I have really large pores. Will a Erbium Pixellaser work on my skin? Or do I need a CO2 treatment? (photos)

Question

I am 23 years old and a student so i do not have a lot of money. But i am so insecure about my pores so i want to do something. The Erbium Pixel laser is a lot cheaper but will it work? And how many treatments do you think i need? Thank you in advance for the advice!

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon to determine the best treatment for you. You can develop a treatment plan with an estimated number of treatments.
Best wishes,

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD · Answer

Hello,I hear this question quite often.  Unfortunately, the capacity of any treatment to shrink pores is very limited.  The only modality that is typically met with any degree of success is full fledged laser resurfacing.  If your only reason for the treatment is to shrink pores, I recommend you not do it.  On the other hand, if you also are suffereing from fine lines and crepey skin, problems for which laser resurfacing is highly affective, then you can proceed with the expectation that you should at least achieve a nice improvement in those conditions and whatever pore reduction you get would be a nice addition.  Be aware, full fledged resurfacing (deep CO2 or similar) includes at least 10 days out of the public eye and a few months until skin is 100% back to normal.  Best Regards,Dr. A

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

I choose a particular laser based upon the size of the pore, skin type of the patient, and expectations. I find that the most reliable method is with INFINI RF, micro needling using energy. This beats all my Fraxel lasers and chemical peel techniques. Very little downtime, and it is ideal for small to medium size pores. Fraxel 1927 comes in a close second in the high density setting. In your case, in this location fully ablative erbium laser would be my choice. 
Chemical peels such as TCA (70-100%) placed focally in the pores is an excellent treatment for large pores. Fully ablative laser are excellent, but the downtime is long. I use both erbium and CO2. Fractional CO2 medium density can work, but you require 3-6 sessions. More in the pore section in the web reference below. 
  
Pore size reduction treatments should be tailored according to the patient IMO.
  
Regards
  
Dr Davin Lim
  
Laser and aesthetic dermatologist
  
Brisbane, Australia.

I have really large pores. Will a Erbium Pixellaser work on my skin? Or do I need a CO2 treatment? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Fully ablative erbium laser in your case.

Answer: Fully ablative erbium laser in your case.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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

I have really large pores. Will a Erbium Pixellaser work on my skin? Or do I need a CO2 treatment? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Fully ablative erbium laser in your case.

Answer: Fully ablative erbium laser in your case.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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