What treatment can help my discoloration, large pores, and acne for young skin? (Photos)

Question

My pores are very large and are always clogged. I have bad discoloration on my chin and cheeks from acne scars. I'm 21 and have noticed since 16 that my skin just keeps getting worse and the pores on my cheeks have significantly enlarged. I've never gotten a professional treatment done and was considering IPL but was not sure if that's the correct route to go. I've tried many prescribed medication such as doxycycline pills, retinol cream, tretinoin cream and tretinoin gel.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne 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 acne 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 acne scars and indented acne 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 acne 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

Alan B. Brackup, MD, FACS · Answer

After evaluating your photos I would recommend a combination of skin care peels and a series of the Infini RF. The Infini RF will help your pore size and the peels would be beneficial for the discoloration, along with your acne prone skin. Hope this helps.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for
your question d_feh. I understand your concern. IPL is a great
treatment for facial rejuvenation. For treatment of pores and discolorations I recommend that my patients use retinoids combined with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. This provides outstanding results but is aggressive and there is a bout a week of recovery time. Please consult
with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Andrea Schiller, MD · Answer

Hi there, thanks for your question. I would recommend the Halo Hybrid laser for your primary concern of reducing pore size. Halo also offers other multi-faceted benefits in terms of discoloration, skin tone, texture, scars and of course pore size. Hope this helps!

What treatment can help my discoloration, large pores, and acne for young skin? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Halo can be the answer

Answer: Halo can be the answer

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

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

What treatment can help my discoloration, large pores, and acne for young skin? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Halo can be the answer

Answer: Halo can be the answer

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

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