scratch, and if the itching is not settling, tell us.

Sun protection

While the skin is still closing, usually the first seven to ten days, it must not see any sun at all. You cannot use SPF on skin that is still open, so keeping the area covered with loose clothing and staying out of direct sun is the only protection you have at this stage.

Once your skin has closed, apply your broad spectrum SPF 50 to the treated area every morning and reapply whenever it is uncovered. For the full four weeks after your treatment keep the area covered with clothing whenever you are outdoors, and treat bright overcast days the same as sunny ones. No sunbathing, no sunbeds, no tanning injections and no fake tan of any kind for those four weeks. New skin is extremely vulnerable to burning and to pigment changes, and the abdomen is particularly prone to lasting darkening if it is exposed too early. Sun protection is the most important long term step you can take to protect your result. Continue daily SPF on the area well beyond the initial recovery, especially before any holiday.

Movement and sleep

Avoid anything that makes you bend, twist or stretch the abdomen repeatedly in the first week, and avoid lifting anything heavy. Sleeping on your back is most comfortable and keeps bedding from rubbing the area. Use clean, soft bedding and change it regularly while the skin is open.

In the first week, a seatbelt, a bag strap or a waistband sitting across the treated area will rub it. Place a folded clean cotton cloth or a piece of gauze under the belt if you need to drive, choose seats that let you sit upright rather than hunched, and avoid long journeys in the first few days where you can.

Pets

During your recovery, keep your pets away from the treated area and be careful of pet fur sticking to the skin, as this can cause infection.

Support your healing

Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals to support your skin's healing process and collagen production.

Part Three: What to avoid

Do not pick, scratch, rub or peel the skin, and do not pull at flaking edges however tempting it is, as this is the most common cause of scarring and pigment marks.

If you were using retinoids, a vitamin C serum, exfoliating acids or any stretch mark or scar product on the area before your treatment, you may restart them two weeks after your treatment, once the skin has fully closed and settled, and keep wearing your SPF 50 on the area as you bring them back in. Scrubs and anything labelled brightening, resurfacing or firming wait until four weeks. If you were not using these products beforehand, do not introduce them during your recovery, and speak to us first.

Avoid waxing, hair removal, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, body wraps, massage over the area and any other professional skin or body treatment on the abdomen for four weeks. Avoid sunbathing, sunbeds, tanning injections and fake tan of any kind for four weeks, and keep the area covered and protected with SPF 50 throughout.

Keep away from heat and sweat for the first two weeks, which means no saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga or strenuous exercise, and no abdominal or core exercise that stretches or creases the treated skin. No swimming pools, hot tubs or sea water for four weeks because of the chlorine and infection risk. After two weeks you can return to gentle exercise such as walking, light cycling or upper body work, keeping the area covered and SPF 50 on it. Core work, sit ups, stretching and anything that creases or pulls the skin of the abdomen waits until the skin has fully settled at four weeks.

Avoid alcohol and smoking during recovery, as both slow healing and worsen swelling. Do not use any product on the area that we have not approved.

Your sun protection at a glance

Keeping the area covered, staying out of direct sun and no tanning of any kind all run for the full four weeks after your treatment. SPF 50 goes on every morning from the day your skin has closed, usually day seven to ten. Before then, loose clothing and staying out of the sun are your only protection.

When to contact us

Some discomfort, redness, swelling, oozing, weeping and itching are all normal. Contact the clinic promptly if you notice pain that is increasing rather than easing, spreading or intense redness, heat and tenderness, thick yellow or green discharge, a foul smell, blistering, or a fever. Trust your instinct, and if something does not feel right we would always rather hear from you.

Your review

We will see you for follow-up reviews at 3 months and 6 months so Dr Karwal can assess your healing and discuss any further treatment plans. Please keep both appointments even if your skin feels completely healed. If you have any questions during your recovery, the team at Karwal Aesthetics is always here to help.

Karwal Aesthetics | 07340 664 388 | contact@karwalaesthetics.com | karwalaesthetics.com

Aftercare Notes:

Needle entry points, redness, bruising, swelling and asymmetry around injection sites immediately after treatment is normal due to the very nature of the treatment. There may also be some tenderness present as the bruising and inflammation sets in. These symptoms will resolve over the next 2-7 days, depending on your individual response to the treatment.

It may take a full 2 weeks for all swelling to settle; until this time we cannot re-treat.

Please wait up to 4 weeks for any massage or facial.

For 24 hours avoid:

• Touching your face

• Applying makeup

• Skincare with active ingredients

For 48 hours avoid:

• Intense physical activity

• Sleeping on side or front

• Spa's/Saunas

• Massage/facials

• Touching/rubbing/massaging/exfoliating/applying pressure to treated areas

• Alcohol & blood thinning medications

For 4 weeks avoid:

• No Dental Work for 2 weeks before & after treatment.

• No Massage of treated area.

Please notify us immediately if you notice any blanching of the skin (areas of white/ yellow/ grey discolouration), any bruise that tracks in an unusual pattern, extreme pain, visual disturbances or any new bruise that develops after a few days.

Following proper aftercare instructions after having dermal filler dissolved is essential for optimal healing and results. Here's what you need to know:

Immediately After Treatment (First 24 Hours)

• Avoid touching or massaging the treated area: This helps prevent infection and allows the dissolving agent to work effectively.

• Avoid strenuous exercise: Skip intense workouts for at least 24-48 hours to prevent increased blood flow to the area.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body process and flush out the dissolved filler.

First Few Days (24-48 Hours)

• Skip makeup if possible: Avoid applying makeup to the treated area for at least 24 hours to reduce infection risk.

• Avoid alcohol: Refrain from drinking alcohol for 24-48 hours as it can increase swelling and bruising.

