Acne Facial in Atlanta, GAProfessional Extractions to Clear Congestion and Breakouts

Treatment Time:
60 minutes
Downtime:
None to mild redness
Results Last:
About 3-4 weeks
Pain Level:
Mild, brief pressure
Licensed aesthetician performing an acne facial with gentle extractions on a young woman at SOCAH Center in Atlanta, GA

Clearer Pores

An acne facial in Atlanta, GA deep cleans congested skin, clears blackheads and whiteheads with careful extractions and calms active breakouts. At SOCAH Center, each step is chosen for oily, breakout-prone skin in teens and adults.

Acne facials are performed by our licensed aestheticians under the supervision of Dr. Nikki D. Hill, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive training in traditional dermatology and respect for patients who prefer a holistic path. Working inside a dermatology practice means your aesthetician can bring in the medical team when breakouts need more than a facial. The acne facial is one of our dermatologist-supervised aesthetician services.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikki D. Hill, MD, FAAD. Last updated: October 2026.

Before and after view of congested skin on the nose and cheeks clearing following an acne facial in Atlanta, GA

Why It Helps

Why an Acne Facial Clears What Home Care Misses

From congestion to calm skin

Clogged pores build up faster than most cleansers can clear them. Many people try pore strips, harsh scrubs or squeezing in the mirror, which tears the skin, spreads bacteria and leaves marks that last far longer than the pimple. Others use several strong acne products at once until the skin is red, flaky and still congested.

An acne facial removes the buildup safely. Your aesthetician softens each plug, extracts what is ready with sterile technique and leaves inflamed lesions alone. Calming steps reduce redness, and you leave with a home routine that keeps pores clear between visits. When congestion keeps returning, the dermatology team adjusts your medical plan.

Understanding the Treatment

What Is an Acne Facial?

Extractions plus calming care

An acne facial is an aesthetician treatment that combines deep cleansing, chemical exfoliation and manual extractions to clear blackheads, whiteheads and congestion. It is a cosmetic service, so FDA approval does not apply. The American Academy of Dermatology acne guide explains how acne forms.

Oil and dead skin harden into plugs inside pores. Salicylic or other mild acids loosen them, then sterile extraction lifts them out. A calming mask settles redness. Skin looks clearer within days, and regular visits keep new plugs from forming.

Treatment Timeline:

Treatment Time:
About 60 minutes
First Signs:
2-3 days
Best Effect:
After 3 monthly visits
Recovery:
Redness fades in hours

What It Treats

Skin Concerns an Acne Facial Addresses

Six signs of congested skin

Blackheads
Open comedones on the nose, chin and cheeks cleared safely
Whiteheads
Closed comedones softened with acids and gently extracted
Clogged Pores
Deep congestion and rough texture across the T-zone reduced
Mild Inflammatory Acne
Red bumps and small pustules calmed so they heal cleaner
Oily, Shiny Skin
Excess oil balanced without the tight, stripped feeling
Hormonal Jawline Breakouts
Congestion along the chin and jaw cleared between flares

Benefits of an Acne Facial

What patients notice

Safe ExtractionsSterile technique, no tearing or scarringFewer BreakoutsClears the plugs that become pimplesCalmer SkinSoothing masks reduce breakout rednessSmoother TextureExfoliation refines rough, bumpy areasProtects Even ToneGentle handling lowers dark-mark risk

Acne Facial vs Other Options

Several treatments help congested, acne-prone skin. Here is how an acne facial compares with common alternatives.

OptionHow It WorksWho Provides ItTime to ResultsDowntimeExtractionsBest For
Acne FacialAcids, steam, manual extractions, calming maskLicensed aesthetician2-3 daysNone to mild rednessYes, sterileBlackheads, whiteheads, congestion
HydrafacialVortex suction cleansing and serumsLicensed aestheticianSame dayNoneSuction onlyMild congestion, dull skin
Chemical PeelAcid solution exfoliates the surfaceAesthetician or provider1-2 weeksPeeling for daysNoTexture, marks, oily skin
At-Home Extraction ToolsMetal loop or pore stripsSelfImmediatePossible marksUnsterile, unevenNot recommended
Prescription TopicalsRetinoids or combination creamsDermatology provider8-12 weeksEarly drynessNoOngoing acne prevention

Candidacy

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Acne Facial?

