Efficacy of a novel microneedle patch for rejuvenation of the nasolabial fold

BACKGROUND: Skin rejuvenation plays a significant role in the esthetic medicine market. Microneedle patches have been developed for a wide range of applications based on the principles of transdermal drug delivery; however, clinical trials of microneedle patches for skin rejuvenation remain limited. AIMS: This study was conducted to examine the efficacy of microneedle patches for improving nasolabial folds. METHODS: A total of 23 Thai women completed this prospective clinical trial. The participants were treated according to a split‐face design, with application of microneedle patch plus 1.8% hyaluronic acid solution to the right nasolabial fold and microneedle patch alone to the left nasolabial fold. The treatments were applied to the nasolabial fold for 8 weeks. The test areas were measured before treatment and at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after the use of the test product. RESULTS: Combination treatment using the microneedle patch plus hyaluronic acid solution and use of the microneedle patch alone both significantly improved the Merz esthetic scales for nasolabial folds. Measurement of the nasolabial fold showed an improvement in the two groups, with no significant differences between the groups. No adverse effects were reported during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Application of a microneedle patch with 1.8% hyaluronic acid solution or a microneedle patch alone were both effective treatments for improving facial wrinkles in the nasolabial folds.