Nose pore treatment in Fukuoka Tenjin | Explanation by 3 types: comedones, enlarged pores, and dark discoloration

How to read this article

The Treatments listed here are performed at our Fukuoka clinic (Tenjin). All are self-funded medical care (not covered by insurance). Clicking on a treatment name will take you to a page with detailed explanations and the latest price list. Please note that isotretinoin mentioned later in the article is an unapproved drug in Japan. As a general explanation, we have summarized the fact that it is unapproved and its serious side effects.

Our Fukuoka clinic (Tenjin) receives many consultations about nose pores. It is not uncommon for patients who come for nose surgery consultations to say partway through, "Actually, I'm also concerned about pores." The reason for this is explained in later sections, but we start with the premise.

Pores are sebum outlets. The number is determined at birth and neither increases nor decreases. Therefore, there is no treatment that "eliminates pores."

So what is the difference between people whose pores are noticeable and those whose are not?The size of the opening and the shadow created there.When light shines on it, the deeper the indentation, the darker the shadow. Noticeable pores are the state in which this shadow is visible.

Therefore, the goal of treatment is not to eliminate pores, but to reduce the shadow. There are only 3 ways to do this.

1. Remove debris
2. Reduce the size of the opening itself
3. Restore firmness to the skin around the pore

Which of these works depends on why the pore is noticeable. If you begin treatment without identifying the reason, you will spend time and money on methods that do not work.

About promotional photosMost photos shown as "zero pores" are the result of lighting angle and image processing. If you look at the same skin under the light in the examination room with the naked eye, the pores are clearly still there. If you proceed with the assumption that they will disappear, you will not be satisfied with any treatment you receive.

Prominent pores on the nose are not caused by poor skin quality or improper cleansing technique.It is a structural issue.There are three reasons.

Reason 1: Sebaceous glands are largest on the face

Deep within the pores, sebaceous glands hang suspended. The size and number of these glands vary greatly by location—on the face and scalp, hundreds are densely packed per square centimeter, whereas on the arms and legs they number fewer than 100. Within the face itself, the nose and forehead are where particularly large sebaceous glands congregate. The larger the sebaceous gland, the wider its opening—the pore itself—becomes.

Reason 2: The skin is thick and firm

The skin on the tip of the nose is many times thicker than the skin on the eyelids. Thick skin has strong support around the opening, but once stretched, it becomes difficult to shrink. This is why cheek pores can become less noticeable with moisturizing or temporary care, whereas nose pores show almost no change.

Reason 3: The nose protrudes most forward on the face

The nose projects further forward than any other part of the face. When light strikes from the front, shadows form in the depressions, and they are most visible at this prominent position. Even pores of identical size appear different when on the cheek versus on the nose.

In other words, prominent pores on the noseare not a matter of skin care.If you proceed to intensify cleansing or use masks while holding this misconception, you will directly encounter the failures described in the next section.

Though "nose pores" is spoken as a single term, the condition actually falls into three distinct categories.The necessary treatments are completely different, so making a mistake here can lead to years of taking the long way around.

The commonly mentioned "strawberry nose" is one of these three types, or a combination thereof. The term strawberry nose itself is merely a descriptive appearance and does not identify the underlying cause.

Comedone type: Clogged

Feels rough to the touch. Under bright light, white or yellowish granules protrude from the pores. When pressed, thin thread-like material comes out.

This is a comedone. It forms when dead skin cells that should have shed mix with sebum and harden inside the pores.It is not dirt.That is why washing alone cannot remove it.

• How to tell the differenceGently stroke your nose with the pad of your finger. If you feel a catch, you have comedones.

Open pore type: Large pore openings

No roughness. However, the pore openings themselves appear round and enlarged. The skin tends to shine during the day, and makeup breaks down by evening.

Sebaceous glands have enlarged due to excessive sebum secretion, resulting in widened pore openings.This type is most commonly seen on the nose.

• How to tell the differenceImmediately after cleansing, check whether the pores are visible even without any products applied. If they are visible, you have the open pore type.

Dark spot type: Discolored

The pore area appears as a black dot. However,there are 3 reasons why it appears black, and the treatment approach differs completely.

• Oxidized comedoneKeratin plugs that have turned brown to black after exposure to air. The treatment approach is the same as for keratin plug type.
• PigmentationDiscoloration of the skin surrounding the pores rather than inside them. An approach similar to treating age spots is necessary.
• Fine hairFine hair emerging from the pore appears as a dot. Since it is a hair issue, exfoliation care will not change it.
• How to tell the differenceGently pull the nose slightly to the side. If the black dot is inside the pore, it is a keratin plug or hair; if the skin around the pore is brown, it is pigmentation.

