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Ellacor
Ellacor is the first and only treatment approved by Health Canada that physically removes excess skin without surgery. With Ellacor, Dr. Kim Meathrel at Bespoke Skin MD can soften wrinkles and refine the mid and lower face, leaving you looking refreshed.
What Is Ellacor?
Ellacor is a system that uses Micro-Coring® technology to treat moderate to severe wrinkles in the mid and lower face and to improve skin elasticity on the body. Hollow needles remove micro-cores of skin. Each needle has an internal diameter of less than 0.5mm, which is below the threshold at which skin injuries leave visible scars.
Ellacor is unique because it does not rely on heat energy, such as laser, radiofrequency or ultrasound. Instead, the body’s natural healing response closes the microchannels to tighten and smooth the treated area. It is the first device to remove skin, and it does so on a microscopic scale that involves less recovery time than surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Ellacor?
Ellacor is a good alternative for patients who want improvement in facial and body aging, wrinkles and skin laxity but are not ready for surgery. In the hands of a plastic surgeon like Dr. Meathrel, Ellacor can:
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Reduce moderate to severe wrinkles in the mid and lower face
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Soften nasolabial folds, marionette lines and chin wrinkles
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Improve definition along the jowls and lower face
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Address upper lip lines that are difficult to treat with other methods
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Deliver visible results without surgery or thermal injury
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Leave no evidence of scarring at the treatment sites
The Bespoke Approach to Ellacor
Ellacor is a customizable treatment that can be adjusted based on the patient sitting in the chair. The right number of treatments and the placement of the micro-cores will be discussed during a detailed consultation, and Dr. Meathrel can adjust the depth and percentage (1–7%) of the cores. Her process is characterized by careful planning and patient education.
At Bespoke Skin MD, Dr. Kim Meathrel personally assesses each patient before recommending Ellacor. She considers skin quality and the degree of laxity while considering how Ellacor fits into a longer-term aesthetic strategy. Some patients see improvements after one session, while others benefit from two or three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart.
Meet Dr. Meathrel
Dr. Kim Meathrel has served Kingston since 2006. She combines world-class expertise with a sophisticated aesthetic eye, integrity, restraint, and respect for each patient’s unique identity.
“I aim to ensure that every intervention enhances who you already are, and supports how you live. Your face, body, and confidence are not replaceable.”
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Certified Plastic Surgeon by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
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Undergraduate — BSc (Biology), Queen’s University, Kingston
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Medical School — MD, Queen’s University, Kingston
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Residency — Plastic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton
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Burn Trauma Fellowship — Ross Tilley Burn Centre, Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto
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Cosmetic Plastic Surgery — Mentorship under Dr. Lloyd Carlsen, Toronto
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ellacor?
In general, Ellacor is suitable for patients who are in good general health and understand all of the benefits and limitations of this treatment. Important considerations include:
Specific Concerns
Those with moderate to severe wrinkles in the lower face with softening of the jawline, deep folds around the mouth and fine wrinkling around the lips are suitable for Ellacor.
Age
Ellacor is approved for adults 22 and over. Most patients who seek out this treatment are between their 40s and 60s, when wrinkles and laxity in the lower face become more noticeable, but age alone is not the only factor.
Skin Type
Ellacor is currently indicated for those with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. Patients with skin types V or VI should talk to Dr. Meathrel about whether this or another option is more suitable.
Major Weight Loss Patients
Those who have had major weight loss, often with the help of GLP-1 medications, can experience skin laxity and accelerated skin aging in the face and body. Common areas that may have more sagging skin after weight loss can include the lower face and jawline, abdomen, upper arms and thighs. Ellacor can be used to help these weight loss patients repair loose skin and help it contract to fit the new facial and body contours. This treatment option is generally suitable for those with more mild or moderate sagging and laxity. Dr. Meathrel will discuss whether Ellacor or surgery is better for your situation.
Physical Health
Candidates for this treatment should be in good overall health with no active skin conditions that could prevent the skin from healing. Patients who are pregnant or nursing or who have certain autoimmune or bleeding conditions should wait or consider other treatments.
Realistic Expectations
Ellacor produces gradual, natural-looking improvement as the skin heals and remodels. It does not replace surgery for extreme sagging or loose skin and will not lift the underlying structures in the same way as a facelift. The right candidate will understand how this treatment fits into their overall plan for skin health and aesthetics.
Recent Treatment History
Patients who have had injectables or other minimally invasive treatments in the area in the past six months may need to wait before scheduling Ellacor. Those who have had facial surgery should wait 12 months.
What to Expect From Ellacor With Dr. Meathrel
Consultation
Your consultation at Bespoke Skin MD will be with Dr. Meathrel, who personally meets with all of her patients before treatment. She will talk you through all of your concerns and explain how Ellacor compares to all of the other available options. You will leave with a clear understanding of whether Ellacor is right for you.
