An effective extraction technique for the treatment of closed macrocomedones.
BACKGROUND
Closed macrocomedones are unsightly lesions that may be resistant to medical treatments and comedone extractors. Light cautery has been used to treat macrocomedones, which are 1 to 3 mm in size; however, its success in larger and chronic lesions is limited.


OBJECTIVE
To introduce an alternative treatment technique for this neglected problem.


METHODS
We treated these lesions by using cautery and standard dissecting forceps. After puncturing the macrocomedones in the center using the sharp-tipped cautery point, we grasped the base of the comedone using standard dissecting forceps and squeezed and pulled out the contents.


RESULTS
Twelve patients were treated with this technique, all of whom tolerated the procedure well and judged the cosmetics results as very good.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend this procedure for patients who have closed macrocomedones larger than 3 mm in size, although it is an effective treatment for macrocomedones of any size.
Kaya
Tamer Irfan
TI
Department of Dermatology, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey. tikaya@mersin.edu.tr
Tursen
Umit
U
Kokturk
Aysin
A
Ikizoglu
Guliz
G
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000601:surgery*; D002425:Cautery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D016896:Treatment Outcome