Ellacor: The Dermal Micro-Coring Device  

The ellacor System uses micro-coring technology (MCT) to treat facial wrinkles and tightening. It has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is indicated for use in the treatment of moderate and severe wrinkles in the mid and lower face in adults aged 22 years or older with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV.

ellacor

Though the concept of micro-coring is relatively novel, a recent study of 51 patients found MCT to be safe and effective in the treatment of moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles.  The study evaluated these 51 patients, with the primary study endpoint being a change in the Lemperle Wrinkle Severity Scale. Investigators found that 40% of the participants recorded an improvement of two grades on the Lemperle Wrinkle Severity Scale with an overall satisfaction rate of 86%.

Ellacor works by penetrating the epidermis and dermis to remove micro-cores of skin using hollow needles. Due to the needles being less than 0.5 mm in diameter, this has the effect of improving the appearance of wrinkles without evidence of scarring.

The device, which consists of a console, handpiece, foot switch, and vacuum system, allows providers to adjust the percentage of skin to be removed as well as the penetration depth of the needles.

Ellacor treatment typically takes about 30-45 minutes and can remove up to eight percent of skin. Unlike facelifts, however, the procedure is quick with minimal recovery time. Some patients experience redness and swelling post-treatment, but most resume their normal activities within three days.

Ellacor is viewed as a great option for patients who are looking to tighten their skin and reduce wrinkles but are not yet ready for a facelift. “Rather than pulling up the skin and lifting it and cutting the excess skin like we do with a facelift, we are creating thousands of smaller-scale tissue removals with immediate closures to do the same thing. The micro-cores are about the size of a 22-gauge needle, and there is no scarring due to the small size of these tissue extractions.” Mathew M. Avram, MD, JD.

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