Profhilo
Profhilo is not a filler, even though it is injected. It is stabilised hyaluronic acid that spreads under the skin rather than holding a shape. The aim is skin that looks better hydrated and slightly firmer, not a face that looks changed. If your skin has gone dull, thin or crepey, this is usually a better answer than volume.
What it treats
What it actually is, and how it differs from filler
Both Profhilo and dermal filler are hyaluronic acid. What differs is how that acid is held together, and that changes what it does in the skin.
- Filler is cross-linked, so it holds its shape and stays where it is placed. That is what makes it useful for adding volume and structure.
- Profhilo is stabilised without chemical cross-linking, so it spreads through the tissue rather than holding a shape.
- It is placed superficially, into the layer just under the skin, not deep against bone.
- Because it spreads, it treats an area of skin rather than a single point.
This is why Profhilo cannot lift a jawline or build a cheek. It is not the wrong product if you understand what it is for. It is the wrong product if you were expecting a contour change.
What it does, and what it will not do
We would rather set this out plainly than have you disappointed at review.
- It hydrates the skin from within, which is what changes how light sits on it.
- It is designed to support the skin’s own collagen and elastin over the weeks after treatment.
- It suits thin, crepey skin where the surface quality is the problem.
- It will not lift sagging tissue, reshape a feature, or replace lost volume.
- It will not fix pigmentation, redness or texture from scarring. Those need different treatment.
If what is bothering you is structural rather than surface, we will say so at your assessment and talk you through what would actually help.
The protocol
This is a two-appointment treatment, and both appointments matter. One session on its own does not complete the course.
- Session one, then session two four weeks later.
- Five injection points on each side of the face, using the standard bio-aesthetic point technique.
- Superficial placement, delivered with a fine needle.
- About 30 minutes per session.
- Small raised bumps at each point straight afterwards, which settle within a day or two.
For the neck, décolletage or hands, the number and position of points changes. We assess that at your appointment rather than working to a fixed pattern.
Aftercare, results and timing
The change builds gradually. Anyone promising an immediate transformation is describing a different treatment.
- Avoid makeup, swimming and strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Mild swelling or redness at the injection points is normal and settles in a day or two.
- Bruising is uncommon, but if it happens it can take a couple of weeks to clear.
- The effect builds over the weeks after your second session.
- Most people find it lasts around six months, and repeat somewhere between six and twelve months depending on their skin.
We photograph you at the start under the same conditions each time, because hydration and firmness are exactly the sort of change that is hard to judge in a mirror.
Questions, answered
No, although both are hyaluronic acid. Filler is cross-linked so it holds its shape where it is placed. Profhilo is stabilised without cross-linking, so it spreads through the skin instead. That is why it improves skin quality but cannot add contour.
Two, four weeks apart. That is the full course, not an upsell. A single session does not complete the protocol, and we would rather you knew that before you booked than after.
You will have small raised bumps at each injection point for a day or two, which is expected. The actual change builds over the weeks after your second session rather than appearing immediately.
Most people find around six months, then repeat between six and twelve months depending on their skin. It varies with age, skin quality and how much sun exposure you get.
Yes. The neck, décolletage and the backs of the hands are all commonly treated, and the number and position of injection points changes for each. We assess that on the day rather than using one fixed pattern.
Probably not. Profhilo improves the quality of the skin, it does not lift or reshape. If the problem is lost support rather than surface quality, we will assess your structure and talk you through what would genuinely help instead.