Does “Micro-Botox / Dysport” work to treat large pores and oil?
I have large pores and oily skin issues. I was doing some internet research to try and find a solution I haven't tried yet. I saw something called Micro-Botox which claims to treat both. I've never heard of it before, seems really new. What's your take on this and is it worth a try?
I recently had someone ask me about this “new” technique of Micro Botox for oil glands and large pores. Many of us in this field have been doing these techniques for years for another purpose. Many dermatologists use the term Micro Botox/Dysport to refer to a way of using tiny amount of these muscle relaxers in a lot of different muscles of the face. The goal is a very natural, relaxed, not wooden, appearance. But what you’re talking about is a different end-goal.
Micro-Botox for Oil Glands and Pores
It’s been observed for a long time, that Botox/Dysport can decrease facial oil gland secretions temporarily. This also shrinks pore size temporarily. Small amounts are injected all over the face. (This adds up cost wise!) Don’t get too excited yet. This is expensive, more dangerous, and has to be repeated 2-4 times a year. There are still more cost effective ways of doing some of these things with lasers that also provide other benefits. See my article on it here.
One of our patients (34 years old) went to Korea 2 years ago, where a friend talked her into seeing a dermatologist, to have this Micro-Botox for pores and oil done. He put way too much in and didn’t get the depth right. She looked like she had had a severe stroke for almost 8 months, because of the overtreatment. There was no way to reverse it.
Instead, look into less dangerous solutions, first.
- The first thing is to make sure that none of your products are clogging your pores or adding to the oil.
- See your gynecologist or primary care about checking to make sure hormone levels are normal. Does your oil get worse before your period?
- Try products like the Skinceuticals Vitamin B5 gel which is almost pure hyaluronic acid (hydrates with no oil).
- Try to get some good blotting papers with rice powder like the ones Shiseido makes. You can blot with those frequently.
- Use a cream or gel vitamin A product like Retin A gel, or even the non prescription Retinol 1.0. These keep keep oil glands unplugged, and reduce flow a little.
- Consider a Fraxel lite or Clear and Brilliant (also a Fraxel product), and see if you get some temporary reduction for a few months.
- In some patients, IPL/rejuvenation treatments done regularly, reduce flow temporarily.
Hope this helps!
Dr. I
