Is there a perm. solution to a dilated pore on nose which keeps forming sebum plugs? I have tried various topicals w/out luck?

Much like for the treatment of ice pick scars, TCA CROSS Works well for treating dilated pores and even piercing holes. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Thank you for sharing the photo and your frustration—I completely understand why this feels discouraging. What you’re describing is very common, especially on the nose, and you’re not alone in feeling like topicals just aren’t cutting it.

What this actually is

Based on your description and the image, this is most consistent with a dilated pore / enlarged follicle that repeatedly fills with sebum and keratin. Many people call this a “persistent blackhead,” but it’s really a pore that has become structurally enlarged over time.

Once a pore is stretched, topical products cannot permanently shrink it. They can help keep it cleaner, but they won’t change the pore’s architecture.

Why it keeps coming back

The pore is structurally widened

Sebaceous glands in the nose are very active

When the plug is removed, the empty space simply refills

This is not due to poor skincare or lack of effort

So if you’ve tried retinoids, acids, salicylic acid, or extractions without lasting success—that makes sense.

Is there a permanent fix?

To be very honest and realistic:
➡️ There is no truly permanent cure, but there are treatments that can significantly improve it and reduce how often it refills.

Options that actually address the root of the problem include:

Prescription-strength retinoids (best long-term maintenance, not a cure)

In-office procedures that stimulate collagen around the pore so it tightens:

Chemical reconstruction (like TCA-based techniques)

Targeted resurfacing treatments

In select cases, oral isotretinoin (Accutane) can dramatically reduce oil production and recurrence, even when used at low doses

What does not work long-term

Repeated manual extractions

Pore strips

Over-exfoliating (this often worsens oil rebound)

Expecting over-the-counter products to “close” the pore

My honest takeaway

This is not a hygiene issue, and it’s not something you’re failing to treat correctly. It’s a structural pore problem, and that’s why it’s stubborn.

The goal is control and improvement, not perfection:

Reduce how often it fills

Make it less noticeable

Prevent inflammation or scarring

With the right approach, most patients can get this to a point where it’s far less bothersome and doesn’t constantly demand attention.

Hello! This is Landry, an esthetician at Aesthetic Skin - Chicago & Winnetka locations.

While there are no permanent solutions to shrink pores, there are absolutely ways to reduce the appearance of large pores. The appearance of large pores in the t-zone is very common and something that I struggle with myself. Therefore, I have a couple of recommendations for you that I have found helpful as both a provider and personal testimony:

A) Actives
Using active ingredients such as salicylic acid (BHA), lactic and even glycolic acid (AHA) can be very helpful in dissolving dead skin cells as well as oils and allowing for smoother skin texture due to the replacement of new cells. Retinoids can also be helpful too in unclogging pores and exfoliation with the added benefit of boosting collagen production. Using purposeful ingredients is key to controlling oil production.

B) Laser Resurfacing
Lasers such as CO2 is a popular treatment for skin rejuvenation such as eliminating the appearance of wrinkles, photo-damage and scarring. It also has the added but temporary benefit of reducing enlarged pore size due to the vaporization of thick and oily tissue.

C) Maintenance
Having an attainable skin care routine is optimal to ensure that oil production is regulated, for example, light exfoliation once or twice a week with making sure to cleanse the skin nightly. Building and continuing a good skin care routine will help maintain your skin barrier with the added benefit of balancing sebaceous gland production.

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis. We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. 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 discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

I encourage you to begin by visiting an experienced aesthetician near you for an evaluation. There are many options available to address your concerns including chemical peels, laser treatments, and Morpheus8. Your aesthetician can recommend a personalized treatment program based on your skin assessment. We also recommend using medical grade skin care products like Transform MD and wearing sunscreen every day to keep skin healthy.