Comedo Extraction

Comedo extraction is a treatment for acne vulgaris in which a dermatologist or cosmetologist removes blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads, or open comedones, are extracted with gentle pressure around the pore opening, while whiteheads, or closed comedones, require incision with a needle or blade. Performed skillfully the procedure can benefit the patient, but possible negative effects include incomplete extraction, refilling, scarring, and tissue damage; peer reviewed evidence is thin, with a 1964 study of extraction of non inflamed whiteheads finding it reduced future inflamed lesions and the recurrence of comedones while worsening patients' existing inflamed cystic lesions.