Some wrinkles don’t soften, no matter how many treatments you’ve tried. They tend to sit deeper, especially around the mouth and along the neck, and often remain visible long after injectables or resurfacing treatments would be expected to make a difference. These lines are less tied to expression and more related to changes in the skin’s underlying structure. That distinction is why dermatologists are starting to discuss laser coring as an option for wrinkles that haven’t responded to surface-focused treatments.
Laser coring is a new type of treatment that uses heat-based energy to create tiny channels in the skin. The goal is to create a controlled healing injury that stimulates collagen production. Ahead, learn why board-certified dermatologists are recommending it, what to expect post-treatment and more.
Featured Experts
- Tina Alster, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, D.C.
- Mary Lupo, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans
- Regine Mathieu, MD is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in Fresno, CA
Why Dermatologists Are Turning to Laser Coring
Rather than focusing on surface smoothing, laser coring targets areas where collagen loss shows up as etched-in lines and texture changes.
“There’s a device called UltraClear that actually will bore down a little deeper into the skin and cause a little bit more collagen remodeling,” says Washington, DC dermatologist Tina Alster, MD. “It’s really good for wrinkles around the mouth and large pores.”
Laser Coring Downtime and Recovery: What to Expect
Laser coring is not a no-downtime treatment, and recovery is part of the discussion. Because the procedure creates controlled micro-injuries, visible healing is expected.
“I do think that it’s something to keep an eye on,” Dr. Alster says. “I’m still a little concerned about the recovery from laser coring, no matter the device, but I do think we’ll be hearing more about it as safety continues to improve.”
Patients can expect pinpoint scabbing or crusting in treated areas, followed by gradual shedding as the skin renews itself. Diligent aftercare and sun protection are essential during this phase.
How Dermatologists Use Laser Coring With Other Treatments
In practice, dermatologists use laser coring as part of a broader treatment plan. “I’ve had the UltraClear device since 2022, and I added laser coring in 2024,” says New Orleans dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD. “So I have quite a bit of experience.”
“When used in conjunction with other treatments, I posted a 79-year-old woman and everyone thought she had a facelift,” Dr. Lupo adds.
She also points to post-treatment care as a factor in recovery and results. “One of the reasons I see seamless recovery from aggressive laser-assisted coring is that patients receive platelet-derived growth factor,” she says. “When used for aggressive laser resurfacing, it improves outcomes dramatically, in my experience.”
Where Laser Coring Works Beyond the Face
While much of the early conversation around laser coring has focused on facial wrinkles, dermatologists are also paying close attention to how it performs in areas that have traditionally been difficult to treat nonsurgically. “I absolutely love the new laser coring setting,” says Fresno, CA dermatologist Regine Mathieu, MD. “The neck results are incredible.”
Comfort is part of that appeal. “It’s a lot more comfortable than CO₂,” she adds, noting that she has seen meaningful texture improvement even in older patients.
That mix of visible improvement and better tolerability is why some dermatologists view laser coring as a potential bridge between resurfacing and surgery. For patients dealing with deeper, etched-in wrinkles—and willing to plan for recovery—it may offer an option where surface-focused treatments have fallen short, without immediately jumping to an operation.
