Mr. Onur Gilleard
Qualifications & Experience
Mr Onur Gilleard is a distinguished consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC specialist register. He previously held an NHS consultant post at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, specialising in skin cancer and microsurgical reconstruction. In 2021, Mr Gilleard transitioned from the NHS to dedicate himself fully to private practice, allowing him to focus exclusively on providing personalised, high-quality care to his patients. He is recognised as an expert in laser treatments, having conducted research and developed advanced treatment protocols using cutting-edge laser technology to optimise both clinical outcomes and cosmetic results.
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Profhilo is an injectable “skin booster” or bio-remodelling treatment made from a high concentration of stabilised hyaluronic acid. Unlike a dermal filler (which adds volume and shape) or anti-wrinkle injections (which relax muscles), Profhilo improves skin quality — hydration, firmness, elasticity and that “glow” — by spreading through the skin and stimulating your own collagen and elastin. The standard course is two sessions four weeks apart, with results building over the following weeks and typically lasting around six months. This guide explains exactly how it works, what it treats, how it compares with fillers and polynucleotides, and what to expect.
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:
| Treatment | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Profhilo (skin booster) | Improves skin quality — hydration, firmness, elasticity — by bio-stimulating collagen. | Crepey, lax, dull skin; overall “glow”. |
| Dermal fillers | Add volume and shape to specific areas. | Lips, cheeks, chin, lost volume, contour. |
| Anti-wrinkle injections | Relax muscles to soften movement lines. | Frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet. |
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.
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