Acne extraction & peel
Extraction and a peel are combined to clear the clogged pores where acne begins. Extraction presses out comedones (plugs of oil and dead skin inside a pore), and the peel dissolves dead skin cells.
Depth: epidermis to upper dermis (pore openings and oil glands) This is a model, so layer thickness is not to scale.
How it works
Examination firstIf you have many red, painful breakouts or scars are starting to form, we begin with medication, which is covered by National Health Insurance (NHI).
01What it uses
Comedone extractor and exfoliating peel
We press out comedones with a sterilized extractor and apply a peel that gently dissolves dead skin cells.
02Which layer
Epidermis to upper dermis (pore openings and oil glands)
The blockage is at the opening of the pore, while the oil comes from oil glands (sebaceous glands) in the dermis.
03How it works
Opening blocked pores
We open the pore so trapped oil can drain, and clear away dead skin. Reducing new breakouts is the job of medication.
Concerns and how it works
If this sounds like you
- My forehead and chin are full of tiny whiteheads
- The blackheads beside my nose bother me
- I keep squeezing my pimples
Inside a blocked pore, oil builds up behind a plug of dead skin cells, and that is where acne begins. Left blocked, the pore easily becomes inflamed, and squeezing it by hand can push the inflammation deeper and leave marks or scars. Extraction removes comedones with sterilized tools, and the peel loosens the dead skin cells that block the pore openings.
Treatment details
Sessions, downtime, and side effects
- Usual sessions
- As needed
- Interval
- 2–4 weeks
- Treatment time
- 30–40 min
- Numbing
- None
- Downtime
- Redness for about a day
What it is for
Clearing whiteheads and excess sebum. How much your skin changes, and how quickly, varies from person to person.
Side effects
Redness, temporary hyperpigmentation, and, rarely, a flare of inflammation can occur. Acne medication is covered by NHI; extraction is self-pay.
Is it right for you
When it suits you,and when it may not
- Good for: You have many whiteheads and blackheads
- Good for: You are on acne medication and want your clogged pores cleared as well
- Good for: Squeezing at home has left marks on your skin before
- Good for: You can come in every 2–4 weeks
- May not suit: Red, painful acne spread over a wide area (we start with medication)
- May not suit: Currently taking isotretinoin, an oral acne medication (your skin is more fragile, so we decide after an examination)
- May not suit: An infection such as a cold sore in the treatment area
Before and after
From before your visit back to daily life
- BeforeExamination, plan, and price
- Day of treatment30–40 min · numbing: none · makeup OK the same day
- Around 1 dayUsually healed by now (varies by person)
Before treatment
- Tell us the names of any acne medications you use, oral or topical.
- Stop squeezing at home a few days before treatment.
- If you use skincare with retinoids or exfoliating ingredients, mention those too.
- Come without makeup. We have a powder room if you need one.
After treatment
- Keep makeup light on the day of treatment.
- Do not squeeze or pick at your skin.
- Redness lasts about a day. Wear sunscreen.
- Keep using your prescribed acne medication as directed.
Price
The final price, VAT included
This is a self-pay fee. There are no discounts or promotional prices, and we go over each item and its price again before treatment.
- Face, 1 session₩55,000
Self-pay · final price, VAT included · as of Nov 2, 2026
SuppliesNone
MedicationNone
Acne examinations and medication are covered by NHI. Extraction and peels are self-pay (not covered by NHI).
Common questions
What people often ask about acne extraction & peel
How much pain should I expect?
We do not use numbing for this treatment. Pressing out comedones causes some pressure and pain, and how it feels depends on the person. The treatment takes 30–40 minutes.
How long will it take me to recover?
Redness lasts about a day. Keep makeup light that day.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no set number. You come in as needed, usually every 2–4 weeks. Reducing new breakouts also takes medication.
Can I combine it with other treatments?
It is often done alongside acne medication (covered by NHI). If scars remain, we plan a fractional laser once the acne has calmed down.
Keep exploring
Other treatments in the same layer
Skin conditions in the same layer (covered by NHI): acne, atopic dermatitis, and eczema & hand eczema. Reaching the same layer does not make this a treatment for those conditions.