Profhilo: The Complete Guide

What Profhilo Is

Profhilo is a brand of injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) — the same moisture-binding molecule found
naturally in skin — at a very high concentration. Crucially, it contains no chemical cross-linkers:
it’s made by combining high- and low-molecular-weight HA, which gives it a uniquely fluid, spreadable quality. That’s
why it behaves quite differently from a traditional filler. It’s used on the face, and also the neck and hands, where
skin laxity and crepiness show.

How It Works

Once injected at a few precise points, Profhilo spreads through the skin rather than staying put.
It deeply hydrates and, importantly, acts as a bio-stimulator — prompting the skin to produce more
of its own collagen and elastin. The result is a gradual improvement in skin firmness, texture and radiance, rather
than a change in shape. Because it works with your skin’s biology, the effect looks natural and builds over
several weeks.

Profhilo vs Fillers vs Anti-Wrinkle Injections

These three injectables are often confused but do completely different jobs:

They’re complementary, not competing — many people combine them. The difference between Profhilo and fillers is
explored further in Profhilo vs dermal fillers.

What It Treats and Who It’s For

Profhilo suits people who want better skin quality rather than more volume — for example, early skin laxity,
crepey texture, dullness, or a “tired” look on the face, neck or backs of the hands. It’s a popular choice from the
late 30s onwards, but suitability is individual. It is not the right tool for deep static wrinkles
(better addressed with anti-wrinkle injections) or for restoring lost facial volume (better with fillers). Honest
expectation-setting is part of any good consultation.

The Treatment and What to Expect

Profhilo is injected at a small number of strategic points (often five per side on the face, using the recognised
“BAP” injection technique), so there are only a few injections per session. The standard protocol is
two sessions four weeks apart to establish the result. It takes only minutes, with little downtime;
you may have small temporary raised bumps at the injection points that settle within hours to a day, and occasional
minor bruising.

As with any injectable, it should be performed by a qualified medical practitioner after a proper assessment — see
how Profhilo works for more detail on the
science and technique.

Results, Longevity and Aftercare

Results build gradually as collagen and elastin respond, with the fuller effect visible a few weeks after the second
session. It typically lasts around six months, after which a single maintenance session keeps the
improvement going. Aftercare is simple: avoid makeup, heat (saunas, hot yoga), strenuous exercise and alcohol for
24–48 hours, and don’t massage the area. Whether the results are well evidenced is covered honestly in
the evidence for Profhilo.

Safety, Side Effects and Who Should Avoid It

Profhilo has a well-established safety profile when administered by a trained medical practitioner, and because it’s
a hyaluronic acid it’s broken down naturally by the body over time. The usual side effects are mild and
short-lived: small raised bumps at the injection points (which settle within hours to a day), and occasional
redness, swelling or bruising. As with any injectable, rarer issues such as infection or a vascular event are
possible, which is exactly why it should be done in a proper clinical setting rather than at a non-medical venue.

It’s generally best avoided, or deferred, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin
infection or inflammation at the treatment site, or a known allergy to hyaluronic acid products. If you have a
condition affecting your immune system or take medication that affects healing, mention it at your consultation so
the plan can be adjusted. Honest expectation-setting matters too: Profhilo improves skin quality, so if your
real concern is volume or deep wrinkles, a different treatment will serve you better.

Profhilo vs Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are another injectable skin treatment, derived from purified DNA fragments, that also improve skin
quality but work through a different mechanism (repair and regeneration). They’re sometimes compared directly with
Profhilo — the practical differences, and which suits which skin concern, are set out in
Profhilo vs polynucleotides
and are polynucleotides better than Profhilo.

Cost

An initial consultation is £100, at which your skin is assessed and a tailored plan and exact price are confirmed
before anything proceeds (Profhilo sits within our injectable treatments).
Because a course is usually two sessions, your consultation will set out the full course cost transparently.
Book a consultation or call 0203 916 6200.

Your Questions, Answered

What is Profhilo and what does it do?

Profhilo is an injectable skin booster made from a high concentration of stabilised hyaluronic acid. Rather than adding volume like a filler, it improves skin quality — hydration, firmness and elasticity — by spreading through the skin and stimulating your own collagen and elastin.

Is Profhilo a filler?

No. Although it’s made from hyaluronic acid like many fillers, Profhilo isn’t used to add volume or change shape. It’s a bio-remodelling treatment that improves overall skin quality, which is why it’s often combined with, rather than instead of, fillers or anti-wrinkle injections.

How many Profhilo sessions do I need?

The standard course is two sessions four weeks apart, with results building over the following weeks. A single maintenance session roughly every six months then keeps the improvement going.

How long does Profhilo last?

Typically around six months. Results appear gradually after the second session and then fade slowly, so a maintenance treatment around the six-month mark is usual.

Does Profhilo hurt and is there downtime?

There are only a few injections per session and discomfort is minimal. Downtime is short — you may have small temporary raised bumps at the injection points that settle within hours to a day, and occasionally minor bruising.