A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Split-Neck Trial of Hyaluronic Acid Filler for Static Horizontal Neck Rhytides Using Either a Cannula or Needle.

[BACKGROUND] Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers have been studied extensively on the face; however, their safety and efficacy on the neck has not yet been evaluated in a prospective trial in the United States.

[OBJECTIVE] Analyze the efficacy and safety of a HA filler for static horizontal neck rhytides using either a cannula or needle.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] Twenty-six subjects were randomized to receive up to 1 mL of the HA filler Restylane Refyne (HARR, n = 20) or saline (n = 6) using a cannula on one side and a needle on the other with optional repeat treatment. Subjects were graded using the Transverse Neck Line Scale, Canfield photography, and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale.

[RESULTS] A significant improvement 30 days after the last treatment was achieved on the Transverse Neck Line Scale when comparing HARR with saline according to the blind evaluator, subjects, and investigator without any significant side effects. In addition, the blind evaluator, subjects, and investigator rated the side of the neck injected with a needle as having significantly greater improvement than the cannula.

[CONCLUSION] The hyaluronic acid filler, Restylane Refyne, achieved significant improvement in static horizontal neck rhytides using either a cannula or needle without any serious side effects, although the needle was more effective.