The results are in on the latest technology in skin tightening and lifting…
Today, we’re going to talk about one of my new favorite “non surgical face lift” treatments — Ellacor. This is the long awaited follow up for my experience and patient results after performing Ellacor treatments for over a year.
Watch the corresponding YouTube video for a deeper dive on Ellacor.
What is Ellacor?
Ellacor is a groundbreaking skin tightening system that uses microcoring as its primary mechanism. Unlike other modalities that utilize heat or energy (such as radio frequency or microfocused ultrasound) to tighten the skin, Ellacor works by physically removing small microcores of skin in areas with loose or lax skin. This technique essentially shrink-wraps the skin, making it taut and firm.
Ellacor is FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate to severe fine lines and wrinkles on the lower face. These wrinkles, often referred to as rhytides (RDS in dermatological terms), can be particularly noticeable when one tilts their head down or looks to the side.
Microcoring vs. Microneedling: Understanding the Difference
Micro Coring and microneedling are both popular skin treatments, but they function quite differently:
Microcoring involves the excision of tiny cores of skin to tighten and rejuvenate the skin. It does not involve heat or energy.
Microneedling uses solid needles to create micro-injuries in the skin and can be paired with radio frequency or heat to enhance collagen production.
I have reservations about microneedling due to its high complication rate and often underwhelming results. Patients typically need multiple, painful treatments, and the outcomes can be disappointing.
In contrast, microcoring offers more immediate and noticeable skin tightening by physically removing skin, rather than relying on the body's healing response to needle-induced trauma.
How Does Ellacor Work?
Ellacor’s microcoring technology involves using hollow needles to remove tiny cores of skin, reducing the skin's surface area by approximately 10% per treatment.
This excision method tightens the skin without the need for energy or heat. While Ellacor may boost collagen to some extent, its primary mechanism is skin tightening through skin removal.
Applications of Ellacor
Ellacor is FDA-approved for the lower face, but it also shows promise for off-label uses in other areas:
- Neck and Chest: Effective for tightening skin in these areas.
- Inner Arms and Thighs : Ideal for addressing crepey skin.
- Above the Knees and Abdomen: Especially beneficial for post-pregnancy skin laxity.
Although Ellacor is not recommended for the forehead or under-eye areas, it excels in other parts of the body where skin laxity is a concern.
Ellacor ”Lip Lift”
One of the most exciting applications of Ellacor is for lip lifting. Traditionally, a lip lift requires surgery to remove excess skin between the nose and upper lip, which can leave a noticeable scar.
Ellacor provides a non-surgical alternative by removing small amounts of skin to shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip, creating a more youthful and fuller appearance without the need for sutures and scars.
Ellacor vs. Thermage
Thermage Uses radio frequency energy to stimulate collagen production, tightening and lifting the skin.
Ellacor Removes skin through microcoring, tightening the skin without inducing collagen synthesis.
Thermage is better suited for younger patients looking to boost collagen and take a preventive approach to aging. Ellacor, on the other hand, is ideal for more mature patients with significant skin laxity who want to avoid surgery.
Ellacor vs. PDO Threads
PDO Threads: These biostimulatory sutures mechanically lift the skin and stimulate collagen production.
Ellacor Focuses on skin tightening by removing small cores of skin.
PDO threads provide a temporary lift lasting about a year, while Ellacor results can last around five years, depending on individual aging rates and skin conditions.
Ellacor vs. Facelift
A surgical facelift offers more dramatic and long-lasting results by not only removing excess skin but also repositioning underlying structures.
However, Ellacor is a non-surgical alternative with fewer risks and no visible scars, making it suitable for those not ready for or unable to undergo surgery.
Ideal Candidates for Ellacor
Ellacor is best suited for individuals with moderate to severe skin laxity, particularly on the lower face. It is not ideal for those seeking minimal downtime, collagen banking, or treatments for darker skin tones due to the risk of hyperpigmentation.
