Acne Extraction: Treating Acne from the Root!

What does professional extraction management involve?

Extraction treatment is not just a simple cleansing process.

It is a procedure that requires a systematic approach from a medical perspective.

We ensure sufficient time for skin softening before extraction,

understanding the principles of extraction and performing delicate needling are essential.

All procedures are tailored to each individual patient, including selecting appropriate pressure and tools based on the characteristics of each area.

During the extraction process, by removing not only sebum but also inflammatory substances within the comedones, the likelihood of acne recurrence can be reduced. Furthermore, we strive to prevent skin damage by performing precise treatment only on necessary areas, rather than applying excessive force.

Our medical staff continuously refine their extraction techniques through regular in-house training and seminars.

This helps ensure that extraction management goes beyond simply removing comedones, enhancing treatment efficacy and preventing recurrence.

Why professional extraction management at a medical institution is important

Acne is difficult to resolve by simply squeezing it with your hands.

When sebum produced by the sebaceous glands blocks pores, hardening and unable to exit, comedones form. Comedones with closed pore openings become whiteheads, while open comedones oxidize upon contact with air, appearing as blackheads. These comedones provide an environment for acne bacteria to proliferate, which can lead to inflammation and develop into pustular acne. Therefore, it is very important to remove comedones before inflammation occurs.

Ultimately, the fundamental cause of acne is hardened sebum plugs, or comedones.

If comedones are not properly removed, bacteria can continuously multiply, leading to acne recurrence.

The process of removing comedones is one of the most crucial steps in extraction treatment.

However, improper extraction methods can lead to excessive irritation or damage to the skin.

Therefore, it is advisable to receive extraction treatment from professional medical staff.

Types of Acne Requiring Extraction

• Blackheads and whiteheads that are visible to the naked eye or felt by touch
• Lesions where sebum has excessively accumulated, just prior to developing into inflammation
• Pustular acne with pus inside
• Cases where inflammatory reactions have subsided, but hard comedones still remain
• However, not all acne requires extraction. Acne that feels hot or is accompanied by pain may indicate active inflammation. In such cases, forceful extraction can worsen inflammation, so an approach involving calming the inflammation first with anti-inflammatory injections, etc., is necessary.

Why professional extraction at a medical institution is recommended over self-extraction

Extraction is more than just removing sebum; it is a delicate skin procedure. Considering the following points, receiving professional extraction treatment at a medical institution is recommended:

1. Needling is a fundamental part of the procedure.

Before extraction, a needle is used to create an exit pathway for the comedone.

Needling is performed against the direction of hair growth to help sebum effectively drain along the follicular opening.

This process helps reduce skin damage, promotes faster recovery, and can aid in extracting comedones from deeper areas.

2. Flexible tool selection considering skin condition

For shallow and sensitive skin, extraction using cotton swabs can be applied,

while for deep and stubborn lesions, a comedone extractor (metal extractor) is used.

This choice of tools is made based on the expert judgment, comprehensively considering factors such as skin thickness, lesion depth, and required pressure.

By flexibly utilizing treatment tools according to these conditions, customized extraction management is performed to minimize tissue damage.

3. Complete removal of the entire comedone

If only pus is drained and the sebum plug remains, the risk of acne recurrence can increase.

Thorough removal of even solid sebum is necessary to help reduce acne recurrence.

Softening process to prevent pore enlargement

In medical institutions, sebum softeners are used to gently open pores, allowing for comedone removal with less skin irritation.

4. Precise needling direction and professional technique

If the procedure is performed at an improper angle, skin damage may occur.

Considering the structure of the hair follicle, we delicately adjust the needling direction.

5. Customized Treatment for Each Skin Area

It is necessary to use different tools tailored to the characteristics of each skin area, such as cotton swabs for the nose area and comedone extractors for the chin or around the nose.

Applying excessive pressure or using tools that are not suitable for the area can cause bruising or skin damage, so caution is required.

6. Management to Reduce Infection and Scarring

We use disposable cotton swabs, high-temperature sterilize all metal instruments, and thoroughly disinfect before and after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.

Comedone Extraction Procedure

• Thorough Cleansing and Disinfection Process
• Application of Skin Softener and Ensuring Sufficient Absorption Time
• Needling Considering the Characteristics of Hair Follicles
• Extraction Performed Using Appropriate Tools (cotton swabs, comedone extractors, etc.) for Each Area

Medical Efficacy of Extraction: Related Research Findings

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

A JCAD paper in 2011 stated that removing comedones can have a positive effect on patient psychological satisfaction and the external improvement of the skin.

As such, extraction can play an important role in proactively managing and improving acne. However, incorrect methods or excessive attempts should be avoided, and it is crucial to proceed safely through a skilled professional.

A Message from Our Head Director

While treating many acne patients, there's something we consider very important.

Extraction is not merely about managing skin; it is an integral part of medical care aimed at maintaining skin health.

Understanding that even a single acne lesion can affect not only the skin but also a patient's self-confidence, we meticulously prepare for every extraction procedure without neglect.

Customized extractions performed with utmost care and tailored to each patient's skin condition.

With this mindset, our medical team gathers until late hours to conduct studies, share techniques, and discuss patients' skin concerns together.

Extraction is a professional procedure that goes beyond simply squeezing lesions on the skin. It is advisable to receive systematic management at a medical institution.

Recommended for those who:

• Experience discomfort due to small bumps
• Wish to improve recurring acne
• Are starting acne management for the first time