[The Start of Acne Care] Acne Extraction

What are the characteristics of Ggeuthan Clinic's extraction treatment?

Ggeuthan Clinic does not view extraction as mere skin care.

We approach it from the perspective of a systematic medical procedure.

Before extraction, sufficient softening time is given to reduce skin burden,

It is fundamental to perform precise needling according to the principles of extraction.

Additionally, all procedures are tailored to the patient's specific skin characteristics, such as selecting appropriate tools based on the pressure and condition of each skin area.

During extraction, we focus on reducing the likelihood of acne recurrence by removing not only sebum but also inflammatory substances within the comedones. Rather than using excessive force, we aim to minimize skin damage by carefully accessing only the necessary areas.

Our practitioners at this clinic receive professional training on extraction techniques through regular internal seminars and continuously strive to enhance their skill level.

Beyond simply removing acne, we have established a system to ensure extraction treatment considers both therapeutic efficacy and recurrence prevention.

Why Professional Extraction Treatment is Necessary

Acne is not a problem that can be solved simply by applying pressure and squeezing it out.

When sebum produced in the sebaceous glands clogs pores, it cannot be expelled and hardens, forming comedones. If the pore opening is closed, it becomes a whitehead; if open, it oxidizes and appears as a blackhead. These comedones provide an environment for acne bacteria to multiply, and when bacteria proliferate, an inflammatory reaction can begin, developing into inflammatory acne. Therefore, removing comedones before they progress to inflammation is an important part of treatment.

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

If these are not properly removed, acne bacteria can continue to be active, leading to recurring acne.

Extraction is one of the main treatment processes that effectively eliminates these comedones.

However, improper extraction can actually cause significant irritation or damage to the skin.

Therefore, it is recommended to receive extraction treatment from a skilled professional.

Which Types of Acne Benefit from Extraction?

• Blackheads and whiteheads that are visible to the naked eye or palpable
• Lesions with significant sebum accumulation, at the stage just before inflammation occurs
• Pustular acne that has already formed pus
• Cases where inflammation has subsided, but hard comedones still remain
• However, extraction is not suitable for all types of acne. Acne with severe heat or pain may indicate active inflammation, and forceful extraction carries the risk of worsening the inflammation. In such cases, it may be more important to first calm the skin using anti-inflammatory acupuncture or similar treatments.

Why You Should Choose Clinic Treatment Instead of Self-Extracting at Home

Acne extraction is not a simple sebum removal task but a delicate skin procedure that requires precision. We recommend seeking professional help at a clinic, considering the following points:

1. The needling process is important.

Before performing extraction, it is essential to use a needle to create a pathway for sebum to be expelled.

It is best to insert the needle along the pore opening, in the opposite direction of hair growth, to facilitate sebum expulsion.

This process helps reduce skin damage, promotes faster recovery, and contributes to effectively extracting even the deeper parts of the comedones.

2. Tool selection based on skin condition is essential.

For thin and sensitive skin, extraction using cotton swabs is recommended,

while for deep and stubborn lesions, a comedone extractor (metal extractor) can be utilized.

Selecting the appropriate tool by comprehensively assessing skin thickness, lesion depth, and required pressure is an expert's capability.

At Ggeuthan Clinic, we perform treatments flexibly, considering these complex conditions, and provide customized extraction management that minimizes tissue damage.

3. The entire comedone must be removed.

If only pus is removed and sebum remains, the likelihood of acne recurring increases.

Completely expelling even solid sebum helps reduce acne recurrence.

A softening process to prevent pore dilation is also included.

At the clinic, sebum softeners are used to gently open pores, helping to remove sebum with minimal irritation.

4. Accurate needling direction and technique

If the needling angle is inappropriate, it can damage the skin.

We accurately identify the hair follicle structure and meticulously adjust the needling direction.

5. Customized Treatment Considering Skin Characteristics by Area

For example, cotton swabs should be used for the nose area, and comedone extractors for the chin or areas around the nose. The appropriate tools should be applied differently according to the characteristics of each skin area.

Applying a comedone extractor excessively to areas that do not require pressure can cause bruising or skin damage.

6. Infection and Scar Risk Management

We use disposable cotton swabs, and all metal instruments are thoroughly sterilized at high temperatures. Furthermore, we meticulously disinfect before and after treatment to minimize the risk of infection.

Extraction Procedure

• Thorough cleansing and disinfection
• Application of softening agent followed by sufficient absorption time
• Needling according to hair follicle shape
• Extraction using tools (cotton swabs, comedone extractors, etc.) considering the characteristics of each area

Medical Research Related to Extraction

According to research published in JAMA in 1964, consistent extraction may help reduce the incidence of inflammatory acne.

A 2011 JCAD paper mentioned that comedone removal can contribute to psychological satisfaction as well as improved skin appearance.

Extraction is considered an important step in acne prevention and management. However, if performed improperly or attempted excessively, side effects may occur, so it is advisable to receive it from a professional with specialized knowledge.

Thoughts from the Head Doctor

Every day, we treat many acne patients and always keep one important point in mind.

This is the recognition that extraction goes beyond simply managing the skin; it is a part of treatment for maintaining skin health.

Having frequently encountered situations where acne affects not only the skin but also the patient's self-esteem, we strive to put our utmost care into even a single extraction procedure.

We provide meticulous, safe, and customized extractions that consider the unique skin condition of each and every patient.

With this mindset, I continue to study with our medical staff late into the night, sharing treatment techniques and striving to deeply understand our patients' skin concerns.

Extraction goes beyond simply removing comedones. It is a procedure that should be performed in a specialized medical institution.

Who Should Consider This

• Those who experience discomfort due to whiteheads.
• Those who wish to consistently manage recurring acne.
• Those who lack information or experience regarding acne management.