Profhilo
Profhilo is a unique treatment that has revolutionised aesthetic treatments. In my clinic I find it has closed the gap between Botox and Filler treatments, due to its unique ability to both hydrate and volumise the skin.
Profhilo is an injectable treatment, likened by some to an injectable moisturiser.
It contains a high concentration of stabilised hyaluronic acid, a molecule which absorbs several times its weight in water. The product is designed to dissipate slowly within the skin; during this time it stimulates 4 different types of collagen and elastin.
The resulting effects of its complex make up are lifting and tightening of the skin, reduced laxity, improved moisture and skin quality.
Dr Olivia has had amazing results since introducing this treatment. It is mainly targeted towards those beginning to see the effects of ageing within their skin, but it is beneficial from the age of 25 for an overall skin hydrating and beautifying effect.
The product contains the highest concentration of HA in the market. It is biocompatible meaning it is absorbed safely into our skin.
It is a treatment modality within itself, as it is different from injectable skin boosters due to its lifting and tightening effects.
Another unique aspect of this treatment is that virtually any patient could benefit from the results achievable. Whether you are looking for a treatment to give you a confidence boost, a treatment that no one can point the finger at due to its discreet nature, or an overall improvement to the appearance and feel of your skin, Profhilo could be the aesthetics treatment for you.
As well as being targeted to the facial skin; Profhilo can be used to treat lines or crepey skin on the neck, décolletage, hands and more.
What Is The Profhilo Treatment?
Profhilo is injected by Dr Olivia in a unique way. For facial treatment with Profhilo, Dr Olivia uses the ‘BAP’ technique, meaning the material is injected into 5 distinct points on either side of the face. The benefits of this technique are multiple. The BAP technique means Bio Aesthetic Points are targeted, to allow maximal spread of the product across the facial profile. The resulting benefits are the spread of the active ingredients up to 4cm from the injection points, meaning all facial areas are covered from the eyes to the chin. Improvement should be seen in all these areas, from the crows feet lines, to the cheek lines, to the lines provoked by smiling across the face, to the chin and jawline!
The careful analysis of the underlying skin and the intricate selection of the points by Dr Olivia will minimise the risk of adverse side effects, such as bruising, swelling, and fluid retention. For best results the treatment should be repeated twice (or up to three times in some cases), and carried out within a specific timeframe with approximately one month between visits. The maximal effects on the skin will be seen usually after the second treatment. Everyone differs in their personal response to the treatment, so when you will see the most benefit yourself can’t be predicted; you can follow this guide in terms of expectations. Results can last up to 6 months. Intervals can be repeated once every 3 months, twice every 6, or at a timeframe that suits your individual needs. A similar process is seen with treatment to other areas such as necks and hands. The results you should hope to achieve would be tighter skin with less laxity, brighter skin, a fresh appearance, improved facial contours, and more. As this is not a ‘filler’ treatment, you cannot guarantee specific sites of enhancement. Dr Olivia will explain this alongside expectations for your personal outcomes.
What Does The Profhilo Treatment Involve?
An explanation of the treatment protocol for Profhilo injection is detailed above.
Photographs will be taken during the consultation process, which will be used as part of your personal records, and may be used by Dr Olivia as a learning tool to point out aspects of importance in your individual case.
The consent process will be explained and paperwork filled out. This allows Dr Olivia to make notes related to your expectations, discussions had in clinic, and allow a period of time for you to consider your willingness to undergo any procedure. Any general risks and risks specific to you will be detailed to allow you to make an informed decision about your treatment choices.
To perform the procedure, Dr Olivia will clean and prepare the skin. A numbing agent is not usually indicated in this procedure.
Once the skin is cleansed to an optimal level, the injection sites will be measured and marked out according to Dr Olivia’s method. Injections are performed with a fine needle, and pressure is applied as required.
2ml is used per treatment area per visit. This may sound like a large amount for first timers, but it is the optimal level of gel needed to get the best outcome.
The gel is placed in small boluses under the skin. Immediately after injection, these will appear as small pea-sized dots. They may be visible if your skin is particularly thin, or may be invisible in others. In any instance, these should have disappeared within 24 hours of injection. The product should NOT be massaged, as this is the appropriate method of application for this technique.
