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.