Profhilo® is a patented Italian treatment launched in 2015 by the company IBSA. It is classified as a bioremodelling hyaluronic acid – not a traditional filler. The difference is fundamental: whereas ordinary fillers fill out and shape volume, Profhilo "remodels" the skin from within by stimulating the body's own production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid[1].
What makes Profhilo unique?
Profhilo contains one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market – 64 mg HA in 2 ml of solution. It is a blend of high-molecular-weight (H-HA) and low-molecular-weight (L-HA) hyaluronic acid, produced using a patented NAHYCO® hybrid cooperative technology that does not use chemical cross-linking agents[2].
This means that the product:
- Spreads naturally through the tissue instead of staying at the injection point
- Breaks down in a more controlled way
- Stimulates 4 types of collagen and elastin at the same time
- Improves skin quality without adding volume
The BAP technique – 5 points per side
Profhilo is administered using a specific technique called BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) – 5 strategically chosen injection points on each half of the face. These points are chosen in order to:
- Lie within safe anatomical zones (avoiding blood vessels and nerves)
- Allow optimal spreading of the product
- Maximise the bioremodelling effect across the whole face
What does the treatment involve?
A typical Profhilo session takes 20–30 minutes. The skin area is cleansed and 2 ml of Profhilo is injected subcutaneously at the 10 BAP points on the face (5 per side). The pain is described as mild – the product does not contain a local anaesthetic, but the needles are very fine.
Treatment protocol
For optimal effect, the following is recommended:
- Treatment 1: Day 0
- Treatment 2: 4 weeks later
- Maintenance: 1 treatment every 6 months
Some patients see a significant improvement after the first treatment, but most studies show that two treatments are optimal for the full result.
Which areas are treated?
- Face (most common) – cheeks, jawline, forehead
- Neck – effective against age-related sagging
- Décolletage – reduces fine lines and improves skin quality
- Hands – restores hydration and firmness
- Knees, arms and inner thighs – for loose skin on the body
When are the results visible?
Most people notice an immediate increase in the skin's hydration. The full result – improved firmness, radiance and elasticity – becomes visible gradually after 4–8 weeks, once new collagen and elastin have formed.
How long does Profhilo last?
The effect normally lasts 6–9 months. To maintain the result, a follow-up treatment every six months is recommended.
Risks and side effects
Profhilo has an exceptionally good safety profile because it contains no cross-linkers and does not add volume. Common, transient side effects:
- Small bumps at the injection points (disappear within 24–48 hours)
- Slight redness
- Mild tenderness
- Bruising in rare cases
Profhilo vs Skin Boosters vs Fillers
| Property | Profhilo | Skin booster (Restylane Vital) | Filler |
|---|
| Purpose | Skin quality + bioremodelling | Hydration | Volume + shape |
| Cross-linker | No | Lightly cross-linked | Cross-linked |
| Stimulates collagen | Yes, strongly | Moderately | No |
| Volume effect | No | Very little | Yes |
| Sessions | 2 (initially) | 3–4 | 1 |
| Duration | 6–9 months | 4–6 months | 6–18 months |
Who is Profhilo suitable for?
Profhilo is ideal for:
- People aged 30+ who want to improve skin quality without changing the shape of the face
- Those experiencing early sagging or dryness
- Those who want a "natural glow" without filler
- Patients who already have fillers and want to complement them with an improvement in skin quality
Profhilo should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in cases of infection in the area or hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid.
