Objective. To analyze clinical and morphological effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the neck skin quality.

Material and methods. Each out of 4 patients received 3 injections (1 injection every 4 weeks) into the neck area (PRP 2.5 ml on the right and saline solution 2.5 ml on the left). The results were evaluated considering clinical and instrumental data (standardized photos, Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS), Neck Skin Laxity (NSL) Scale, Antera 3D camera with large texture filter) separately for the right and left sides of the neck. Moreover, a 58-year-old woman underwent skin punch biopsy in the right and left behind-the-ear areas in 3 weeks after injections. Light and transmission electron microscopy of specimens was performed.

Results. Clinical and objective parameters of the neck skin in 2 weeks after injections demonstrated moderate positive effect of PRP on the wrinkle depth, density and texture of skin. Histological study revealed higher functional activity of fibroblasts accompanied by development of new collagen fibrils, destructively altered myofibroblasts, as well as angiogenesis in deep dermal layers and subcutaneous fatty tissue on the side of PRP injections. There were significantly fewer functionally active fibroblasts on the side of saline injections; fibrocytes and cells with various degrees of destruction prevailed.

Conclusion. PRP has a positive effect on clinical and structural characteristics of skin. PRP therapy can be used for anti-aging correction of skin in various parts of the body.

Keywords. PRP therapy, neck rejuvenation, morphological examination of skin, electron microscopy of skin, myofibroblasts, collagen, angiogenesis