Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction: Top 3

A New Era in Non-Surgical Skin Rejuvenation

Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction is the first and only FDA-cleared procedure to non-surgically remove excess skin using Micro-Coring® Technology. Here’s what makes it different:

What is Ellacor?

• FDA-cleared treatment for moderate to severe wrinkles in the mid and lower face
• Uses hollow needles to physically remove tiny micro-cores of skin
• Removes up to 8% of skin volume in a single session
• No heat, no thermal energy, no visible scarring
• Suitable for adults 22+ with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV

Key Benefits:

• Tightens mild to moderate skin laxity
• Smooths wrinkles around the mouth, jawline, and chin
• Natural-looking results without surgery
• Minimal downtime (typically 1-2 weeks)
• Results improve over 3-6 months as collagen develops

Treatment Details:

• Procedure time: ~30 minutes
• Anesthesia: Local (you stay awake)
• Recommended sessions: Series of 3, spaced 30 days apart
• Average cost: ~$3,000 per session

If you’ve been frustrated by sagging jowls, perioral lines, or loose skin that won’t respond to skincare alone—and you’re not ready for a surgical facelift—Ellacor bridges the gap between topical treatments and invasive surgery.

I’m Daniel J Farrugia MD, PhD, FACS, a board-certified surgeon specializing in minimally invasive awake procedures at BodyLuxe® in Chicago, and while my primary focus is body contouring, I’ve closely followed the emergence of Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction as a breakthrough option for patients seeking evidence-based, surgeon-led facial rejuvenation without going under general anesthesia. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how Ellacor works, who benefits most, what to expect during and after treatment, and how it compares to traditional surgical options—so you can make a confident, informed decision about your skin.

How Ellacor’s Micro-Coring Technology Works

At BodyLuxe in Chicago, we’re always on the lookout for innovative, evidence-based treatments that deliver real, “snatched but believable” results without unnecessary invasiveness. That’s why we’re so excited about the Ellacor® System with Micro-Coring® Technology. This isn’t just another device; it’s a paradigm shift in how we approach skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.

The Ellacor system works by physically removing tiny, microscopic cores of excess skin. Imagine thousands of minuscule, hollow needles, each less than half a millimeter in diameter (smaller than a blood draw needle!), precisely excising these micro-cores. This process is called fractional tissue extraction or micro-coring. Unlike other treatments that use thermal energy to injure the skin and stimulate collagen, Ellacor actually removes skin on the micro-scale. This means there’s no thermal damage, leading to a quicker, more natural healing process.

In a single session, Ellacor can remove up to 8% of the skin’s volume. This might sound significant, but because the cores are so tiny and surrounded by healthy tissue, the body’s natural healing response is activated. It closes these micro-channels, realigning the skin and stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin—the essential proteins that keep our skin firm and youthful. The result is a tighter, smoother, and more refreshd complexion.

What Makes Ellacor Unique?

What truly sets Ellacor apart in the landscape of aesthetic medicine is its mechanical approach to skin removal. Most devices either stimulate collagen through heat (like radiofrequency or some lasers) or create micro-injuries to trigger healing (like microneedling). Ellacor, however, performs direct, physical skin excision. This is a crucial distinction. By removing micro-portions of skin, Ellacor offers a more immediate and direct pathway to skin tightening, rather than solely relying on the skin’s reaction to controlled injury.

The absence of heat is a major advantage, as it minimizes the risk of thermal injury and allows for faster healing. The micro-cores are so small—less than 0.5 mm in internal diameter—that they fall below the threshold for scarring, meaning your skin heals without visible marks. This phenomenon of scarless healing for very small injuries is supported by scientific research, demonstrating the body’s remarkable ability to regenerate tissue without fibrotic scar formation when the injury is below a certain size. (Champlain, A. et al. 2019. What is the Largest Size Full-Thickness Skin Injury That Can Heal Without a Scar? Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 50(S30), S30-31. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23059). This precise, targeted treatment of skin laxity is what makes Ellacor a game-changer.

