Enlarged pores, treated by cause — not just covered up

Why do pores look enlarged?

Pore size is largely genetic, but how big pores look changes with oil production, congestion and the firmness of the skin around them. Three patterns are common, and each needs a different approach:

• Oily pores — round, shiny openings on the nose, inner cheeks and forehead, often in younger skin with active sebum glands
• Clogged pores — blackheads and sebum plugs that stretch the opening and cast a shadow
• Sagging (age-related) pores — teardrop-shaped pores on the cheeks that elongate as collagen and elasticity decline
• Scarred pores — rolled or widened openings left after inflammatory acne, which overlap with acne scar treatment

Many people have more than one type. Pore strips and harsh scrubs only empty the surface, and over-drying can trigger more oil, so a medical plan focuses on oil control, clearing and support at the same time.

How we treat enlarged pores at Bailor

The doctor matches the treatment to the pore type. A typical plan pairs one in-clinic resurfacing or collagen treatment with clearing and oil control:

Prices in KRW, 10% VAT not included, updated September 2026. See Potenza prices and facial prices.

If you are also aiming for a smooth, light-reflecting finish, our poreless-looking skin page explains how pore care fits into a wider glass-skin plan.

What changes in your pores

Facials and skin Botox give a smoother, less shiny surface within a few days. Collagen-based treatments such as Potenza work more slowly, with pores looking tighter over 4–12 weeks as new collagen forms. Pores do not disappear, and oil-related results need maintenance every few months.

How a pore treatment visit works

1. Skin assessment The doctor checks oiliness, congestion, pore shape and any acne activity, then chooses the main treatment.
2. Cleansing & numbing Makeup is removed; numbing cream is applied for about 30–40 minutes before RF or injections.
3. Treatment A facial, skin Botox by micro-injection, or Potenza RF microneedling — usually 20–60 minutes.
4. Calming Cooling mask or LDM where suitable, then sunscreen. You can go back to your day.

On a short Seoul trip, a deep-cleansing facial and skin Botox can be done together with almost no visible downtime. Potenza needs 1–3 days of redness, so it fits best at the start of your stay.

Downtime, side effects and aftercare

Pore treatments range from very gentle facials to RF microneedling, so side effects depend on what is chosen.

• Common: redness and mild swelling for 1–3 days after Potenza; tiny injection marks after skin Botox; temporary tightness or dryness.
• Less common: small bruises, a short-lived acne flare after extraction, or grid marks from microneedling that fade over a week.
• Rare: infection, post-inflammatory pigmentation, or uneven facial expression if skin Botox spreads to muscles near the mouth.

Tell the doctor first if you

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (skin Botox is not given)
• Take isotretinoin now or in the past 6 months, or blood thinners
• Have a pacemaker or metal implants in the face (relevant for RF)
• Have active infection, cold sores or a tendency to keloid scarring

Use a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturiser and SPF, avoid saunas and hard workouts for 2–3 days after RF, and do not pick at congested pores between visits.

Pore FAQ