Are you worried about your sagging pores becoming more noticeable? Sagging pores are caused by a combination of factors, including a decrease in skin’s moisture retention, a decrease in collagen and elastin, and a weakening of facial muscles due to aging. Therefore, simply changing your skin care routine and diet can be difficult to see results from. If you continue to do nothing, your sagging pores may become stuck together, leading to banded pores and fine wrinkles. Why not take the plunge and consult a beauty clinic, a “skin specialist”
? But you may be concerned about what options are available, how much it costs, and what the risks are.
In this article, we’ll introduce clinic-based treatments for sagging pores, along with a rough estimate of the risks and costs involved.
Introducing clinic care that dramatically improves sagging pores
Iontophoresis/electroporation
This is a treatment that allows active cosmetic ingredients to penetrate the skin. Iontophoresis is a treatment that uses a weak electric current to ionize active ingredients that are difficult to penetrate, delivering them deep into the skin, while electroporation is a treatment that applies electric pulses to the skin to create small gaps between cells, allowing the active ingredients to be introduced through these gaps.
Both treatments aim to efficiently penetrate active ingredients deep into the skin. This is because, no matter how good an ingredient is for the skin, simply applying it normally will not allow it to penetrate to the desired area due to the skin’s inherent barrier function. Both treatments are technologies originally developed for medical use to target specific ingredients in specific areas, and by thoroughly penetrating the areas where the ingredients need to work (the basal layer of the epidermis and the dermis), the ingredients’ effectiveness is maximized.
The penetration rate into the skin is said to be 10 to 100 times higher when applied by hand or cotton, and 20 times higher when applied by electroporation. Since the effect varies depending on the drug or ingredient introduced, many clinics offer different menus for different purposes, such as vitamin C or tranexamic acid for whitening, or placenta for improving skin firmness.
The following ingredients are effective in improving sagging pores and are used in induction treatments such as iontophoresis and electroporation.
Glycylglycine
When unsaturated fatty acids increase in the sebum around pores and disrupt the ionic balance within keratinocytes, abnormal keratinization occurs. This causes the affected area to become cone-shaped compared to the surrounding area, creating a shadow that makes the pores more noticeable. Glycylglycine is said to improve the ionic balance within keratinocytes, suppress inflammation, and promote normal keratinization, thereby improving enlarged pores. It also has high moisturizing properties, so in addition to improving enlarged pores, it can also be expected to be highly effective in improving dry skin.
EGF
EGF stands for “epidermal growth factor” in Japanese. Discovered by American Dr. Stanley Cohen in 1962, it was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986, and was officially approved as a cosmetic ingredient in Japan in 2006. Originally used widely in medical settings for the rapid healing of injuries and wounds and skin regeneration, EGF stimulates the division of epidermal cells, promoting skin rejuvenation.
placenta
This extract is extracted from mammalian placenta and is rich in various nutrients, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It is said to have the effects of activating metabolism, regulating autonomic nervous system and hormone balance, increasing resistance, and enhancing liver function. It is expected to have skin-beautifying effects, such as promoting blood circulation and cell turnover, protecting collagen with its antioxidant properties, and promoting the growth of collagen and elastin. Iontophoresis and electroporation treatments are recommended every 1 to 4 weeks.
Long pulse Nd:YAG laser
This treatment utilizes the skin’s own self-healing power to promote skin regeneration. A long-wavelength laser that reaches the dermis layer is positioned away from the skin and continuously irradiated over the entire face like a shower. The low output efficiently delivers heat to the upper dermis without damaging the epidermis, denaturing collagen. The skin’s own ability to recover from this heat damage stimulates collagen production, restoring firmness to the skin. It also tightens sagging pores.
By restoring the skin’s plumpness and firmness, sunken pores become less noticeable and cell turnover improves, resulting in a smoother skin texture. Five to eight treatments at intervals of two to four weeks are considered effective.
