How to reduce pore size and help with skin texture? Would the Fraxel work? (photos)

Question

My pore size and skin texture have been problematic but I had a IPL last week and I feel like it made it worse? I just don't know what the best treatment for my face would be. Any help is appreciated!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic acne scars and indented acne scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your acne scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and posting your photo. It appears you would have the best results with treatment using an erbium laser. Fine lines, sun-damaged skin and collagen would be improved. Make an appointment with an oculofacial surgeon highly experienced with this laser. 
Good luck,

Joel L. Cohen, MD · Answer

But the treatments that seem to work best are things like Halo (hybrid fractional) and photodynamic therapy (more with Ameluz). Newer treatments just Coming to market line 1726nm lasers (like Accure) can decrease the sebaceous gland size below the skin and thus seemingly decrease their outflow. Finally, longterm use of topical retinoids like Tretinoin has data on shrinking pores.

How to reduce pore size and help with skin texture? Would the Fraxel work? (photos)

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How to reduce pore size and help with skin texture? Would the Fraxel work? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

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