I’m 36 5”2 115 ponds. Are my pores enlarged - treatment options? (Photos)

It’s very common to notice pores more when looking closely in the mirror, but if they bother you, there are effective treatments to improve their appearance. While nothing can permanently eliminate deep pores, the fractional CO2 laser combined with Exosomes can significantly reduce their size with relatively short downtime. More aggressive options, such as dermabrasion or phenol peels, may also improve pore appearance, though they carry higher risks like hypopigmentation. A consultation in person would help determine the best approach for your skin and goals.

Hello! I’m Lauren, the aesthetic provider here at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center. CO2 laser treatment can offer great long-term benefits for your skin. It helps reduce redness, shrink pores, smooth texture, and boost collagen production. It works by removing damaged layers of skin and stimulating new collagen. Treatments like microneedling or chemical peels can also help. Microneedling is another great option for large pores. It uses tiny needles for deeper layers and builds collagen. Chemical peels remove the outer layers of damaged skin, revealing smoother, healthier skin underneath.

Thank you for your question! At our practice we recommend chemical peels, laser genesis, or microneedling for reducing the appearance of pores. Our chemical peels contain salicylic acid which is essential in cleaning pores and minimizing their appearance. Chemical peels can also help with overall tone and texture of skin. Laser genesis is a gentile laser that heats up the dermis to promote collagen and elastin. Laser genesis can minimize the appearance of pores and redness of skin. Microneedling causes micro injuries to the skin to stimulate the body's natural healing process. This helps with fine lines and wrinkles, skin tone and texture, and reducing pore size.

Clear and Brilliant and/or DOT (CO2) laser.
Clear and Brilliant is a mild fractional laser, which aims to stimulate wound healing within the skin. It decreases textural imperfections, brightens skin, reduces pigmentation, helps to even out skin tone, improves the appearance of pores and Increases skin elasticity. There is minimal downtime involved with Clear and Brilliant, treatments range from 3-6 at a 4 weekly intervals to.
DOT (CO2) laser is also a fractional laser that partially ablates the skin. It treats skin texture, sun damage, pigmentation, acne scarring, scarring, skin rejuvenation, sunspots, wrinkles and skin tightening. Downtime is longer compared to Clear and Brilliant, treatments range from 2-3 treatments spaced 8-12 weeks apart.

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

When it comes to addressing concerns about enlarged pores, there are several effective treatment options available:

Topical Treatments: Using products containing retinoids can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores over time. Additionally, products with salicylic acid can help keep pores clear and minimize their appearance.

Chemical Peels: Light to medium chemical peels can exfoliate the skin and reduce the visibility of enlarged pores by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells.

Laser Treatments: Fractional laser treatments, such as Fraxel, can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, which can help in reducing pore size.

Microneedling: This procedure involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin, promoting collagen production and improving overall skin appearance, including pore size.

Hydrafacial: This is a non-invasive treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin, potentially reducing the appearance of pores.

Proper Skincare Routine: Incorporating a consistent skincare routine with cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing can help maintain skin health and minimize pore appearance.

It's important to evaluate your skin type and specific concerns before choosing a treatment. Consulting with a dermatologist can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin's needs.