What Is Profhilo? The Bio-Remodelling Treatment Transforming Skin Quality

Profhilo is an injectable skin bio-remodelling treatment that uses one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA) available — 64mg per 2ml — to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin from within, dramatically improving skin hydration, firmness, and overall quality. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, Profhilo does not add volume or sculpt facial contours. Instead, it disperses beneath the skin to trigger a biological remodelling process that addresses skin laxity, fine lines, and dullness at a cellular level. Developed by IBSA Farmaceutici in Italy, Profhilo has become one of the most requested aesthetic treatments in the UK since its launch.

How Profhilo Differs from Dermal Fillers

Understanding the distinction between Profhilo and dermal fillers is crucial, as they serve fundamentally different purposes despite both containing hyaluronic acid.

Feature	Profhilo	Dermal Fillers
Purpose	Bio-remodel skin quality	Add volume, contour, fill wrinkles
HA concentration	64mg/2ml (very high)	20-24mg/ml (typical)
Consistency	Runny, fluid (spreads through tissue)	Gel-like (stays where injected)
Cross-linked	No (hybrid cooperative complex)	Yes (BDDE or similar cross-linker)
Injection points	5 per side (BAP technique)	Variable (multiple per area)
Results	Gradual (4-8 weeks)	Immediate
Duration	6-12 months	6-18 months

The Science Behind Profhilo

Profhilo’s unique formulation uses NAHYCO™ technology, which combines high molecular weight (H-HA) and low molecular weight (L-HA) hyaluronic acid in a patented thermal manufacturing process that does not require chemical cross-linking agents (such as BDDE used in fillers). This is significant because:

• H-HA (high molecular weight): Provides structural support and intense hydration at the dermal level, acting as a scaffold for tissue remodelling
• L-HA (low molecular weight): Penetrates more deeply and stimulates fibroblast activity, promoting the production of collagen types I, III, IV, and VII, as well as elastin
• No cross-linker: The absence of BDDE means Profhilo has one of the purest HA profiles of any injectable product, reducing the risk of inflammatory or allergic reactions

Research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2021) demonstrated that Profhilo treatment increased dermal collagen density by an average of 28% and elastin content by 46% at 8 weeks post-treatment, as measured by skin biopsy analysis.

What Profhilo Treats

Profhilo is most effective for:

• Skin laxity: Mild to moderate loss of skin firmness and elasticity
• Fine lines: Particularly crepey skin texture on the face and neck
• Dehydrated skin: Deep hydration that topical products cannot match
• Dull, tired-looking skin: Restoring glow and radiance
• Prevention: Maintaining skin quality as a preventative measure from the early 30s onwards

Treatment Areas

Whilst the face is the most popular treatment area, Profhilo is also highly effective for:

• Neck: An area particularly prone to crepey skin and laxity
• Décolletage: Fine lines and sun damage on the chest
• Hands: Crepey, thin skin and visible veins
• Inner arms: Laxity and thinning skin
• Above the knees: Skin laxity on the inner thigh area
• Abdomen: Post-pregnancy or post-weight-loss skin laxity

The Treatment Process

Consultation

A thorough consultation assesses your skin quality, discusses your concerns and goals, and confirms that Profhilo is the right treatment for you. Your practitioner will take photographs and may use a skin analysis device to objectively measure hydration, elasticity, and other parameters.

The BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) Technique

Profhilo is injected using the BAP technique, a standardised injection protocol that ensures optimal product distribution. For the face, there are 5 injection points per side (10 total):

1. Zygomatic (cheekbone) area
2. Nasolabial area
3. Malar (apple of cheek)
4. Pre-auricular (in front of the ear)
5. Mandibular angle (jawline)

The product is injected as small boluses (0.2ml per point) just beneath the skin. Because of its fluid consistency, Profhilo naturally disperses through the tissue, reaching areas far beyond the injection points. The entire procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Treatment Protocol

The standard Profhilo protocol is remarkably simple:

• Session 1: Initial treatment (2ml)
• Session 2: Repeat treatment 4 weeks later (2ml)
• Maintenance: One session every 6-12 months to sustain results

Some practitioners recommend a third “booster” session at 8 weeks for patients with more significant skin laxity, but two sessions are sufficient for most patients.

