Comparing the Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Alone Versus Combined With Microneedles or Radiofrequency for Neck Wrinkle Treatment

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Jan;24(1):e16651. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16651. Epub 2024 Nov 6.

Abstract

Background: Neck wrinkles are a prominent characteristic of skin aging, with recent studies indicating that interventions such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), microneedling (MN), and radiofrequency (RF) can effectively rejuvenate aging skin.

Aims: This study aims to assess and compare the efficacy of three treatment modalities in addressing neck wrinkles.

Methods: Fifteen female participants with a neck Lemperle Wrinkle Assessment Scale (WAS) score of 3-4 were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. The subjects were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: PRP injection, MN + PRP topical PRP application, and RF + PRP injection. They received treatment once a month for three consecutive months, and a clinical outcome evaluation was performed at 1 and 6 months after the final treatment.

Results: The WAS scores and global aesthetic improvement score (GAIS) demonstrated notable enhancements 1 month postfinal treatment across all three groups, with a notably greater number of participants experiencing improved outcomes in the RF + PRP group 6 months posttreatment. Specifically, at the 1-month follow-up, the RF + PRP group exhibited a statistically significant enhancement in skin elasticity and collagen, surpassing the improvements observed in the other two groups (p < 0.05). No significant disparities in skin elasticity and collagen were detected in all groups prior to and after 6 months of treatment. Adverse events were mild and transient, such as redness, swelling, bruising, and pain.

Conclusion: This study revealed that all the treatments can effectively improve neck wrinkles 1 month after the last treatment. A better therapeutic effect could be observed in the RF + PRP group compared with the other two groups at 6 months after the last treatment.

Keywords: microneedles; neck wrinkles; platelet‐rich plasma; radiofrequency.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Collagen / administration & dosage
  • Combined Modality Therapy / adverse effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Cosmetic Techniques* / adverse effects
  • Cosmetic Techniques* / instrumentation
  • Elasticity / radiation effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck*
  • Needles* / adverse effects
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma*
  • Radiofrequency Therapy / adverse effects
  • Radiofrequency Therapy / methods
  • Rejuvenation*
  • Skin / radiation effects
  • Skin Aging* / radiation effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Collagen