Fractional microneedle radiofrequency treatment for enlarged facial pores: A real‐world retrospective observational study on 75 patients

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to analyze the clinical results and influencing factors of the fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) treatment for enlarged facial pores on different facial sites. Methods The clinical data of patients with enlarged facial pores who underwent FMR treatment from January 2019 to December 2020 were collected. The efficacy and complications of FMR for enlarged pores in different facial areas were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the clinical factors related to the efficacy of FMR after the first treatment session. Results Totally, 75 patients with enlarged facial pores were included (full‐face FMR for 45, nasal FMR for 58, frontal FMR for 45, and cheek FMR for 72 patients). All patients received more than one treatment session, two patients received five treatment sessions, and the mean number of FMR session was 1.7. The moderate to excellent improvement rates in patients with nasal, frontal and cheek enlarged pores after the first session were 13.8%, 8.9%, and 11.1%, respectively. The improvement rate rose with the increasing number of treatment sessions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that long pulse‐width (300 ms) was positively associated with clinical efficacy after the first session (OR = 22.4, 95% CI [2.0–250.4], p = 0.012), compared with the short pulse‐width group (100–200 ms). The main adverse effects after FMR were transient pain, erythema, and edema. A minority of patients developed acneiform eruption. Conclusion This study confirms that FMR is safe and effective in improving enlarged facial pores. The pulse width is associated with the improvement of nasal enlarged pores.

Comparison of the effect of intra-dermal injection of botulinum toxin and normal saline in the treatment of facial skin pores

“…In a study by Ren et al . (2022)[ 27 ] performed on 75 patients, the efficacy and side effects of fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) for enlarged pores in different areas of the face were retrospectively analyzed. The rate of moderate to excellent improvement in patients with large skin pores for the nose, forehead, and cheek after the first session was 13.8, 8.9, and 11.1%, respectively, and the improvement rate increased with the increase in the number of treatment sessions.…”

Potential role of inflammaging mediated by the complement system in enlarged facial pores

“…Enlarged facial pores are commonly caused by excessive sebum secretion, decreased elasticity of supporting structures, and increased volume of hair follicles. 5 Previous studies have shown that sebum production is regulated by hormones such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which activates the phospholipid inositol 3-kinase/ Akt pathway. 12 Roh et al 13 found a positive correlation between pore size and sebum output, and further studies have explored the composition of sebum in people with enlarged facial pores, revealing higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids that can induce abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes and production of inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα) and interleukin-1α (IL-1α).…”

“…Enlarged facial pores are commonly caused by excessive sebum secretion, decreased elasticity of supporting structures, and increased volume of hair follicles 5 . Previous studies have shown that sebum production is regulated by hormones such as insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), which activates the phospholipid inositol 3‐kinase/Akt pathway 12 .…”

“…Studies have suggested that the formation of enlarged facial pores is primarily associated with excessive sebum secretion, reduced elasticity of supporting structures around pores, and increased volume of hair follicles. 5 Our research highlights the role of inflammaging (the low-grade, asymptomatic, and persistent chronic inflammation), a process closely linked to the innate immune system's complement system, as the underlying cause of enlarged pores.…”

Fractional microneedle radiofrequency successfully treats nodular‐like adverse reactions following mesotherapy: A report of three cases

“…FMR has been widely used to treat pore enlargement and scarring. Its microneedles with different needle depths can heat deep dermis, creating multiple skin channels that facilitate the transport of substances across the skin 5. …”