Cosmetic clinics use equipment such as Excel V, Spectra, and GentleMax Pro.
RF treatment
This is also a treatment that utilizes the skin’s own self-healing power. RF stands for Radio Frequency. When RF is applied to the skin, positive and negative electrical stimulation causes cells to vibrate, generating frictional heat under the skin. This heat damages collagen, which has the effect of tightening the skin and restoring its firmness.
It is a standard treatment in cosmetic medicine that is consistently popular, as it is effective not only for tightening sagging pores but also for fine lines and nasolabial folds caused by a lack of firmness.
Depending on the number of electrodes, there are monopolar (1 pole), bipolar (2 poles), tripolar (3 poles), and multipolar (4 or more poles) types. A typical monopolar type treatment device for sagging skin is “Thermage,” which powerfully heats the upper layer of subcutaneous tissue to the dermis layer, about 2.5 mm below the skin, resulting in an immediate tightening effect due to collagen contraction and long-term effects such as restoring firmness by regenerating and growing damaged collagen.
Types that use multiple electrodes are effective in tightening the surface layer of the skin. RF beauty devices that can be used at home are also popular, but medical devices used by specialists are naturally more powerful and have a much greater effect.
Equipment such as “e-plus,” “Intragen,” and “Thermage” are used.
Dermapen
This is a treatment that relies on the skin’s own healing power, but unlike lasers and RF, it does not cause thermal damage to the skin. Ultra-fine needles, thinner than a hair, are used to create tiny holes in the skin. The holes reach the dermis layer, and collagen production is activated in an attempt to repair these holes.
As a result, the skin becomes firmer, making enlarged pores less noticeable and leaving you with smooth, silky skin. Another great thing about this treatment is that it can also be effective on acne scars. As the name suggests, it’s a pen-shaped device that allows you to target and treat troublesome pores. By infusing the holes created by the Dermapen with ingredients containing growth factors that promote skin rejuvenation, you can expect even greater improvement. It’s effective not only on the face, but also on improving stretch marks. While you can expect results with just one treatment, several treatments at a monthly rate is more effective.
PRP therapy
This treatment involves returning PRP (platelet-rich plasma), extracted and concentrated from one’s own blood, to the skin. Blood platelets are rich in growth factors that promote the repair of damaged tissues. Injecting PRP into injured or painful areas is said to accelerate healing and reduce pain thanks to the large amount of growth factors released, and it is also used in sports medicine. When administered to the skin, PRP stimulates and activates fibroblasts, which produce dermal components, and is believed to have various rejuvenating effects. A dramatic increase in collagen can be expected to create firmness and radiance, as well as shrink pores.
Fractional Laser
This treatment utilizes the skin’s self-healing ability to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. A very fine micro-laser beam is irradiated onto the surface of the skin in a dotted pattern (fractional irradiation). This creates tiny holes in the skin that are invisible to the naked eye. As these holes close, collagen production is stimulated.
There are two types: “non-ablative type (treatment that uses heat)” and “ablative type (treatment that evaporates and shrinks the skin).” The ablative type is said to be more effective, but it also has a longer downtime. In addition to sagging pores, it is also effective in smoothing uneven skin caused by acne scars and scars. It is also said to be effective for fine wrinkles.
There are devices such as “Smartside,” “Fraxel,” “Enlighten,” and “eco2.” Multiple treatments are recommended, spaced 1-2 months apart.
What you need to know about pain during treatment and downtime
Iontophoresis/electroporation
A weak electric current flows through the skin, so it may tingle, but it is not painful. You can wear makeup after the treatment and go home. In rare cases, redness or a rash may occur due to the irritation caused by the medication.
Long pulse Nd:YAG laser
It feels like taking a warm shower and is painless. Makeup can be applied after treatment. Redness and tingling may occur.
RF treatment
You may experience pain and heat during treatment. The degree of pain varies depending on the model used, but these can be alleviated by using anesthesia or cooling gel applied to the skin.
