There are several different types of acne treatment available. There are several factors—including the type and severity of the acne, personal health factors, and individual priorities—that will determine which is right for you. For mild acne that isn’t time sensitive, a combination of over-the-counter acne medications and some patience is probably all you need. But not all acne cases fit into this household definition of how to deal with the random pimple. If you have a severe acne lesion, a widespread outbreak, or recurring acne that has resisted over-the-counter treatments, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.
It’s always good to learn about the basic types of acne treatment, but you will still want to create a personalized acne treatment plan in consultation with a skin specialist. We can prescribe stronger medications, perform an immediate extraction, and provide advice about how to prevent future outbreaks.
Home pimple extraction can be difficult to avoid. People become frustrated with their breakouts and think that ‘popping’ or extracting the lesion is the fastest way to clear skin. Unfortunately, the damage that results from home extractions can be very serious. Many of our patients visit our office for help in scar reduction, and in many cases, those scars have been caused by attempted home pimple extractions. Additionally, while visible acne scars are the most common side effect, people may also develop bacterial infections and experience increased inflammation.
The safest method of popping a pimple is to visit a dermatologist. Only a professional can express acne in a safe, sterile, and practiced environment. It might not seem feasible to visit a doctor for a single breakout, but if the situation deserving – a wedding, a reunion, or a job interview – it may be worth the extra effort.
Visiting a dermatologist for acne extraction is the best way to quickly and safely remove a blemish, and if you live in the St. Louis area, our Chesterfield office is uniquely equipped to do the job. Our clinicians use sterile tools, which minimizes the risk of introducing additional bacteria into the pore. These bacteria can cause infections, which worsen inflammation and can become dangerous. We use specialized devices to extract with precision while loosening debris and sebum inside the pore.
During a professional extraction, a clinician will create a clear pathway, using a sterile needle or surgical blade, for the comedone to exit the skin. This minimizes potential damage and allows the debris to loosen. Once this pathway is clear, the doctor will use a special instrument to remove the plug, blockage, or pus. For severe acne, like that which is cystic, a dermatologist may inject a corticosteroid to speed healing and reduce the risk of scarring.
Acne extraction is usually offered when over-the-counter treatments fail to clear the skin. If you have been using products to reduce the appearance of your acne to no avail, scheduling an extraction can expedite the process. This procedure is also recommended if acne appears just before an important event, like a wedding, picture, job interview, or party. While the area around your blemish will remain red for several hours, professional extraction can significantly reduce its appearance before an important day.
Getting a consultation at our Chesterfield clinic is the best way to determine whether professional acne extraction is right for you and what follow-up acne treatments are best to prevent future outbreaks.
Contact us to schedule an appointment.
*Results may vary per patient.
