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

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.