Sebaceous Gland Treatment in Seoul: Clear Bumps and Pores
The short answer
Sebaceous gland extraction and treatment removes clogged sebum and shrinks enlarged oil glands, including the small yellowish bumps of sebaceous hyperplasia, using extraction, CO2 laser, electrocautery or RF needling. In Gangnam it typically costs about ₩10,000–₩30,000 per bump or ₩80,000–₩300,000 per area, takes 15–45 minutes, and leaves small scabs that heal in 5–10 days. New bumps can form, so occasional maintenance is common.
Key facts
- Treats: sebaceous hyperplasia, sebaceous filaments, clogged oil glands, milia-like bumps
- Methods: extraction, CO2 laser, electrocautery, RF microneedling, oral or topical retinoids
- Procedure time: 15–45 minutes
- Downtime: small scabs for 5–10 days after laser or cautery
- Typical Seoul price: about ₩10,000–₩30,000 per bump; area pricing available
- Recurrence: treated bumps rarely return; new ones may appear
Understanding sebaceous glands
Sebaceous glands sit beside hair follicles and produce sebum, the oil that keeps skin supple. When they become overactive or enlarged, they can cause several common concerns. Sebaceous filaments are the grey-tipped dots on the nose that many people mistake for blackheads; they are normal structures that refill quickly. Sebaceous hyperplasia appears as small, soft, yellowish or skin-coloured bumps with a central dip, usually on the forehead, cheeks and nose, and becomes more common after age 30. Clogged glands can also form firm white bumps that resemble milia.
All of these are harmless, but they can make skin look uneven or textured, and some people find them difficult to cover with makeup.
Which treatment fits which concern
| Concern | Typical treatment | Downtime |
|---|---|---|
| Sebaceous filaments | Gentle extraction, BHA, carbon peel or aqua peel | None to a few hours |
| Sebaceous hyperplasia | CO2 laser or electrocautery of each bump | 5–10 days of small scabs |
| Many small hyperplasia bumps | RF microneedling with insulated needles, retinoids | 2–4 days |
| Firm clogged glands | Opening and extraction with a sterile needle | 1–3 days |
A dermatologist should examine each bump first, because a few other lesions, including some skin cancers, can look similar to sebaceous hyperplasia.
What happens during treatment
The doctor examines your skin under magnification and identifies which bumps to treat. Numbing cream is applied for 20 to 30 minutes. For laser or electrocautery, a fine tip is touched to each bump to flatten it precisely; you feel brief heat or pricking. For extraction, the clinician opens the surface with a sterile lancet and gently presses out the contents. Treatment of a handful of bumps takes only minutes, while a full forehead may take longer.
Healing and aftercare
- Days 1–3: small red spots or tiny scabs where bumps were treated
- Days 5–10: scabs fall off naturally; do not pick them
- Weeks 2–6: pink marks fade to normal skin colour
Apply the antibiotic or healing ointment provided, use sunscreen to avoid dark marks, and avoid makeup directly on scabs if possible. Saunas and swimming pools are best avoided until healed.
Preventing new bumps
Sebaceous hyperplasia tends to recur in new spots over time, because the tendency comes from age, hormones and genetics. Topical retinoids help regulate oil glands, and in some cases a dermatologist may suggest low-dose oral medication. Regular gentle exfoliation and oil-controlling treatments, such as a sebum control facial, keep pores clearer between procedures.
Cost overview
Clinics in Gangnam price this treatment either per bump, often around ₩10,000–₩30,000, or per area, typically ₩80,000–₩300,000. RF microneedling for diffuse oiliness and hyperplasia is priced per session. Ask whether numbing, aftercare ointment and a follow-up check are included.
Questions to ask the dermatologist
- Are these bumps sebaceous hyperplasia, milia or something else?
- Which method will leave the smallest mark on my skin type?
- How many bumps can safely be treated in one session?
- What home routine will help prevent new ones?
A clear diagnosis matters, because milia, syringomas and other small bumps look similar but respond to different techniques.
Tips for international patients
Laser or electrocautery removal can be done in a single visit, but schedule it early in your stay so the small scabs have healed before important events. If you mainly have sebaceous filaments on the nose, ask for a gentle cleansing approach rather than aggressive squeezing, which can enlarge pores. For more on pore concerns, see our guides to enlarged pores and deep cleansing extraction.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Are sebaceous filaments the same as blackheads?
No. Filaments are normal oil-filled structures that refill quickly, while blackheads are true clogged pores.
Will treated sebaceous hyperplasia come back?
Treated bumps rarely return, but new ones can appear elsewhere over time.
Does treatment leave scars?
Small treatments usually heal without noticeable scarring when aftercare and sun protection are followed.
How long do the scabs last?
Typically 5–10 days after laser or electrocautery.
Can I squeeze these bumps myself?
It is not recommended; sebaceous hyperplasia does not empty easily, and squeezing can cause scarring and infection.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
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