Treatment of Horizontal Neck Wrinkles with Hyaluronic Acid Filler: A Retrospective Case Series

Abstract

Background: Horizontal neck wrinkles are a common aesthetic deficiency but limited treatment options exist and none have been studied with follow-ups of over 2 months. Methods: This dual-center, retrospective case series (Apr 2016-Jan 2017) included adult patients receiving CPM-HA to treat horizontal neck wrinkles. Patients were followed up for 40 weeks. CPM-HA treatment efficacy was evaluated through the Horizontal Neck Wrinkle Severity Scale and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Adverse events (AEs) and pain on injection, as assessed on the visual analogue scale, were documented. Results: Sixty-four lateral neck halves from 32 women (23-61 years) were analyzed. Significant improvement in wrinkle intensity, as assessed by Horizontal Neck Wrinkle Severity Scale, was observed from the second week onwards (1.352 ± 0.682, P<0.05). This improvement was sustained throughout the study duration and remained statistically significant at week 36 (1.423 ± 0.796, P<0.05). Patient GAIS (92.3%-100% through 36 weeks) and physician GAIS (100% through 24 weeks) were both excellent. Visual analogue scale scores revealed more pain associated with blunt cannula use (2.72 ± 1.71) than with sharp needle use (1.75 ± 1.39). AEs included erythema (62.5%), pruritus (43.7%), ecchymosis (43.7%), and localized swelling (25%). Conclusions: Subdermal injection of CPM-HA is safe and effective for treating horizontal neck wrinkles. Sustained improvement of wrinkle intensity up to 36 weeks and minimal AEs with no Tyndall effect were observed.