In my quest for tighter skin post-weight loss, I must have spoken to at least 100 cosmetic doctors about what to do about my lax skin. During said consultations, one treatment kept coming up: “coring.” This procedure has emerged as an effective option for skin-tightening and it’s made waves, especially for patients who aren’t ready for surgery but want to see real improvement in skin laxity. So, what exactly is coring, and why is it generating so much buzz?
Featured Experts
- Dr. Purvisha Patel is a board-certified dermatologist in Germantown, TN
- Dr. Diane Madfes is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
What Exactly Is Coring?
The reason the technique is called coring is that it involves removing small portions of skin to stimulate natural tightening as the skin heals, essentially causing the skin to “shrink” and look firmer and tighter. There are two main types of coring: physical coring, like Ellacor, and laser-assisted coring, which is done with the UltraClear laser. Both Ellacor’s Micro-Coring system and UltraClear’s laser-coring technology have received FDA clearance for skin treatments, with Ellacor specifically approved for mid to lower-face wrinkles and UltraClear cleared for general skin resurfacing and various dermatological conditions.
Ellacor: Physical Coring
Ellacor has become synonymous with physical coring, targeting skin laxity by creating hundreds of micro-cores in the skin. “Ellacor is a unique device designed to remove up to 8 percent of the skin’s surface area, delivering a tightening effect without adding any volume,” explains Germantown, TN dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, who’s been working with Ellacor for over two years. By precisely removing tiny sections of skin, Ellacor encourages the remaining skin to “shrink back,” leading to a firmer, smoother look.
According to New York dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, Ellacor’s greatest appeal lies in its versatility. “It’s amazing for areas that need skin-tightening but don’t yet require surgery, like the jowls, neck and even stubborn body areas like above the knees,” she says. This procedure appeals to those looking for an option with measurable results but without the downtime of traditional surgery. However, since it involves skin removal, Ellacor requires careful post-procedure care to optimize healing and minimize any visible marks.
Laser Coring: A Heat-Assisted Approach
UltraClear laser coring offers a high-tech alternative, using controlled laser energy to remove minuscule portions of skin. “Laser coring achieves the same tightening effect but uses heat, which some patients prefer for its additional collagen-stimulating benefits,” Dr. Madfes explains. “This approach can be particularly helpful for sensitive areas where precision is key, like the neck and along fine lines and some patients may find that the warmth of the laser provides a more comfortable experience.”
With laser coring, downtime typically spans a week and you can expect redness and minor crusting. As Dr. Patel points out, “Good wound care is essential to reduce crusting and accelerate healing.”
Who Should Consider Coring?
If you have mild to moderate skin laxity and are ready for something more than a laser but can’t commit to surgery, coring may be worth considering. “Coring is great for patients on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic who have lost weight but are now dealing with skin laxity,” says Dr. Patel. “It’s less invasive than a full lift, meaning the patient won’t face the extensive healing process required after more intensive surgery.”
Dr. Madfes agrees, adding that many patients want a middle ground. “It’s perfect for someone noticing crepey skin but who isn’t quite ready for a facelift. It’s a great way to achieve a visible lift without volume, which is a priority for many patients now.”
How you heal is also an important factor to consider. “Think about how you typically heal from scrapes or cuts. If you heal smoothly, coring could be a great fit,” Dr. Madfes suggests. Patients with sensitive skin or prone to pigmentation issues should consult with a board-certified dermatologist before considering a coring treatment.
Who Should Skip It?
Laser coring is safe for all skin types. However, Ellacor is specifically indicated for use on Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. If you have pigmentation issues or sensitive skin, consult with a dermatologist before booking either treatment.
What to Expect
Expect to undergo multiple sessions spaced approximately one to three months apart. “It’s a gradual process, with tightening results that continue to build over time,” says Dr. Madfes. “Patients typically require a few treatments to achieve their desired results.” The recovery time ranges based on the treatment area and depth, with most facial treatments healing within one week and body areas potentially taking two to three weeks.
During recovery, redness and some crusting are expected, but both should diminish with proper wound care. Dr. Patel advises applying only gentle, proven wound-healing products. “While some newer ingredients like exosomes show promise, their sources remain unregulated. Until things are standardized, I recommend sticking with tried-and-true wound-care products,” she cautions.