What Results to Expect

Profhilo results are gradual and cumulative. Here is a typical timeline:

• Day 1-3: Temporary small bumps at injection sites (a normal and expected feature of the BAP technique) that typically resolve within 24-48 hours
• Week 2-3: Initial improvement in skin hydration and glow
• Week 4: Second treatment session
• Week 6-8: Noticeable improvement in skin firmness, elasticity, and overall quality as collagen and elastin remodelling matures
• Month 3-6: Peak results — skin appears firmer, more hydrated, and more luminous
• Month 6-12: Results are maintained; maintenance session recommended at this point

Patients commonly describe the results as “an overall improvement in skin quality” rather than a dramatic change — the skin looks healthier, smoother, and more youthful without looking “treated.”

Who Is Profhilo Suitable For?

Ideal Candidates

• Adults aged 30+ with early signs of skin laxity and loss of firmness
• Patients in their 40s-60s with moderate skin quality decline
• Those experiencing dull, dehydrated skin that does not respond to topical products alone
• Patients seeking natural-looking improvement with minimal downtime
• Men and women — Profhilo is equally effective and popular across all genders
• As a complement to other aesthetic treatments (fillers, Botox, laser)

Contraindications

• Allergy or hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid
• Active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area
• Autoimmune conditions affecting the skin
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Patients on blood-thinning medications (increased bruising risk — discuss with practitioner)

Cost of Profhilo in the UK

In the UK, Profhilo typically costs between £250 and £450 per session. The standard two-session protocol therefore costs £500 to £900 in total. Many clinics offer package pricing for the initial course, and maintenance sessions (every 6-12 months) are usually priced at the single-session rate.

When evaluating cost, consider that Profhilo’s two-session protocol is significantly simpler than many alternatives — a course of microneedling (4-6 sessions) or a full facial filler treatment can cost more in total. Contact Axiom Aesthetics for our current Profhilo pricing.

Profhilo vs Other Skin Quality Treatments

Treatment	Primary Action	Sessions	Best For
Profhilo	HA bio-remodelling	2	Laxity, hydration, firmness
Polynucleotides	DNA bio-stimulation	3-4	Under-eyes, tissue repair
Skin boosters	Micro HA hydration	3	Hydration, fine lines
PRP	Growth factor stimulation	3-4	Glow, texture, scarring
Microneedling	Collagen induction	3-6	Texture, pores, scarring

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Profhilo hurt?

Most patients describe Profhilo injections as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. The BAP technique involves 10 small injections across the face, each feeling like a brief sting lasting 1-2 seconds. Topical numbing cream can be applied beforehand for patients with low pain tolerance, though many patients find it unnecessary. The most commonly reported sensation is a slight stinging as the product is injected, which subsides immediately. Post-treatment, mild tenderness at the injection sites is normal for 24 hours.

What are the bumps after Profhilo, and how long do they last?

Small raised bumps (papules) at the injection sites are a normal and expected part of the BAP technique. These bumps are simply the deposited Profhilo product before it disperses through the tissue. They typically flatten and become invisible within 24-48 hours as the product integrates into the surrounding tissue. Patients should avoid massaging the bumps — the product is designed to spread naturally. If bumps persist beyond 72 hours, contact your treating clinic.

Can I have Profhilo and Botox or fillers at the same time?

Yes, Profhilo can be combined with other aesthetic treatments as part of a comprehensive rejuvenation protocol. However, treatments should typically be staggered rather than performed on the same day. A common approach is to have Profhilo first to improve overall skin quality, then add Botox or fillers 2-4 weeks later. Alternatively, Botox can be done first, with Profhilo following 2 weeks later. Your practitioner will design an optimal sequencing plan based on your individual needs during your consultation.

How many Profhilo treatments do I need?

The standard protocol is 2 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 6-12 months. Most patients see significant improvement after just 2 sessions. Some practitioners recommend a third “booster” session at 8 weeks for patients with more pronounced skin laxity or those over 55. Over time, with consistent annual maintenance, results tend to improve cumulatively as the bio-remodelling effect builds.

Is Profhilo suitable for men?

Absolutely. Profhilo is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments among male patients because it improves skin quality without creating an obviously “treated” appearance. Men’s skin benefits from the same collagen and elastin stimulation, improved hydration, and firmness. The treatment is equally effective on male skin, and the subtle, natural results align well with male patients’ preference for treatments that look refreshed rather than cosmetically altered. Visit our team page to learn more about our experience treating male patients.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Profhilo is a medical aesthetic treatment that should only be administered by qualified practitioners. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified medical professional before undergoing any aesthetic procedure. Axiom Aesthetics is a UK-based aesthetic clinic — contact us to arrange a consultation.