As UK legislation tightens for cosmetic injectables, there’s never been a better (and safer) time to consider a semi-permanent adjustment or two. But, if botox and fillers still seem a little scary, Profhilo it might just be the entry-level injectable alternative you’re looking for.
Called the ultimate glow agent by its fans, think of Profhilo as a super moisturizer for your skin. Instead of reshaping your face (fillers) or relaxing your muscles (botox), Profhilo delivers deep hydration to your skin to help plump, hydrate and give you an all-over glow.
But what exactly is it? And, more importantly, how much does it hurt? We got the lowdown from two of the beauty industry’s most trusted experts, Aesthetic Doctor Dr Wassim Taktouk and Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams, on everything you need to know about Profhilo…
Everything you need to know about Profhilo
What is Profhilo?
“Profilo® is a hyaluronic acid (HA) ‘under the skin’ moisturizing treatment, delivering HA deeper into the skin than any topical HA serum can,” explains Dr Williams. “It contains one of the highest concentrations of pure hyaluronic acid on the market at 62 mg per 2 ml syringe,” explains Dr. Taktouk. “It targets multiple layers of the skin to restore firmness, tone and elasticity to levels that cannot be achieved by applying skincare products to the skin’s surface alone.”
How does Profhilo compare to other injectables?
Profhilo may fall under the category of injectables, but just like fillers and botox are made up of different ingredients and serve different functions, Profhilo is a completely different treatment.
“Profilo is a gentle, rejuvenating treatment, unlike dermal fillers or botox that relaxes wrinkles, adds volume/contour to the face, or relaxes facial muscles, respectively,” says Dr. Williams. “In this sense, Profhilo is completely different from fillers and botox and should not be considered as a replacement, but as an addition. It’s also a great starter option (on its own) for less mature skin that doesn’t (yet) need other cosmetic injectables. It is very popular as the results are guaranteed to be natural looking.’
How does Profhilo work?
Aside from injecting a hyaluronic acid formula into your skin, how does Profhilo actually work to change the structure and texture of your skin? “When injected into the skin Profhilo® helps the skin retain water, effectively ‘hydrating’ the skin from within,” explains Dr Williams. “In addition, it has also been shown to stimulate collagen and elastin. As a stabilized HA product, the activity on the skin will last longer than that of unstabilized HA from, for example, mesotherapy.
What are the benefits of Profhilo for your skin?
Where botox and fillers aim to change the way your face moves or its shape, consider Profhilo as the ultimate step in your skincare routine. “Profilo achieves its effects through its action at multiple levels,” explains Dr. Taktouk. “At deeper levels it creates structure and support alongside hydration that gives skin bounce and firmness. On the surface we see improved texture and tone and an overall healthier skin.’
Tell us about what’s going on…
Obviously some needles are involved, but exactly how many and where? Dr. Taktuk explained to us what happens during a Profhilo appointment…
1. Consultation
“In our clinic, we first consult our patients to ensure that they are suitable for the treatment. We discuss the potential side effects of Profhilo along with the specific benefits that particular patient can expect to see. We often supplement our discussions with written information and offer our patients a follow-up appointment for the treatment itself. For new patients we encourage this “cooling off period” so they can really consider their treatment options.
2. Before treatment
“On the day of treatment, the patient is welcomed to the clinic and a consent form is signed. Photographs of the treatment area are taken and added to the patient’s medical records before entering the treatment room. Once comfortable, we examine the treatment area noting any visible blood vessels, areas of unhealthy skin or moles or lesions to avoid. Then we clean the skin with an antimicrobial solution.’
3. The injections
“As soon as it is happy and the skin is cleansed, the treatment begins. It consists of 5 specific injections on each side of the face (in front of the ear, front and side of the cheek, corner of the jaw and under the lower lip). That is 10 injections in total. Each injection takes less than 5 seconds. Gauze is held over the injection sites if needed, and then the area is cleaned again with an antimicrobial product that also contains arnica to aid in healing.
