PROFHILO

Although the majority of dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, Profhilo is not a dermal filler. In Profhilo, the molecule chains of high and low molecular weight non-animal hyaluronic acid are thermally stabilised and fused together. This creates a unique patented hybrid complex: a gel which spreads and becomes integrated into the skin.

Profhilo is injected into the skin in a specific pattern depending on the area that is being treated. Two treatments are required, 4 weeks apart.  The first to stimulate, and the second to ‘boost’ and ensure longevity.  In some cases, and depending on your initial skin quality, you may benefit from a third treatment, typically 8 weeks from your second treatment. Discuss with your practitioner whether this could be the right option for you.

Profhilo is used to treat skin laxity and improve skin quality. It can be used to treat skin laxity and skin quality, almost anywhere. Common places of treatment include:

• The face
• Neck
• Décolletage
• Hands
• Inner arms.

Generally, patients report their Profhilo benefits to be an overall improvement in skin hydration, brightness, smoothness and firmness.  

Your practitioner will take a detailed medical history to ensure you have no conditions that might increase the risk of unwanted side effects. Your consultation will also be an important opportunity for you to discuss your expectations and whether this treatment is able to meet them.

Any injectable treatment is not recommended if:

• You are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area, or are unwell in any way (even a cold).
• You have previously experienced allergic reactions to any dermal filler or local anaesthetic.
• You are taking any medicines which affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin.
• You are taking steroids or have an autoimmune disease.
• You have any bleeding disorders.
•  You suffer from a poorly controlled medical condition.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You are currently on or have recently completed a course of Roacutane (Isotretinoin acne treatment) in the last 18 months.

Take Caution:

• If you are planning to attend an important event and any adverse reaction described, including bruising, would be unacceptable to you, discuss with your clinician in advance of having treatment.
• Some over the counter medicines and supplements can also affect bleeding (make you more prone to bruising), as can alcohol. Alcohol should be avoided the day before and after treatment.
• Vigorous exercise, sun exposure, sun beds, sauna should be avoided for 48 hours, or as advised by your clinician, after treatment.
• If you are at all concerned about symptoms you were not expecting or are not happy with, please contact the practitioner for advice. If necessary, an appointment will be made for you to be seen.

All make up will need to be removed prior to treatment, so please come ‘fresh faced’ if possible. Alcohol, aspirin, Ibuprofen and a range of dietary supplements including St. John’s Wort, fish oils, Gingko Biloba, and Vitamins C and E may all contribute to bruising and are best avoided 24 hours before treatment.

Treatment cannot be administered if there is an active skin infection, including acne or cold sores, or if you are unwell. This includes colds, coughs, sore throats etc. Contact the clinic to discuss any illnesses or new medicines prior to attending.

Do not schedule treatment when you have other procedures planned, without first discussing with your clinician. This includes, but is not limited to, massage, facials, dental appointments and surgery.

Treatment with hyaluronic acid is safe, but not risk free. Your clinician will discuss all the risks and Profhilo benefits with you at consultation, and will do so again prior to treatment.

Anaesthetic cannot be used and is not necessary for Profhilo treatment. The injections sting briefly, but patients generally report only a mild discomfort. After the treatment, you may experience some tenderness for the first 24-72 hours. 

Longevity does vary between individuals, but Profhilo benefits are expected to appear over a period of 4-6 weeks and last for approximately 6 months.  If you choose not to maintain the results with further treatment, your skin will return to its pre-treatment state over time.  

Most people can continue with normal activities. Some will experience some redness and/or pin prick marks. Bruising is possible.

Profhilo is injected in small ‘deposits’. You may be able to see them initially, but they settle quickly – usually within hours. It may be possible to feel the product where it has been injected under the skin. It will settle on its own, so there is no need to massage the area.

• Make-up should not be worn for 12 hours after treatment.
• You are advised to avoid alcohol and vigorous exercise for 48 hours.
• Avoid sun bathing, and extremes of heat or cold for 14 days post treatment.
• Any bruising may take a few days to appear, and arnica can be helpful in clearing bruising.  It is advisable to avoid aspirin for 12-48 hours after treatment.
• Tenderness should settle as swelling and bruising goes down.

Symptoms to report to your practitioner

• Redness, tenderness, itching or swelling that worsens after 3 days, rather than settling.
• Blanching, mottled bruising/redness, or pain (beyond tenderness as you would expect with bruising or swelling).
• Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. This can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the tongue, eyelids, lips, hoarseness of the voice, stomach pain, nausea or diarrhoea. If you have any of the above symptoms please report to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department or call 999 for an ambulance.

By finding your Profhilo injection practitioner through Save Face, you can be confident that you’re booking your treatment with someone who is legitimate. All practitioners that you will find through Save Face have passed our thorough 116-point assessment to prove that:

• They are who they say they are.
• They are a registered nurse/midwife, doctor, dentist or prescribing pharmacist with specialist training and insurance in each treatment listed on their profile.
• They use licensed products sourced from reputable suppliers.
• They have all of the necessary paperwork in place to protect you from undue risk and harm.
• Their clinic is safe and hygienic.

Find the practitioner to administer your Profhilo treatment by starting your search here.