Enlarged Pores: How Much Can Treatment Help?
When cheek pores show through makeup, it is natural to wonder whether they can really become smaller. Pores cannot be eliminated, but treating the reason they enlarged can make them noticeably less visible. We first distinguish pores widened by oil production from those stretched by loss of firmness.
Why do pores enlarge?
A pore is the opening of a hair follicle, through which hair and sebum emerge. A review of pore research identified three main causes of enlargement: high sebum output, reduced elasticity around the pore, and increased follicle size. Recurrent acne, sex hormones, and skincare habits also affect pore size.[1]
The same visible concern may therefore have very different causes in a person in their 20s with oily skin and someone in their 40s with dry skin. Using the same treatment without identifying the cause can limit improvement.
What are the different pore patterns?
We can group enlarged pores into three patterns, with different appearances and treatment priorities.
| Type | Typical appearance | Common location | Treatment focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil-related pores | Round, open pores with oily shine | Nose and inner cheeks | Oil control and exfoliation |
| Laxity-related pores | Downward, teardrop-shaped stretching | Outer cheeks | Dermal collagen renewal and firmness |
| Scar-like pores | Depressed, uneven edges | Areas affected by acne | Scar repair and dermal remodeling |
Most patients have more than one pattern. Someone in their 30s with longstanding acne may have oil-related and scar-like pores; someone in their 40s may have oil-related and laxity-related pores. We assess the nose, inner cheeks, and outer cheeks separately. Treating the whole face with the same settings can miss these local differences.
How much can home care do?
Cleansing, gentle exfoliation, moisturizing, and sun protection help prevent further enlargement. UV exposure also affects pore size, so do not skip sunscreen.[2] Frequent scrubs or strong peels, however, can weaken the skin barrier and cause redness. Established stretched or scar-like pores are difficult to improve with skincare alone; treatment that stimulates the dermis may be worth considering.
How do pore treatments work?
A review of 19 clinical trials involving 591 participants found greater reductions in pore area and count with repeated sessions than with a single treatment, and with combined methods rather than one method alone. The authors recommended oil control for younger patients and adding skin renewal for older patients.[2] Patients often ask whether one session will help. We usually plan several sessions and combine at least two approaches.
Fractional lasers and radiofrequency microneedling are common ways to stimulate dermal repair. Tiny channels or thermal treatment points trigger healing and new collagen formation, firming the tissue around the pores. Fractional picosecond lasers create microscopic responses in the epidermis and dermis that support remodeling. Improvement has been reported in enlarged pores, photoaging, and atrophic scars.[3]
Which pore treatment is suitable?
For excess oil and uneven texture, gentle epidermal resurfacing can help. For stretched pores, treatment that heats the deeper dermis is often more suitable. We select treatments according to the pore pattern. HALO combines an epidermal resurfacing wavelength with a deeper dermal wavelength to address texture and pores together. Opus uses plasma and radiofrequency to stimulate both epidermis and dermis. It can suit patients with thin skin who are concerned about laser side effects. One patient reported improvement in redness, texture, pores, and fine lines after treatment.
EXION delivers radiofrequency into the dermis through fine pins to treat scars and pores. It often suits patients seeking firmer skin and better texture together. One patient described improvement in skin tone, pores, and texture as well as firmness. To reinforce skin that has lost structural support, we may add the ECM skin booster Re2O. We often recommend it when dehydration accompanies enlarged pores, starting with three sessions 4 weeks apart. Needle delivery can be uncomfortable, so we sometimes divide the plan between Re2O and the less painful HILO WAVE.
How does Dong-An Joongsim Clinic treat pores?
At Dong-An Joongsim Clinic, a doctor personally handles your consultation and treatment. They examine your pores directly, decide how much oil production and loss of firmness contribute, and choose the treatment sequence accordingly.
For plasma treatment, we select among three handpieces: RF Pixel for scars and pores, CoaxiPolar for firmness, and Spark for acne and oil production. We may also plan an Opus Focus treatment centered on pores, fine lines, and texture. Hydrating and recovery care such as LDM supports healing afterward. Dr. Chang-Hwan Cho lectured on Opus for slowing skin aging at the Korean Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Society's 2026 spring meeting. The clinic received the Alma Elite Award and, in 2024, was designated a Korean research advisory clinic by BTL, the UK-based maker of EXION.
What should you know before pore treatment?
Pore treatment usually reduces visibility gradually over several sessions. Results and duration depend on sebum production, age, skin thickness, and lifestyle. Redness or tiny crusts may occur, and treated skin is more sun-sensitive, so diligent sunscreen use matters. After plasma treatment, new epidermis forms around day 3, while crusts and flakes shed naturally at around 2 weeks; do not pick them. HALO is unsuitable for recently tanned skin or people taking photosensitizing medicines. We do not recommend Opus for autoimmune disease or implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers. Tell us if you have taken isotretinoin within the past 6–12 months or are pregnant, as some lasers are unsuitable.
Enlarged pores: common questions
How should I choose a pore-treatment clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul?
Look for a clinic that first identifies your pore pattern and chooses treatment by cause, rather than recommending a single device to everyone. At Dong-An Joongsim Clinic, your doctor personally consults and treats you.
How many sessions will I need?
A course of sessions often produces better results. The manufacturer's Opus protocol recommends 4–6 sessions at 2–4-week intervals; we adjust the number to your skin.
Are nose and cheek pores treated differently?
The nose and inner cheeks more often need oil control, while the outer cheeks more often need dermal renewal for lost elasticity. Different areas of the same face may need different approaches.
Can I wear makeup after pore laser treatment?
It depends on the treatment. Makeup is usually possible the day after HALO. Plasma-based Opus can leave tiny crusts, so we choose treatment with your schedule in mind.
References
- Lee SJ et al., “Facial Pores: Definition, Causes, and Treatment Options”, Dermatologic Surgery, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000000657
- Parvar SY et al., “The efficacy and adverse effects of treatment options for facial pores: A review article”, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15502
- Zhou Y et al., “An update on fractional picosecond laser treatment: histology and clinical applications”, Lasers in Medical Science, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-022-03704-y