Most people have a combinationIt is rare for someone to fit into just one category. It is normal for the situation to vary by location—for example, keratin plugs on the sides of the nose and enlarged pores on the bridge. A single treatment will not clear everything, and treatment begins by deciding which issue to address first.

The reason this is placed before treatment is:Most people who consult about pores have already worsened the condition themselves.

Peel-off pore strips

Keratin plugs are removed temporarily. However, what comes off is not just the keratin plugs.The stratum corneum—the outermost barrier of the skin—is stripped away as well.

Skin that has lost its barrier cannot retain moisture, and in response thickens its outer layer and increases sebum production. In other words, you are creating conditions favorable for keratin plug formation yourself. Moreover, the pore opening remains enlarged. The pattern of "satisfied immediately after removal, much worse a few days later" repeats because of this mechanism.

Pressing with fingers or instruments

The contents come out. However, the pressing force acts on the pore wall in the same way. When the wall breaks, the contents leak into surrounding tissue, causing inflammation,and after healing, small crater-like indentations remain.These are no longer pores but scars (scar tissue). No amount of pore care will restore this shape to its original form.

Removing comedones itself is not the problem. The issue is "extracting by applying pressure and breaking the wall."

Suction device

A tool that pulls using negative pressure. Comedones are barely removed. Only surface sebum comes out. On the other hand, strong negative pressure can damage capillaries, leaving bruising or redness. The nose is an area with shallow blood vessels, so this is especially likely to occur there.

Over-washing and excessive use of oil blotting paper

The more sebum you remove, the more the skin senses a deficit and increases secretion. Wash your face up to twice daily, and use oil blotting paper up to 1–2 times per day. Beyond that is counterproductive.

What the four approaches have in commonAll of them aim only at "removing existing comedones" and do nothing to address "the mechanism of comedone formation." Pore treatment centers on making them less likely to form, rather than on removal.

From Dr. Hane:When patients come in with pore concerns, looking at their nose I often notice that small indentations from pressing are more noticeable than the comedones themselves. Unlike comedones, indentations do not return to normal. If you are doing anything now, I ask you to stop first.

There is no immediate effect. In exchange,Only those who continue will see definite improvementin this area.

Cleanse with lukewarm water, up to twice daily

Hot water strips away necessary sebum. Lukewarm to the touch, around 32–34 degrees Celsius is ideal. Wash twice daily, morning and night, by enveloping the skin gently with foam, without scrubbing.

Choose by active ingredients

• Salicylic acidIt has the property of dissolving in oil and reaches deep into pores clogged with sebum. Suited for the comedone type. Start with low-concentration cleansers or toners.
• NiacinamideReports show it suppresses sebum secretion and makes pores appear smaller. Suited for the open pore type.
• Vitamin C derivativeInhibits sebum oxidation to suppress the progression of blackheads. Also works on hyperpigmentation.
• RetinolNormalizes skin cell turnover and reduces congestion. While the effect is strong, redness and peeling occur in the first few weeks. Start with low concentration, twice weekly.
• SunscreenUV rays reduce skin elasticity and enlarge pores. This is most overlooked in pore care, and over time it makes the biggest difference.

Insurance coverage may apply

If you have acne (acne vulgaris), insurance-covered dermatology can prescribe topical medications such as adapalene or benzoyl peroxide. Both work directly on pore congestion, and their effectiveness is more firmly established than over-the-counter cosmetics.

However,Insurance does not cover a concern of "pore appearance" alone.Insurance applies only as treatment for acne. If you currently have acne, it is worth trying insurance-covered dermatology before considering out-of-pocket procedures.

From here onwards are treatments offered at our Fukuoka branch (Tenjin). They are divided by type, based on what the treatment aims to address. Pricing and detailed explanations are available via the links to each treatment name.

For those with blackhead-type pores, the destination depends on why they appear dark. If oxidized comedones, see "For comedones and roughness" below; if hyperpigmentation around the pore, skin treatment is the target. For fine hair, hair removal is involved—please consult at your appointment.

For comedones and roughness

HydraGentle

Water flow and suction wash away existing comedones and dead skin. Since nothing is pressed out, the pore wall is not damaged.

• GuidelineOnce monthly
• DowntimeMinimal. Temporary redness may occur
• Best forThose with roughness who want to change skin texture first
• Not recommended forThose whose main concern is indentations. Periods with severe skin inflammation or wounds

Salicylic acid macrogol

Medication smooths skin texture and leads to a less congestion-prone state. It is a treatment for prevention rather than removal.

• GuidelineEvery 3–4 weeks
• DowntimeDryness, mild redness, rarely peeling
• Best forThose with recurrent comedones, those with comedone-predominant acne
• Not recommended forThose with strong dryness, those with active dermatitis

For open pores and loss of firmness

Massage peel (PRX-T33)

Without stripping the skin, medication reaches deep layers to promote collagen production. As skin firmness returns around the pores, the opening appears relatively smaller.

