Botox doesn’t just make fine lines disappear — it can shrink your pores, too.
While experts say that the pore-shrinking treatment has been around for about a decade, the unorthodox use of the injectable neurotoxin has seen a rise in popularity over the last few years, partly thanks to the viral “glass skin” trend.
“I’ve noticed an uptick in patients asking about pore refinement with Botox, particularly in the last few years as the demand for smooth, photo-ready skin has grown,” double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Akshay Sanan told HuffPost.
Dr. Corey L. Hartman, an Alabama-based board-certified dermatologist, told the publication that the “pore-shrinking” effect has been experienced by patients who received Botox injections for fine line and wrinkle reduction.
“As the muscle tightening sets in … Botox can have a shrinking effect on the pores,” Michelle Paty, nurse practitioner and Preva Aesthetics founder, told the outlet, adding that it results in “a more even, smooth appearance to the skin.”
Dr. Michelle Henry, founder of Manhattan-based Skin & Aesthetic Surgery and a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, explained that this occurs because pores are connected to a “little muscle” called the arrector pili muscle, which is inhibited by the injection of Botox.
The toxin also affects the secretion of sebum from sebaceous glands, which Henry added makes pores “look smaller” due to the lack of oil coming from the glands. Not to mention, it can also yield clearer skin.
While Hartman said patients can see results in as little as 48 hours, Paty noted that it could take about two weeks to “set in.”
“I recommend seeing a board-certified dermatologist who can take an assessment of your skin’s needs and recommend the appropriate amount to deliver the desired effect,” said Hartman.
“It’s a fine balance between reducing sebum production and causing dry skin. Botox itself has rare risks like swelling and bruising at the injection site. If that happens, it usually goes away within a day or so.”
But Botox isn’t a one-step cure-all for complexion, experts said.
“There is no permanent solution to shrinking pores, but maintaining a combination of treatments — such as medical-grade skin care, laser therapies and Botox — can lead to long-term improvement in skin texture,” Sanan explained. “The effects of Botox for pore refinement typically last 3-4 months, similar to its duration when used for wrinkle reduction.”