• Take paracetamol if needed: If you experience discomfort, take paracetamol rather than aspirin or ibuprofen, which can increase bruising.

First Week

• Monitor for side effects: Some swelling, redness, tenderness, and bruising are normal. Contact your practitioner if you experience severe pain, excessive swelling, or signs of infection.

• Avoid dental work: Postpone dental treatments for at least a week if the treated area is near your mouth.

• Be patient with results: It may take several days to see the full dissolving effect. The enzyme (hyaluronidase) works gradually.

• Avoid facial treatments: Skip facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments for at least 2 weeks.

When to Contact Us

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain

• Excessive swelling that doesn't improve

• Signs of infection (warmth, pus, fever)

• Unusual discolouration or skin changes

• Vision changes or severe headache

• Any other concerning symptoms

Aftercare Notes for Botox & Relfydess:

• Mild redness and swelling around injection sites after treatment is normal and usually subsides within 30 minutes.

• Antiwrinkle treatment starts to take effect within 2-5 days, reaching full effect at 14 days post injection. Sometimes, the onset of the medication may differ within the same muscle and cause temporary asymmetry. Should this occur, please wait the full 14 days as we are not able to inject any additional medication until this time

• Even if you are happy with your results after your first treatment, we highly recommend you attend a review appointment so we can assess your dosing and results. At this time, we can make any adjustments if required.

• Please wait up to 2 weeks for any facial.

For 4 hours avoid:

• Lying down

• Applying makeup

For 48 hours avoid:

• Intense physical activity

• Spa's/Saunas

• Massage/facials

• Touching/rubbing/massaging/exfoliating/applying pressure to treated areas

• Alcohol & blood thinning medications

For optimal results, patients should:

• Avoid touching or manipulating the treated area for 48 hours: This helps prevent infection and allows the filler to settle properly.

• Wait at least 1 week before wearing earrings: Give the earlobes time to heal and avoid unnecessary pressure on the treated area.

• Apply ice if swelling occurs: Use ice packs wrapped in a clean cloth for 10-15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and discomfort.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours: Physical activity can increase blood flow and potentially cause bruising or swelling.

• Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds: Protect the treated area from UV exposure for at least 2 weeks.

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours: Alcohol can thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising.

• Do not massage the area unless instructed: Only massage if specifically directed by us.

• Keep the area clean and dry: Gently cleanse with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh products.

• Avoid extreme temperatures: Stay away from saunas, steam rooms, and very cold environments for at least 1 week.

• Contact us if you experience unusual symptoms: These include severe pain, excessive swelling, signs of infection, or any concerns about the results.

Aftercare Notes for Sunekos, Profhilo & Plinest:

• Needle entry points, redness, bruising, swelling and asymmetry around injection sites immediately after treatment is normal due to the very nature of the treatment.

• There may also be some tenderness present as the bruising and inflammation sets in. These symptoms will resolve over the next 2-7 days, depending on your individual response to the treatment.

For 24 hours avoid:

• Touching your face

• Applying makeup

• Skincare with active ingredients

For 48 hours avoid:

• Intense physical activity

• Sleeping on side or front

• Spa's/Saunas

• Massage/facials

• Touching/rubbing/massaging/exfoliating/applying pressure to treated areas

• Alcohol & blood thinning medications

Immediate Aftercare (First 24-48 Hours)

• Avoid touching the treated area: Keep your hands away from the injection sites to prevent infection.

• Stay upright: Remain in an upright position for at least 4 hours after treatment.

• Follow the "Rule of 5s": Massage the treated area 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each time, for 5 days following treatment.

Activities to Avoid

• Strenuous exercise: Avoid vigorous physical activity for 24-48 hours.

• Sun and heat exposure: Stay away from direct sunlight, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for at least 24 hours.

• Alcohol consumption: Avoid alcohol for 24 hours as it can increase bruising and swelling.

• Makeup: Wait at least 12-24 hours before applying makeup to the treated area.

• Dental work: Postpone any dental procedures for at least 2 weeks after treatment.

Massage Technique

Proper massage is crucial for even distribution of Sculptra and optimal results:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before massaging.

2. Use gentle, circular motions over the treated areas.

3. Massage for 5 minutes, 5 times daily, for 5 days.

4. Be firm but gentle – the massage should be comfortable, not painful.

Managing Side Effects

• Swelling: Mild swelling is normal and typically resolves within a few days. Continue using cold compresses as needed.

• Bruising: Some bruising may occur and can last up to a week. Arnica cream or tablets may help reduce bruising.

• Redness: Temporary redness at injection sites is common and should subside within hours to a few days.

• Tenderness: The treated area may feel tender for several days. This is normal.

Long-Term Care

• Sun protection: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily to protect your skin.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support skin health and collagen production.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet and regular skincare routine will help maintain your results.

• Attend follow-up appointments: Keep all scheduled appointments to monitor your progress and determine if additional treatments are needed.

When to contact us:

Contact us immediately if you experience:

• Severe pain or discomfort

• Signs of infection (increased warmth, pus, or fever)

• Unusual lumps or bumps that persist beyond a few weeks

• Vision changes or difficulty breathing

• Any other concerning symptoms

Expected Timeline

Sculptra works gradually by stimulating collagen production:

• Weeks 1-2: Initial swelling subsides; you may notice minimal changes.

• Weeks 3-6: Collagen production begins; subtle improvements may be visible.

• Months 2-3: Gradual improvements become more noticeable.

• Months 3-6: Optimal results typically appear as collagen continues to build.

• Results duration: Results can last up to 2 years or more with proper maintenance.

Remember that individual results vary, and patience is key as Sculptra works with your body's natural processes to restore volume gradually and naturally.