What to Expect After an Ellacor Treatment: Insights and Experiences
As someone deeply involved in the field of dermatology and aesthetic treatments, I want to share my insights on what you can expect after an Ellacor treatment. Having used this device extensively, including during its clinical trials, I've gathered valuable information that will help you understand the process, manage expectations, and maximize your results.
The Immediate Aftermath
One of the most challenging aspects of Ellacor is the downtime. It can be quite brutal and may look alarming, but rest assured, the results are well worth it. Post-treatment, your skin will appear worse than it actually feels. You'll see small red or brown hyperpigmented squares forming a grid-like pattern where the device was used. This appearance can be unsettling, but it heals quickly.
For a few patients, there might be prolonged post-treatment erythema, as seen with one of my first patients. This can be managed with the Vbeam laser, which we now routinely use a week after Ellacor to reduce redness. Additionally, it's crucial to avoid skincare actives during the healing period and just use plain Vaseline morning and night.
The Experience of Discomfort
Interestingly, while the Ellacor treatment looks intense, it doesn’t cause much physical discomfort. You may feel some soreness or swelling from the anesthesia, but significant pain is not common. The most uncomfortable part is typically the numbing process. We use nerve blocks and topical numbing cream to minimize pain, but individual pain thresholds vary.
Interaction with Botox and Fillers
If you're wondering whether Ellacor affects Botox or fillers, the answer is generally no. However, it's advisable not to get Botox on the same day as Ellacor due to potential swelling that can cause the Botox to migrate. As for fillers, the guideline is to avoid them six months prior to Ellacor, though this mainly applied during clinical trials. In practice, many patients safely combine these treatments without issues.
Results Timeline
You can expect to see noticeable results from Ellacor within 2 to 3 months, with continued improvement for up to 12 months.
If you plan on multiple treatments, I recommended to space them a bit longer than the one-month interval suggested by the company to fully appreciate the results from each session.
Duration of Results
The longevity of Ellacor results can vary. Generally, results last about five years, but this depends on factors like age, skin condition, and hormonal profiles.
Patients in their 30s or 40s typically see longer-lasting results compared to those who are postmenopausal or undergoing rapid weight loss.
Compatibility with Future Surgical Procedures
A common concern is whether having Ellacor treatment precludes future surgical procedures like facelifts. The answer is no.
Ellacor should not interfere with any subsequent surgical interventions. In fact, many plastic surgeons use Ellacor to complement their surgical procedures.
Provider Experience Matters
The success of Ellacor treatments is highly dependent on the provider's expertise. The technique involves precise micro-coring of the skin, which requires skill and experience.
It's essential to choose a provider who is well-versed with the device, can demonstrate before and after results, and has a thorough understanding of the procedure.
Ellacor can yield fantastic results, but it's important to have realistic expectations and understand that multiple treatments might be necessary. The best candidates are those who have significant skin laxity and are looking for non-surgical options.
While the downtime and immediate post-treatment appearance of Ellacor can be daunting, the results are impressive. Ensure you're in the hands of an experienced provider, follow post-care instructions diligently, and manage your expectations for a smooth and successful treatment journey.
I hope this detailed insight helps you understand what to expect from Ellacor treatment.
Ellacor represents a significant advancement in non-surgical skin tightening technology. By offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical procedures, it provides effective results with minimal risks and downtime.
Whether used for facial rejuvenation, lip lifting, or off-label body treatments, Ellacor is a versatile tool in the fight against aging and skin laxity.
ELLACOR WITH DR. KAPPEL
If you are considering an Ellacor treatment, feel free to reach out to our Newport Beach office with any questions or to schedule a consultation to see if Ellacor is right for you. Give us a call at 949-688-1288 and ask for Mary!
MDAiRE Skincare
If you’re looking for a skincare line that has been carefully formulated by a trained and practicing Dermatologist be sure to learn more about Dr. Kappel's MDAiRE products. The skincare line can help with anti aging, youthful glow, hydration, and more. Learn more about the product line HERE
Stay tuned for our next discussion on treating hyperpigmentation, melasma, and managing darker skin tones with lasers and other treatments.
