My Pores Are Connecting and Creating Lines?

Question

My pores have been connecting in spots on my cheeks and look like they are connecting the dots. They are going across my face instead of following the pattern of other lines and wrinkles. One is in the shape of an S. This has left me devastated. They appeared after I did a small face peel I got from Sephora followed by a retinol by Skinceuaticals. If I use the retinol, more appear. Nothing is helping. I am 34 and look 54. Is there anything I can do? I've also had several v beam treatments lately.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

From what you are describing, it sounds like you may need to see a dermatologist. It is difficult to recommend a treatment without seeing pictures or you in person.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

A picture would have been helpful. Enlarged, dilated, patulous pores and small pit scars can be quite aesthetically distressing. Although microdermabrasion, peels, various light therapies, and even fraxel lasers have their proponents for the treatment of these problems, the results in my experience tend to be disappointing, as you have already discovered.

	Generally speaking, in cases such as these, a series of medical microneedling treatments might be considered. Medical microneedling, which may be performed mechanically using rollers (e.g. Dermaroller) or electrically operated (Dermapen) essentially consists of going over the area with an array of needles that penetrate and break up the surface of the pore or scar and of any underlying abnormal fibrous tissue that may be contributing.

	Disrupting the surface of the dilated pore, pit, or small scar allows for the possibility healing with a smoother surface texture.  Breaking up any fibrotic or abnormal collagen in this manner below the skin surface sets the stage for new, normal collagen synthesis (neocollagenesis), which improves the overall appearance of the overlying skin.

	Following medical microneedling, the treated area may appear sun-burned for about 12-24 hours. There is little to no downtime, however, and I permit patients to return to routine skin care and makeup the following day.

	Not all aesthetic physicians perform medical microneedling, so, should you wish to explore this simple, minimally-invasive option, you should screen carefully for a board certified aesthetic physician with training and expertise in the procedure.

Craig Mezrow, MS, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a variety of treatment options for decreasing skin pores.  There are laser resurfacing lasers, subablative lasers as well as nonablative options.  It is recommended to have a consultation with a physician to discuss goals and treatment options.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

The best treatment for texture, pores and fine lines is the microablative fractionated CO2 laser like SmartSkin. This laser is very effective for wrinkles, acne scars, and improving skin texture.  You seem to have a fair skin complexion.  This laser treatment is very precise and predictable.  You will have two days of swelling, two days of peeling and two days of redness.  To maintain your result I would consider using SkinMedica TNS essential serum with growth factors.

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My Pores Are Connecting and Creating Lines?

Answers (6)

Answer: Skin Pores

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