What is Profhilo

What is Profhilo and what does it do? Profhilo is an injectable hyaluronic acid treatment designed to improve skin quality, hydration and elasticity. It is often considered by people with dull or dry skin, fine lines or early signs of skin laxity.

Profhilo is not a traditional dermal filler. It is not normally used to add noticeable volume to the lips, cheeks or facial contours. It also works differently from Botox, which temporarily reduces activity in selected muscles.

This page explains how Profhilo works, what it may improve, what it cannot do, possible side effects and how to compare Profhilo clinics in the UK.

What is Profhilo exactly?

Profhilo is a brand of injectable treatment containing hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the skin and is able to attract and retain moisture.

Unlike a traditional dermal filler, Profhilo is not normally injected to fill one specific wrinkle or create volume in one area. It is used to support the overall condition of the skin.

The treatment is often described as bioremodelling. In practical terms, this means that the aim is to improve qualities such as hydration, texture, elasticity and mild loss of firmness.

Profhilo is most commonly discussed for the face and neck. Depending on the product, treatment plan and skin concern, it may also be considered for the décolletage, hands or selected areas of the body.

Treatment suitability should always be assessed during a consultation with an appropriately qualified practitioner.

Read the main guide to Profhilo treatment.

How does Profhilo work?

Profhilo contains different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid combined in stabilised complexes. It is usually injected at several points across the treatment area rather than being placed in one area to create shape or volume.

The hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture within the skin. Over time, the treated skin may appear better hydrated, smoother or more elastic.

Profhilo does not create the immediate filling effect associated with many dermal fillers. It also does not reduce muscle movement in the way Botox does.

Results develop gradually. People seeking fuller lips, more prominent cheeks, a sharper jawline or correction of significant volume loss will usually need to discuss other treatment options.

Read more about when Profhilo results appear.

What can Profhilo improve?

Profhilo may be considered for several concerns related to skin quality.

Hydration

It may help skin that feels dry, dehydrated or less supple.

Dull-looking skin

Some people notice that their skin looks fresher after completing their recommended treatment course.

Fine lines

Fine lines linked to dryness or reduced elasticity may become less noticeable.

Skin texture

The skin may feel smoother or more even, although results vary between individuals.

Elasticity

Profhilo may be suitable when the skin feels less elastic or resilient than before.

Early skin laxity

It may provide a subtle improvement where there is mild loss of firmness. It is not a substitute for surgery and does not remove excess skin.

Profhilo is not normally used to treat significant volume loss, deep folds, prominent pigmentation or wrinkles caused mainly by repeated muscle movement.

Profhilo compared with other injectables

Which injectable suits which concern?

Profhilo is mainly intended for people who want to improve skin quality without adding obvious volume or changing the shape of their face.

Dermal fillers are more commonly considered for volume loss, facial proportions or contouring. They may be used in areas such as the lips, cheeks, chin or jawline.

Botox is usually considered for lines caused by repeated muscle movement, including frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet.

Skin boosters are often used for targeted hydration and skin texture. Although they overlap with Profhilo in some ways, the most appropriate option depends on the condition of the skin and the desired result.

A consultation should therefore identify the main concern first: hydration, texture, volume, contour, pigmentation, skin laxity or expression lines.

Who may be suitable for Profhilo?

Profhilo may be suitable for adults seeking a subtle improvement in skin quality.

It may be discussed for:

• dry or dehydrated skin;

• dull-looking skin;

• fine lines;

• reduced elasticity;

• mild skin laxity;

• a thin or crepey skin texture;

• skin that feels less smooth or resilient.

Profhilo may be less suitable when the main goal is noticeable volume, strong lifting, facial contouring or treatment of deep expression lines.

It is also unlikely to be the first choice for prominent pigmentation, significant under-eye bags or substantial loose skin.

During the consultation, the practitioner should assess the skin, medical history, medicines, previous cosmetic treatments and expectations.

Profhilo is often used on the face, but treatment may also be considered for the neck, décolletage, hands or selected body areas.

The under-eye area requires particular care because dark circles, hollows, thin skin and fluid retention do not all respond to the same treatment. Read the separate guide to Profhilo under the eyes.

Read more about situations in which Profhilo may not give the expected result.

What happens during treatment?

Before treatment, the practitioner should assess the skin and explain whether Profhilo is suitable for the concern being treated. Alternatives, possible side effects and the likely total cost should also be discussed.

The skin is then cleaned before the injections are placed.

