Here at North Metro Dermatology, we are excited to be the first provider in Minnesota to offer Ellacor®, the only FDA-approved system with Micro-Coring™ technology to treat moderate-to-severe wrinkles and laxity of the lower face. The Ellacor® System as a non-surgical treatment that achieves natural-looking results with minimal downtime. Here’s what you need to know:

If you desire visible reduction in facial wrinkles or laxity without an invasive procedure, excessive pain, or extended downtime, Ellacor® may be the non-surgical treatment option for you! This skin revitalization procedure uses Micro-Coring™ Technology to reduce aging skin, improve skin architecture, and provide natural looking results. The ellacor® System is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe wrinkles in the mid and lower face in adults ages 22 years or older with pale white to light brown skin (Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV).

This treatment uses specially designed hollow needles to remove micro-cores of skin without surgery, thermal energy, or scarring. After the skin is removed, the body’s natural healing process goes into effect, realigning the skin and closing the cores for improved skin architecture and natural looking results.

Schedule a consultation with your dermatology provider if you are considering Ellacor®. Discuss all supplements, medications, and topical products you are taking or using. You will receive instructions regarding what medications to take and which ones to hold prior to this procedure in order to reduce risk of excessive bruising, cold sores, infections, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Avoid direct sun exposure or any form of tanning (lights or products) for the 2 weeks prior to treatment. To lower the risk of excessive bruising, abstain from any alcohol consumption within 48 hours of treatment. On the day of treatment, numbing cream and/or numbing injections allow for a comfortable treatment with minimal discomfort. You can anticipate the treatment to typically take less than 30 minutes.

Downtime can vary, but is typically 1-2 weeks. Common side effects from Ellacor® include redness, swelling, peeling, tightness, tingling, itching, and tenderness. These side effects generally subside after 3 days. Mild redness and circular grid marks on the skin may linger for 1 month or longer. Bruising occasionally occurs and generally resolves after 1 week. Makeup use, shaving the treated areas, and strenuous activity/exercise should be avoided for the 3 days after treatment. You will receive instructions for a gentle skin care routine following your Ellacor® procedure.

As with most skin revitalization treatments, full results may not be visible for 3-6 months, but many people see improvement in skin laxity and wrinkling in as little as a few weeks. Results can be long-lasting and are best maintained with an excellent skin care routine with sun protection. Depending on your skin needs and goals, additional treatments may be recommended for the best results.

The following patient populations should not receive Ellacor® treatment. If there is any question about if one of these categories pertains to you, discuss it with your dermatology provider.

• Those who are pregnant or nursing
• Those with medical conditions and/or medications that may affect proper wound healing
  • Autoimmune conditions (lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Actively inflamed skin in the treatment area (acne, eczema, psoriasis, rash)
  • Active infections (hepatitis, HIV)
  • Skin cancer in the treatment area
  • Immunosuppression
  • Open wounds/sores in the treatment area
  • Facial implants in the treatment area
  • Allergies to anesthesia, lidocaine, or nickel
  • Currently on isotretionin
• High dose NSAID or blood thinner use within the the past 14 days
• History of significant scarring or keloids
• Dental work within previous 4 weeks
• Filler treatment within previous 6 months
• Isotretinoin treatment within previous 12 months
• Plastic surgery or surgical scars within previous 12 months

Schedule a cosmetic consultation or dermatology appointment to learn more about Ellacor®!