• GuidelineEvery 1–2 weeks, 4–5 sessions
• DowntimeMinimal. Mild redness immediately after, dryness for several days
• Best forThose with open pores and loss of firmness as the main concern, with difficulty arranging downtime
• Not recommended forThose with active acne or wounds. Those whose main concern is deep indentations

Milano Repeel (BioRePeel)

A peel combining multiple acids and amino acids. It works on both surface and deep skin layers, refining overall skin texture and pore appearance.

• GuidelineEvery 4 weeks, 3–5 sessions
• DowntimeSkin peeling and dryness for several days
• Best forFor those with pores, dullness, and roughness occurring simultaneously
• Not recommended forThose with strong dryness or planned activities where skin peeling is not acceptable

For depressions and skin reconstruction

Pico Fractional

Laser is applied in a dotted pattern to create microscopic changes within the skin and stimulate remodeling. Downtime is short, but multiple sessions are required.

• GuidelineEvery 4 weeks, 5 or more sessions
• DowntimeRedness for 1–2 days
• Best forFor shallow irregularities; those who cannot take extended downtime
• Not recommended forThose who want deep scarring improved in a single session

JUVEDERM VOLIFT

An injectable formulation that stimulates collagen production. It raises the foundation of depressed areas.

• GuidelineEvery 4 weeks, approximately 3 sessions
• DowntimeBruising and swelling for several days
• Best forFor those with both irregularities and loss of firmness
• Not recommended forThose with active acne

How to chooseIf the skin feels rough to the touch, choose a cleansing type (HydraFacial Gentle, salicylic acid macrogol). If pores are visibly round and open, choose a firming type (Massage Peel, Milano Repeel). If indentations from pressure remain depressed, choose a reconstruction type (Pico Fractional, JUVEDERM VOLIFT). Choosing the wrong approach wastes time and money on ineffective treatment. If unsure, have a consultation to confirm which type applies to you.

So far these have been external treatments. Isotretinoin isan oral medication that shrinks the sebaceous glands themselves.

What it does

It is an oral medication in the retinoid family. It reduces the size of sebaceous glands and substantially decreases sebum secretion. As sebum decreases, the material for comedone formation diminishes and pore openings narrow. Overseas, it has long been used as a treatment for severe acne.

Types that respond, types that do not

• RespondsHigh sebum production with open pores, recurring comedones, excessive shine
• Does not respondIndentations from extraction. These are scars, and skin shape does not recover even if sebum decreases
• After discontinuationSebum secretion returns over time. The rate of return varies by individual

Essential information before taking the medication

Not approved in Japan

Isotretinoin is not approved under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law in Japan. No domestically approved medication exists with the same active ingredient.

Serious adverse effects reported in other countries

• TeratogenicityUse during pregnancy causes severe fetal malformations. This is treated as an established fact, not a possibility
• Psychiatric symptomsReports of depression, mood changes, and suicidal ideation exist; regulatory authorities in various countries have issued warnings
• Liver dysfunction and lipid abnormalitiesMonitoring via blood tests is necessary
• Dry skin and mucous membranesCheilitis occurs in nearly all users. Nasal mucosa dryness can cause nosebleeds
• Eye drynessContact lens wear may become difficult
• Muscle pain and joint painThose with high activity levels may experience effects

Absolute requirements regarding pregnancy

Pregnant individuals or those who may be pregnant cannot take this medication. Those wishing to take it must undergo a pregnancy test before starting and use reliable contraception during treatment and for a certain period after finishing. For males taking the medication, fetal risk has not been reported to the same degree as for females, but blood donation is prohibited from the start of treatment through some time after stopping.

Cautions regarding concurrent use and timing

Concurrent use with tetracycline-class antibiotics should be avoided. Vitamin A supplements should be discontinued as the effects overlap. Expert opinion varies on the timing of concurrent laser or peeling treatments, so do not combine treatments on your own judgment; always disclose this to your treating physician.

For those planning nasal surgery or who have recently undergone it

Those planning surgery that includes nasal procedures, or who have recently had surgery, mustdisclose the fact that you are taking this medication.This medication has long been debated regarding its effects on wound healing, and dosing timing may need adjustment around surgery.

We state this honestly. The following four goals cannot currently be achieved in aesthetic medicine.

• Pore countDetermined at birth; cannot be reduced
• Eliminating deep depressionsThey can be made shallower, but cannot return to the state of surrounding skin. A realistic goal across multiple treatments is reaching a point where they are "less noticeable"
• Pores on the side of the nostrilsThis area has dense sebaceous glands and skin that does not move easily, making all treatments less effective
• One treatment completes itSebaceous glands remain alive, so when treatment stops, the condition gradually returns over time. Pore treatment is closer in nature to "maintenance" than to "cure."

