Do closed comedones always need extraction?
Closed comedones do not always need extraction. These plugs of oil and dead skin in pores can be removed by extraction or managed with medicines that reduce pore blockage.
Lisse Dermatology Clinic separately describes care including extraction and care without it, using aqua peeling, soft peeling and soothing treatments.
The review material comprises 100 Gangnam Unni reviews and 70 Babitalk reviews. The counts below refer to experiences mentioned within 36 Gangnam Unni reviews tagged with acne extraction. Some involved other treatments too.
| Experience described | Among 36 extraction-tagged reviews |
|---|---|
| Little pain or less pain than expected | 3 reviews |
| Discomfort from marks or wounds | 5 reviews |
Original excerpts describing different changes
여드름도 다 잡아주시고 꼼꼼하게 압출하셔서 전반적으로 여드름은 사라진 것 같아요. Translation: They treated my acne thoroughly and did careful extractions, so I think my acne has generally cleared up.
Gangnam Unni, review updated March 2, 2026. Excerpt about acne extraction.
좁쌀 여드름 때문에 간건데 빨갛게 흉만지고 아직도 그대로에요.. 이돈 주고 그냥 아쿠아필 팩 받은 사람만 되었네요 Translation: I went because of small acne bumps, but now I just have red marks and the bumps are still there. I paid all that just for an aqua peel and a mask.
Babitalk, treatment date June 19, 2026. Acne treatment review.
Are all hard white bumps closed comedones?
Similar-looking bumps can be milia, folliculitis or another condition. Do not assume hard white bumps around the eyes are oil plugs and repeatedly press or pierce them with a needle.
| Appearance | What to distinguish | Action to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Small skin-coloured or white comedones | Pores blocked with oil and dead skin | Repeated forceful squeezing |
| Hard white bumps around the eyes or cheeks | Distinguish milia, which are keratin-filled cysts | Piercing them yourself with a needle |
| Itchy, red or pus-filled bumps | Assessment to distinguish folliculitis and other conditions | Rubbing with a scrub |
A review about bumps mistaken for acne
화장을 해도 오돌토돌 피부 때문에 고민이 많았는데 이게 좁쌀이 아니라 편평사마귀더라구요 ㅠ Translation: I worried about uneven bumps even under makeup, but they turned out to be flat warts, not acne bumps.
Babitalk, treatment date April 12, 2026. Wart-removal excerpt, not an acne-extraction review.
How does clinical extraction differ from squeezing at home?
Clinicians select suitable lesions before disinfecting, treating and soothing the skin. Choice Dermatology Clinic describes excluding deep, firm inflammation and healing areas when deciding what to extract.
Yean Dermatology Clinic describes cleansing and softening before extraction with sterile equipment, followed by peeling and soothing care matched to skin condition.
Original excerpts about the treatment process
세안>압출>겔 도포 후 진정관리>재생led>모델링팩 순서입니다. Translation: The order is cleansing > extraction > gel application and soothing care > regenerative LED > modelling mask.
Gangnam Unni, review updated May 13, 2026. Excerpt about combined extraction and soothing care.무조건 다 레이저로 하는 게 아니라 좁쌀처럼 압출이 필요한 건 따로 짜주시더라고요. Translation: They did not treat everything with a laser; they separately extracted bumps that needed it.
Babitalk, treatment date September 22, 2026. Excerpt about removal of warts, milia and other lesions, not acne treatment alone.
How long should treatment without extraction take?
It takes at least 6–8 weeks of acne treatment to see fewer new breakouts. Do not increase peeling or switch medicines just because a few days have brought no change.
- Cleansing and moisturising
- Wash gently morning and evening and after heavy sweating. Look for non-comedogenic labels on moisturisers and sunscreen.
- Exfoliation and medication
- Adapalene is a medicine for comedonal acne. Do not add scrubs and peels to skin that is already stinging and dry.
- If inflammation worsens during treatment
- Have treatment reassessed instead of waiting merely to complete 6–8 weeks.
- If pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Adapalene is not recommended during pregnancy. Tell your clinician about pregnancy or plans before use; if already used, give the product name and dates of use.
