Microbotox for the treatment of wide facial pores: A promising therapeutic approach

Abstract

Facial pores are skin surface structures corresponding to enlarged openings of the pilosebaceous follicle. They cannot be seen as true "pores" but are instead as slight depressions of the skin surface. By using a Robo Skin Analyzer, skin pores were classified into 3 different categories: "visible skin pores" (0.1-0.6 mm2), "enlarged skin pores" (0.3-0.6 mm2), and "blackhead embedded skin pores." 1,2 Facial pores are dynamic structures. The pathomechanism of enlarged facial pores is not clearly understood; however, major factors that may lead to enlarged pores include high sebum excretion, decreased elasticity around pores, and increased hair follicle volume including thick hair. Other endogenous and exogenous factors are genetic predisposition, sex, aging, chronic ultraviolet light exposure, washing habits, and inappropriate use of cosmetics. 2,3 Pore size is also affected by hormonal factors through affection of sebaceous gland activity such as androgen and progesterone. Severe inflamed acne may result in microscars on the hair canal that make it vulnerable to obstruction when androgenic stimulation occurs. A sequential result would be a change in follicular volume and pore size. [2][3][4] Multiple therapeutic modalities have been used with variable efficacy to attenuate the size of facial pores. However, there are no evidence-based studies to support the efficacy and safety of any of the available medications and interventions. Medical treatments include

Fractional carbon dioxide laser versus carbon‐assisted Q‐switched Nd: YAG laser in the treatment of dilated facial pores

“…7 Different laser systems have shown efficacy in the treatment of wide facial pores such as fractional erbium laser (1410 nm), fractional CO2 laser (10 600 nm), pulsed diode lasers (800, 810 nm), alexandrite laser (755 nm), and long-pulsed Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm). 5 These devices act through remodeling of collagen fibers near pilosebaceous openings, which subsequently induce skin tightening, increase skin elasticity, reduce follicular size, and decrease sebum production. 4 Fractional photothermolysis acts through the formation of "microthermal zones," which are narrow columns of ablated tissue surrounded by adjacent unaffected tissue.…”

“…The treatment of dilated pores is difficult due to the multifactorial nature of its pathogenesis, and most current treatment options intend to address the associated factors 4 . A variety of treatment modalities have been tried, for example, topical and oral retinoids, chemical peels, microbotox, and energy‐based devices 4,5 . The treatment of facial pores was often discussed in clinical trials, addressing other cosmetic disorders, for example, acne scars, rejuvenation, and skin wrinkles 1,6 .…”

“…The treatment of facial pores was often discussed in clinical trials, addressing other cosmetic disorders, for example, acne scars, rejuvenation, and skin wrinkles 1,6 . Few studies have examined the role of these methods in the treatment of facial pores as an isolated entity 2,5 . In the present study, we tried to compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of fractional CO2 laser versus combined topical carbon solution and Q‐switched Nd: YAG laser in dilated facial pores.…”

“…1,6 Few studies have examined the role of these methods in the treatment of facial pores as an isolated entity. 2,5 In the present study, we tried to compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of fractional CO2 laser versus combined topical carbon solution and Q-switched Nd: YAG laser in dilated facial pores.…”

Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A in the Treatment of Oily Skin and Acne: Evidence and a Proposed Mechanism

“…Since nicotinic Ach receptors influence the tissue remodeling activity of dermal fibroblasts [39], a blockade of cholinergic signals by BoNTA may further help diminish prominent facial pores. There are clinical investigations that show the pore improvement efficacy of BoNTA using objective measurements [33] [40][41]. However, other factors, such as epidermal regeneration and neocollagenesis after multiple needle pricks, might have contributed to the pore improvement [42].…”