Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) Injection for Neck Skin Laxity: A Pilot Study

The Efficienctiveness of Poly-L-Lactic Acid, PLLA for the Treatment of Skin Laxity of the Neck: A Pilot Study

Skin aging of the neck commonly leads to wrinkles and skin laxity due to the gradual loss of collagen and structural support in the skin. Although several treatments are available, effective non-surgical options for improving neck skin laxity remain limited. This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Poly-L-Lactic acid (PLLA) injections for improving neck skin laxity.

This study is a prospective pilot interventional study designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Poly-L-Lactic acid (PLLA) injections for the treatment of neck skin laxity. Eligible Thai male and female participants aged 30 to 60 years with neck skin laxity grades 1 to 4 according to the Neck Skin Laxity Scale (NSL scale) will be enrolled. Participants will receive a single treatment session of PLLA injection to the neck using a cannula technique in the subcutaneous plane with a linear retrograde fanning method through lateral entry points. Approximately 8 mL of PLLA solution will be injected on each side of the neck, for a total volume of 16 mL per participant. Clinical outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and during follow-up visits at weeks 8, 16, and 24. Outcome measures include improvement in neck skin laxity assessed using the NSL scale, changes in skin elasticity measured by using the Cutometer® Dual MPA 580, participant satisfaction, and treatment-related adverse events. Outcome assessment will be performed by comparing follow-up measurements with baseline values.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Thai male or female participants aged 30-60 years
• Individuals who wish to improve neck skin laxity
• Presence of neck skin laxity grade 1-4 according to the Neck Skin Laxity Scale (NSL scale)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• History of allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics or components of collagen-stimulating substances
• Active autoimmune disease requiring systemic treatment
• History of cosmetic procedures in the neck area, including laser treatment, radiofrequency, or ultrasound-based devices within 6 months prior to treatment
• History of dermal filler injection in the neck area
• History of botulinum toxin injection in the neck area within 6 months prior to treatment