Definition:
In skin care, it is the term used to describe the process of manually removing blackheads, or comdones, from the skin.
Extractions are often done by an esthetician during a facial. Gentle pressure is applied to the blackhead, and the plug of oil and dead cells is carefully coaxed to the surface.
Only non-inflamed blemishes can be safely extracted. Putting pressure on an inflamed pimple can damage the skin and cause scarring.
- Acne extractions are best performed by your dermatologist, who has been professionally trained to carry them out properly. Not every dermatologist does extraction, so call and ask before you make an appointment. To perform extraction, a dermatologist may use a comedone extractor, which is a small metal stick with a loop on one end and a sharp point called the lancet on the other end. For large cysts that have not responded to medication, dermatologists may perform drainage and extraction, also known as acne surgery.
- Some beauty spas and skin care centers offer acne extractions. They are performed by an esthetician, who may or may not have sufficient training, so research the beauty spa you’re interested in before you decide to visit. It is best to have a medically trained Esthetician who has worked and been trained by a dermatologist on how to do proper extractions.
- During your visit, your esthetician may offer other acne treatments, such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels, so consider these options before the visit. This way, you won’t decide on impulse and waste hundreds of dollars on treatments you don’t need.
When done by a skilled professional, acne extractions can clear up an acne breakout. But extraction is much more than just popping a pimple, and it can be dangerous to do at home.
You carefully inspect your skin in the mirror and see a red pimple, just begging to be squeezed or popped. While popping that pimple may seem like a satisfying solution, it could make your acne problem worse. When you do attempt to extract a pimple yourself, you may push the contents deeper into your skin, introduce more bacteria into it through unclean nails, and risk scarring. Your best bet is to visit a dermatologist or esthetician who will have sterile hands and use the appropriate tools.
The Pros and Cons of Acne Extraction
When this acne treatment is done correctly — by a professional in a sterile environment — it’s a safe procedure. Acne extraction can quickly clear up unsightly acne, and over time, even help prevent future acne breakouts when other preventive measures, like proper skin cleaning, are also used.
But, time and cost can be a factor when visiting a dermatologist or spa to have the procedure done.
Also, if acne extraction is not professionally handled, there are some serious risks involved, such as:
- Acne that gets worse
- A bacterial infection of the skin
- Scarring
The best way to prevent these serious risks is to have the procedure performed by a medical professional — a dermatologist or esthetician. Picking, popping, squeezing, or otherwise trying to extract a pimple on your own is asking for trouble. Visit with a dermatologist if you have problem skin to see if your particular acne will respond well to acne extraction. It could spare you a lifetime of scars and recurring pimples.