[The Start of Acne Management] Acne Extraction

What makes acne extraction management different in medical institutions?

Unlike general skincare, medical institutions approach acne extraction as a medical procedure.

Beyond simply removing sebum, we prioritize a systematic process that considers your skin condition.

Before the procedure, we ensure ample preparation time for skin softening to facilitate a smooth extraction process.

By understanding the principles of acne extraction and performing precise needling, we minimize unnecessary irritation.

Considering the characteristics of different skin areas and the depth of sebum, we carefully select and apply the most appropriate tools.

During the extraction process, we can help reduce the likelihood of acne recurrence by removing not only sebum but also substances within the comedone that can cause inflammation. We aim to minimize skin damage by delicately accessing only the necessary areas without applying excessive force to the skin.

Our medical staff consistently participates in education and seminars to enhance their expertise in extraction procedures. Through this, we strive to provide consistent, high-quality extraction services.

Beyond simple management, we provide professional extraction care focused on enhancing the effectiveness of acne treatment and preventing recurrence.

Why should you receive professional acne extraction management at a medical institution?

Simply attempting to extract acne yourself may not resolve the underlying issues.

When sebum produced by the sebaceous glands cannot exit the pores and hardens, it becomes a comedone. If the opening of the comedone is closed, it's a whitehead; if it's open, it oxidizes upon contact with air and becomes a blackhead. These comedones create an environment where acne bacteria can thrive, eventually causing inflammation and sometimes progressing into red, painful acne. Therefore, it is important to properly remove comedones before inflammation develops.

One of the main causes of acne is comedones, which are hardened, solidified sebum plugs.

If these comedones are not properly removed, acne bacteria can continue to multiply, increasing the likelihood of acne recurrence.

Effectively removing comedones is the core process of acne extraction treatment.

Attempting extraction with incorrect methods can irritate or damage the skin.

Therefore, it is advisable to receive extraction procedures from skilled medical professionals at a specialized medical institution.

What types of acne require extraction?

• It can be applied to blackheads and whiteheads that are visible or palpable.
• Lesions where sebum has excessively accumulated and are on the verge of developing inflammation are also candidates for extraction.
• It can also be applied to pustular acne where pus has already formed.
• It can be effective for acne where the inflammatory response has subsided, but hard comedones remain.
• However, extraction is not suitable for all acne lesions. Particularly for acne with severe heat or pain, inflammation may be actively progressing, and aggressive extraction could potentially worsen the condition. In such cases, a process to first alleviate inflammation, such as with anti-inflammatory herbal acupuncture treatment, may be necessary.

Reasons to receive acne extraction at a medical institution, not individually

Acne extraction is more than just removing sebum; it is a precise skin procedure. Considering the following points, it is recommended to receive the procedure from skilled medical professionals at a specialized medical institution:

1. The importance of delicate needling

Before extraction, it is essential to carefully open the blocked pore opening using a sterilized needle.

Needling is performed according to the flow of the hair follicle and the direction of hair growth to help sebum drain efficiently.

This method can help reduce skin damage, aid in recovery, and contribute to the effective removal of even the deep parts of comedones.

2. Selecting tools appropriate for your skin condition

For areas with thin or sensitive skin, extraction is performed using hygienic cotton swabs.

Conversely, for deep and firm comedone lesions, a comedone extractor (metal extractor) can be used.

Tool selection is made based on the professional judgment of the medical staff, considering various factors such as skin thickness, lesion depth, and required pressure.

Medical institutions comprehensively review these conditions to provide effective extraction management while minimizing skin damage.

3. Complete removal of comedones

Simply extracting only the pus and leaving behind sebum plugs can increase the risk of acne recurrence.

Complete removal of solidified sebum can help effectively reduce acne recurrence.

Simultaneous softening process to reduce pore dilation

In medical institutions, sebum softeners are used to gently soften pores, allowing for safe removal of comedones while reducing irritation to the skin.

4. Precise needling direction and professional technique

An improper angle during the procedure can potentially cause greater irritation or damage to the skin.

Considering the shape of the hair follicle, the penetration direction is carefully adjusted during needling as the procedure is performed.

5. Customized Procedure Considering Individual Skin Area Characteristics

It is important to select tools appropriate for each skin area, such as using cotton swabs for the nose area and a comedone extractor for the chin or areas around the nose.

Attempting comedone extraction with excessive pressure on unnecessary areas can lead to bruising or skin damage, so caution is advised.

6. Efforts to Reduce the Risk of Infection and Scarring

We use disposable cotton swabs and sterilize metal instruments at high temperatures. Furthermore, we strive to reduce the risk of infection through thorough disinfection procedures before and after the treatment.

General Steps of Extraction Procedure

• Cleanse and Disinfect
• Apply a softening agent and wait for it to fully absorb.
• Needling Application Step Considering Hair Follicle Structure
• Extraction is performed by selecting appropriate tools such as cotton swabs or a comedone extractor, tailored to the specific characteristics of each skin area.

Research Cases on the Medical Utility of Extraction

According to a study published in JAMA in 1964, consistent extraction was reported to help reduce the incidence of inflammatory acne.

A 2011 JCAD paper mentioned that the comedone removal process can increase patient psychological satisfaction and positively influence the improvement of skin appearance.

Extraction can be a helpful method for managing and improving acne. However, it is crucial to avoid excessive or inappropriate methods and to have the procedure performed safely by a skilled professional.

Our Medical Team's Perspective on the Procedure

Our medical team meets many individuals struggling with acne every day, and we always keep one important aspect in mind.

We believe that extraction is more than just a skin care act; it's an integral part of medical treatment that contributes to maintaining healthy skin.

Understanding well that acne can affect self-esteem beyond just skin condition, we strive to approach each extraction procedure with great care.

We believe that extraction needs to be performed delicately and safely, tailored to each patient's skin condition.

This mindset empowers our medical team to research and exchange techniques with skin care staff late into the night, empathizing with patients' skin concerns and working together to resolve them.

It is best to understand extraction not merely as removing acne, but as a procedure that should be performed under professional supervision in a medical institution.

Cases to Consider the Procedure

• Those experiencing discomfort due to whiteheads or blackheads
• Those hoping for improvement in frequently recurring acne
• Those approaching acne management for the first time