Experiences with exfoliation and medication
좁쌀여드름 생기면 필링을 자주하라고 해서 열심히했는데, 건조한피부 더 건조해져만가고 좁쌀여드름은 안없어지더라구요, Translation: I was told to peel frequently when small acne bumps appeared, so I did, but my dry skin got even drier and the bumps did not go away.
Babitalk, treatment date November 20, 2025. Earlier skin-care experience described in a later skin-booster review.원장님께서 피부에 맞는 약도 처방해주시고 두번째 방문했을때 좁쌀도 반 이상 사라지고 효과도 짱조앗숩니다 Translation: The doctor prescribed medicine suited to my skin, and by my second visit more than half the small bumps had gone. I was really happy with the effect.
Babitalk, treatment date October 23, 2025. Excerpt about acne care that included medication.
Should you keep extracting bumps that come back?
Recurrence is not a reason to increase extraction frequency first. Extraction removes existing plugs; preventing new acne needs separate treatment. Renew & Young describes treatment plans and daily care intended to reduce the need for extraction.
Sia Clinic Gangnam describes visits 1–2 weeks apart. If wounds or pain remain from the previous treatment, plan the next visit around recovery rather than a fixed date.
Original excerpts about repeat care
피지가 많아서 압출 개수가 많앗어요ㅜㅜ 약을 먹어도 피지는 관리해야해서 왓어요 Translation: I had lots of oil plugs, so there were many extractions. Even taking medicine, I still needed care for the oil plugs, so I came in.
Gangnam Unni, review updated May 16, 2026. Personal experience of extraction and soothing care while taking medication.2회차까지 받았는데 염증은 더 올라왔습니다 원래 원인이 다양해서 그럴 수 있다하셨지만 그 전보다 심해진 것 같아요…하 Translation: I have had two sessions, but the inflammation has increased. They said there can be various causes, but I feel it is worse than before.
Gangnam Unni, review updated June 3, 2026. Excerpt about care for both comedonal and inflammatory acne.
Does extraction hurt, and how long do red marks last?
Pain varies, and Yean Dermatology Clinic describes mild redness and swelling lasting 1–2 days. Scabs or wounds need time to heal separately from redness settling.
Do not pick scabs or scrub red areas. Seek medical care if swelling, heat or pain keeps worsening, or if pus increases.
Reviews describing different pain and skin reactions
꼼꼼하게 압출 해주셨고, 통증도 전 별로 없었어요! Translation: They did careful extractions, and I personally hardly felt any pain!
Gangnam Unni, July 8, 2026. Excerpt about extractions around the chin.압출전과 후 관리는 좋았고 친절하셨지만 압출 후 딱지가 앉고 상처가 많아 재방문 의사는 없습니다. Translation: The care before and after extraction was good and the staff were kind, but I developed scabs and many wounds afterwards, so I do not intend to return.
Gangnam Unni, July 17, 2026. Excerpt about discomfort after extraction.
Can you wash and wear makeup immediately after extraction?
Same-day washing and makeup instructions differ between clinics, so follow the clinic that treated you.
Do not cover weeping or bleeding areas with foundation. When you resume makeup, avoid forceful tapping with a puff or repeated rubbing during cleansing.
| Clinic guidance | Washing and makeup | Scope of the instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Yean Dermatology Clinic | Gentle water washing and makeup permitted the same day | This clinic's acne-treatment guidance |
| Sia Clinic Gangnam | Avoid washing and makeup the same day | Guidance for anti-inflammatory injections and extraction care |
An original excerpt about makeup timing
내일부터 바로 화장 가능하다고 해서 좋아요 Translation: I am happy they said I can wear makeup from tomorrow.
Gangnam Unni, July 20, 2026. Instructions reported immediately after treatment, not a next-day recovery outcome.
Why do extraction prices differ, and what should you check before booking?
Prices differ with the number of extractions, soothing care and accompanying treatments. Check whether extraction is available on its own and whether VAT is included.
