All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.

However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.

If you have a backyard, you might know about lawn aeration (stick with me).

MicroCoring Experts on the Benefits Risks and Drawbacks

But fear not: With the use of local anesthesia, experts say, the procedure is relatively painless.

You might be thinking, Isnt that what microneedling does?

Since its launch, micro-coring has made headlines as a “nonsurgicalfaceliftalternative.”

A white tub with a navy blue cap with navy blue, red, and white text that says “Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy” on a white background.

We speak to several plastic surgeons and dermatologists to get to the, well, core of micro-coring.

Here’s what it can and can’t do.

In this story:

What is micro-coring and what are its benefits?

These skin “micro-cores” are so small they’re invisible to the naked eye.

The procedure removes about 4-8% of the skin in the treated area.

The holes they leave behind (about 10,000 of them!)

It is a validated scale, but it is also filled with potential bias.

Participants in this study were treated two or three times with 7-8% skin removal.

Compared with thermal energy devices that can cause irreversible thermal injury, micro-coring offers minimal scarring and downtime.

Cytrellis says additional clinical studies are needed to evaluate the effects of Ellacor on darker skin types.)

Does micro-coring hurt?

The treatment is done under local anesthesia, so it’s relatively pain-free.

Experts say most patients have little to no discomfort.

A micro-coring treatment takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Most patients need more than one treatment to see full benefits.

“For best results, patients typically need three treatments about one month apart,” says Dr. DeRosa.

“And it takes about four to six months to see the full effect of the treatments.”

Your doctor can help you develop a treatment plan based on your skin and goals.

Micro-coring is offered at medi-spas, but youlldefinitelywant to see a board-certified medical professional.

What is the recovery process?

“Generally, patients have redness that lasts a few days,” says Dr. Bhanusali.

And the treatment does come with other risks such as pain, swelling, bruising, or infection.

Aquaphor

Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment

Amazon

How much does micro-coring cost?

Generally, you’re able to expect each treatment to cost between $2,000 and $3,500.

Remember that a typical treatment course consists of three treatments, so budget for $6,000 to $8,000.

More info about non-invasive cosmetic procedures:

A Cosmetic Surgeon’s Entire Routine, from Waking Up to Surgery: