What is Ellacor Micro-coring?

As seen in the October 2023 issue of Cincinnati Magazine.

Micro-coring technology reduces loose skin and wrinkles without surgery, but what is it? The board-certified provider team at Mona Dermatology answers all your questions about this revolutionary treatment. 

Who is Ellacor a good treatment for?

Ellacor micro-coring is good for anyone with fine lines and wrinkles in the cheeks or lower face, as well as for people who have moderate lower face and neck laxity. It is also a great treatment for acne scarring because it actually removes some of the scars. This is a great alternative to traditional acne scarring treatments, such as lasers or microneedling, that typically just build collagen.

How is this different from microneedling?

Micro-coring may sound like microneedling but they are very different treatments. Microneedling uses small needles to create a small injury in the skin, whereas micro-coring uses hollow needles to actually “core” out a percentage of skin. This is an innovative and unprecedented alternative to surgery.

 How is this different from a laser treatment?

Ellacor is most similar to a fractional laser resurfacing where a “fraction” of the skin is treated so that the untreated skin helps to heal the treated area faster.  The difference is that Ellacor actually cores out and removes a percentage of skin without delivering heat to the treated area. Laser resurfacing is still a great option for treating sun damage, texture, pore size and general full face rejuvenation but Ellacor will deliver more compelling results for concerns such as loose skin and wrinkles.

When is someone a candidate for surgery vs. Ellacor?

Ellacor micro-coring removes anywhere from 1-8% of loose skin on the lower face and neck without the downtime of surgery. It is a great treatment for mild to moderate skin laxity, but if you have more severe loose skin, surgery may be a better option. It is always best to have a consultation to determine which option is best for you.

What is the downtime?

You will be swollen for 2-3 days and can see stamp marks from the micro-coring for anywhere from 1-3 weeks. Makeup can be applied to the treated area after a week. It is very important to avoid sun exposure and use approved skin care products during your healing process.

When will you see results?

Your skin will become firmer and tighter over the next 3-6 months as collagen builds leaving you with firmer and smoother skin. Some patients may see best results after having a series of 3 treatments.

Quick Facts:

• Ellacor has been recognized in the Innovation Category for Best Non Surgical Skin-Removal Procedure by NewBeauty.

• Mona Dermatology is the first office in the Tri-State area to offer Ellacor

• 90% of patients showed improvements in moderate to severe wrinkles

How It Works:

1. The internal diameter of each needle is less than 0.5mm, which is below the threshold for scarring.
2. The device precisely moves these needles across the treatment area, removing micro-cores of skin as it goes.
3. A 10mm square area can be treated in less than three seconds, which means the entire procedure is typically finished within in less than 30 minutes.
4. After the procedure, the body’s natural healing response goes into effect as the skin quickly realigns to close the cores, improving skin architecture in the process.