From Dr. Hane:If I mention what cannot be done upfront, patients may be disappointed. Still, I will say it first. The most common failure in pore treatment is spending years on an ineffective method, and the cause is usually insufficient initial explanation.

This is a topic rarely discussed in aesthetic dermatology articles. I write from the position of handling nasal surgery at the Fukuoka clinic.The reason mentioned at the outset—that patients who consult about nasal reshaping are also concerned about pores—lies here.

It is no coincidence that people with bulbous noses often have pore concerns

One cause of the rounded appearance at the nasal tip, called a bulbous nose, isthick skin at the nasal tip. This thickness arises from abundant sebaceous glands. In other words, people with bulbous noses structurally have large sebaceous glands and more prominent pores. "Both the nasal shape and pores are a concern" are two symptoms stemming from the same underlying cause.

Do pores become smaller with nasal surgery?

No. Surgery changes bone, cartilage, and the tension of the skin. Since the size of sebaceous glands does not change, the number and size of pores remain the same before and after surgery.

However,The appearance may change.If the nasal tip shape becomes refined and the way light falls changes, the appearance of shadows shifts. This is not that pores have become smaller, but that shadows have decreased.

Pores and acne may become more noticeable after surgery

After surgery there is a period of tape fixation. During this time, skin becomes moist and the sebaceous ducts are occluded, which may temporarily increase acne and comedones. Most settle down within a few weeks after the tape is removed.

Consult about the order

If you are considering both pore treatment and nasal surgery, which to perform first depends on how recovery periods overlap and on any medications you are taking. Patients taking isotretinoin in particular need to adjust the timing of surgery.

At what age do pores become noticeable?

From puberty onward, when sebaceous secretion increases. On the nose, where skin is thicker, the rounded shape remains noticeable even after the 20s. On the cheeks, pores appear vertically elongated due to loss of elasticity with age, but on the nose this change occurs less readily; instead, it is an area that becomes noticeable from a young age.

Does increasing the frequency of cleansing improve it?

It worsens it. Cleansing more than twice daily actually increases sebaceous secretion.

Is it wrong to remove comedones?

Removal itself is not a problem. The problem is the method. Pressing out comedones with pressure damages pore walls and can cause indentation. Choose a method that dissolves or rinses them away.

Is black discoloration on the nose dirt?

No. It is either the color of oxidized comedones exposed to air, hyperpigmentation around pores, or fine body hair. None of these can be washed away.

How many sessions does it take before you see a change?

It depends on the type. Comedones and roughness change in texture within 1–3 sessions. Open pores take around 5 sessions; indentation requires 5 or more sessions and will not completely resolve.

If I stop treatment, will it return?

Sebaceous glands remain alive, so it gradually returns over time. Continuing maintenance treatments at longer intervals is typical.

Can men receive this treatment?

Yes. Men have higher sebaceous secretion, and we receive many consultations about nasal pores.

The treatments introduced on this page areall self-pay procedures (not covered by insurance).

Side effects common to all treatments

• Redness and swellingMay occur within a few days with most treatments
• Dryness and peelingOccurs with treatments that target the stratum corneum
• BruisingMay occur with treatments involving needles or injection
• PigmentationMore likely after inflammation, especially on sun-exposed skin
• InfectionNot frequent, but not zero with needle-based treatments
• Individual variation in resultsExpected changes may not be obtained

Additionally, treatment using unapproved pharmaceuticals isnot covered by the Pharmaceutical Injuries Compensation System. Even if serious side effects occur, you cannot receive public compensation under this system.

Pricing, required number of sessions, and procedure-specific risks for each treatment are listed on the page linked from the treatment name.

Supervising physician for this page

Kazuhide HaneDirector, Zetith Beauty Clinic Fukuoka Branch

Graduated from Kobe University School of Medicine in 2021. Served as director of the Osaka branch at a previous position and has been director of Zetith Beauty Clinic Fukuoka Branch since 2025. In addition to surgical procedures centered on nasal reshaping, he handles injectable treatments and device-based treatments in aesthetic dermatology.

When you are unsure which type

This page gathers material to help you distinguish types on your own. However, some combinations—such as comedones and shallow indentations—are difficult to distinguish in a mirror. During examination, we first confirm the cause of the condition currently present. Zetith Beauty Clinic Fukuoka Branch (Tenjin) offers free consultations, so please contact us first.

Book a free web consultation

Related pages

• About Fukuoka Branch Access, clinic hours, and resident physicians
• Fukuoka aesthetic dermatology guide Pores, acne scars, dark spots, and sagging organized by concern

※ This page is provided for general medical information purposes and does not guarantee results. All treatments listed are self-pay procedures (not covered by insurance). Applicability, cost, and risk are individually determined through examination. Results vary by individual. ※ All photos shown are for illustration purposes. They are not before-after cases from our clinic.