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2026.10.16
Does Potenza Work on Pores? A Dermatologist Explains How to Identify the Causes and How the Treatment Works
As an Assistant Professor, Associate Ward Director, and Chief of Dermatopathology at the university hospital dermatology department, I deepened my expertise through academic presentations and paper publications both domestically and internationally. I have handled a wide range of treatments, from birthmark therapy in children to adult pigmentation concerns, utilizing various lasers and injection therapies, while also contributing to community healthcare. Through encountering numerous cases, I strongly felt the potential and necessity of aesthetic medicine, resolving to pursue further expertise. Building upon my solid dermatological knowledge and meticulous diagnostic skills, I value treatments that gently support each individual's skin while bringing out its inherent beauty.
Doctors' Point
When it comes to pore treatment, it’s not just about “shrinking pores.” There are various factors that cause pores to appear prominent, including sebum, blackheads, loss of skin firmness, sagging, and uneven skin texture caused by acne scars. Therefore, even for the same “pore concern,” the necessary treatment varies from person to person.
Potenza is a treatment that uses microneedles and RF (radiofrequency) to target the dermis and promote skin remodeling, which can help improve the appearance of visible pores, uneven skin texture, and loss of firmness. It is a particularly good treatment option for those with visible pores on the cheeks, those whose pores have become more noticeable due to loss of skin firmness, and those with a combination of pores and uneven skin texture caused by acne scars.
On the other hand, if the main causes are dark spots, blackheads, or excess sebum production, Potenza alone may not be sufficient to achieve the desired results. It’s important not to choose Potenza simply because the issue involves pores, but rather to determine why these pores are particularly noticeable before selecting a treatment.
Treatment results are influenced not only by the machine itself, but also by adjustments to factors such as depth, output, and irradiation method, which are tailored to the type of pores, skin type, and treatment goals.
The Main Causes of "Visible Pores," According to Aesthetic Dermatologists
There is no single reason why pores become noticeable. By first identifying the specific causes, the appropriate treatment options become clearer.
- Visible Pores Caused by Sebum Production and Blackheads
- Abnormal keratinization around the pores
- Loss of skin firmness and sagging due to aging
- Acne and Post-Inflammatory Scarring
- Elongation Due to Sagging
- Darkening caused by pigmentation or fine hair
Even for the same “pore concerns,” the treatment approach varies depending on whether the issue is primarily sebum-related, related to loss of firmness, or related to uneven skin texture. In cosmetic dermatology, the focus is first and foremost on diagnosis.
How Potenza Improves Pores and Its Effects
Potenza uses ultra-fine needles to deliver microscopic stimulation to the skin, transmitting RF (radiofrequency) energy from the needle tips into the dermis. Unlike light-based treatments, it does not depend on pigmentation; instead, it triggers dermal remodeling—such as collagen reconstruction—through thermal stimulation and the wound-healing response.
As a result, you can expect improvements in skin firmness and texture, as well as smoother pore edges, which will make pores appear less noticeable. The extent and duration of these effects vary from person to person, and results generally develop gradually over multiple sessions.
The idea of reducing "shadows cast by pores"
Pores on the cheeks may appear more prominent than they actually are because the fine indentations around them cast shadows.
When unevenness is smoothed out through retouching, not only do the pores themselves become less noticeable, but the “shadow contrast” is also reduced, making the entire image appear smoother.
Who It's For, and Who Should Proceed with Caution—Criteria for Cosmetic Dermatology Decisions
- Ideal for: Those concerned about visible pores on their cheeks / Those with a combination of loss of firmness and uneven skin texture / Those who want to improve both acne scars and pores at the same time / Those who want to improve their overall skin condition
- Careful consideration required: Main causes include dark spots and blackheads / Severe excess sebum / Deep ice-pick scars / Primarily characterized by elongation due to severe sagging (requires separate treatment or combination therapy)
Blackheads on the nose are often largely caused by sebum, comedones, vellus hair, and pigmentation, so Potenza alone may not be sufficient.
Number of Treatments, Downtime, and Risks
When it comes to pore treatment, it’s more realistic to plan for gradual improvement over several sessions rather than aiming for dramatic results in a single session. The number of sessions required varies depending on your skin type and the underlying cause.
After the treatment, you may experience temporary redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, a stinging sensation, or roughness; the severity of these symptoms varies depending on the intensity and treatment area.
In rare cases, risks such as changes in skin tone have been reported, and results, pain, and downtime vary from person to person. Be sure to plan your treatment schedule in a way that fits your schedule and skin condition without overdoing it.
Differences Between Fractional Lasers and Other Treatments, and How to Choose the Right One
Fractional laser treatment uses a laser to create microscopic thermal lesions, thereby promoting wound healing. Potenza, on the other hand, uses needles to deliver RF energy to the dermis. Rather than saying one is “better” than the other, the choice depends on factors such as skin type, pore type, tolerance for downtime, and the risk of hyperpigmentation.
For example, we’ll consider your specific needs—such as skin that’s prone to redness, a desire to minimize downtime due to work commitments, or a wish to gradually smooth out extensive unevenness—and tailor the treatment accordingly.
Treatments and Self-Care That Are Easy to Combine—Recommendations from a Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic
For sebum and blackheads, topical treatments and chemical peels may be used; for skin tone, light therapy may be used; and for deep skin irregularities, other wound-healing treatments or manual techniques may be used in combination.
For at-home skincare, the basics include cleansing without over-washing, caring for the stratum corneum, protecting against UV rays, and optimizing moisturization. Whether to use additional products should be adjusted based on your goals, lifestyle, and the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is the pain severe?
While many people find anesthetic creams and similar products tolerable, the level of sensitivity varies from person to person.
Q. When can I start working?
Redness and roughness may persist for a few days. We will advise you individually on when it is safe to resume wearing makeup.
Q. How many sessions does it take to see results?
While many people notice gradual changes after just a few sessions, the number of sessions and the intervals between them are adjusted based on the underlying cause and skin type.
Q. Does it work on blackheads?
If the primary causes of dark spots (blackheads, pigmentation, and vellus hair) are severe, we will combine multiple treatments.
The Consultation Process and How to Interpret the “Before & After” Images
During the consultation, we’ll determine your pore type, discuss your lifestyle, and assess your tolerance for downtime, then share a step-by-step treatment plan with you. The “Before & After” photos are merely examples; results and the speed of improvement vary from person to person.
We carefully tailor the intensity and frequency of treatments based on your skin’s response. At our cosmetic dermatology clinic, we place great importance on creating an environment where you can discuss any concerns or questions you may have at any time.
Summary
Potenza is a treatment that can help improve the appearance of enlarged or prominent pores. By using microneedles and RF to target the dermis and promote skin remodeling, it aims to improve the texture around the pores and enhance skin firmness.
However, there isn’t just one cause of visible pores. If the main causes are dark spots, blackheads, or excess sebum production, treatments other than Potenza may be more appropriate. Additionally, when visible pores are accompanied by acne scars or loss of skin firmness, combining multiple treatments can sometimes lead to more effective results.
Potenza is not a one-time treatment; it is important to continue treatment while monitoring progress, including the changes resulting from post-treatment remodeling. Rather than simply assuming that “Potenza is the answer for pores,” it is essential to first identify the underlying cause of why the pores are prominent.
Choosing a treatment based on the underlying cause and your skin condition is the key to making your pores less noticeable in a more natural way.