The Primary Benefits of Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction

The benefits of Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction are compelling, especially for those in Chicago seeking effective, non-surgical solutions. Here are the key advantages we see:

• Reduces Moderate to Severe Wrinkles: Clinical studies have shown remarkable results, with 90% of patients demonstrating improvement in moderate to severe wrinkles within six months of up to three treatments.
• Tightens Mild to Moderate Skin Laxity: By removing excess skin and stimulating collagen, Ellacor effectively addresses sagging skin, particularly in the mid and lower face.
• Natural-Looking Results: Because it works with your body’s natural healing processes and avoids thermal damage, the outcome is a refreshed, more youthful appearance that looks like you, just better. In fact, 86% of participants in clinical trials reported being “satisfied” or “extremely satisfied” with their results.
• Improves Skin Architecture: Beyond just reducing wrinkles, Ellacor helps to realign and refine the skin’s structure, leading to a smoother, more even texture.
• Addresses Difficult Areas: It’s particularly effective for areas like perioral lines (those pesky lines around the mouth) and jowls, which can be challenging to treat with other non-surgical methods.
• Non-Surgical with Minimal Downtime: You get significant results without the incisions, stitches, or extensive recovery associated with surgical procedures.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for Ellacor?

We pride ourselves on patient education and ensuring every treatment is the right fit. So, who is the ideal candidate for Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction? Generally, it’s adults aged 22 years or older with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV (pale white to light brown skin) who have moderate to severe wrinkles and mild to moderate skin laxity in the mid to lower face.

This treatment is perfect for individuals who are noticing the signs of aging – perhaps some jowling, marionette lines, or fine lines in the lower cheeks – but aren’t quite ready for a surgical facelift. It’s also an excellent option for those looking for a “next-level” non-surgical solution to maintain their youthful appearance and potentially stave off future surgery.

As a surgeon-led clinic focused on Non-Invasive Procedures, we emphasize that a thorough consultation is key. We’ll assess your skin condition, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine if Ellacor aligns with our philosophy of achieving natural, proportionate, and “snatched but believable” results for you.

What Areas Can Ellacor Treat?

While the Ellacor system is FDA-cleared for the mid and lower face, its versatility allows us to target several specific areas where signs of aging often become most apparent:

• Mid-Face: Addressing general laxity and wrinkles in the central part of the face.
• Lower Face: Significantly improving the definition and firmness of the lower jawline.
• Cheeks: Improving skin texture and reducing age-related volume loss.
• Jowls and Jawline: This is a “sweet spot” for Ellacor, as it can create a more sculpted and defined jawline by tightening loose skin.
• Perioral Lines (around the mouth): A notoriously difficult area to treat, Ellacor excels here by physically removing micro-cores of skin to smooth these lines, often achieving results that even surgical facelifts can’t fully address.
• Under the Chin (Submentum): Helping to reduce the appearance of a “double chin” caused by skin laxity.

Important Safety Information and Contraindications

Your safety is our top priority at BodyLuxe. While Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction is FDA-cleared and considered safe for appropriate candidates, it’s crucial to be aware of important safety considerations and contraindications. We conduct a detailed medical history and skin assessment during your consultation to ensure Ellacor is the right and safest choice for you.

You should generally not undergo Ellacor treatment if you:

• Are pregnant or nursing.
• Have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking high-dose anticoagulants or certain herbal supplements that increase bleeding risk.
• Have active skin infections, open wounds, or highly irritated skin in the treatment area.
• Have a history of keloids or significant scarring.
• Have certain autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus, active acne, psoriasis, rosacea, melasma).
• Are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or taking high-dose corticosteroids.
• Have facial implants (silicone, synthetic) in the treatment area.
• Have allergies to stainless steel, lidocaine, or other components of the anesthesia.
• Have had recent facial surgery (within 12 months) or recent fillers/toxins/minimally invasive treatments (within 6 months) in the treatment area.
• Are currently on isotretinoin (Accutane) or have been in the last 12 months.
• Have skin cancer or birthmarks in the treatment area.

