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Study Type
Retrospective, Single-site
Technology
MCT (ellacor®)
Funding
Cytrellis Biosystems
📚 Background
Non-surgical treatment of the aging lower face — particularly rhytids and lax skin — remains a therapeutic challenge. Mechanical Tissue Micro-Coring Technology (MCT; ellacor®, Cytrellis Biosystems) is a novel approach that removes micro-cores of full-thickness skin (< 500 μm diameter) with vacuum assistance, tightening skin and inducing collagen and elastin production through the wound-healing response.
MCT is FDA-approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe wrinkles in the mid-to-lower face for adults aged ≥ 22 years with Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV, and is also indicated for fractional skin resurfacing.
🎯 Objective
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of MCT for the treatment of the aging lower face (nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and perioral rhytids) in a real-world clinical setting.
🔬 Methods
Study Design
- Retrospective review of electronic medical records (June 2022 – March 2023)
- Single-site study; subjects with ≥ 30 days post-treatment follow-up and before/after photos included
- Approved by Allendale IRB
Treatment Protocol
- Treatment area: mid and lower face (inferior zygoma to mandibular jawline)
- 5%–8% skin removal per cm²; depth 0–4 mm (adjustable in 0.5 mm increments)
- Subjects received up to 2 treatments at physician discretion
Assessments
- Primary endpoint: Lemperle Wrinkle Severity Scale (LWSS) for NLF, marionette lines, and lip lines
- Secondary endpoint: Investigator-assessed Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (I-GAIS)
- Three blinded, fellowship-trained dermatologists independently scored all images
📈 Results
Baseline Demographics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Subjects | 10 (all female) |
| Mean age (range) | 60.8 (52–77) years |
| Single treatment | 60% of subjects |
| Mean cores collected (range) | 5,821 (4,758–7,401) |
| Mean follow-up (range) | 89 (35–180) days |
I-GAIS Outcomes
Mean I-GAIS: 1.7 (SD 0.36) — All 10 subjects showed improvement. 40% achieved scores > 2 ("much improved"). Evaluators correctly identified before/after images in 100% of cases.
LWSS Outcomes
| Treatment Area | Baseline LWSS (Mean) | Mean Change | % with >1-pt Improvement |
|---|
| Nasolabial Folds | 3.13 (SD 0.49) | 1.1 (SD 0.46) | 60% |
| Marionette Lines | 3.4 (SD 0.6) | 1.3 (SD 0.3) | 80% |
| Lip Lines | 2.13 (SD 0.51) | 0.6 (SD 0.35) | 30% |
Marionette lines showed the greatest response (mean 1.3-point improvement, 100% of subjects improved, 80% with >1-point gain). One subject achieved a 2.3-point improvement.
✅ Safety Profile
| Adverse Event | Incidence | Duration | Resolution |
|---|
| Purpura (bruising) | 30% | 1–5 days post-procedure | All resolved within 2 weeks |
| Erythema (mild–moderate) | 60% (1–7 days); 20% (30–90 days) | Variable | Self-limiting |
| Infection | 0% | — | — |
| Scarring | 0% | — | — |
Vascular laser can be used to mitigate bruising and erythema.
💡 Discussion & Clinical Significance
⭐ Key Advantages Over Dermal Fillers
- Volume-neutral: MCT tightens skin without adding volume — avoids the overfilled midface commonly seen with NLF filler injections
- No injection risks: Eliminates risk of vascular occlusion, blindness, and filler reactions
- Rapid results: Majority (60%) of subjects achieved meaningful results after a single treatment
- Natural outcome: 100% of blinded evaluators correctly identified treated vs. untreated images
Limitations
- Small sample size (n = 10), retrospective design
- All female — limited generalizability to male patients
- Single-site study
- Variability in individual response not yet fully understood (may relate to wound healing dynamics, inflammatory profile, skin quality)
Comparison with Other Modalities
MCT addresses a gap between surgical facelifts (invasive, significant downtime) and injectable fillers (volume-dependent, vascular risks). Energy-based devices (lasers, RF, microfocused ultrasound) and microneedling have shown inconsistent results for lower face rhytids and laxity. MCT offers a mechanically-driven, non-thermal approach with a favorable safety profile.
📜 Conclusion
MCT is a novel and effective method for non-surgical skin removal. In this real-world retrospective study, all treated subjects experienced positive measurable outcomes. MCT may serve as a viable alternative to injectable dermal fillers for nasolabial fold, marionette line, and perioral rhytid treatment — without adding volume.
📖 Citation
Ibrahimi OA, Avram MM, Jalian HR, Saedi N. Tissue Micro-Coring Is a Safe and Effective Option for the Treatment of the Nasolabial Fold, Marionette, and Perioral Rhytids. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2026;1–5. doi:10.1002/lsm.70143