PROFHILO: THE INJECTABLE MOISTURISER TRANSFORMING UK SKIN

AT A GLANCE

• What it is: Injectable hyaluronic acid that hydrates skin from within and stimulates collagen/elastin production
• Treatment time: 15–30 minutes
• Sessions needed: 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart (then maintenance every 6 months)
• Results appear: Initial glow within days; full results at 4–8 weeks after second session
• Results last: 6–9 months
• Cost: £250–£400 per session
• Downtime: Minimal — small bumps for 24–48 hours

WHAT IS PROFHILO?

Profhilo is an injectable skin treatment that's often called an "injectable moisturiser" — but that undersells what it actually does.

Unlike dermal fillers, Profhilo doesn't add volume or change your facial structure. Unlike anti-wrinkle injections, it doesn't freeze muscles. Instead, Profhilo works by "bio-remodelling" — improving skin quality from the inside out.

It contains one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA) available in any injectable — 64mg per treatment. This ultra-pure HA is thermally bonded (not chemically cross-linked like fillers), which means it spreads evenly beneath the skin rather than staying in one place.

The result? Deep hydration, improved elasticity, firmer skin, and a natural glow — without looking like you've "had work done."

HOW DOES PROFHILO WORK?

Profhilo works in two phases:

Phase 1: Immediate Hydration

When injected just beneath the skin's surface, Profhilo disperses and attracts water molecules. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so this creates an immediate reservoir of hydration. Many people notice a dewy, plumper appearance within days.

Phase 2: Bio-Remodelling (Weeks 2–8)

Over the following weeks, Profhilo stimulates your body's own production of:

• Four types of collagen — the protein that gives skin its structure and firmness
• Elastin — the protein responsible for skin's bounce and elasticity

This "slow release" of hyaluronic acid triggers your fibroblasts (skin cells) to produce these essential proteins, effectively remodelling your skin from within.

The HA itself stays in the skin for approximately 28 days before being naturally absorbed — but the collagen and elastin stimulation continues, which is why results last much longer than the product itself.

WHAT CAN PROFHILO TREAT?

Profhilo is ideal for:

• Dull, tired-looking skin — restores radiance and glow
• Dehydrated skin — provides deep hydration that topical products can't match
• Fine lines and crepey texture — smooths and plumps
• Early skin laxity — improves firmness and elasticity
• Rough or uneven skin texture — creates smoother surface
• Prevention — maintains skin quality before visible ageing sets in

Treatment Areas

Profhilo is most commonly used on:

• Face — the classic treatment, addressing overall skin quality
• Neck — one of the most popular areas, as the neck often shows age first and responds beautifully
• Décolletage — chest area that's prone to sun damage and crepiness
• Hands — restores hydration to thin, ageing hand skin
• Arms, knees, abdomen — anywhere skin laxity is a concern

The neck and décolletage are particularly good candidates because these areas are difficult to treat with fillers but respond exceptionally well to Profhilo's spreading, hydrating action.

WHO IS PROFHILO FOR?

Profhilo suits a wide range of patients:

Late 20s–30s (Prevention)

Starting Profhilo before significant ageing sets in helps maintain skin quality and delays visible signs of ageing. Think of it as "prejuvenation."

40s–50s (Restoration)

This is Profhilo's sweet spot. If you're noticing your skin looks tired, dull, or less firm than it used to — but you don't want fillers or dramatic intervention — Profhilo delivers visible improvement while keeping you looking natural.

60s+ (Maintenance & Combination)

Profhilo can still deliver benefits, though it's often combined with other treatments (like fillers or polynucleotides) for more comprehensive results.

Profhilo is particularly good for people who:

• Want to look "refreshed" rather than "done"
• Have good skincare routines but aren't seeing results
• Are needle-shy but want something more effective than topical products
• Want a low-maintenance treatment with minimal downtime
• Are starting to notice skin changes but aren't ready for fillers

WHAT TO EXPECT: THE TREATMENT PROCESS

Before Treatment

• No special preparation required
• Avoid blood-thinning medications/supplements if possible (reduces bruising risk)
• Come with clean skin

During Treatment

Your practitioner will use the "BAP technique" (Bio Aesthetic Points) — a specific pattern of 5 injection points on each side of the face, strategically placed to allow the product to spread evenly.

The injections are placed just beneath the skin's surface. Most people describe it as a mild pinching sensation — uncomfortable but tolerable. The treatment takes approximately 15–30 minutes.

Immediately After

You'll likely have small bumps at each injection site (like bee stings). These typically settle within 24–48 hours. Some people experience mild redness or tenderness.

Unlike fillers, you won't see dramatic immediate results — Profhilo needs time to work its magic.

The Weeks Following

• Days 1–7: Bumps settle, initial hydration boost noticeable
• Weeks 2–4: Skin starts to look plumper, more radiant
• Weeks 4–8: Full results emerge after second session — improved texture, firmness, and glow

HOW MANY SESSIONS DO YOU NEED?

Initial course: 2 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart

This is the standard protocol. The first session starts the hydration and stimulation process; the second builds on this foundation for optimal results.

Maintenance: 1 session every 6 months

To maintain results, most practitioners recommend a single top-up treatment twice yearly. Some patients stretch this to every 9–12 months depending on their skin and lifestyle.

HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?