For facial treatment, practitioners often use the BAP technique. BAP stands for Bio Aesthetic Points and refers to selected injection points intended to distribute the product across the treatment area.

Small raised bumps may be visible at the injection points immediately afterwards. Mild redness, tenderness or swelling can also occur.

An appointment commonly takes around 15 to 30 minutes, although the exact time depends on the treatment area and plan.

An initial Profhilo course often involves more than one appointment, with several weeks between treatments. The recommended schedule may vary according to the product, treatment area and individual skin assessment.

Read more about how many Profhilo treatments may be needed.

When do Profhilo results appear?

Profhilo results develop gradually. The small bumps or swelling visible immediately after treatment are temporary injection reactions and are not the final result.

Changes in hydration or skin freshness may become noticeable before changes in elasticity or firmness. Many people assess the result more accurately after completing the recommended treatment course.

The result can be influenced by:

• the starting condition and thickness of the skin;

• age and degree of skin ageing;

• the treatment area;

• the number of appointments;

• lifestyle and sun exposure;

• previous cosmetic treatments;

• the type of result expected.

Profhilo does not usually create immediate volume. It should not be expected to make the lips fuller, sharply define the jawline or replace lost cheek volume.

Read more about Profhilo before and after photos. Individual results vary.

How long does Profhilo last?

The result is temporary, and its duration varies between individuals.

Skin condition, age, lifestyle, treatment area, the initial course and any maintenance appointments may all affect how long the improvement remains visible.

A practitioner can reassess the skin when the effect begins to reduce. Maintenance treatment should be based on individual need rather than a fixed schedule for everyone.

Read the full guide to how long Profhilo lasts.

What are the disadvantages of Profhilo?

One limitation of Profhilo is that the result is usually subtle and gradual. It may not suit someone who wants a noticeable or immediate facial change.

Profhilo does not normally:

• replace significant facial volume;

• create sharper facial contours;

• remove excess skin;

• provide a strong lifting effect;

• treat prominent pigmentation;

• reduce muscle activity;

• remove deep lines or folds.

More than one treatment may also be recommended. The total cost can therefore be higher than the advertised price for a single appointment.

Temporary side effects may include redness, swelling, small bumps, tenderness, itching or bruising.

Before booking, ask how many appointments are recommended, how much product will be used, what is included in the price and what support is available after treatment.

Read more about Profhilo side effects.

Profhilo side effects and aftercare

How much does Profhilo cost in the UK?

Profhilo costs vary between UK clinics. The price may depend on:

• the clinic location;

• the practitioner’s experience;

• the treatment area;

• the amount of product used;

• the number of appointments;

• whether treatment is booked as a course;

• whether consultation, review and aftercare are included.

A price for one appointment may not represent the full recommended treatment cost.

Before booking, ask:

• how many treatments are recommended;

• what product and quantity will be used;

• how long there should be between appointments;

• whether a consultation or review is included;

• what aftercare support is available;

• what any maintenance treatment may cost.

Compare more than the lowest advertised price. The quality of the consultation, practitioner experience and access to support after treatment are also important.

View Profhilo costs and compare current clinic prices where available.

How should you assess Profhilo reviews?

Reviews can help you understand the consultation, treatment experience, recovery and customer service. They cannot predict the result that another person will achieve.

A useful review may explain:

• which area was treated;

• how many appointments were completed;

• when the result was assessed;

• which temporary side effects occurred;

• how clearly the practitioner explained the treatment;

• whether the clinic provided useful aftercare;

• whether the outcome matched the expectations discussed beforehand.

A review written immediately after the first appointment may say little about the final result. Reviews updated several weeks after the treatment course are often more useful.

Read more Profhilo reviews.

What should you look for in a Profhilo clinic?

Do not compare clinics only by price, location or promotional offers. The practitioner should be able to explain why Profhilo is or is not suitable for the concern being treated.

Check:

• the practitioner’s relevant professional registration;

• training and experience with injectable treatments;

• experience treating the selected area;

• whether a consultation is completed before treatment;

• whether alternatives are discussed;

• whether expected results and limitations are explained clearly;

• which Profhilo product and quantity will be used;

• whether side effects and aftercare are discussed;

• how the clinic can be contacted after treatment;

• whether the total expected cost is clear;

• whether reviews relate to the treatment being considered.

Be cautious where a clinic guarantees a result or presents Profhilo as a strong lifting or volume-adding treatment.

Read more about choosing a Profhilo practitioner and comparing Profhilo clinics.

Frequently asked questions about Profhilo