Ellacor System With Micro-Coring Technology

What is ellacor, and how are you using it in practice? That is, what can it treat or improve?

Omar A. Ibrahimi, MD, PhD: Ellacor received FDA clearance late last year and is based on the novel concept of tissue micro-coring. It utilizes coring needles to extract thousands of columns or micro-cores of skin, which reduce the overall density of the skin and more importantly heal without any scarring. Ellacor is FDA cleared for use in the treatment of moderate-to-severe wrinkles of the mid and lower face for Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV. However, the technology is not limited to any particular anatomic area and will likely have many future uses and applications off the face.

What sets ellacor apart from other facial devices? 

Dr. Ibrahimi: Prior to ellacor, our options to treat wrinkles and lax skin with devices was quite limited. Most of the available technologies were quite frankly disappointing in their clinical results. As a result, this was always a conversation I was not excited to have with my patients. Ellacor has changed that dynamic and with it, I feel much more comfortable and confident that I can deliver the results my patients are looking for with a minimally invasive option to treat wrinkles and lax skin. 

Who is the ideal patient?

Dr. Ibrahimi: The ideal ellacor patients are those in their early 40s through 60s with some skin laxity and wrinkles but not at the point where they are complete surgical candidates. Older patients are also suitable candidates as long as they have realistic expectations of what the treatment can do. This is not a replacement for a facelift. However, often even facelift patients have wrinkles around the mouth that surgery can not address and ellacor fills this gap as well. 

Is there a learning curve for providers? 

Dr. Ibrahimi: This is definitely a procedure and there is a learning curve to it but I would say that the dermatologic surgeon or experienced aesthetic physician will be able to quickly get up to speed in terms of learning how to do an effective treatment. 

Please share your treatment protocols. Any pearls?

Dr. Ibrahimi: As above, this truly is a procedure and so I find it important to have a consultation with patients where we make sure we discuss what to expect during and after the treatment as well as review the treatment plan and set expectations. One of the pearls I can share is that it is very easy to establish pain control with the procedure and this is the most common question I get from prospective patients and other physicians as well because there is a perception that the procedure will hurt significantly. My protocol is using topical numbing alongside about 15cc of injectional lidocaine. With this combo most patients report a pain score of about 2 out of 10 meaning it’s in the mild range.