Profhilo results typically last 6–9 months, though this varies based on:

• Age (younger skin often holds results longer)
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, sun exposure, stress)
• Skin condition at baseline
• Metabolism

With regular maintenance treatments, many people find their results become cumulative — each treatment builds on the last, and skin quality continues to improve over time.

PROFHILO VS OTHER TREATMENTS

Profhilo vs Dermal Fillers

Profhilo vs Polynucleotides

This is the comparison everyone asks about. Both are "skin boosters" that improve skin quality rather than add volume — but they work differently:

The bottom line:

• Choose Profhilo if your main goal is hydration, glow, and firmer skin
• Choose Polynucleotides if you need tissue repair, have scarring, or want to treat under-eyes
• Combine both for comprehensive skin rejuvenation (many clinics now offer this)

Profhilo vs Skin Boosters (Volite, Redensity, Seventy Hyal)

Profhilo is technically a skin booster, but it's in a class of its own:

• Profhilo has the highest HA concentration and specifically stimulates collagen/elastin
• Other skin boosters (like Juvederm Volite, Teoxane Redensity 1) focus more on hydration with some added vitamins/antioxidants
• Profhilo requires fewer sessions (2 vs 3) and has a more pronounced firming effect

PROFHILO STRUCTURE: THE NEWEST ADDITION

Profhilo Structure is the latest formulation, specifically designed for patients with more significant volume loss — particularly relevant for Ozempic face or age-related facial deflation.

While original Profhilo focuses on skin quality, Profhilo Structure rebuilds lost structure in the mid and lower face. It's positioned between standard Profhilo and dermal fillers.

Ask your practitioner if Profhilo Structure might be more appropriate for your concerns.

HOW MUCH DOES PROFHILO COST IN THE UK?

Prices vary by clinic, location, and practitioner experience. London prices tend to be at the higher end.

SIDE EFFECTS AND SAFETY

Profhilo has an excellent safety profile. It's been used for over a decade with millions of treatments performed worldwide.

Common side effects (temporary):

• Small bumps at injection sites (24–48 hours)
• Mild redness or tenderness
• Occasional bruising

Rare side effects:

• Infection (very rare with proper technique)
• Allergic reaction (extremely rare — HA is naturally occurring in the body)

Who should avoid Profhilo:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Anyone with active skin infection in the treatment area
• Those with autoimmune conditions (discuss with your practitioner)

COMBINING PROFHILO WITH OTHER TREATMENTS

Profhilo works beautifully as part of a broader treatment plan. Common combinations include:

Profhilo + Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Profhilo improves skin quality while Botox addresses expression lines — complementary effects.

Profhilo + Dermal Fillers

Use Profhilo for overall skin quality, then targeted fillers for specific volume loss (cheeks, jawline). The improved skin quality from Profhilo can actually make filler results look better.

Profhilo + Polynucleotides

The ultimate skin rejuvenation combination — Profhilo for hydration and glow, polynucleotides for deep tissue repair. Many practitioners now offer staged protocols using both.

Profhilo + Energy-Based Treatments

Combine with radiofrequency, microneedling, or laser treatments for enhanced collagen stimulation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does Profhilo hurt?

There's mild discomfort — most describe it as a pinching or stinging sensation. The treatment is quick (15–30 minutes) and very tolerable for most people. Numbing cream can be applied beforehand if you're concerned.

Will I look different immediately?

You'll have small bumps at injection sites, but no dramatic change. The "Profhilo glow" emerges gradually over the following weeks. This is a treatment for people who want to look refreshed, not altered.

Can Profhilo be used under the eyes?

Standard Profhilo is generally not recommended for the delicate under-eye area. For this zone, polynucleotides or tear trough fillers are more appropriate options.

How is Profhilo different from my HA serum?

Topical hyaluronic acid sits on the skin's surface and provides superficial hydration. Profhilo is injected beneath the skin, delivering HA directly where it's needed and stimulating collagen production — something no topical product can do.

Can I wear makeup after?

Wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup to reduce infection risk. After that, you're fine to resume normal routines.

Is there anyone who shouldn't have Profhilo?

Avoid if pregnant/breastfeeding, have active skin infections, or have known allergies to hyaluronic acid (extremely rare). Always disclose your full medical history at consultation.

What age should I start Profhilo?

There's no "right" age. Some people start in their late 20s for prevention; others begin in their 40s–50s when they notice changes. The best time is when you feel your skin could benefit from it.

CHOOSING A PROFHILO PRACTITIONER

For best results and safety:

• Choose a medical professional — doctors, dentists, nurses, or pharmacist prescribers with aesthetic training
• Check their experience — ask how many Profhilo treatments they've performed
• Review before-and-after photos — look for natural-looking results
• Ensure proper consultation — they should assess your skin and discuss realistic expectations
• Verify the product — authentic Profhilo comes from IBSA/HA-Derma. Ask to see the packaging

READY TO TRY PROFHILO?

All clinics on MARBL are vetted for qualifications, insurance, and clinical standards. Browse Profhilo treatments to find a trusted practitioner near you.

Related Treatments

• Polynucleotides — cellular repair and regeneration for deeper skin concerns
• Skin Boosters — other injectable hydration treatments
• Dermal Fillers — for volume restoration and facial contouring
• Anti-Wrinkle Injections — for expression lines and wrinkles

Related Reading

• Polynucleotides Explained: The UK's Fastest-Growing Skin Treatment
• Ozempic Face: What Aesthetic Treatments Actually Help

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