The world of in-office skin treatment follows a general rule: if you create intentional injuries in the skin, the healing process will lead to cell turnover, new collagen, and rejuvenation. Everything from chemical peels, lasers and microneedling follow this model—and with good reason, it works! But what works best, especially when you’re seeking serious tightening alongside your renewed skin?
According to Savannah, GA plastic surgeon, Meghan McGovern, MD, there’s one treatment that stands out for its serious resurfacing, collagen-production and tightening effect. And you may have never even heard of it. Introducing micro-coring, your new favorite in-office treatment.
Micro-Coring vs Microneedling
If your mind jumped from micro-coring to microneedling, that’s understandable. And in some ways, they’re similar treatments. For instance, they both use needles to create skin injuries that heal to reveal smoother, more even skin.
But where microneedling offers mild resurfacing using fine, solid needles to stimulate collagen production, micro-coring relies on hollow needles to go deeper, targeting the dermis and epidermis.
“Microneedling stimulates collagen by creating tiny channels in the skin that heal quickly, while micro-coring actually removes small cores of skin, reducing surface area and tightening as it heals,” Dr. McGovern explains. “It’s a remarkable advancement for those seeking real skin transformation.”
Skin Tightening and Stubborn Conditions
Those hollow needles remove micro-cores (hence the name) of skin, and as those cores close, skin gets tighter.
“The beauty of hollow needles is their dual action,” Dr. McGovern says. “They not only stimulate collagen production but also physically reduce the skin’s surface area, resulting in tighter, smoother skin over time.”
It’s especially useful when addressing stubborn conditions.
“Micro-coring is a game-changer for patients with tough-to-treat concerns like acne scars, skin laxity, or collagen and elastin loss,” Dr. McGovern explains. “It’s a targeted, effective solution for giving skin a second chance.”
Results and Downtime
Micro-coring carries a little downtime—about a week before redness and swelling reduces—with results visible within weeks. As the skin heals, results include tighter skin, more even skin tone, reduced wrinkles and fine lines and even reduction in acne scars. While a patient may need multiple treatments to achieve their goals, micro-coring results can last several years with the right maintenance.
Who Should Get Micro-Coring?
“If you’re generally healthy and have skin laxity you’d like to address, micro-coring could be a fantastic fit,” Dr. McGovern explains. “For example, fair to light brown skin types do well with Ellacor’s needle-based treatments, while UltraClear’s micro-coring allows us to work with all skin types, from I to VI on the Fitzpatrick scale.”
Who Shouldn’t Get Micro-Coring?
If you are prone to keloids, micro-coring may not be for you, due to the higher risk of forming inflammatory scars.
“Additionally, individuals with active infections, severe skin conditions (such as psoriasis or eczema), or recent facial surgeries (within 6-12 months) should not undergo micro-coring,” Dr. McGovern cautions. “Those seeking facelift-like results may find surgical options more appropriate, as micro-coring predominantly targets skin texture and quality rather than deeper tissue laxity.”
A Facelift and Micro-Coring, the Perfect Match
That said, using micro-coring as a compliment to a facelift? That’s a match made in heaven.
“For those patients who choose a facelift, combining it with micro-coring is a powerhouse approach,” says Dr. McGovern. “While the surgery lifts and tightens deeper tissues, micro-coring enhances the skin’s quality, restoring collagen and elasticity where it’s needed most.”
