The Efficacy and Safety of a Variable Square Pulse (VSP) Erbium:YAG Laser for Treatment of Enlarged Pores in Asians

Nonablative monopolar radiofrequency for the reduction of facial pores and sebum excretion in Thai patients: A novel approach

BACKGROUND

Enlarged facial pores are visible topographic features of the skin that have been associated with cutaneous photoaging and increased sebum production. It has remained a common dermatologic concern, gaining a significant number of in-clinic consults. Available treatment modalities often operate on a single mode of action, consequently offering limited and short-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of a nonablative monopolar radiofrequency (NMRF) for pore tightening and sebum output reduction in Thai patients.

METHODS

Nineteen patients with enlarged pores underwent two sessions of NMRF treatments at 4-week intervals. The measurements of pore volume, skin texture, average pore size, sebum production, and skin elasticity were quantified using Antera® 3D imaging system, dermoscopic image analysis with ImageJ software, Sebumeter® and Cutometer®. Clinical evaluation by two dermatologists was done using blinded clinical photographs. All objective and subjective assessments were done at the baseline, a month after the first treatment, and during follow-up visits 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment. Adverse effects were also recorded during each visit.

RESULTS

Seventeen out of the 19 subjects completed the study protocol. The mean pore volume significantly reduced by 24% from the baseline at 1 month after the first treatment (p < 0.016). The pore volume continued to decrease by 34% and 38% a month (p < 0.001) and 6 months (p < 0.001) following the final treatment, respectively. Sebum excretion likewise significantly decreased from baseline by 39% (p = 0.002) and 36% (p < 0.001), 3 and 6 months after the second treatment, respectively. Skin texture and elasticity also significantly improved following two NMRF sessions. The objective assessments of the pore appearance corresponded to subjective clinical evaluations. The treatment was well-tolerated without significant side effects, such as dyspigmentation, textural alteration, and scarring.

CONCLUSION

NMRF appears to be effective and safe for the reduction of pore size and sebum production, with therapeutic outcomes persisting up to 6 months after two treatment sessions.

"The efficacy and adverse effects of treatment options for facial pores: A review article"

INTRODUCTION

Skin pores are enlarged openings of the pilosebaceous follicles that can be affected by age, gender, genetics, exposure to UV light, ethnicity, and sebum secretion. Many treatment modalities reduce facial pores' count and area, including oral and topical medications as well as different wavelengths of lasers. Finding a safe and cost-effective treatment protocol is necessary since facial pores are one of the main reasons for cosmetic complaints.

AIM

This review compares available treatment options for reducing facial pores' number and area according to the published clinical trials.

METHODS

A search on PubMed and Google Scholar was performed. Nineteen published clinical trials regarding treatment options for facial pores were included and reviewed based on the authors' clinical experience.

RESULTS

A total number of 591 cases (83.7% female) aged 18-80 years were included. Three assessment methods including digital imaging, physician assessment, and patient' satisfaction were used in the studies to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of each modality. Furthermore, combining different modalities increased the efficacy of reducing pores' size and number. Mild, reversible burning and erythema were common side effects.

CONCLUSION

Multiple sessions and combination therapies improve facial pores' area and number. In young patients, the focus should be on controlling sebum production, while in older patients, the focus should be on rejuvenation in addition to the control of sebum production.