Is it right for your skin

An acne facial helps teens and adults whose main problem is congestion: blackheads, whiteheads and small breakouts that keep coming back.

Ideal Candidates for Acne Facial

  • Adults and older teens with blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores
  • People with mild to moderate breakouts on the face
  • Patients using prescription acne care who want deeper pore cleansing
  • Anyone who picks or squeezes and wants a safer way to clear pores
  • People with oily skin and visible congestion on the T-zone

Who Should Wait or Avoid Acne Facial

  • People taking oral isotretinoin or who stopped it in the last six months, unless the prescriber approves
  • Anyone with deep, painful nodules or cysts, which need a dermatology visit
  • People with an active skin infection, cold sore, open wound or sunburn on the face
  • Anyone with an allergy to salicylic acid or other ingredients used

Acne Facial and Extractions

Extractions are the core of this facial. Only plugs that are ready are removed, using sterile tools, gloved hands and controlled pressure. Deep, inflamed lesions are never forced, because that drives inflammation deeper. If breakouts are frequent or painful, our medical acne program led by our dermatology team adds prescription options, and patients who prefer gentler ingredients can explore holistic acne regimens with botanicals.

Younger teens usually start with a gentler teen facial designed for developing skin, and breakouts on the back and shoulders are cleared with a back facial for body breakouts.

Licensed aesthetician performing sterile extractions under a magnifying lamp during an acne facial in Atlanta, GA

Your Visit

Your Acne Facial Step by Step

What happens in the room

  1. Skin Analysis

    Your aesthetician examines congestion under magnification and reviews your products and medicines.

  2. Cleanse and Exfoliate

    A deep cleanse is followed by a salicylic or mild acid exfoliant and warm steam to soften plugs.

  3. Extractions

    Your aesthetician clears ready blackheads and whiteheads with sterile tools and controlled pressure.

  4. Calming Treatment

    A soothing, oil-balancing mask settles redness and helps extraction sites close.

  5. Home Plan

    You leave with a simple routine and a recommended timing for your next acne facial.

Acne Facial Safety and Side Effects

Acne facials are well tolerated.

Common, Short-Lived Effects

Expect mild redness and small pink marks at extraction sites for a few hours, slight tenderness, and sometimes a few new breakouts in the following days as deeper plugs surface.

Less Common Reactions

Rarely, extraction can cause bruising or a small scab. Picking and squeezing at home cause much more damage, which is why the American Academy of Dermatology recommends leaving extractions to trained professionals.

Protecting Your Skin Tone

In skin prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, your aesthetician uses lower-strength acids and light pressure. If marks persist, our post-acne dark spot care can help fade them. Tell us about every medicine before each visit.

Cost

Acne Facial Cost in Atlanta

Pricing, coverage and payment

How Much Does Acne Facial Cost in Atlanta?

The cost of an acne facial depends on the treatment length, how much congestion needs clearing, any add-on steps and how many visits your skin needs. Exact pricing is shared when you book or at your consultation, and your aesthetician explains any added step before it is performed.

Insurance and Acne Facial

An acne facial is a cosmetic aesthetician service, so it is self-pay. Dermatology visits for acne are a medical service and are often covered, subject to your plan.

Financing and Payment Options

CareCredit and Cherry can be used for self-pay services. Review our financing options for aesthetician services before your visit.

Why Choose SOCAH Center for Acne Facial in Atlanta, GA

Aesthetics with medical backup

Our licensed aestheticians work within Dr. Hill's dermatology practice, so your acne facial is coordinated with your medical acne plan, your products and your skin tone, not performed in isolation.

