Overview & Procedure
What the treatment is and how it's performed
What it is
Deep cleansing with a focus on clearing pores, removing comedones (whiteheads/blackheads) and impurities. Can be done manually or with ultrasound/HydraFacial technology.
Treatment protocol
Maintenance:
Every 4-8 weeks for oily/combination skin
Every 6-12 weeks for dry/normal skin
Combines well with home care
Procedure
Thorough cleaning
Steam or hot towels to open pores
Enzymatic or AHA exfoliation
Manual extraction with sterilized equipment
Soothing mask
SPF applied
Duration
45-60 minutes
Experience & Recovery
Pain level, downtime and healing
Pain level
Uncomfortable during extraction (pinching sensation), but not painful. Well tolerated by most.
Downtime
Minimal downtime:
- Redness (1-4 hours) at extraction sites
- Small red marks at extraction sites (recovers in hours to 1 day)
- Can work the same day
- Next day makeup is recommended
Healing time
Immediately after:
- Redness (1-4 hours)
- Small red marks at extraction sites
- Skin feels clean
Day 1-3:
- Possible purging (acne breakouts) - NORMAL!
- These are impurities that come up from deeper layers.
- Don't pick or squeeze!
Day 3-7:
- Purging is over
- The skin balances itself
- Pores look smaller
Long-term:
Regular treatment reduces blemishes over time
Side effects
Very common:
- Redness (1-4 hours)
- Small red marks at extraction sites
Common:
- Purging (acne breakouts) days 1-7 - NORMAL!
Rare:
- Small bruises from deep extractions
- Irritation
Aftercare
- Do not touch your face for the first 24 hours
- Daily SPF
- Gentle cleansing
- No makeup for the first 12-24 hours
- Do not pick or squeeze when purging
- Normal skin care after 24 hours
Expectations & Safety
Who it's for and safety information
Who is this suitable for?
- Oily or combination skin
- Large pores
- Acne and blemishes
- Comedones (whiteheads/blackheads)
- Thick skin with a lot of sebum
Who is this not suitable for?
- Active inflammation (large, painful pimples)
- Very sensitive skin
- Active rosacea
- Recent peel or laser
Important information
What to expect:
- Uncomfortable during extraction (not painful)
- Purging (acne breakouts) the first 3-7 days is NORMAL - these are impurities that come up
- Regularity gives the best results
- Not a permanent solution - pores fill up again
Contraindications
- Active inflammation (cystic acne)
- Roaccutane use (last 6 months)
- Recent peel or laser (4 weeks)
- Active herpes
- Very sensitive skin
Warning signs
Contact at:
- Increasing redness and swelling after 24 hours
- Signs of infection
- Severe pain
Individual variations
- Some experience minimal purging
- Others have more purging the first 2-3 times - this is normal
- The effect improves with regular treatments
- Home care critical to maintaining results
Maintenance
- Every 4-8 weeks for oily/combination skin
- Every 6-12 weeks for dry/normal skin
- Combine with good home care (salicylic acid, retinol)
