Hi Dr.Seckel, I get a lot of blackheads and once they come out they leave an enlarged/scarred red pore, which can look really bad. What would you suggest I should do regarding this problem…Would Fraxel laser help me with the existing scarred pores? Thank you so much for your time. George, Toronto, Canada
Dear George,
Microdermabrasion is very effective skin exfoliation technique for controlling blackheads. The microdermabrasion treatment removes skin debris and dead skin cells that can block the pore and cause blackheads. After a microdermabrasion skin exfoliation oil, which has backed up in the pores, is released and over time as the unblocked oil glands become smaller pore size will decrease.
I would also suggest a drying facial wash such as a Brevoxyl wash. These can be found in the acne section of your drug store.
The above treatments should help a great deal. If you are left with large pores and redness there are other methods that can help. Some laser treatments can stimulate the skin to form new collagen around the oil glands, which can compress the pore and make it smaller. It also specifically helps the redness. One, called Lasergenisis® is easy and pain free. The Lasergenesis® machine is made by Cutera®, you can check their website to find a doctor near you who has the machine.
I would not expect Fraxil® to be particularly effective for enlarged pores and redness because Fraxel® is an ablative laser. Ablative lasers because they remove skin can actually enlarge pores and do not address redness.
For further information on facial rejuvenation visit my Boston Plastic Surgery Practice, read Save Your Face or contact me.
Sincerely,
Boston, Massachusetts
Peabody, Massachusetts