The Efficacy and Safety of a Variable Square Pulse (VSP) Erbium:YAG Laser for Treatment of Enlarged Pores in Asians
Phothong W, Manuskiatti W, Cembrano KAG, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Bowornsathitchai N.Lasers Surg M, 2021 Jul;53(5):616-62.
Background and objectives:
Enlarged pores are one of the most common causes of skin surface irregularities. Existing studies supporting the benefit of lasers and energy-based devices (EBD) for this condition are limited, with a short duration of follow-up period. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of Er:YAG laser for treatment of enlarged pores in dark-skinned patients.
Study design/materials and methods:
Nineteen subjects (aged 26-47 years) with skin phototypes III (21.1%) and IV (78.9%) and enlarged pores were treated with 4 monthly sessions of Erbium:YAG laser. Objective (ultraviolet light A video camera) and subjective (clinical evaluation by two blinded dermatologists) assessments were obtained at baseline, 1-month after each treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment.
Results:
The weighted mean score of quartile grading scales showed significant improvement in pore size from baseline starting at 1-month after the third treatment and continued until 3 months after the fourth (final) treatment (P < 0.001). However, the improvement dropped significantly at 6 months after the final treatment. Objective measurements of the improvements in skin surface smoothness and wrinkles corresponded with the physician raters' clinical evaluation.
Conclusions:
Erbium:YAG laser is a safe and effective treatment for enlarged pores in dark-skinned individuals. Maintenance treatments are recommended to achieve a longer-lasting outcome.
Keywords: dilated pores; enlarged pores; erbium:YAG laser; facial pores; laser treatment.
