What is Acne?
Acne can affect those with any skin type at any age and can be frustrating to get rid of properly. If you struggle with clearing your skin of acne, a dermatologist at Seattle Skin & Laser might recommend an acne extraction treatment.
Acne can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pimples, or cysts. Acne occurs when the pores of the skin are clogged, trapping sebum, dead skin, and other debris. While many believe that acne just needs to run its course, avoiding treatment for severe acne can result in scarring and dark marks left on the skin.
Acne extraction involves the use of a sterile tool to remove trapped material within a pimple, whitehead, or blackhead. This also opens the pores to allow topical medication in more effectively. Acne extraction is not the same as popping a pimple at home and should only be performed by a dermatologist to prevent the risk of skin damage and scaring.
Other Treatment Options
In addition to extraction, acne can be treated with topical creams and gels, medications, laser therapy, and chemical peels. Acne extraction can clear a current break out and help to prevent future ones, but other treatment options might be needed to maintain clear skin.
Is extraction good for acne?
It depends on the type of acne. When performed by a skincare professional with sterile tools, extractions can help clear up existing acne. If not performed correctly, it can cause unwanted scarring or additional breakouts.
How long do acne extractions take to heal?
Most blemishes can take about five to seven days to heal after extraction, although this can depend on factors like the depth and severity of your breakouts. Your skincare specialist can give you instructions to follow to make sure your skin heals without scarring.
Can acne be surgically removed?
Acne extraction is sometimes called “acne surgery” and is an effective way to drain and clean out large acne cysts, but can come with a risk of scarring. There are also many other options that can be effective for severe breakouts like laser treatments, steroid injections, and medication use.
What is the best acne treatment for adults?
Depending on what’s causing your acne, the best treatment may actually be a combination of medication orally/topically, home products, chemical peels, and acne facials. You should consult your skincare specialist about the right at-home regimen for your skin, as well as medications like Accutane or birth control.
Is extraction good for acne?
When performed by a skincare professional with sterile tools, extractions can help clear up existing acne. If not performed correctly, it can cause unwanted scarring or additional breakouts.
How long do acne extractions take to heal?
Most blemishes can take about five to seven days to heal after extraction, although this can depend on factors like the depth and severity of your breakouts. Your skincare specialist can give you instructions to follow to make sure your skin heals without scarring.
Can acne be surgically removed?
Acne extraction is sometimes called “acne surgery” and is an effective way to drain and clean out large acne cysts, but can come with a risk of scarring. There are also many other options that can be effective for severe breakouts like laser treatments, steroid injections, and medication use.
What is the best acne treatment for adults?
Depending on what’s causing your acne, the best treatment may actually be a combination of treatments. You should consult your skincare specialist about the right at-home regimen for your skin, as well as medications like Accutane or birth control.