We also use caution with patients who have a history of hyperpigmentation, recent sun exposure, or active herpes simplex. A clear understanding of your medical history allows us to mitigate risks and ensure the best possible outcome.

The Ellacor Procedure: From Consultation to Recovery

Starting on any aesthetic journey begins with trust and clear communication. At BodyLuxe, we guide you through every step of your Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction experience, from your initial consultation to your full recovery and stunning results.

What to Expect During and After Your Treatment

Your journey starts with a comprehensive consultation at our Chicago clinic. We’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, review your medical history, and determine if Ellacor is the ideal treatment to help you achieve the natural, tightened look you desire. We’ll outline a personalized treatment plan, including the number of sessions recommended.

On the day of your procedure, we prioritize your comfort. We use a combination of topical numbing cream and local anesthetic injections (typically around 15cc of lidocaine) to ensure the treatment area is thoroughly desensitized. Our patients often report minimal discomfort, with pain levels around 2 out of 10 during the procedure.

The Ellacor procedure itself is surprisingly quick, typically lasting less than 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Our skilled provider will use the Ellacor handpiece, which contains a cartridge of hollow needles. These needles are precisely driven into the skin, removing thousands of micro-cores in a controlled grid pattern. A vacuum system helps stabilize the skin and clear the excised tissue. You might hear a gentle whirring sound and feel some pressure, but thanks to the anesthesia, it’s generally well-tolerated.

Immediately after the procedure, you can expect some redness, swelling, and a visible grid pattern of tiny dots where the micro-cores were removed. This is completely normal and a sign that the treatment is working. We’ll provide detailed Skin Care instructions, including applying a protective occlusive ointment to the treated area for the first few days.

Your Recovery and Results Timeline

The downtime associated with Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction is typically 1-2 weeks, which is significantly less than surgical alternatives.

• Initial Healing (First 3-7 Days): During this period, the treated area will be red, swollen, and may have some mild crusting or circular grid marks. You’ll need to keep the area protected with ointment. We advise avoiding makeup, shaving, and strenuous activities for about 3 days. Use only gentle cleansers and avoid any active skincare ingredients like retinols or acids. Bruising can occur but usually resolves within a week.
• Resuming Normal Activities: Most patients can return to their daily routines within about a week, though some mild redness or grid marks might linger for up to a month or longer.
• When to See Initial Results: While your skin will begin to look smoother and tighter within a few weeks as the initial swelling subsides and the micro-cores close, the true magic of Ellacor unfolds over time.
• Optimal Results: As your body continues to produce new collagen and elastin—the building blocks of firm skin—you’ll see progressive improvement. Optimal results are typically visible 3 to 6 months after your final treatment session. This is why we encourage you to understand What is Collagen? Why Do I Need It and How Do I Build More?.
• Longevity of Results: Ellacor results are considered long-lasting. However, our skin continues to age, so maintaining an excellent skincare routine, including diligent SPF is Your BFF use, is crucial to prolong your results.
• Recommended Number of Treatments: For optimal results, we generally recommend a series of three treatments, spaced approximately 30 days apart. Some patients may see great improvement with fewer, depending on their skin condition and goals.

Comparing Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction

When considering Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction, it’s helpful to understand its place in the spectrum of aesthetic treatments. Many patients in Chicago come to us seeking improvement in facial laxity and wrinkles but are hesitant about traditional surgery. Ellacor truly bridges the gap between less invasive options and a surgical facelift.

Here’s a comparison to help you understand the differences:

| Feature | Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction Ellacor is a remarkable alternative to the Ellacor is an amazing tool in the right hands. It’s a mechanical device that physically removes excess skin, rather than relying on heat or energy to stimulate collagen. This is why it can be so effective for patients who want noticeable results without going under the knife.

How Many Ellacor Treatments Are Needed and What is the Cost?

For optimal results with Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction, we typically recommend a series of three treatments. These sessions are usually spaced about 30 days apart, allowing your skin ample time to heal and begin its collagen-building process before the next treatment. While some patients may see significant improvements after just one or two sessions, the full series often delivers the most comprehensive and satisfying outcomes.

