Novel Microneedle Radiofrequency Device is Safe for Horizontal Neck Wrinkles

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A pilot study tested the safety and efficacy of a dual-length microneedle radiofrequency (RF) device for horizontal neck wrinkles.¹ The novel microblade design rejuvenated aging skin in a minimally invasive way while promoting hydration and elasticity. Devices with RF energy stimulate collagen production, tighten lax skin, and improve texture long-term without damaging the epidermis and reducing downtime for patients. This novel technology uses dual-length needles and hexagonal microblades to intensify these targeted effects on the papillary and reticular dermis.

“The variation in the shape of the microblade, resembling a hexagonal column, was specifically designed to enhance tissue regeneration and biostimulation, facilitate improved energy delivery and tissue penetration, and optimize outcomes by precisely targeting specific dermal layers, addressing the limitations of conventional microneedle RF treatments,” the authors wrote.

Twelvehealthy patients aged 19 and older, with a mean age of 61 years, participated in the study. All but 1 were female. The trial was conducted at Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul, Korea from March to August 2023. Participants who had undergone treatments for their next skin in the previous 6 months were ineligible.

The patients received 2 sessions of microneedle RF therapy 4 weeks apart. At each treatment, topical anesthetic cream was applied 30 minutes prior. The device generates 1-MHz RF energy and consists of 5 long (1000 μm) and eight short (400 μm) microneedles. The microblade RF was applied with a 1.5-mL solution of the soft cross-linked hyaluronic acid filler, which can support the newly formed collagen and elastin.

“Hyaluronic acid’s volumizing and hydrating effects can provide immediate smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles, while its support of skin hydration sustains improvements in conjunction with the RF-induced structural changes,” the authors wrote.

The final follow-up occurred 3 months after the second treatment. Researchers evaluated the 4-point Horizontal Neck Wrinkle Severity (HNWS) scores, 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores, safety outcomes, and skin biophysical properties at baseline, week 4, and week 12. At baseline, the mean HNWS score was 2.58, showing moderate to severe, deep wrinkles.

HNWS scores reduced significantly over time by 35% (p < 0.001) while both dermatologist-reported and patient-reported GAIS improved as well. Specifically, HNWS decreased to 1.58 at week 4 and 1.33 at week 12, indicating a statistically significant improvement in horizontal neck wrinkles. These findings align with previous research on microneedle RF devices. Dermatologist-reported GAIS scores were 2.83 at visit 2 (improved) and 2.08 at visit 3 (much improved). Patient-reported GAIS scores also improved from 3 at visit 2 to 2.67 at visit 3.

At weeks 4 and 12, skin hydration was increased, transepidermal water loss decreased, and skin elasticity improved by 22%, which indicates an improved function of the skin barrier. These were measured using the Corneometer, Tewameter, and Cutometer (R2, R5, and R7). Some mild-to-moderate adverse effects, including edema and erythema, were observed but these were transient and non-serious. Any events subsided a few days after treatment and none of the patients discontinued the study.

There were some potential limitations including the small sample size, the lack of a control group, and the short follow-up. New research should focus on larger sample sizes with diverse skin types. Additionally, the device should be directly compared to other minimally invasive treatments and tested with a longer follow-up period.

Current noninvasive procedures include lasers, chemical peeling, fillers, and botulinum toxin, which are effective but can lead to uneven skin tightening, adverse events, and temporary results.² This microblade RF device fulfills this need by offering positive nonsurgical results in horizontal neck wrinkles with little to no downtime and high patient satisfaction.

References

1. Hong, Ji Yeon, Park, Kui Young, Pilot Study on the Efficacy of a Dual-Length Microneedle Radiofrequency Device With Microblade Design for Neck Rejuvenation, Dermatologic Therapy, 2025, 8855222, 7 pages, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1155/dth/8855222

2. Fabi S, Humphrey S, Biesman B, et al. Improvement of platysma prominence with onabotulinumtoxinA: Safety and efficacy results from a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2025;92(2):285-291. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2024.10.027