Profhilo has become one of the most talked-about skin treatments of the last few years — and one of the most misunderstood. It is often lumped in with dermal fillers, but it does something quite different. Here is a clear, honest explanation from Dr Natalia Hancock, a GMC-registered doctor, of what Profhilo actually is, how it works, and how to decide whether it is right for your skin.
What is Profhilo?
Profhilo is an injectable treatment made from highly purified hyaluronic acid — the same moisture-binding molecule your skin produces naturally. Unlike a dermal filler, it is not designed to add volume or reshape a feature. Instead it is a bio-remodelling treatment: it spreads through the skin to deeply hydrate it and to stimulate the body’s own production of collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and springy.
The result is an improvement in skin quality rather than a change in shape — better hydration, a healthier glow, and a gradual firming of skin that has started to look a little tired, crepey or lax.
How does it work?
As we age, the skin’s own hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin decline, and skin becomes drier and less elastic. Profhilo delivers a high concentration of hyaluronic acid into the skin, where it does two things: it holds on to water to hydrate the tissue, and it acts as a gentle stimulus that encourages the skin to remodel and rebuild its support structures over the following weeks.
Because it is designed to disperse evenly rather than stay in one spot, it is placed using a small number of precise injection points and then spreads through the deeper layers of the skin.
What can it treat?
- Dull, dehydrated or “tired”-looking skin
- Early skin laxity and fine crepiness — often on the lower face, neck and hands
- Overall skin quality and glow, alongside or instead of other treatments
It is popular with people who don’t want the look of filler but do want their own skin to look healthier and more refreshed.
Profhilo vs dermal filler — what’s the difference?
A dermal filler is placed in a specific area to restore volume or refine a contour — cheeks, lips, jawline or chin. Profhilo is spread through the skin to improve its overall quality and hydration. They solve different problems, and some people benefit from both as part of a plan. Which (if either) suits you is exactly the kind of thing to work out at a consultation. You can read more about our dermal filler treatments and our Profhilo treatment here.
What to expect
A typical course is two sessions spaced about four weeks apart, followed by maintenance as needed. The treatment itself is quick. Small raised bumps at the injection points are normal and usually settle within a few hours. Most people return to normal activities the same day, following the aftercare advice given in clinic.
Results build gradually as the skin remodels, so this is not an overnight change — improvements in hydration and firmness typically develop over the weeks after treatment and are often maintained for around six months, depending on the individual.
Is Profhilo right for you?
Profhilo can be a lovely option for improving skin quality, but it is not the right answer for everyone or every concern — and it is not a substitute for volume replacement where that is what’s actually needed. As a doctor-led clinic, our approach is always to assess your skin properly and give you an honest recommendation, even if that means suggesting something other than the treatment you came in asking about. The only way to know whether Profhilo suits you is a proper, unhurried consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Profhilo last?
Results from a full course are commonly maintained for around six months, though this varies from person to person. Many people choose to top up periodically to keep the effect.
Does Profhilo hurt?
Most people find it very tolerable. The injections are few and quick, and any discomfort is usually brief. We’ll talk you through comfort options at your appointment.
How many sessions will I need?
A standard course is two sessions about four weeks apart to establish the result, with maintenance thereafter. Your exact plan is agreed at consultation.
Is Profhilo a filler?
No. It is a bio-remodelling treatment that improves skin quality and hydration, rather than a filler that adds volume or reshapes a feature.
When will I see results?
Results develop gradually as your skin remodels over the weeks following treatment, rather than appearing immediately.
Book a consultation in Leicester
If you’d like to know whether Profhilo is right for your skin, book a consultation with Dr Natalia at our Leicester clinic. You’ll get a thorough assessment and an honest, personalised plan — with no pressure. Learn more about the Profhilo treatment or get in touch to arrange your visit.
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