Lasers can be classified into a few types – ablative, and sub/non-ablative.
Non-ablative lasers like the Q-Switched, or a Carbon Laser Peel can help to reduce the appearance of pore size by cleansing and unclogging the pores, but do not shrink pore size permanently.
Ablative lasers, like a fractional CO2 laser, are traditionally used to treat open pores. The fractional CO2 lasers resurface the skin by ‘burning’ away a layer of skin, which results in shallower scars or pores.
Instead of lasers, I would recommend the Venus Viva instead for treating open pores due to its many benefits.
The Venus Viva is a relatively new technology I’ve been using at my clinic for the past 2 years, and it combines both the resurfacing technology of a CO2 laser and also the effect of a conventional Radio-frequency.
The Venus Viva uses nano-fractional Radio-frequency to first resurface and smoothen the skin, while at the same time the effect of the radio-frequency stimulates collagen production deeper into the skin layers to tighten scars and pores from within. The Venus Viva has another benefit over traditional CO2 lasers as it provides ‘ablation coagulation’ control. This means that unlike CO2 lasers, the Venus Viva can be used to specifically set to target open pores by causing more skin coagulation to tighten the pores instead of ablative energy that will increase downtime. Here’s a link to how it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dBU5yXRMJA
The results of a Venus Viva is permanent as collagen is stimulated in the skin to tighten pores. I have seen great results from my patients who have done the Venus Viva, and there are many positive reviews worldwide as well.
In short, you experience less downtime with the Venus Viva, and you get better results as well as compared to a fractional CO2 laser.
The pores do not return to the previous size for the Venus Viva or Fractional CO2 Laser. However, take note that aging is unavoidable, and as we age over the years, pore size may increase as sagging occurs.
