Are you planning to take plenty of photos during your trip to Korea and wondering whether to have your blackheads extracted beforehand? On average, the skin can look red or swollen for about 1–2 days after extraction. Redness may last for up to a week if your skin is very sensitive or prone to redness, or if severe pustular acne is extracted.
If an important photo shoot or your departure date is close, we will first examine your skin and the area you want treated. The care or treatment you need will depend on whether the concern is blackheads or whiteheads, large and painful pustular acne, or an area where an early scar may be forming.
Which concerns besides blackheads should I show the clinic?
Manual extraction by a professional esthetician may be considered for blackheads and whiteheads. Red or painful acne, visible pus, and areas that feel deep and firm beneath the skin are examined first by a board-certified dermatologist.
For large, painful pustular acne, the pus may be drained when needed, followed by an anti-inflammatory injection to calm the inflammation more quickly. This treatment may help lower the chance of scarring. Oral or topical medication may also be prescribed to help the inflammation and red marks settle more quickly.
Please also mention any areas that look like early scars. Starting appropriate treatment at the right time may help stop scars from progressing and reduce permanent scarring. In addition to the blackheads or red acne you want treated, show us any red marks or areas that are beginning to indent so we can examine them together.
Why is professional extraction different from extracting blackheads yourself?
At YJ Central Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Clinic, a professional esthetician performs manual extraction of blackheads and whiteheads. The esthetician checks each area and the extent of extraction while trying to avoid unnecessary irritation to the skin.
Squeezing at home with fingernails or an unclean tool can push the contents deeper into the skin or damage it. It can also worsen inflammation and increase the risk of infection or scarring. Show us any areas you have already squeezed or injured as they are.
Do not add a strong scrub or a new acid-based product immediately before your visit. Tell us which products you normally use so we can review them during your consultation.
How much time should I allow before a photo shoot, makeup, or departure?
On average, redness and swelling can last for about 1–2 days after extraction. Redness may last for up to a week if your skin is very sensitive or prone to redness, or if severe pustular acne is extracted. If you have an important photo shoot or event, tell us the date and the area you want treated in advance.
Washing your face is usually possible on the day of extraction, but wearing makeup that day may be difficult. Makeup is generally possible from the following day. This can vary with your skin type, the degree of inflammation, and the extent of extraction, so follow the instructions the clinic gives you personally.
Before you leave, also check how to use sunscreen, when to resume exercise, swimming, or sauna use, and which skin changes mean you should contact the clinic. We will also explain which products to use after you return home and how to contact us.
When might it be better to postpone extraction?
If your photo shoot or event is within the next day or two, redness and swelling after extraction may affect your photos or makeup. Redness may last longer if your skin is very sensitive or prone to redness, or if you have severe pustular acne, so allow enough time when arranging your consultation.
Tell us if you will leave Korea shortly afterward and have little time to monitor your skin, or if outdoor activities, swimming, and sauna visits are scheduled one after another. If aftercare does not fit well with the rest of your trip, you can have your skin assessed this time and schedule extraction for another day.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does redness last after extraction?
On average, it lasts for about 1–2 days. Redness may continue for up to a week if your skin is very sensitive or prone to redness, or if severe pustular acne is extracted. Because the timing varies with your skin type, inflammation, and the extent of extraction, mention your photo shoot and departure dates during the consultation.
Can I wash my face or wear makeup on the same day?
Washing your face is usually possible on the same day. Wearing makeup that day may be difficult and is usually possible from the following day, but this varies with your skin type, inflammation, and the extent of extraction. Follow the washing and makeup instructions given to you by the clinic.
Does an esthetician extract large, painful pustular acne too?
Large, painful pustular acne is examined first by a board-certified dermatologist. When needed, the pus may be drained and an anti-inflammatory injection given to calm the inflammation more quickly and help lower the chance of scarring. Oral or topical medication may also be prescribed to help the inflammation and red marks settle more quickly.
Tell YJ Central your photo shoot and departure dates, the areas you want extracted, and any current redness, pain, or areas where you are worried about scarring. We will discuss whether extraction is a suitable choice during this trip. Enquire on WhatsApp · Enquire on LINE
References: YJ Central program for international patients · Acne guidance — Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency · Why early acne treatment matters — American Academy of Dermatology · Questions before a cosmetic treatment — American Academy of Dermatology
Minjung Choi, M.D.
Medical Director · Board-certified Dermatologist
- Medical Director, YJ Central
- Internship and dermatology residency, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital
- Author or co-author of five peer-reviewed dermatology papers