Adults aged between 30 and 60 years underwent a single RF microneedling procedure, then received either standard care (a petrolatum-based emollient) or topical recombinant pure PDGF applied immediately afterward and monitored at 7 and 30 days.   

Clinical Global Aesthetic Improvement Scores (CGAIS) improved to a greater degree in the PDGF group versus control at both time-points, and image-analysis software showed PDGF outperformed standard care across six of seven objective parameters such as pore count, pore fractional area, wrinkle coarse area and thickness of the wrinkle mean. Patient-reported outcome measures likewise favoured PDGF, with participants noting reduced discomfort, better hydration and smoother skin. No major adverse events occurred.  

The authors state that PDGF has a strong safety profile in therapeutic uses and that this aesthetic application appears to enhance healing and skin quality post-microneedling. They highlight better early skin texture and appearance by day 30 when PDGF is included compared with emollient alone.  

For clinicians and aesthetic practitioners, the trial suggests that introducing a growth-factor adjunct such as PDGF may amplify the benefit of energy-device treatments. However, only one session was tested, follow-up was short (30 days) and long-term durability of the effect remains uncharacterised. The authors call for larger studies to define optimal dosing, frequency, patient-selection criteria and cost-benefit relative to other adjuncts.