Book Appointment

  • Dermatologist-Supervised

    Every facial runs under Dr. Hill's medical oversight

  • Every Skin Tone

    Extraction pressure and acids chosen to prevent dark marks

  • Medical Coordination

    Facials timed around retinoids and other prescriptions

  • Honest Advice

    We tell you when acne needs medical care, not more facials

  • Safer Than Squeezing

    Professional extractions clear pores without the scarring that picking causes

  • No Surprise Add-Ons

    Any added step is explained before it is performed, with pricing shared up front

Collage of related acne treatments including back facials, chemical peels and skincare at SOCAH Center in Atlanta

Related Treatment

Microneedling

Collagen-building microneedling for smoother texture, softer scars and a more even tone.

  1. Your Own Collagen
  2. Gentle on Pigment
  3. Short Recovery
Learn More

Acne Facial FAQs

How much does an acne facial cost?
Acne facial pricing depends on the treatment length, the amount of congestion and any add-on steps. Exact pricing is shared when you book or at your consultation. Acne facials are self-pay, and CareCredit and Cherry financing are available for self-pay services through our financing page.
How long does an acne facial take?
An acne facial takes about 60 minutes, including skin analysis, exfoliation, extractions and a calming mask. Your first visit may run a little longer while your aesthetician reviews your products and medicines and maps out your home routine.
Do extractions hurt?
Extractions cause brief pressure and mild discomfort, not real pain, for most people. Softening the pores first makes plugs release easily. Your aesthetician only removes what is ready and stops or adjusts pressure whenever you ask.
When will I see results from an acne facial?
Most people see smoother, less congested skin within two to three days, once extraction redness settles. Fewer new breakouts usually show after two or three monthly facials combined with a steady home routine. Results vary with your skin and acne type.
How often should I get an acne facial?
Every four weeks works well for most congested, acne-prone skin, matching the skin's renewal cycle. Once pores stay clear, many patients move to every six to eight weeks. Your aesthetician sets the schedule around your skin and any medical treatment.
Is an acne facial better than a Hydrafacial for acne?
For blackheads and whiteheads, an acne facial is usually more effective because manual extraction removes hardened plugs that suction may leave behind. A Hydrafacial is gentler and suits mild congestion and dull skin. Your aesthetician can recommend the better fit after examining your skin.
Can teens get an acne facial?
Older teens with heavy congestion can get an acne facial with parent or guardian consent if they are under 18. Younger teens usually start with a gentler teen facial designed for developing skin, which focuses on light extractions and building a first routine.
Can you treat acne on my back?
Yes. Breakouts on the back and shoulders are treated with a separate back facial, which uses the same cleansing, exfoliation and extraction steps on hard-to-reach skin. Many patients alternate face and back treatments during flare seasons.
Is an acne facial safe for darker skin tones?
Yes, an acne facial is safe for every skin tone when done gently. In skin of color, aggressive extraction or strong acids can leave dark marks, so your aesthetician uses lower-strength acids, light pressure and leaves inflamed spots alone. Daily sunscreen afterward helps protect an even tone.
Can I get an acne facial while on acne medication?
Often yes, with adjustments. Patients using topical retinoids may need to pause them a few days before and after the facial. Anyone taking oral isotretinoin, or who stopped it within six months, should wait for approval from the prescriber. Always share your full medicine list.
Location2296 Henderson Mill Rd, Suite 300Atlanta, GA, 30345
Emailinfo@socahcenter.com
Phone(404) 474-2301

Schedule Your Acne Facial Consultation

References

  1. Reynolds et al., J Am Acad Dermatol. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. PMID: 38300170.
  2. Eichenfield et al., JAMA. (2021). Management of Acne Vulgaris: A Review. PMID: 34812859.
  3. Fox et al., Molecules. (2016). Treatment Modalities for Acne. PMID: 27529209.
  4. Gold et al., J Cosmet Dermatol. (2018). Management of comedonal acne vulgaris with fixed-combination topical therapy. PMID: 29380941.
  5. Saurat, Dermatology. (2015). Strategic Targets in Acne: The Comedone Switch in Question. PMID: 26113292.