The prices below are clinic guidance as of October 22, 2026.
| Clinic and treatment | Listed price | Inclusions and conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Sia Clinic Gangnam: up to 10 extractions | KRW 30,000, excluding VAT | Not available alone; combined with skin care or another treatment |
| Sia Clinic Gangnam: up to 20 extractions | KRW 50,000, excluding VAT | Not available alone; combined with skin care or another treatment |
| Lisse Dermatology Clinic: five-week acne course | From KRW 400,000, excluding VAT | Three scaling-plus-extraction sessions and two extraction sessions |
What should you do first for your particular bumps?
Reduce irritation for non-red, painless comedones; have hard lumps or inflamed bumps assessed to identify them.
- Recent bumps without redness or pain
- Do not squeeze them by hand; continue gentle cleansing and moisturising.
- Persistent hard white lumps
- Have bumps around the eyes or cheeks assessed for milia.
- Red, painful or pus-filled lesions
- Have the inflammation assessed before booking extraction.
- Many similar itchy bumps appearing together
- Tell the clinician whether they appeared after new cosmetics, shaving or peeling.
- Bumps keep returning after extraction
- Combine care with treatment that reduces new comedones instead of merely shortening extraction intervals.
Do closed comedones need extraction?
Closed comedones do not have to be extracted.
Persistent comedones may be extracted depending on skin condition. If new acne keeps recurring, continue medication and everyday care together.
Do not squeeze red, painful or pus-filled lesions at home; seek medical care.
Frequently asked questions
Will all unextracted comedones become pus-filled acne?
No. Treatment depends on whether red or painful inflammation develops.
What should you do about white bumps that will not squeeze out?
Have them identified rather than pressing repeatedly. Milia contain keratin, not oil, so their treatment differs from comedones.
Can you use adapalene instead of extraction?
Adapalene treats comedonal acne. Watch for stinging and dryness; it is not recommended during pregnancy.
Can you assess improvement after 6–8 weeks?
That is a time to assess whether fewer new lesions are appearing. Remaining lesions and treatment-related irritation also need assessment.
Do you need extraction every week?
There is no single interval for everyone. Timing depends on remaining comedones, new inflammation and healing from the previous extraction.
Are red marks after extraction scars?
Red marks differ from indented scars. Redness alone does not establish permanent scarring.
Can you wear makeup the day after extraction?
Postpone makeup if wounds have not healed, even the next day. Resume at the time advised for the treated area and any accompanying procedures.
Sources and review dates
- Choice Dermatology Clinic: selecting lesions for acne extraction, the procedure and aftercareChecked on
- Lisse Dermatology Clinic: acne care with and without extractionChecked on
- Yean Dermatology Clinic: acne types, extraction, peeling and soothing careChecked on
- Renew & Young: comedonal and inflammatory acne packages and extraction precautionsChecked on
- Sia Clinic Gangnam: prices by number of extractions, combination requirements and same-day aftercareChecked on
- Seoul National University Hospital: milia and their treatmentChecked on
- Asan Medical Center: folliculitis symptoms and precautionsChecked on
- Gangnam Unni: reviews matching the Korean search term for small acne bumpsChecked on
- Babitalk: treatment reviews matching the Korean search term for small acne bumpsChecked on
- American Academy of Dermatology: risks of squeezing and the role of medical extractionChecked on
- American Academy of Dermatology: acne medicines and time to assess treatmentChecked on
- American Academy of Dermatology: skin-care habits that worsen acneChecked on
- UK Teratology Information Service: adapalene use during pregnancyChecked on
Editorial responsibility and relationships
The Gangnam Beauty Check editorial team is responsible for this article. The review material comprises 100 Gangnam Unni reviews and 70 Babitalk reviews, not every review on either platform. Original excerpts describe personal experiences and do not rank clinics or treatment outcomes. Sources include clinic guidance, university hospital information and professional association resources. There is no medical review, paid advertising or affiliate link. Korean original by the editorial team. English translation and machine-assisted translations reviewed by the editorial team on October 22, 2026; no professional translator or medical review.
Medical review: None
This article is for information and does not replace an individual diagnosis or medical consultation.
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