Aftercare will be detailed and given to you on a card to follow on exit from the clinic.
How Long Does The Profhilo Treatment Take?
Aside from the consent process which varies on an individual basis, the actual performance of treatment should take around 20 minutes to complete.
Each injection takes a number of seconds, after careful choosing of the site.
Once aftercare is explained you may leave the clinic and continue with your normal day, as long as you are following the post operative instructions.
If you are having the neck area treatment, you will be advised to bring a clean scarf with you to hide any evidence a treatment has been done, should you wish.
How Soon After The Treatment Will I See Results?
You may start to see results within a few days of receiving your first treatment. The product flows underneath the skin and starts to work its magic. This involves invoking a series of processes within your skin, to improve collagen production, to provide the skin with the helpful molecules it needs to have optimal function, and much more!
The nature of this as a multifactorial treatment process involving several processes within our skin, means that you may see results at different timeframes depending on your individual results. Therefore, some people may see a lovely result on their skin within days, but others may not see the optimal outcome for weeks. In some instances the best results are seen after injection of the second treatment. This is due to the fact that the product placement within the skin is at maximal resultant effect 28 days after initial injection, but requires the top up treatment to create a lasting effect.
Once you’ve achieved the desired results, which may be after 1, 2, or in rare cases after 3 treatments, results should be visible for around 6 months.
How Long Do Profhilo Results Last?
You can expect your results to last for around 6 months after you have your treatment.
As for any treatment, results and lasting times will vary according to your individual response. Profhilo by nature is an amazing adjunctive treatment to other aesthetic modalities, or as a stand alone treatment.
Depending on your wishes for the outcome, Dr Olivia can tailor a treatment plan to give you maximal effects from your results. If you wish to have the treatment once for an event or purpose, you can expect the results to dissipate after several months. Should you wish to upkeep your outcome, a time frame for repeat treatments can be discussed and implemented into your personal plan. Budget and individual wishes can be considered to give you the plan that best suits you.
What Are The Associated Risks of Profhilo?
Profhilo is a very safe treatment. It has been well researched and developed to be accepted well into the skin and body.
The risks surrounding treatments are similar to any other injectable. These include, bruising, swelling, and very mild discomfort. This is not to say everyone will develop such symptoms, as side effects using Dr Olivia’s technique are extremely rare.
The possible risks associated with treatment will be fully covered at your pre treatment consultation. We can give you a copy to take away and read at home, or refer you to the appropriate literature to do your own research.
There are very few contraindications to the treatment. If you have a complex medical history this may pose a risk when considering injectables. If you suffer from overt puffiness around your eyes/cheek region, this may mean you aren’t an ideal candidate for a hydrating treatment to the area. It is not a complete contraindication, but Dr Olivia may proceed with caution or alter the injection pattern to suit your needs.
How Does Profhilo Compare To Botox?
Treatment with Botulinum toxin (Botox, Azzalure, Dysport, Bocouture) are generally aimed at the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Profhilo may be used for similar concerns, but its mode of action differs.
The Botulinum toxin substance is injected under the skin to target and reduce unfavourable muscle movement, which results in the formation of wrinkles.
Profhilo and its most potent active ingredient, stabilised hyaluronic acid, are aimed at the reduction of lines and wrinkles in many instances also. The mode of action here, however, is the injection of the HA substance to draw water into the skin, and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, to strengthen and tone that skin.
Both treatment modalities are effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, but by different means and can be chosen based on the different indications for the treatment.
Treatment using Botox (or other brands) are more commonly used to treat the upper face. The most common areas treated in our clinic are the forehand, frown, and the crow’s feet lines.
Profhilo is more commonly used in the rest of the face, from the eyebrows down.
Both treatments are effective for their intended purpose, last a similar amount of time, and work out at a similar cost when averaged over a year of treatment.
You do not need to get both unless you wish to do so and both are indicated for your concerns.
How Much Does Profhilo Cost?
The cost of Profhilo starts at £200 for a single visit. Each subsequent visit will be charged at the same rate, or may alter based on your requirements.