What it is
Comedone and milia surgery in Korea refers to a set of minor dermatological procedures used to extract clogged pores (comedones) and remove trapped keratin cysts (milia) safely and effectively.
- Comedones → Blackheads and whiteheads formed by clogged hair follicles.
- Milia → Small, white, keratin-filled cysts that sit just beneath the skin surface.
Unlike at-home extraction, Korean dermatologists and skin specialists perform these procedures using sterile instruments, magnification, and precision techniques, minimizing risks of scarring or infection.
→ Commonly offered in dermatology clinics, aesthetic skin centers, and medical spas.
→ Often combined with peels, lasers, or acne management programs for long-term results.
Why it’s done
Patients in Korea undergo comedone and milia surgery for:
→ Aesthetic improvement → Clearer, smoother skin appearance.
→ Acne management → Prevents clogged pores from progressing into inflammatory acne.
→ Comfort → Removes irritating bumps that don’t resolve on their own.
→ Treatment-resistant cases → When skincare or medications fail to clear stubborn comedones or milia.
→ Event preparation → Many patients seek this before weddings, photoshoots, or special occasions.
Alternatives
Other management options include:
• Topical treatments → Retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide for comedones.
• Chemical peels → Glycolic or salicylic acid peels for exfoliation.
• Laser or light therapy → For acne-prone skin, reducing oil and bacteria.
• Microdermabrasion → Mechanical exfoliation to prevent clogged pores.
• Cryotherapy → Sometimes used for stubborn milia.
→ Surgery is preferred for immediate removal of stubborn lesions.
Preparation
Before undergoing comedone and milia extraction in Korea, preparation includes:
- Skin evaluation → Dermatologist examines the type, location, and severity of lesions.
- Medical history → Allergies, skin sensitivity, or use of retinoids/accutane.
- Cleansing → Skin is thoroughly cleansed and disinfected.
- Anesthesia (optional) → Numbing cream may be applied for sensitive patients or large treatment areas.
→ Korean clinics often pair extraction with pre-extraction steaming or softening solutions to ease removal.
How it’s done
Comedone and milia surgery in Korea is a precise and sterile procedure:
- Preparation → Skin is cleansed and sometimes steamed to open pores.
- Extraction
- Comedones → Removed with a comedone extractor tool, lancet, or fine needle under magnification.
- Milia → Tiny incisions made with a sterile needle, and keratin cysts are gently expressed.
- Disinfection → Treated areas are cleaned again to reduce infection risk.
- Aftercare application → Soothing gels, antibiotic creams, or light therapy (LED, blue light) applied to calm skin.
→ Sessions last 20–45 minutes, depending on the number of lesions.
→ Typically performed every 4–6 weeks as part of acne or skincare programs.
Recovery
Recovery after comedone/milia surgery is minimal:
• Mild redness or swelling → Subsides in 1–2 days.
• Tiny marks → Small pinpoints may appear but heal within a few days.
• Makeup use → Usually allowed the next day with gentle skincare.
• Aftercare → Patients are advised to hydrate skin, avoid harsh scrubs, and wear sunscreen.
→ Skin usually appears smoother and clearer within a week.
Complication
While safe when performed by professionals, risks include:
- Scarring → Rare, if extractions are aggressive or done at home.
- Infection → Uncommon, prevented with sterile techniques.
- Hyperpigmentation → Temporary dark spots may occur, especially in darker skin types.
- Recurrence → New comedones and milia may form if underlying causes are not addressed.
→ Korean dermatologists minimize risks with gentle technique and combined therapies.
Treatment option in Korea
Korea is renowned for its advanced skin care and acne treatment programs, including comedone and milia surgery:
→ Dermatology clinics and medical spas → Offer sterile, professional extraction with precision tools.
→ Combination therapies → Extractions paired with chemical peels, laser toning, or LED therapy.
• Holistic acne programs → Long-term management with oral/topical prescriptions plus in-clinic care.
• Cosmetic integration → Many clinics offer comedone/milia extraction alongside whitening facials or hydration therapies.
• Medical tourism → International patients often seek Korean clinics for safe, aesthetic-driven acne and pore management.
→ With its skilled dermatologists, innovative devices, and holistic skincare approach, comedone and milia surgery in Korea delivers clear, smooth, and healthy-looking skin with minimal downtime.
