🧴 What is a blackhead?

• A blackhead (open comedone) forms when sebum + dead skin cells clog a pore, and the plug oxidises when exposed to air. seouldermatologists.
• They are common on the nose, chin, and forehead, especially in oily or combination skin types.
• Important: “sebaceous filaments” (tiny oil/sebum structures) get confused with blackheads — treatments differ.

🛠 Typical treatment steps in Seoul (and why)

1. Consultation & skin analysis

• Skin type, pore condition, oil/sebum levels are assessed. gangnamskincareclinic.com+1

1. Pre-treatment preparation

• Cleansing, possibly light steaming or warm compress to soften pores.
• Gentle exfoliation (chemical or mechanical) may occur to ease extraction.

1. Extraction / removal phase

• Manual extraction with sterile tools, or via suction devices or specialised “peel/clear” machines.
• For deeper oil/gland issues: lasers or sebum-control devices may be used. seouldermatologists.com

1. Soothing / aftercare

• Application of calming mask/serum, LED therapy or cooling to reduce redness.

1. Maintenance plan & prevention advice

• Routine review, often repeat every few weeks. gangnamskincareclinic.com+1

💡 Common treatment types you’ll find

• Professional extractions (manual) – Safe removal of clogged pores by trained staff. seouldermatologists.com
• Aqua Peel / Hydradermabrasion – gentle suction + infusion to clear pores and hydrate skin. apgujeongskincare.com+1
• Chemical peels (BHA / AHA) – dissolve debris in pores, reduce oil. seouldermatologists.com+1
• Sebum control & laser treatments – especially when oil glands are very active.

✅ How to pick and prepare (especially for melanin-rich skin)

• Ask about how they treat darker skin tones / risk of post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. (Because blackhead extraction and skin clearance must be gentler on melanin-rich skin.)
• Clarify which areas will be treated: just T-zone, nose, or full face.
• Ask about downtime, side-effects, and how many sessions you might need (many recommend 3-5 for oily or recurring cases).
• Understand the aftercare: cleansing, sun-protection, non-comedogenic moisturiser, avoiding heavy scrubs.

🕒 Typical cost guide (Seoul)

• Extraction/facial type: approx ₩70,000-₩150,000 per session. seouldermatologists.com
• More advanced (laser/sebum control): can go higher.
• Maintenance is key: one session may immediately improve appearance, but regular visits help long‐term.

🔍 Home-care tips between treatments

• Use a gentle cleanser, twice daily; avoid over-scrubbing.
• Include chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid (oil-soluble, helps clear pores) rather than harsh physical scrubs. CultBeauty+1
• Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen, especially post-treatment. Byrdie
• Avoid picking or squeezing—this can damage pores, cause inflammation or pigmentation.