Profhilo
Bio-remodelling for naturally firmer, more radiant skin
What is Profhilo?
Profhilo is an innovative injectable treatment classified as a 'bio-remodeller' rather than a traditional dermal filler. According to the manufacturer (IBSA) and published clinical data, it contains one of the highest concentrations of pure hyaluronic acid (64mg/2ml) available in aesthetic medicine. Unlike volumising fillers, Profhilo doesn't add structural volume or change facial contours. Instead, according to the JCCP, it works by stimulating your body's own production of collagen and elastin whilst providing intense hydration at the dermal level. The product has CE marking, confirming it meets European safety and efficacy standards.
Who is it for?
Profhilo suits adults noticing skin laxity, loss of radiance, or reduced skin elasticity. According to clinical protocols, it's particularly popular among those in their 30s-50s wanting to address early-to-moderate skin ageing without looking 'done' or changing their facial structure. Save Face notes it's ideal for patients wanting improvement in skin quality—firmness, hydration, and glow—rather than adding volume or filling specific lines. The treatment addresses skin ageing at a fundamental level by stimulating the tissue itself.
Common concerns addressed:
- Skin laxity and loss of firmness
- Crepey skin texture
- Dull, tired-looking skin lacking radiance
- Loss of skin elasticity and bounce
- Early signs of facial ageing
- Ageing neck, hands, or décolletage
How does it work?
According to published research, Profhilo contains stabilised hyaluronic acid in a unique formulation that, when injected, disperses evenly through the skin rather than staying localised like volumising fillers. This HA attracts and binds water molecules, providing intense hydration at the dermal level. More importantly, clinical studies demonstrate it stimulates production of four different types of collagen (I, III, IV, VII) and elastin through a process called bio-remodelling. This improves skin structure from within, resulting in firmer, more elastic skin with improved tone and texture.
What to expect
The procedure
According to the JCCP and manufacturer protocols, treatment takes approximately 30 minutes using the specific BAP (Bio-Aesthetic Points) technique. Your practitioner injects small amounts of Profhilo at 5 strategic points on each side of the face—these points are anatomically determined to allow optimal product distribution given Profhilo's unique 'spreading' properties. The product's high fluidity allows it to disperse naturally from these points. You'll feel brief pinching at each injection. Topical anaesthetic is not usually required as discomfort is minimal.
Recovery
Save Face guidance notes that small bumps (wheals) appear at injection sites immediately but typically resolve within a few hours—occasionally up to 24-48 hours. Mild redness is normal and fades quickly. The JCCP recommends avoiding makeup for 24 hours, and skipping intense exercise and heat exposure for 24-48 hours. Most patients return to normal activities immediately. The treatment is notable for its minimal post-procedure visible effects.
Results
According to clinical evidence, initial hydration effects and subtle glow appear within days as the HA attracts water to the skin. However, the true bio-remodelling benefits develop over the following 4-8 weeks as collagen and elastin production increases. The standard protocol involves 2 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart for optimal stimulation. Full results are typically visible 4 weeks after the second treatment. Published data shows effects lasting 6-9 months, with maintenance treatments recommended twice yearly.
Safety considerations
According to the JCCP, Profhilo has an excellent safety profile as a CE-marked, pure hyaluronic acid product without chemical cross-linking agents. Save Face notes its non-cross-linked formulation means it can be easily dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed, though this is rarely required. Avoid treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or if you have active skin infections. As with all injectable treatments, the JCCP mandates choosing qualified practitioners using authentic products sourced from authorised UK distributors—counterfeit products are a risk in aesthetic medicine. Profhilo is contraindicated for those with known allergy to hyaluronic acid.
Questions to ask your practitioner
Before booking your treatment, make sure your practitioner can answer these questions:
- 1How many sessions will I need, and how far apart should they be?
- 2How does Profhilo differ from the dermal fillers you offer?
- 3Can you treat areas other than my face (neck, hands)?
- 4When will I see results, and how long will they realistically last?
- 5Is the product you use authentic Profhilo from authorised suppliers?
- 6What experience do you have specifically with bio-remodelling treatments?
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Profhilo and dermal fillers?
According to the JCCP, dermal fillers add volume to specific areas using cross-linked HA gels that stay localised at the injection site. Profhilo uses non-cross-linked HA that spreads through the skin to improve overall quality and firmness without adding volume or changing facial structure. Think of fillers as sculpting and Profhilo as improving the canvas itself—they work through fundamentally different mechanisms.
How many Profhilo sessions do I need?
According to the manufacturer protocol, the standard treatment involves 2 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart to achieve optimal bio-remodelling stimulation. Some practitioners recommend a third session for enhanced results. Maintenance treatments are typically recommended every 6 months to sustain the collagen and elastin stimulation benefits.
Is Profhilo suitable for my neck?
Yes—according to clinical guidance, Profhilo is excellent for the neck, an area notoriously difficult to treat with traditional volumising fillers due to its thin skin and mobility. The spreading, bio-remodelling action makes it particularly well-suited for improving skin quality on the neck, hands, décolletage, and even areas like inner arms where skin laxity develops.
Will Profhilo make me look different?
No—Profhilo doesn't change your facial structure or create an obviously 'treated' appearance. According to Save Face, people typically notice you look well, rested, and healthy rather than identifying you've had a specific treatment. The improvement is in skin quality—firmness, hydration, radiance—not facial proportions or contours.
Sources
- • IBSA - Profhilo manufacturer clinical data
- • JCCP - Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners
- • Save Face - Accredited practitioner register
- • Published clinical studies on bio-remodelling