Where to Get Closed Comedones Treated in Ho Chi Minh City: Cost and Time to Clear

If you are looking for a place to treat closed comedones in Ho Chi Minh City, BonBoz Clinic at 66–68 Võ Văn Tần, Xuân Hòa Ward (formerly District 3) is a Dermatology Specialty Clinic with licence 11113/HCM-GPHĐ issued by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. Your doctor is Dr. Bùi Thị Kim Kha, a Specialist Level I physician in dermatology. The clinic publishes a reference price range for acne care sessions, acne chemical peel and acne mesotherapy. The initial acne consultation and skin analysis are free of charge, and treatment costs are quoted after the examination.

Closed comedones are sebum plugs trapped deep in the hair follicle. The follicle opening is closed, so the plug does not surface, leaving small rough bumps on the forehead, cheeks and chin. Because the plug lies deep, squeezing or picking at home almost never removes it. It can also rupture the follicle inward, causing inflammation and dark marks.

How do closed comedones differ from whiteheads and folliculitis?

Closed comedones and whiteheads are both sebum plugs blocking the follicle. The difference lies in depth: whiteheads are more superficial and show a small white tip, while closed comedones sit deeper and are only clearly visible under angled light or when the skin is stretched. DermNet describes comedones as small skin-coloured papules, common on the forehead and chin, that form when the cells lining the sebaceous duct multiply and the sebaceous gland produces excess oil.

Folliculitis (red, itchy bumps with a small pustule at the tip) and cosmetic allergy look similar to closed comedones but are managed very differently, so the first step is always to have a doctor perform a skin analysis to tell them apart. See the detailed article closed comedones under the skin: why the skin feels rough but nothing surfaces.

Criteria for choosing a place to treat closed comedones

Questions like "which clinic treats closed comedones best" or "compare clinics" can only be answered with things you can verify yourself. Below is a table of criteria, how to check them, and BonBoz's information, so you can compare any clinic against it.

A place that only "squeezes acne" without a doctor's examination first is a sign to reconsider. The page medical-standard comedone extraction explains why the step of assessment matters more than the squeezing itself.

How much does treating closed comedones cost?

Closed comedones are mainly treated with prescription topical medication; extraction and chemical peel are charged per session. The published reference price range is on the page acne treatment costs:

Reference prices published in November 2026; an exact quote is given after the examination, before you decide.

According to the cost page, each session includes the technical procedure, materials and post-procedure care within the session. Examination and follow-up visits with the dermatologist within the treatment course are not charged extra. Mild acne usually needs three to five sessions. The total cost varies with the severity of the acne, the number of sessions the doctor sets and the amount of medication prescribed.

A question customers often type is "how much is topical medication for closed comedones". Comedone-clearing topical medication is prescribed by a doctor; the type and strength depend on your skin type, so the price is only known once it is prescribed. Buying high-strength products yourself and using them without guidance easily causes peeling and irritation, and people then give up halfway.

The process of a closed comedone treatment session at BonBoz

The steps below are taken from the clinic's published method page:

1. 1Skin analysis and marking. The doctor distinguishes closed comedones from inflamed acne, folliculitis or cosmetic allergy, and marks which lesions can be extracted and which cannot. The doctor reviews all the products you are using to remove anything that causes blockage.
2. 2Medical-standard extraction (if recommended). The skin is disinfected, and the plug is softened with warmth or a solution. A sterile needle opens an outlet at the top of the plug along the direction of the follicle, then a round-tipped tool applies gentle pressure on both sides so the plug comes out completely, without repeated squeezing. Each spot is disinfected again. It takes 20–40 minutes depending on the number of lesions.
3. 3Chemical peel (if included in the course). It can be done right after extraction in the same session when the skin is stable. The skin is cleansed and degreased, and the eye corners, nose and mouth are protected. The acid solution is applied at the chosen concentration, the skin's reaction is monitored, and the acid is then neutralised. Details on the types of acid are on the page chemical peels for acne.
4. 4Soothing and home instructions. An anti-inflammatory is applied to the area, or soothing light is used, followed by the prescription comedone-clearing regimen and the next appointment.

How long until closed comedones clear, and what should I avoid after a session?

With the right regimen and good adherence, the skin usually becomes less rough within 6–12 weeks; thick closed comedones take longer. DermNet also notes that comedone-clearing topical medication can take several weeks to several months to show significant improvement, and usually has to be maintained long term. The AAD advises sticking with one regimen rather than constantly switching products, because trying too many things makes skin more likely to become irritated and break out.

After extraction:

• Do not touch the skin or wear makeup for 12–24 hours; wash your face gently.
• Mild redness usually fades within 1–2 days; there may be temporary dark marks at the extraction sites, which fade gradually if you use sun protection.
• The next extraction is 2–4 weeks later in the early phase, then less often as the skin stabilises.

After a superficial peel, the skin is red for a few hours and flakes lightly for 2–3 days. Do not pick at the flaking skin, and avoid strong actives or exfoliation until the skin has healed. Avoid direct sun for 1–2 weeks. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors (per the AAD), and choose one labelled "non-comedogenic" so you do not create more closed comedones. Read more about causes and care in the article closed comedones under the skin: causes and treatment.

