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Will a Facelift Tighten Pores?

My pores are so large that my skin sags and looks like fine wrinkles. If I were to have a facelift, would it have an adequate effect on tightening them? I would assume they would soften, just like any other facial wrinkles. I am aware that a facelift is not a solution for acne scarring, but my main concern is pore size.

Doctor Answers 26

Pores and Facelift

March 6th, 2011
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A facelift will improve some of the "sagging" you describe, but pore size and acne scarring will generally not be substantially improved.

This has been a vexing problem for facial plastic surgeons, often addressed with fairly aggressive procedures like full face dermabrasion or those that don't seem to work at all light superficial laser resurfacing.

The best results with the least amount of down time and expense appear to be with deep fractionated laser treatments combined with selective excision or elevation of deeply pitted scars.  Depending on your individual skin type and other related health concerns, this approach can be tailored specifically to you.

Paul K. Holden, MD


Phoenix Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 41 reviews

No, a facelift will not help tighten pores.

March 2nd, 2016
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No, a facelift will not help tighten pores. Facelifts do not address textural issues on the surface of the skin; rather, they help to tighten lax, sagging skin and create a better neck and jaw contour. If you are concerned about surface issues such as pores or acne scars, laser rejuvenation, chemical peels, or microneedling may be better for you. I suggest visiting a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist who can assess your skin during an in-person consultation and come up with a custom treatment plan to address your concerns.
Jonathan Kulbersh, MD

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD
Charlotte Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 53 reviews

Pores and Facelift

May 21st, 2015
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Thank you for your help. The main objective of a facelift is not to address surface skin (epidermal) issues, but rather to correct deeper layer issues and alter facial contours. Therefore, if patients are looking to correct acne scarring, pores, or other issues on the skin itself, the facelift option should be avoided and substituted with laser resurfacing or full face dermabrasion.

Web reference: http://drkassir.com/

Ramtin Kassir, MD

Ramtin Kassir, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 122 reviews

Pores and facelift

January 15th, 2015
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Unfortunately, pore size won't be greatly improved with a facelift. It may reduce their appearance a bit, but probably not to the extend you'd like.

Web reference: https://gartnerplasticsurgery.com/

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO

Facelift for large pores

September 28th, 2014
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A facelift will not tighten large pores. However, it will tighten loose skin and many times patients with acne scarring obtain benefits as well.  Without photos, it is impossible to know what procedure you would benefit from.  You may need some form of resurfacing as well as a facelift performed.
Ronald J. Edelson, MD

Ronald J. Edelson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 24 reviews

A face lift does not affect the fine lines or skin pore quality

August 2nd, 2013
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Hello,

Thank you for the question.  A face lift procedure tightens and repositions the tissue deep to the face skin and in the process removes some excess skin that has resulted from the skin tightening process.  The skin quality itself: pore size, pigment, fine lines will not be changed by a face lift procedure.

All the best,

Dr. Remus Repta

Web reference: http://drrepta.com

Remus Repta, MD

Remus Repta, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 153 reviews

Facelifts Do NOT tighten pores - but Resurfacing procedures do

November 25th, 2012
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NO, a facelift surgery will not tighten pores. Only a resurfacing procedure such as laser or chemical peels will do this. We personally prefer the Obagi Blue Peel due to its safety and quick recovery.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS

A facelift will not improve pore size

August 20th, 2011
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Hi Sebastiana. No, a facelift will not affect pore size. It may improve the overall appearance of your face and neck skin and skin texture, but pore size itself will not change. 

Web reference: http://www.pearsonmd.com/facelift-surgery.htm

James M. Pearson, MD

James M. Pearson, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 105 reviews

Facelift and pore sizes

January 1st, 2011
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A facelift will not change your pore size. Try some medical grade skin care, like retin-A, or laser resurfacing, like CO2 pixel.

Irvin M. Wiesman, MD

Irvin M. Wiesman, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 34 reviews

Facelift and Pore Size

October 20th, 2010
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There is no anatomic explanation on how a facelift can reduce pore size. Pore size is one of the most difficult areas to treat.  I have found intradermal Botox to be a good treatment for some patients with enlarged pores.

Web reference: http://www.shahfacialplastics.com/botox_pore_reduction.html

Anil R. Shah, MD

Anil R. Shah, MD
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 141 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.