Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Low‐Energy Versus High‐Energy Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Neck Wrinkles: A Split Neck Study
JingJing Tao, Zhenlai Zhu, Zhen Yi, Li Fan, Hongchun Peng, Bin Yang, Zhenfeng LiuABSTRACT
Background
Microplasma radiofrequency is frequently used for neck rejuvenation. However, the efficacy and safety of different energy protocols for neck treatment remain poorly understood.
Objective
To explore the optimal energy during plasma radiofrequency for neck laxity treatment.
Methods
Seventeen patients with mild‐to‐moderate neck wrinkles were enrolled in this split‐neck study. One side of each patient's neck was treated with low‐energy plasma radiofrequency in six sessions at two‐week intervals, while the contralateral side received high‐energy plasma radiofrequency in three sessions at four‐week intervals. Two dermatologists evaluated wrinkle improvement using Antera 3D imaging data collected before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final session. Pain severity was assessed with a visual analog scale, and any post‐treatment adverse effects were recorded.
Results
Both low‐ and high‐energy plasma radiofrequency treatments significantly improved neck wrinkles, with no significant difference in the degree of improvement between the two protocols. One month post‐treatment, the improvement rates from baseline were 18.5% (low‐energy) and 24.23% (high‐energy). At 3 months, the rates were 17.3% and 25.63%, respectively. Six months post‐treatment, the improvement rates were 24.37% for the low‐energy side and 15.45% for the high‐energy side. A significant difference in pain scores was observed between the two protocols ( p < 0.05). Patients experienced mild pain on the low‐energy side and moderate pain on the high‐energy side. Erythema and edema were present on both sides immediately after treatment but subsided within 6 h. No adverse reactions, such as scabbing, post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or scarring, were reported by any patients.
Conclusion
Both low and high energy plasma radiofrequency can safely and effectively improve mild to moderate neck skin laxity. Low‐energy treatments have the advantage of causing less pain, while high‐energy treatments achieve the desired results with fewer sessions.