Collagen and elastin form part of the support network in the second layer of the skin, the dermis. As we age, our body produces less collagen and elastin which causes our skin to become thin and wrinkle. From the age of 30, we lose around 1% of our collagen per year and this can be increased with excess sun exposure, smoking and poor diets. For women, around 30% of collagen is lost in the first five years after menopause.
Profhilo is an injectable skin booster that is made out of pure, highly concentrated hyaluronic acid which has two main effects:
– Immediately increases skin hydration by attracting and holding water,
– Stimulating cells in the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, rebuilding the skin support structure.
Profhilo differs from other soft tissue fillers because it is not designed to change the shape of your face. It is much runnier and spreads out around 2cm from the injection site. Profhilo is injected very superficially with five injection points on each side of the face. These are called Bio Aesthetic Points (BAP) and allow for the best spread of the Profhilo over the face.
It lasts around 28 days in the body before being broken down, but the effects last much longer. It is recommended to have the first two treatments four weeks apart and then again every six months to help your skin look rejuvenated.
We can use Profhilo to treat the skin on the
-
- Face
- Neck
- Decolletage
- Hands
- Upper arm
- Stomach
- Inner thigh
- Knees
Treatment takes 15 minutes
Minimal downtime
Best results seen four weeks after second treatment
Course of two treatments, four weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 6 months
Topical anaesthesia not usually required required
Complications are rare
WHAT TO EXPECT
Before your treatment
After your medical consultation, we will discuss some pre-appointment advice that will help ensure the best possible results for your treatment.
We prefer that you can arrive at your appointment without make-up, as make-up left on the skin can pose an infection risk.
During your treatment
We begin by thoroughly cleansing your skin. We use the smallest needles available, so most patients do not require any numbing (although we can provide this if you prefer).
As the Profhilo is injected, a small stinging sensation can be felt. However, this does not last, and it resolves as soon as the injection is complete (after 5-10 seconds).
The injections will leave a series of very small bumps on the skin, which will settle within an hour. We then cleanse the skin again and apply some soothing and moisturising aftercare balm.
After your treatment
Here is some simple aftercare advice to help minimise adverse effects and maximise your outcome:
- Avoid heavy, sweaty exercise, hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms for 24 hours after treatment. This will help reduce the risk of swelling and bruising.
- Keep the treated area clean to help reduce the risk of infection.
- The time to optimum results varies from person to person, but some people mention they see improvements in their skin within a few days. Some, it can take a few weeks.
TREATMENT PRICES
Face, neck or hands (1 syringe)
Face and neck, neck and hands, face and hands (2 syringes)
Decollete, abdomen (1 syringe)
Arms, knees (2 syringes)
You can prepare your skin for your Profhilo treatment by adding a HydraFacial! You can enjoy from the immediate glow of the HydraFacial with the longer-term benefits from Profhilo!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I suitable for Profhilo?
Profhilo is generally used by people in their 30s and up, as long as they are medically and psychologically suitable. This will be discussed at your consultation.
Those who cannot have the treatment include:
- pregnant or breastfeeding women
- history of allergy to hyaluronic acid
- active infection of skin disease at or near the site of injection e.g. acne, cold sores, malignancy
- immunocompromised
- bleeding disorder
Will the treatment hurt?
The needles used for this treatment are very small, which ensures there is minimal discomfort. The injection of Profhilo may cause a stinging or pressure sensation. However, this lasts a few seconds each time, and the procedure will be finished within 15-20 minutes. If pain is a concern, then topical anaesthesia or ice may be used. This can be discussed with your doctor at your consultation.
How long does Profhilo last?
Even though Profhilo is broken down by the body after 28 days, the effects can be seen for several months. Most patients return for a repeat treatment around six months after their first, although some will come in sooner and some later.
When will I start to see the effects?
Some patients report an improvement in their skin within a few days. The best results will be seen around four weeks after the second treatment.
What is the downtime after Profhilo?
It is very normal after any injectable procedure to have some degree of swelling. Immediately after the Profhilo treatment, you will look like you have a series of bumps, like bee stings which will reduce within a few hours as the product disperses. It is best not to try and massage these bumps away yourself, as this could introduce the infection to the area. If swelling persists, then Dr Tunney or Dr Goddard can review you in the clinic.
Can I have other treatments done at the same time?
It may be possible to have anti-wrinkle treatment at the same time as your Profhilo treatment, however, this is not always the case. In some cases, it may be advised that the facial line softening injections are done first, around two weeks before Profhilo.
Dermal fillers can be used at least two weeks after the Profhilo treatment. The techniques used for each treatment are different; for example, after dermal fillers, a degree of massage is used after injection to mould the product. Massage of the area is not advised for Profhilo as it could disrupt its usual spread. If you are interested in a combination of procedures, Dr Tunney and Dr Goddard will help you formulate a time scale to achieve the best results.
A good way to prepare your skin for your injectable treatment is to start with a HydraFacial, which thoroughly cleanses and hydrates the skin before the injections. Again, this is not suitable for everyone and will be discussed at your consultation.
What product do you use?
We only used Profhilo sourced from their approved pharmacy to ensure the product is legitimate.