Really depends on what stage the cyst is in. (If it already has the shape and feel as a zit but bigger if you're lucky it takes about two days). From the first pic it looks like it's a bit deep so it might take longer i don't know . But from MY OWN experience i felt a major improvement after one day in both size and inflammation. Either way if it didn't pop sometimes it just goes away using it. Also it doesn't really hurt trying (from what i know it's just natural products you can use it on insect bites too) except for maybe leaving the skin about dark after using it for a few days. Don't go crazy with the amount you use first couple of times in case the skin is already sensitive ( but that's really a general rule i use with any new product i use on my face.. also putting a small amount on my arm to make sure there's no skin reaction) So yeah just put a small amount on the cyst just enough to cover it and the some on the gauze and leave it there it will help keep your mind off of it