Retinoids and in-office peels not effective for my pores? (Photos)

Question

See pics attached. I have been using retinoids and getting regular in-office chemical peels and microdermabrasion but my pores are still huge. I tried Clear + Brilliant laser last month and going in for another treatment soon. What else can I do for my large pores? I am 30 with olive skin. Combination skin type (sometimes sensitive if I overdo the retinoids)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The photo facial, which does not ablate the skin, is one of the most effective methods for improving pore size.  It can require as many as 5 or 6 treatments to realize the effect.

Ethan Philpott, MD · Answer

Refining pores can be quite challenging, as I'm sure you've discovered.  Clear + Brilliants are great treatments for improving overall tone and texture, and as with most lasers requires multiple treatments.  I usually recommend getting started with treatments two weeks apart.  The Alma Harmony 360 is also a good treatment that combines a 1064nm and IPL in layers.  This can have a positive impact on pore size.  The most important thing to remember, is there is no quick fix or 100% correction, and it is a process.  You should also discuss your skin care with your treating provider.

Retinoids and in-office peels not effective for my pores? (Photos)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Retinoids and in-office peels not effective for my pores? (Photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.