Preparation
In the weeks before your treatment, you will pause medications and supplements that increase your risk of bleeding and bruising, along with certain active skincare ingredients that may make your skin more sensitive. Dr. Meathrel will provide you with detailed preparation instructions in advance that are customized for your situation.
Procedure
Ellacor is performed in the clinic with topical or local anesthesia. Once the area is comfortable, the handpiece is passed over the skin, where it removes micro-cores in a precise pattern. Most treatments are completed in 30 minutes. No heat is used during the process, and most patients in clinical studies rated their discomfort below 2 on a 10-point scale.
Bespoke
bi-ˈspōk
Specially made for a particular person
"Bespoke means built around you. Your anatomy, your concerns, your goals, your timeline, your life. We don't work from a menu, cookie-cutter packages or rigid protocols, and we don't recommend the same plan twice. Your treatment plan is shaped by what we see and hear during your consultation, backed by the sound judgment and long-term thinking that only come from years of experience. That is the standard we hold ourselves to for every patient, every time."
— Dr. Kim Meathrel, Plastic Surgeon & Medical Director
What Is Recovery Like After Ellacor?
Recovery from Ellacor will be shorter and less involved than recovering from surgery. However, there will be downtime to plan for. Here are the basics of what to expect from your recovery process:
Days 1 to 3
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You may experience redness, mild swelling and a sensation of tightness
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Some bruising may be present from the local anesthesia
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Small circular marks may be visible across the treated area
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Light activity is fine, but strenuous exercise should be avoided
Days 4 to 7
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Redness begins to fade, and circular marks soften
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Skin may feel dry or slightly rough as the surface heals
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Most patients feel comfortable in low-key social settings
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Mineral sunscreen and makeup can be reintroduced after day 7
Week 2 Onward
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Visible signs of treatment have typically resolved
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Mineral makeup can be used to cover any lingering pink tone
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Patients can return to normal work and social routines
Beyond One Month
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Skin continues to remodel internally
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Patients in a multi-session plan return for the next treatment around the 90-day mark
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Full improvement develops gradually over the months following the final session
What Results Can Ellacor Achieve?
Patients can expect to see gradual improvement over the next three to six months after the treatment. This will include a softening of wrinkles and a smoother skin texture, along with a sharper contour along the jawline.
In clinical studies, 90% of patients showed improvement in their moderate to severe wrinkles and 86% reported overall satisfaction across all treatment sites. Dr. Meathrel’s goals for this treatment are results that look natural both at rest and in motion.
Are There Alternatives to Ellacor?
Several other treatments address aging skin in the mid and lower face:
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FaceTite: Uses radiofrequency to tighten skin and contour the lower face beneath the surface.
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Dermal Fillers: Restore lost volume, softening folds and supporting overall structure.
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Botox: Relaxes the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles.
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Laser Resurfacing: Improves skin tone, texture and fine lines through controlled thermal injury.
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Facelift Surgery: The gold standard for more advanced aging, addressing structural changes Ellacor cannot reach.
Can I Combine Ellacor With Other Procedures?
Ellacor can be paired with other treatments, such as neuromodulators and fillers. Dr. Meathrel may also stack this treatment with laser resurfacing treatments, such as the Fotona medium-depth peel. The timing of these combination treatments is important, as you will need to allow your skin to heal in between each session. Dr. Meathrel will help you sequence treatments to support your goals, and will always give you her honest opinion about whether a specific pairing would be beneficial or not.
Book Your Blepharoplasty Consultation in Kingston
Ellacor offers a new option for patients who want visible and structural improvement without surgery. To request a consultation with Dr. Kim Meathrel, book online or contact Bespoke Skin MD at 613-549-7546.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellacor
How much does Ellacor cost?
Pricing depends on the size of the treatment area and the number of sessions in your plan. Dr. Meathrel will provide a personalized quote at your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
How long do Ellacor results last?
Once new collagen has formed and the skin has remodeled, the improvement can last for many months. Your skin will continue to age from its new baseline, but the structural change achieved by Ellacor does not reverse. You can return for maintenance sessions every few years to support long-term results.
Can I have Ellacor if I have had a facelift in the past?
In most cases, yes. There needs to be sufficient time between procedures, typically at least 12 months, and your skin needs to be fully healed. Ellacor can be a useful tool for patients who want to refresh results from a previous facelift without returning to surgery.
What are the risks and side effects of Ellacor?
The most common side effects are temporary redness, mild swelling, bruising and small visible marks at the treatment sites that begin to fade within days. More significant risks, including infection, pigment changes and prolonged healing, are uncommon but possible. Dr. Meathrel will review all risks with you in detail during your consultation.