Assessment of current practices and perceived effectiveness of injectable polynucleotide for enlarged facial pores among cosmetic physicians: A survey-based evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Polynucleotides stimulate collagen formation and are used clinically to enhance elasticity. In this study, we investigated current practices and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotide injection treatment for enlarged facial pores among cosmetic physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was developed to investigate clinicians' use and effectiveness of polynucleotides in the treatment of enlarged facial pores. This survey was distributed to clinicians at the Korean Aesthetic Surgery & Laser Society Autumn Symposium. RESULTS: A total of 407 physicians who used polynucleotides for enlarged facial pores were enrolled in the survey. Polynucleotides were used by 75.7%, 87.7%, and 72.2% of physicians for enlarged facial pores caused by excessive sebum production, reduced elasticity, and acne, respectively. Among those users, 81.4%, 83.8%, and 76.8% in those same categories, respectively, responded that polynucleotides were "very effective" or "effective." Furthermore, most clinicians combined polynucleotides with microneedle radiofrequency as energy-based devices and with botulinum toxin as injection therapy. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the widespread use and perceived efficacy of polynucleotide injection among cosmetic physicians in the Republic of Korea for enlarged facial pores due to excessive sebum production, reduced elasticity, and acne. Positive feedback from practitioners supports the benefits of using polynucleotides in enlarged facial pore treatment.

Efficacy and safety of fractional micro-needling radiofrequency for the treatment of enlarged pores on the cheeks of a chinese cohort: a retrospective study.

To explore the efficacy and safety of fractional micro-needling radiofrequency (FMRF) in the treatment of enlarged pores on the cheek in a Chinese cohort. Patients with enlarged facial pores who underwent FMRF between January 2020 and December 2022 were included in this study. Blinded clinical assessments were performed by two independent dermatologists using a six-grade photographic enlarged pore scale and a quartile grading scale. Patients were asked to rate the degree of pain related to treatment on a visual analog scale (VAS), with scores ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain ever). A paired t-test was used to analyze the six-grade photographic enlarged pore scores. A total of 22 patients received three consecutive sessions of FMRF treatment, with intervals of 1-3 months, and underwent follow-up as scheduled. The mean six-grade photographic enlarged score was 3.55 ± 0.96 at baseline, while the score decreased significantly to 2.59 ± 0.59 after three treatment sessions (P < 0.05). The improvement score of the patients, assessed by two independent dermatologists, was 2.31 ± 0.71, according to the quartile grading scale. The mean VAS score was 6.42 ± 1.44. FMRF is effective and safe for the treatment of enlarged facial pores after three sessions.

Efficacy and safety of 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser versus long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser in treating enlarged facial pores.

Facial pores are visible openings of pilosebaceous follicles, and they are one of the major factors influencing facial skin appearance. This article aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser (LPNY) in treating enlarged facial pores. All subjects were treated with NAFL on their left faces and LPNY on their right. Five treatments were administered at 2-week intervals, with one follow-up session 2 months after the final treatment. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by subjective (pore improvement and subject satisfaction ratings) assessments and objective (pore number) assessments. At each appointment, any side effects or complications were recorded to evaluate the safety of the two lasers. A total of 18 individuals participated in this study. At the 2-month follow-up, NAFL and LPNY sides had significant reduction in pores (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean number of pore reductions on either side (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in pore improvement ratings and satisfaction ratings between the two sides (p > 0.05 and p > 0.05, respectively). Both lasers showed minimal side effects. Both lasers effectively treated enlarged facial pores and were well tolerated. The side effects of the 1064-nm LPNY were less severe than those of the 1565-nm NAFL. ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT05360043.

Combined Treatment with Micro-Focused Ultrasound with Visualization and Intradermal Incobotulinumtoxin-A for Enlarged Facial Pores: A Retrospective Study in Asians.

Background: Despite the increasing need for the improvement of enlarged facial pores, the treatment remains challenging. A few previous studies have reported the effects of micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) or intradermal incobotulinumtoxin-A (INCO) on enlarged facial pores. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined treatment with superficial MFU-V and intradermal INCO for enlarged facial pores. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 20 patients treated with MFU-V and intradermal INCO to improve enlarged facial pores. Outcomes were evaluated 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks after a single session of the combined procedure. Pore count and density were objectively quantitated using a three-dimensional scanner, and improvement was assessed using the physician and patient Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Results: The mean pore count and density decreased after one week and decreased by up to 62% until 24 weeks. After one week, almost all patients (100% in physician GAIS and 95% in patient GAIS) showed improvement with a grade 3 (much improved) or higher. All adverse events were transient. Conclusion: Combined treatment with MFU-V and intradermal INCO could be effective and safe for reducing enlarged facial pores; the improvements can be sustained for up to 24 weeks.

The efficacy and safety of intense focused ultrasound in the treatment of enlarged facial pores in Asian skin.

BACKGROUND: Intense focused ultrasound (IFUS) has been used successfully for skin tightening. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of IFUS in treating enlarged pores and to evaluate changes in skin elasticity and sebum production following IFUS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two subjects with enlarged pores were randomized to receive a single treatment with IFUS using 1.5-mm transducer on one side of the face, and 3.0-mm transducer on the other. OBJECTIVE clinical assessments were made by blinded photographic evaluation. Subjective satisfaction and adverse effects were evaluated. Measurements of elasticity and sebum were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks post-treatment. RESULTS: Physicians' evaluation showed clinical pore improvements in 86% and 91% of the IFUS-treated sites using 1.5-mm and 3.0-mm transducer, respectively. The mean improvement scores were 1.7 and 1.9 for 1.5-mm and 3.0-mm transducer, respectively, with no statistical differences. Cutometer measurement demonstrated a significant improvement in skin elasticity. Sebum level showed a reduction without statistical significance. There was a positive correlation between improvement in elasticity and pore improvement grades. All treatments were well tolerated without significant side effects. CONCLUSION: IFUS using 1.5-mm or 3.0-mm transducer was safe and effective for reducing enlarged pores in Asian skin with an improvement in skin elasticity.