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Ellacor® VS Microneedling: Differences, Similarities, and Results

Your skin changes over time due to sun damage, acne, environmental factors, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Here at H/K/B, we offer several non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments including Ellacor® and microneedling, but how do these treatments differ, and which one is right for you?

Our experts specialize in advanced skin treatments and are here to help you understand the nuances of Ellacor and microneedling so you can make an informed decision and get the best results for you. 

Ellacor and microneedling are both non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments that are distinctly different in their technologies and results. Ellacor utilizes micro-coring technology in order to remove tiny columns of skin, promoting tighter and smoother results with minimal scarring. Microneedling uses fine needles to cause micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, which can stimulate collagen production. While both treatments improve skin texture and firmness, Ellacor is more effective for moderate to severe skin laxity, while microneedling is a versatile choice for mild issues. The best way to decide between the two is by knowing how each treatment works.

What is Ellacor? Understanding the New Skin Treatment

Ellacor is an FDA-cleared, non-surgical treatment that utilizes micro-coring technology to eliminate micro-sized fragments of skin without leaving visible scarring. Ellacor that tightens up loose skin and diminishes the presence of wrinkles by triggering the skin’s natural healing process.

Unlike other skin-tightening methods, Ellacor physically removes tissue; thus, it is considered to be more effective for patients who want to see immediate, visible, improvement. It is also well-suited for the mid and lower face, where skin laxity is often most apparent.

Microneedling Explained: How It Works and Its Benefits

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a device containing fine needles to inflict controlled micro-injuries on the skin. This process encourages the production of collagen and elastin, which are important in maintaining firm, youthful skin.

Microneedling benefits include improving fine lines and wrinkles, enhancing skin texture and tone, minimizing acne scars and other types of scarring, and boosting product absorption for topical treatments. While microneedling has proven to be a versatile and effective treatment, it may fail to offer the same tightening and lifting that Ellacor can provide in cases of more advanced signs of aging.

Ellacor vs. Microneedling: Key Differences in Technology

Both Ellacor and microneedling are effective for achieving smoother, brighter, firmer skin, and both treatments rely on the controlled micro-injuries the technology creates. However, the key difference hinges on what happens to the tissue. Microneedling displaces tissue temporarily while Ellacor removes it.

Microneedling devices only penetrate the skin using small, sterile, needles to create controlled micro-injuries. The treated area effectively stimulates your body’s healing response by increasing collagen and elastin production.

Ellacor, however, removes micro-cores of skin tissue (typically 0.5 mm in diameter) using hollow needles. Unlike lasers or needles that only create channels in the skin, Ellacor excises tiny portions of the skin, leading to a contraction effect as the skin heals. By removing micro-cores of skin, the treatment stimulates natural wound healing and collagen production.

Comparing the Results: Ellacor vs. Microneedling Outcomes

Ellacor is more effective for skin tightening and wrinkle reduction than microneedling. Those receiving treatment have seen the appearance of wrinkles on their skin nearly disappear. Many patients have reported firmer skin and a smoother contour even after one or two sessions, with results continuing to improve as collagen production increases.

Microneedling presents a more gradual improvement in skin tone, texture, and mild firmness. It generally requires multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, and the outcomes may be more subtle than those of Ellacor. However, microneedling has proven to be very effective in treating acne scars and fine lines, making it a great option for younger patients or those with mild skin concerns. This treatment can be used on almost any part of the body and is versatile for various skin concerns.

Which Treatment is Best for Skin Tightening?

If your main goal is skin tightening, Ellacor is the best choice because it can remove tissue and provide a more noticeable lifting effect for patients with evident sagging in the cheeks, jowls, or neck, as well as loose skin in other areas like the abdomen, arms, thighs, and knees.

Safety and Side Effects: Ellacor vs. Microneedling

Ellacor and microneedling are both considered safe as long as they are performed by a qualified professional. It is important to note that Ellacor is not recommended for people with a darker skin tone. However, microneedling is considered safe for all patients.

Following your Ellacor treatment, you can expect some post-treatment redness, swelling, or minor bruising, but this usually resolves after a few days. Common side effects of microneedling are redness, mild swelling, and rare pinpoint bleeding, which also disappears quickly, making it a low-risk procedure.

Downtime and Recovery: What to Expect with Each Treatment

After an Ellacor treatment, patients usually experience mild redness and swelling that may last 3-5 days. Most can return to normal activities within a week; however, strenuous exercise and sun exposure should be avoided while healing.

Microneedling procedures come with minimal downtime, with redness appearing and feeling like a mild sunburn, which resolves in 1-2 days.

Ellacor or Microneedling? Choosing the Right Option for Your Skin Goals

Both Ellacor and microneedling provide exciting opportunities to restore one’s skin, yet their differences are important when choosing between the two treatments. The best treatment for you depends on your specific skin concerns and desired outcomes. Ellacor is best if you are seeking noticeable tightening and lifting, especially in the case of moderate to severe skin laxity. Microneedling performs best when used for improvement in the texture, tone, or very mild firmness with less post-procedure downtime.

Whether you want to tighten significantly or just a little texture improvement, our team at H/K/B will be with you every step of the way. A consultation with our team at H/K/B will help you evaluate your skin so that together we can decide on an effective treatment tailored to you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step to your best skin yet.

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