SURGICAL

Acne surgery involves manual comedo extraction; drainage and extraction of the contents of more severe acne cysts and lesions; and interlesional corticosteroid injection. While some acne surgeries may leave scars, Albany Dermatology provides esthetic and cosmetic treatments to minimize the appearance of these scars.

DRAINAGE AND SURGICAL EXCISION  

Some large cysts do not respond to medication and may require drainage and excision. You should not attempt to drain and extract comedones by squeezing or picking, as this can lead to infection, worsening of the acne and increasing the instance of scarring.     

MANUAL COMEDO EXTRACTION  

Manual extraction of comedones (black heads and whiteheads) may be used to relieve the obstruction of acne lesions. A closed comedone is first opened with the tip of a small scalpel blade or needle. Local anesthesia is not needed. A comedone extractor is then used to apply gentle pressure around the comedone expressing the contents.     

INTRALESIONAL CORTICOSTEROID INJECTION  

Intralesional corticosteroid injections place anti-inflammatory medication directly into the skin at the affected area. This technique effectively treats severely inflamed acne cysts, rapidly reduces pain and swelling and may reduce the likelihood of scarring. Acne cysts will typically shrink within two to five days after injection. Injections can be repeated after three weeks.