What is Profhilo?

Profhilo is an injectable anti-ageing treatment made from hyaluronic acid for skin that is losing its elasticity and firmness with age. It can be used on the face, neck, decollete, arms, hands and knees, or any part of your body where the skin shows visible signs of ageing. There is an immediately noticeable improvement in skin tone, hydration as well as firmness, and lines are minimized.

Hyaluronic acid is best known as a ‘filler’ and is usually used to give volume to lips or to contour other areas of the face. Profhilo differs from the usual fillers in a number of ways due to its structure which allows it to flow over an extended area to boost hydration and smooth or ‘remodel’ the skin.

How does it work?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance produced in our body, found in skin, joints and other connective tissue. Its role is to retain moisture in the body and aid collagen production. It can hold 1000 times its weight in water which makes it ideal for binding moisture in the skin. With age, however, hyaluronic acid production slows and the skin looks duller and dehydrated, with fine lines and wrinkles forming.

Profhilo contains one of the highest concentrations of stabilised hyaluronic acid on the market. Because it is thermally bonded and not chemically bonded it acts as a hydrator not a filler. It is injected just underneath the surface of the skin where it disperses quickly and reacts with your own tissue to instantly boost hydration. Over the next four weeks phase two kick in as it goes to work boosting elastin and collagen production. This effectively remodels the skin and giving it a plumper, smoother and firmer appearance.

Due to its gel like consistency Profhilo distributes smoothly and evenly without the formation of any lumps – a potential risk with traditional fillers. This means it can be used on areas which are difficult to treat with traditional fillers, such as the neck and forehead.

How many treatments are needed?

The full treatment consists of two sessions, one month apart. A further session may be recommended after approximately six months in order to prolong the effect.

Profhilo can be used on its own or in conjunction with other fillers, laser treatments or Botox as a complementary, rather than a competitive treatment.

Who is it suitable for?

People over the age of 30 who are uncomfortable with skin laxity, crepe-like skin or other visible signs of aging such as fine lines or wrinkles.

What is it like?

Profhilo is injected just under the skin using very fine needles in pre-determined points. It is relativley painless and there is usually no need for topical pain relief creams prior to treatment. The treatment itself is very quick, taking only about 10 minutes.

On the face only five injection points are necessary on each side of the face to give maximum results.

Is there any downtime?

There is no downtime. It is advisable to avoid alcohol, aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication in the 24 hours before treatment.

Immediately after treatment you should avoid wearing make-up, and give sports, swimming and any other strenuous physical activity a miss for 24 hours. It is also best to avoid saunas and steam rooms for a few days after treatment.

What are the risks & side effects?

There are no long-term side effects. Profhilo is metabolised by the body completely.

No allergy test is required prior to treatment. The risk of allergic reactions is substantially reduced because Profhilo does not contain any synthetic chemicals which some people might react to.

Some people may experience redness, slight bruising, tenderness as well as itching at the injection sites but these were temporary and should resolve within a few hours to a day.

Contraindications

Patients with bleeding disorders or a compromised immune system due to, for example, infectious diseases, cancer, HIV or diabetes should consult their doctor before considering Profhilo.

Cosmetic injectable treatments are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

As with any procedure, it is important to find an experienced and qualified practitioner to carry out the treatment.

How much does it cost?

The recommended minimum price for a single treatment is £250. Prices can vary substantially depending on where you have it done. Bear in mind that for the required two treatments a month apart you will need to double that figure.

Is it worth it?

The effects of Profhilo are subtle but immediate. You will see a difference straight away after the first treatment with skin looking brighter and smoother. AS time goes on these effects are enhanced and can last up to six months, depending on the individual patient.