When it comes to cost, the average price for an Ellacor treatment is around $3,004 per session. However, this can vary, with prices ranging from approximately $1,750 to $4,500. The total cost will depend on several factors, including the number of sessions required, the size of the treatment area, and the specific expertise of your provider in Chicago. During your consultation at BodyLuxe, we will provide a transparent and detailed cost estimate custom to your personalized treatment plan.

Is Ellacor Safe and What Are the Potential Side Effects?

Yes, Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction is FDA-cleared for the treatment of moderate to severe wrinkles in the mid and lower face for Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV, which means it has undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. When performed by an experienced and qualified provider, it is considered a very safe procedure.

However, like any medical aesthetic treatment, there are potential side effects. Most are temporary and mild:

• Common Side Effects: You can expect redness, swelling, and mild bruising immediately after the procedure. The distinctive grid pattern from the micro-cores will also be visible, along with some dryness, roughness, tightness, or peeling of the skin. These typically resolve within 1-2 weeks.
• Less Common/Rare Risks: While rare, some patients may experience temporary changes in pigmentation (either hyperpigmentation, where the skin darkens, or hypopigmentation, where it lightens). There’s also a very small risk of infection, or, in extremely rare cases, minor scarring, especially if you have a history of keloids or are outside the recommended Fitzpatrick skin types. Skin irregularities or an uneven appearance are also rare but possible.

The importance of an experienced provider cannot be overstated in minimizing these risks and managing any side effects effectively.

Why is a Surgeon-Led Practice Important for Ellacor?

This is where BodyLuxe truly shines, especially for a procedure like Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction. Ellacor is a highly provider-dependent procedure. Its success hinges not just on the technology, but on the skill, precision, and anatomical knowledge of the person performing the treatment.

As a surgeon-led practice in Chicago, we offer a level of expertise and oversight that is critical for optimal outcomes and patient safety. Our board-certified surgeon possesses an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy, skin physiology, and wound healing. This allows for:

• Precise Technique: Ensuring the correct depth, density, and complete removal of micro-cores for maximum efficacy and minimal trauma.
• Expert Patient Selection: Accurately identifying ideal candidates and recognizing contraindications, greatly reducing risks.
• Effective Anesthesia and Pain Management: Administering local anesthesia with surgical precision to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
• Proactive Management of Potential Side Effects: A surgeon’s expertise is invaluable in quickly and effectively addressing any unexpected reactions or complications, ensuring a smoother recovery.
• Achieving “Snatched but Believable” Results: Our surgical eye ensures that the tightening and wrinkle reduction achieved with Ellacor is natural, proportionate, and complements your unique facial structure, aligning with our commitment to outstanding, evidence-based results.

When you choose a surgeon-led practice like BodyLuxe for your Ellacor treatment, you’re not just getting a procedure; you’re benefiting from a premium, safety-first approach that prioritizes your well-being and delivers exceptional, natural-looking rejuvenation.

Achieve Natural, Tighter Skin with Ellacor in Chicago

We’ve explored the fascinating science behind Ellacor for Face Tightening & Wrinkle Reduction, its unique Micro-Coring® Technology, and the remarkable benefits it offers. For our patients in Chicago, Ellacor represents a significant step forward in non-surgical aesthetics, providing a powerful solution for those seeking noticeable improvements in facial laxity and wrinkles without the commitment of surgery.

With its ability to physically remove excess skin on a micro-scale, Ellacor delivers visible, natural-looking results, tightening and smoothing the mid and lower face, including those stubborn perioral lines and jowls. The minimal downtime, combined with its impressive safety profile and patient satisfaction rates, makes it an incredibly appealing option.

At BodyLuxe, we are dedicated to offering cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments within a premium, surgeon-led environment. If you’re ready to explore how Ellacor can refresh your appearance and help you achieve that “snatched but believable” look, we invite you to connect with us.

Schedule your consultation for skin tightening in Chicago and find the Ellacor advantage for yourself.