[Basic Care] Acne Management

What makes our clinic's extraction management special?

At our clinic, we view the extraction process as more than just a simple skin clearing step,

approaching it as a systematic procedure based on medical judgment.

We meticulously manage waiting times to ensure sufficient softening time before the procedure.

Understanding the principles of extraction and performing delicate needling is essential.

All procedures are tailored to the patient's skin condition, including selecting appropriate tools based on pressure and intensity for different skin areas.

During extraction, we strive to remove not only sebum but also inflammation-inducing substances within comedones to reduce acne recurrence. Furthermore, we minimize skin damage by precisely treating only the lesions that require extraction, without using unnecessarily strong pressure.

Our clinic's practitioners receive regular in-house seminars on extraction techniques, continuously improving their skill levels.

We have a systematic approach that goes beyond simple treatment, considering both therapeutic effects and the prevention of recurrence.

Why You Should Get Extraction Management at a Medical Institution

Acne is a problem that is difficult to fundamentally resolve by simply squeezing it with your hands.

When sebum produced by the sebaceous glands becomes blocked in the pores and cannot be properly discharged, it hardens into a comedone. Closed comedones are whiteheads, and open comedones become oxidized and appear black, known as blackheads. These comedones provide an environment for acne bacteria to proliferate, and if bacteria multiply, it can lead to an inflammatory response and develop into inflammatory acne. Therefore, it is important to remove comedones before inflammation occurs.

The main cause of acne is hardened sebum, or comedones.

If these comedones are not removed, bacteria can continue to reside, and acne may recur.

Therefore, extraction is one of the important treatment processes for effectively removing comedones.

However, improper extraction can potentially cause significant irritation and damage to the skin.

For these reasons, we recommend visiting a medical institution to receive extraction procedures from a professional.

What types of acne require extraction?

• Extraction can be considered for blackhead and whitehead lesions that are visible to the naked eye or palpable.
• Lesions with significant sebum accumulation, just before progressing to inflammation, are also candidates for extraction.
• Extraction is also necessary for pustular acne where pus has already formed.
• Even when inflammation has subsided but stubborn comedones remain, extraction can be performed.
• However, not all acne is suitable for extraction. Acne accompanied by heat or pain may still have active inflammation, and excessive extraction could worsen the inflammation. In such cases, it is crucial to first undergo soothing treatment, such as anti-inflammatory injections.

Reasons to Recommend Extraction at a Medical Institution, Not Self-Extraction

Extraction is a precise skin procedure that goes beyond simple sebum removal. Considering the following points, it is advisable to receive professional treatment at a medical institution.

1. Importance of the Needling Process

Before extraction, it is essential to create an exit pathway for sebum using a fine needle.

This is to open the follicle opening along the direction of hair growth, allowing for effective sebum discharge.

This process helps reduce skin damage, promotes rapid recovery, and allows for the removal of even deep parts of the comedone.

2. Flexible Tool Selection Based on Skin Condition

For thin and sensitive skin areas, we use cotton swab extraction.

Conversely, for deep and stubborn lesions, we utilize a comedone extractor (metal extractor).

Expert judgment is crucial in tool selection, comprehensively considering skin thickness, lesion depth, and required pressure.

Based on these conditions, our clinic flexibly uses appropriate tools to perform extraction management in a way that minimizes tissue damage.

3. Process of Removing the Entire Comedone

If only pus is removed and sebum remains, the likelihood of recurrence may increase.

Thorough removal of even solidified sebum helps reduce acne recurrence.

The softening process, which prevents pore enlargement, is also included.

At medical institutions, sebum softeners are used to gently open pores, aiding in sebum removal without irritation.

4. Precise Incision Direction and Delicate Procedure Techniques

When extracting at the wrong angle, the likelihood of skin damage increases.

When needling, carefully adjust the direction according to the hair follicle structure.

5. Treatment methods suitable for each skin area

For example, it is necessary to approach by considering the characteristics of each area, such as using cotton swabs for the nose area and a comedo extractor for the chin or around the nose.

Strongly using a comedo extractor on areas where pressure is not needed can lead to bruising or skin damage.

6. Management to prevent infection and scars

To reduce the risk of infection, disposable cotton swabs are used, and metal instruments are sterilized at high temperatures. Disinfection processes before and after the procedure are also thoroughly carried out.

Extraction Procedure Process

• Thorough cleansing and disinfection
• Apply softening agent and allow sufficient absorption time
• Needling considering hair follicle structure
• Select appropriate tools (cotton swab, comedo extractor, etc.) for each area and proceed with extraction.

Medical Effects of Extraction: Understanding Through Research Results

According to a 1964 JAMA study, consistent extraction management significantly reduced the incidence of inflammatory acne.

A 2011 JCAD paper suggested that removing comedones can not only improve skin appearance but also positively impact psychological satisfaction.

Thus, extraction can play an important role in managing and preventing acne. However, if done excessively or improperly, it can lead to problems, so it is crucial to undergo the procedure safely through a skilled professional.

Director's Sincere Message

While meeting many acne patients, we always remember one important point.

We believe that extraction procedures go beyond mere aesthetics, existing on a continuum of care that maintains and protects skin health.

We are well aware that a single pimple can affect not only skin health but also self-esteem. That is why we have meticulously prepared every step to ensure that even a single extraction procedure is performed without neglect.

We aim for accurate, safe, and customized extractions that consider each patient's skin condition.

This is precisely why I research treatment know-how with my medical team late into the night and deeply discuss skin concerns with patients.

Extraction goes beyond merely removing comedones. Therefore, it should be treated as a professional 'procedure' in a clinic.

Recommended For

• Those experiencing difficulties due to closed comedones
• Those who desire effective management of recurring acne
• Those who are starting acne management for the first time