Orange Peel Skin and Open Pores on my Nose, Cheeks and Between My Eyebrows? (photo)

Enlarged, dilated, patulous pores and small pit scars can be quite aesthetically distressing. Although microdermabrasion, peels and even fraxel lasers have their proponents for the treatment of these problems, the results in my experience tend to be disappointing.

In such cases, 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.

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

Thank you for your question.  CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment is very beneficial for making acne scars diminish.  This is done by removing deeper layers of damaged skin and stimulating the regeneration of healthy skin underneath. This treatment is also beneficial for uneven pigmentation, photodamage, fine lines and wrinkles, precancerous spots, and a host of other skin imperfections and benign lesions. If you believe you may be a candidate for CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment, a qualified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist can carefully analyze your skin and determine if the procedure is right for you