Who should postpone extraction or a peel?

The doctor will postpone the procedure and treat the underlying problem first if you fall into one of the following cases:

• Red inflamed acne that has not formed a head, cystic acne, or painful nodular acne: extraction at this stage easily leaves scars.
• Skin that is irritated, peeling or stinging, with a damaged skin barrier, open wounds or infection.
• Currently taking oral retinoid acne medication: the skin is thin and easily damaged; a medium-depth or deeper peel requires stopping the medication for at least 6 months.
• Fungal folliculitis or corticosteroid-induced acne: the cause needs treating, and extraction is not done.
• Active herpes, or a clear tendency toward keloid scarring.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding: tell your doctor right from the start. Some peel acids are not used during pregnancy, and prescription topical medication also has to be chosen again to suit.

See a doctor early if closed comedones spread, start to become red and swollen, or have not improved after 2–3 months of using non-prescription products.

If I live in Phú Nhuận, Thủ Đức or District 7, should I go to BonBoz in District 3?

Distance is not the main criterion when choosing where to treat closed comedones. What determines the result is whether the place has a dermatology specialty licence, a doctor who performs a skin analysis before extraction, and a prescription regimen you can maintain at home between sessions. Since extraction is only needed every 2–4 weeks and the time between sessions is mostly home application of medication, you do not have to travel often. If there is a place near you that meets all the criteria in the table above, that is also a reasonable choice.

For international customers asking "is treating closed comedones in Ho Chi Minh City safe", the way to check is the same: look up the licence, ask for the doctor's name and practising certificate number, and ask for a quote before treatment.

Book a closed comedone consultation at BonBoz Clinic

• Address: 66–68 Võ Văn Tần, Xuân Hòa Ward (formerly District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 08:00–20:00
• Phone: 0869 612 310
• Licences: 11113/HCM-GPHĐ (Dermatology) and 10036/HCM-GPHĐ (Aesthetics), issued by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, searchable at tracuu.medinet.org.vn
• Doctor: Dr. Bùi Thị Kim Kha, Specialist Level I physician in dermatology, practising certificate 009784/ĐL-CCHN, more than 8 years of practice
• Initial consultation and skin analysis: free

Information on other skin problems the clinic treats is on the page dermatology treatments in District 3.

References

• DermNet — Comedonal acne. <https://dermnetnz.org/topics/comedonal-acne>
• American Academy of Dermatology — Acne: Tips for managing. <https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/tips>
• American Academy of Dermatology — How to apply sunscreen. <https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-apply-sunscreen>

Sources accessed on: 11/11/2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get reputable treatment for closed comedones in Ho Chi Minh City?

Choose a place with a dermatology specialty licence and a doctor with a practising certificate who performs the skin analysis in person; both can be looked up at tracuu.medinet.org.vn. BonBoz Clinic at 66–68 Võ Văn Tần (formerly District 3) holds licence 11113/HCM-GPHĐ; Dr. Bùi Thị Kim Kha, Specialist Level I physician, examines you and sets the regimen.

How much does treating closed comedones cost?

At BonBoz, an acne care session with extraction or an acne chemical peel is about 1–3 million VND/session as a reference, and acne mesotherapy is 3–8 million VND/session when recommended; prescription medication is charged separately. Mild closed comedones sometimes need only topical medication and a review of your products. Reference prices published in November 2026; an exact quote is given after the examination, before you decide.

How much is topical medication for closed comedones, and should I buy it myself?

Comedone-clearing medication for closed comedones is prescription topical medication, and the price depends on the type and strength prescribed. You should not buy high-strength products yourself, because they easily cause peeling and irritation, and people then give up. The doctor chooses the active ingredient according to your skin type and guides you to increase gradually so your skin gets used to it.

How long until closed comedones clear?

Usually 6–12 weeks with the right regimen and good adherence; thick closed comedones take longer. The skin becomes less rough gradually week by week, and does not become clear after a single extraction session.

Does extracting closed comedones leave scars?

When extraction is done with proper technique on plugs that are ready, with sterile instruments, the risk of scarring is very low. Scars usually come from squeezing immature follicles or picking at home; that is why the doctor must perform a skin analysis and mark which lesions to extract.

Which doctor should I see for closed comedones?

See a dermatologist to distinguish closed comedones from folliculitis or cosmetic allergy before extraction. At BonBoz, Dr. Bùi Thị Kim Kha (practising certificate 009784/ĐL-CCHN) examines you in person; the correct extraction process is explained further in the article comedone extraction without scarring.

Can sunscreen cause closed comedones?

It can, if the formula is heavy and clogs your skin, or if you do not remove it thoroughly in the evening. Choose one labelled "non-comedogenic", cleanse thoroughly, and keep using sun protection, because sun makes post-acne dark marks take longer to fade.

Content written by the BonBoz Clinic medical team.