The early model of “Thermage” was said to have a drawback of being extremely painful, but the latest model, “Thermage CPT,” has the effect of blocking nerve transmission, reducing pain to the point that some people do not even notice the irradiation. “Intragen” and “e-plus” also cause little pain, only a slight heat sensation. With both models, redness and hot flashes may occur immediately after treatment.
Dermapen
The holes made with the Dermapen are very tiny, so no scars are left. Treatment is generally preceded by the application of anesthetic cream, so there is almost no pain. Although the needles are ultra-fine, they are inserted into the skin very finely, so the skin will be red immediately after treatment. Makeup can be applied from the next day.
PRP therapy
Since your own blood is used, there is no need to worry about allergies or infection. During treatment, you may experience pain from the injection. Bleeding, redness, and swelling may occur. Makeup can be applied from the next day.
Fractional Laser
The pain is similar to a pricking needle or a rubber band snap. Treatment typically involves the application of anesthetic cream. Immediately after treatment, redness and swelling may occur, along with a burning sensation similar to that experienced after a sudden sunburn. However, the burning sensation will subside the next day.
Afterward, small scabs may form all over the face, causing a rough feeling to the touch and making makeup powdery for about a week. These scabs will naturally fall off, so do not try to force them off.
Points to consider when choosing treatment
Prior counseling is important
First, see a doctor and have a thorough consultation. Communicating your wishes clearly to your doctor, such as how much you want to tighten your sagging pores, how much you want to spend, and how much downtime you want, will lead to a treatment that you are satisfied with. Then, ask your doctor to recommend which treatment is most suitable for you.
Fee
Treatment for sagging pores is not covered by health insurance and is an elective medical treatment. Even for similar treatments, the equipment and medications used vary depending on the clinic. Furthermore, clinic treatments vary greatly in cost depending on whether they are performed by a doctor, a nurse, or other staff, as well as the doctor’s skill level. As the saying goes, “cheap is bad,” so choosing a clinic based solely on price can lead to regret, so we recommend carefully considering information other than price before choosing a clinic.
[Estimated cost per session (excluding consumption tax)]
|
Iontophoresis (Glycylglycine) |
4,000 to 9,000 |
|
Electroporation (EGF) |
7,000 to 20,000 |
|
Long Pulse Nd:YAG laser |
8,000 to 20,000 (Full face, approximately 5,000 shots) |
| RF treatment |
40,000 to 80,000 (Whole face) |
| Dermapen |
12,000 to 27,000 (cheek) |
| PRP therapy |
120,000 to 300,000 (Both cheeks, approximately 5.0cc) |
| Fractional Laser |
12,000 to 50,000 (CO2 laser, both cheeks) |
Downtime
Downtime is the period after treatment until your skin recovers. Depending on the treatment, scabs may form and redness and swelling may remain. Depending on the treatment, there may be a period when you cannot wear makeup.
Of the treatments introduced here, fractional laser has the most severe downtime, with fine scabs and rough skin remaining for about a week. Dermapen and PRP therapy may also cause some swelling and internal bleeding from the needle, but you can safely assume that there is almost no downtime.
RF, laser, and induction treatments often have no noticeable downtime, so you can receive treatment with peace of mind. Also, since your skin is delicate after treatment, it’s important to take precautions against UV rays with sunscreen and a mask.
Treatment frequency and duration
Neither method will instantly transform your skin with a single treatment. The effectiveness of each method increases with multiple treatments at appropriate intervals. Be sure to discuss with your doctor how often and how many visits you will need until the treatment is complete.
summary
We’ve introduced treatments for improving sagging pores that are available at beauty clinics. Many treatments for sagging pores work deep within the skin, so it’s important to discuss the effectiveness and risks with your doctor beforehand. We hope you can find a method that suits you and receive treatment that you’re satisfied with.
