Results for Enlarged Pores After Dermabrasion

Admittedly, there is no one perfect treatment for enlarged pores, which is believed to be a inherited (family predisposition) trait. I have been disappointed with the results I have seen from a series of superficial chemical peels, microdermabrasion, fraxel lasers, and even after  true dermabrasion. In fact, in some cases, by abrading the surface portion of the pore, the end result can be a more prominent-looking pore as the deeper, wider portion of the pore becomes exposed as a result of the treatment.

I have found medical microneedling to yield consistently gratifying results, especially when combined with individual deep peeling or deeper needling of any larger, more patulous pores. 

The procedure is quick and simple. First, larger, more pit-scar-like pores are treated by either inserting a superfine 33 gauge needle down the shaft and irritating the lining walls down to the pores depth. Pore walls treated in the fashion will eventually close up, just as pierced ears close when the hole becomes irritated and inflamed.

If the exposed surface of the pore is very open and prominent, a tiny amount of 100% TCA may be inserted with a toothpick--a procedure known as the CROSS technique when performed for pit scars. 

Finally, following topical anesthesia, the entire area of enlarged pores is treated with medical microneedling, in which either a manual roller (e.g. Dermaroller) or an electrically driven set of sterilized microneedles (Dermapen) is used over the entire area to blend the skin entirely and to ensure a more even complexion. Results of this combined approach have been quite gratifying.

 

Microdermabrasion cleans but does not shrink pores. On the other hand, Dermabrasion performed by a physician,  TCA peels like the Obagi Blue peel, and lasers like the Sciton SkinTyte or BBL "forever young"and other IPL lasers do shrink pore size. See link for more information

Results are typically seen after the first treatment, and best results are obtained with 4 to 5 treatments every 7 to 10 days, and thereafter once every 4 to 6 weeks. Depending on how many times you received treatment and at what times, this could affect results. I would suggest speaking with the doctor who performed the treatment about the outcome of your dermabrasion.

 

Dermabrasion is a very effective technique to correct some scars, including acne scars. Dermabrasion works by sending down the area around a scar so that the entire surface is on the same level. Dermabrasion will not affect your pore size. Ice pick scars can benefit from dermabrasion or other techniques such as subcision or possibly with a dermal filler underneath the scar itself.

 Unfortunately, neither dermabrasion, nor peels really effect pore size.  Some improvement may follow fracional CO2 resurfacing laser, but pore size is hereditary and deep.  Ice pick scars on the other hand can improve with dermabrasion and or laser treatment.