[Carefully from clogged sebum] Acne Extraction

What are the characteristics of Kkeuthan Clinic's extraction management?

Kkeuthan Clinic goes beyond simply cleaning the skin during extraction procedures,

and approaches it systematically from a medical perspective.

We ensure sufficient softening time to prepare the skin before extraction,

and delicate needling based on extraction principles is fundamental.

From selecting tools that consider the characteristics of each area and pressure intensity, the entire process is tailored to each individual's skin condition.

During the extraction process, we not only remove sebum but also inflammatory substances within the comedone, which can reduce acne recurrence. Additionally, we strive to minimize skin damage by avoiding unnecessarily strong force and precisely treating only the lesions that require extraction.

Our medical staff consistently participates in in-house seminars related to extraction techniques to enhance their expertise. This allows us to strive for a higher standard of technical skill across all procedures.

Beyond simply squeezing out acne, we have a system in place to provide extraction management that considers both treatment effectiveness and recurrence prevention.

Why is professional extraction management at a clinic necessary?

Acne cannot be fundamentally resolved by simply extracting visible lesions.

When sebum produced by the sebaceous glands cannot exit the pores and hardens, comedones form. If the pore opening is closed, it's a whitehead; if it's open and oxidizes, it appears as a blackhead. These comedones create an ideal environment for acne bacteria to multiply, eventually developing into inflammatory acne. Therefore, it is crucial to remove comedones before inflammation occurs.

Consequently, the main cause of acne lies in comedones, which are hardened sebum plugs.

If comedones are not properly removed, acne bacteria can continue to proliferate, leading to acne recurrence.

Extraction is one of the very important treatment processes for removing these comedones.

However, incorrect extraction can potentially cause significant irritation or damage to the skin.

Therefore, it is recommended to visit a medical institution for professional extraction.

Which acne lesions are suitable for extraction?

• Blackheads and whiteheads that are visible to the naked eye or palpable
• Lesions in the pre-inflammatory stage due to excessive sebum accumulation
• Pustular acne where pus has already formed
• A state where inflammatory reactions have subsided, but hardened comedones still remain
• However, not all acne lesions are suitable for extraction. If the acne is accompanied by heat or pain, inflammation may still be actively progressing, and excessive extraction could worsen the inflammation. In such cases, it may be a priority to soothe the skin first with anti-inflammatory acupuncture, etc.

Reasons to receive extraction management at a clinic rather than at home

Acne extraction is more than just removing sebum; it is a delicate skin procedure that requires meticulous skill. Therefore, it is advisable to receive treatment from a professional at a medical institution for the following reasons:

1. A precise needling process must precede extraction.

For effective extraction, it is necessary to gently create a pathway for the comedone using a needle before the procedure.

The procedure must be performed delicately, considering the direction of hair growth, to efficiently discharge sebum along the follicle opening.

This method not only reduces skin damage and promotes faster recovery but also helps in effectively removing deep parts of the comedone.

2. Tool selection must be flexible and tailored to the skin condition.

For shallow or sensitive skin, extraction using cotton swabs may be suitable,

while for deep or firm lesions, a comedone extractor (metal tool) may be used.

The choice of tool is determined by a professional's judgment, considering factors such as skin thickness, lesion depth, and the required pressure.

At Kkeuthan Clinic, we perform flexible treatments tailored to each individual based on these conditions, aiming for extraction management that minimizes tissue damage.

3. It is crucial to completely remove the comedone, including its 'root'.

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

Complete removal of hardened sebum in its solid form is necessary to help prevent recurrent acne.

A softening process to prevent pore enlargement is included.

In medical institutions, sebum softeners are used to gently open pores and remove comedones without unnecessary irritation to the skin.

4. Precise extraction direction and technique considering the characteristics of the comedone

Attempting extraction at an improper angle can cause significant damage to the skin.

The medical staff carefully adjusts the direction during needling to match the follicular structure.

5. Customized Treatment Approach by Skin Area

For example, it's important to choose the right tool for each area, such as using cotton swabs for the nose area and comedone extractors for the chin or around the nose.

Applying a comedone extractor forcefully to an area that doesn't require excessive pressure can cause bruising or skin damage.

6. Minimizing Infection and Scarring

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

Extraction Procedure Steps

• Thorough Cleansing and Disinfection
• Application of Softener and Sufficient Absorption Time
• Needling Considering Follicular Structure
• Selecting Appropriate Tools for Each Area and Proceeding with Extraction (Cotton Swabs, Comedone Extractors, etc.)

Medical Benefits of Extraction: Evidence from Research

According to a 1964 JAMA study, regular extraction was reported to significantly reduce the incidence of inflammatory acne.

A 2011 JCAD paper mentioned that comedone removal can have a positive impact not only on psychological satisfaction but also on improving skin appearance.

As such, extraction is considered an important process in acne prevention and management. However, it should not be performed excessively or improperly, and it is recommended to be safely performed by a skilled professional.

Our Medical Team's Philosophy

Our medical team treats many acne patients daily and always remembers one important fact.

This is the belief that extraction goes beyond simple cosmetic care; it is a part of treatment for maintaining skin health.

We frequently encounter cases where not only the skin but also the patient's self-esteem is affected by acne, so we prepare to perform even a single extraction procedure with utmost care.

Based on meticulousness and safety, we aim for extraction optimized for each individual patient's skin condition.

For these reasons, our medical team conducts in-depth studies with experienced estheticians until late hours, sharing techniques and continuously researching patients' skin concerns.

Extraction is an medical procedure that goes beyond simply squeezing out sebum. Therefore, it is important for it to be performed professionally in a medical facility.

Recommended for those who:

• Are experiencing discomfort due to closed comedones (milia-like acne)
• Desire systematic management for recurring acne problems
• Are unfamiliar with acne treatments or management and need assistance