Jowls and loose neck skin are common signs of aging caused by a combination of skin laxity, loss of subcutaneous fat, and decreased collagen and elastin production. Traditional treatments include surgical facelifts and neck lifts, which are invasive and carry risks and downtime. Regenerative medicine offers emerging nonsurgical alternatives using stem cells, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet lysate (PL), and their combinations to potentially rejuvenate skin, increase elasticity, and improve dermal structure.
Stem cell-based therapies primarily involve autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), stromal vascular fraction (SVF), or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) applied via injection or combined with microneedling. PRP and PL are blood-derived concentrates rich in growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and collagen synthesis. Combination therapies often pair stem cell products or conditioned media with PRP or microneedling to enhance efficacy.
These treatments are typically offered in specialized cosmetic clinics, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 depending on the technique, number of sessions, and location. While generally considered safe, standardized protocols and long-term outcome data remain limited.
Current evidence consists mainly of small clinical trials, case series, and pilot studies. Below is a summary of key studies evaluating efficacy and safety.
🔬 Scientific Evidence: Stem Cell and PRP Therapies for Jowls and Loose Neck
Study 1: Gentile et al., 2015 — Fat Grafting and SVF for Facial Rejuvenation
This study analyzed the effects of autologous fat grafting enriched with stromal vascular fraction (SVF) containing adipose-derived stem cells on facial skin quality. Patients exhibited increased dermal thickness, enhanced microvascular density, and improved skin elasticity after treatment. The approach showed promising improvements in jowl and neck skin laxity. PubMed
Study 2: Kim et al., 2016 — SVF Injection for Skin Rejuvenation
Autologous SVF injections into the dermis improved skin texture and firmness in a small cohort. Measurable increases in collagen density and skin elasticity were reported at 3- and 6-month follow-ups, supporting SVF as a potential minimally invasive alternative to surgery. PMC
Study 3: Shin et al., 2014 — Microneedling plus Human Stem Cell Conditioned Medium (hESC-EPCs)
A randomized controlled trial tested microneedling combined with human embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial precursor cell conditioned medium for facial rejuvenation. Significant improvements in wrinkle depth and skin tone were noted compared to microneedling alone. PubMed
Study 4: Lee et al., 2022 — Microneedling with Umbilical Cord MSC Conditioned Media
Patients receiving this combination showed enhanced skin brightness, reduced pigmentation, and improved texture after 8 weeks, suggesting benefits in addressing age-related skin changes in the lower face and neck. PubMed
Study 5: Cho et al., 2023 — PRP and Stem Cell Conditioned Media Combination
This split-face study demonstrated modest but statistically significant improvements in skin elasticity and wrinkle reduction when PRP was combined with stem cell conditioned media and microneedling, highlighting possible synergistic effects. PubMed
Study 6: Park et al., 2023 — Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes plus Microneedling
Patients treated with exosomes from adipose stem cells combined with microneedling showed improvements in skin elasticity, reduced fine lines, and increased collagen synthesis over 12 weeks. This novel approach is promising but requires larger trials. PubMed
Summary and Conclusions
Overall, stem cell therapies, especially those using autologous adipose-derived stem cells and SVF, show potential to improve skin quality in the jowls and neck area through enhanced collagen production and dermal regeneration. PRP and platelet lysate serve as effective adjuncts by delivering growth factors that stimulate healing and remodeling. Combination approaches with microneedling may further enhance penetration and outcomes.
However, the current body of evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short follow-ups, and lack of standardized treatment protocols. While many patients experience modest improvements in skin elasticity and texture, consistent, dramatic rejuvenation comparable to surgical facelifts remains rare. Long-term safety appears favorable, but more rigorous, larger-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to establish definitive efficacy, optimal dosing, and treatment intervals.
In practice, these regenerative therapies can be considered a promising non-surgical option for patients seeking mild to moderate improvement in jowls and neck laxity with minimal downtime, but realistic expectations and consultation with experienced clinicians are crucial.
Glossary
- Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs): Stem cells harvested from fat tissue that can promote tissue regeneration.
- Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF): A mixture of cells including ADSCs obtained from adipose tissue.
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): Multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into various cell types, used in regenerative medicine.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Concentrated platelets from blood containing growth factors that stimulate healing.
- Platelet Lysate (PL): A growth factor-rich derivative of platelets used to promote tissue repair.
- Microneedling: A procedure using tiny needles to create controlled skin injury, enhancing product absorption and collagen formation.
- Exosomes: Small vesicles secreted by stem cells containing proteins and RNA that aid in cell communication and repair.