“To reduce discomfort we use a couple of techniques – tight balls for the patient to hold and a vibrating facial tool that is placed on the skin. Vibrations distract from pain and are clinically proven to reduce discomfort – think about when you are in pain and rub the area – it reduces the sensation of pain.’
4. After Treatment
“The patient is then advised not to touch the area or wear make-up for at least 12 hours, but can then continue as normal. In terms of aftercare, the patient should avoid certain medications, heavy exercise and alcohol for 48 hours, as this can increase the risk of bleeding.’
5. Treatment monitoring
Each Profhilo treatment is given in two parts, the second about a month after the first.
Does Profhilo hurt?
Although numbing cream can be used, many clinics prefer not to (it can worsen the appearance of bruising) meaning that ten injections to the face will be a bit smarter.
“If you ask me, I would say yes, it hurts,” says Dr. Taktouk. “The needle itself is tiny, it’s the actual product that stings as it’s injected. That said, each injection only takes seconds to administer, we use distraction techniques to reduce discomfort and the stinging sensation goes away quickly. It is certainly not painful enough to prevent patients from returning for further treatments.’
How long does Profhilo take to work?
“We recommend two to three treatment sessions one month apart. After this your skin will look more hydrated, firmer and more youthful,” says Dr Williams. Something Dr Taktouk agrees with. “Many people start to see an improvement in their skin within a week of their treatment. However, the real results won’t start to show until you reach 6-8 weeks, as this is the time it takes for the body to start producing collagen and elastin, which really makes a difference in terms of results and what you see on the surface”.
How long does Profhilo last?
“It is recommended that after completing the initial two treatments, you repeat the treatment every six months and the results will usually last that long,” says Dr. Taktouk. “Some patients notice that their skin starts to dull around the six-month mark, and others love the treatment so much that they come in earlier than six months, and that’s good, too.”
Who should and who should not take Profhilo?
“Profilo® is great for hydration and helps regenerate the skin when the first signs of aging appear,” says Dr. Williams. “The result is always very natural. However, for people with more mature damaged skin, additional treatments may be needed to achieve the desired result. As a general rule of thumb, I would not recommend injectable cosmetics for anyone under the age of 25 who has youthful and plump skin with no signs of aging or skin damage.”
It is also worth noting that pregnant or breastfeeding women should not have Profhilo.
Does Profhilo work on all skin tones and types?
“Yes, this treatment is suitable for all genders, skin tones and skin types,” advises Dr Williams.
What can’t Profilo do?
When considering an injectable treatment, it’s always good to manage your expectations and know what they are ordinary achieve what he will.
“Profilo is not a filler – it cannot add volume to specific areas and will not be able to erase deeper lines,” says Dr. Taktouk. “It also can’t be used on the forehead, which is important for anyone considering it as a treatment for dry skin or fine lines on the forehead.”
What is the downtime after Profhilo?
After ten injections in your face, it’s fair enough to wonder how much downtime might be involved (and whether a face mask might be necessary for the trip home).
“There is usually no downtime, however you will experience some redness and small bumps from the injections for up to an hour after treatment,” explains Dr Williams. “Very occasionally, bruising may occur.”
Can Profhilo go wrong?
Injectables can understandably seem a little scary, so it’s good to know the risks before you go ahead. “No injection treatment comes without risks, however the risk of Profhilo is comparatively very low if administered by a practitioner who is properly trained,” says Dr Williams. “There’s no risk of ending up looking ‘done’ as Profhilo is very gentle and natural results are practically guaranteed.
Is botox better than Profhilo?
Although often placed in a similar camp, botox and Profhilo are two very different treatments. Profhilo is best positioned as a skin rejuvenation treatment, which can boost collagen production and hydrate the skin. Meanwhile, botox smoothes fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing your facial muscles.
How much does Profhilo cost?
The cost of Profhilo may vary depending on the clinic you go to and your location, however we have noted the price of the treatment at Dr Taktouk and Dr Williams clinics below for reference.
Profhilo Treatment at Taktouk Clinic – £495 per session BOOK NOW
Profhilo treatment at Eudelo – £695 BOOK NOW
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