Comedo extraction

Comedo extraction is a widely-used method of treatment for acne vulgaris.^[1] A dermatologist or cosmetologist may extract blackheads (open comedones) using gentle pressure around the pore opening, and whiteheads (closed comedones) by incision with a large needle or a blade.^[2]

If performed skillfully, this treatment may be beneficial to the patient.^[2] Possible negative effects of the procedure include incomplete extraction, refilling, scarring and tissue damage.^[2] There are few articles describing the use of comedo extraction in peer-reviewed dermatology journals.^[1] In one 1964 study of extraction of non-inflamed whiteheads on patients' foreheads (the only study of the procedure cited in a 2007 literature review), the procedure reduced the number of future inflamed lesions and the recurrence rate of comedones, but worsened patients' inflamed cystic lesions.^[3]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Taub AF (September 2007). "Procedural treatments for acne vulgaris". Dermatologic Surgery 33 (9): 1005–26. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.33215.x. PMID 17760592. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} Gollnick H, Cunliffe W et al. (July 2003). "Management of acne". J Am Acad Dermatol 49 (1): S1–S37. doi:10.1067/mjd.2003.618. PMID 12833004. 
3. ^ Taub AF (September 2007). "Procedural treatments for acne vulgaris". Dermatologic Surgery 33 (9): 1005–26. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.33215.x. PMID 17760592.  (Citing Lowney E, Witkowski J, Simons H, Zagula Z (September 1964). "Value of comedo extraction in treatment of acne vulgaris". JAMA 189: 1000–2. PMID 14188876. )