Profhilo is an injectable hyaluronic acid treatment designed to improve skin quality from within. It is often described as a skin booster, although Profhilo is more accurately known as a bio-remodelling treatment because it does more than simply hydrate the skin.
Unlike dermal filler, Profhilo does not add volume, reshape the face or alter facial structure. Instead, it spreads beneath the skin, where it helps improve hydration, firmness, elasticity and overall skin texture. Its purpose is to support the condition of the skin itself, rather than change the contours of the face.
Profhilo contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin and known for its ability to attract and retain water. Once injected, it gradually disperses through the tissue and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, helping the skin look smoother, fresher and more resilient over time. Profhilo’s official positioning describes it as a “beneath the skin” hyaluronic acid moisturising treatment made with NAHYCO® technology, with a slow release of hyaluronic acid that supports collagen and elastin stimulation.
Treatment is usually carried out using a small number of injection points, often five on each side of the face. Most patients are advised to have two sessions, usually around four weeks apart, with results developing gradually in the weeks that follow.
For patients who are well suited to it, Profhilo can help the skin look more hydrated, more even, firmer and generally healthier, without the obvious signs of having had an injectable treatment. It is particularly useful for patients who are beginning to notice dullness, crepey texture, mild laxity or a loss of skin freshness, but who do not want the added volume associated with traditional filler.
Profhilo is an injectable skin booster made from a high concentration of hyaluronic acid. What makes it different from most other skin boosters is that rather than sitting where it is injected, it gradually spreads through the surrounding tissue. This means a small number of injection points can improve a much wider area of the face over the following weeks.
Once injected, it hydrates the tissue and encourages the skin to produce new collagen and elastin over the following weeks. The effect builds across a two-session course: one session today, a second four weeks later, with the best results visible at around eight to twelve weeks. The specific injection points used are designed to place the product where it can travel naturally along the tissue, which is also why the appointment is quicker than most injectable treatments.
Profhilo is most suitable for patients who want to improve the overall quality of their skin, rather than change the shape or structure of the face. It is a good option when the skin is starting to look tired, dull, dehydrated or less firm, but where volume loss, deep folds or more advanced skin laxity are not the main concern.
It can work particularly well from the mid-thirties onwards, although suitability is always based on the skin rather than age alone. For many patients, Profhilo is a useful early intervention treatment, helping to support hydration, elasticity and skin resilience before changes become more pronounced.
Profhilo may be especially appropriate for patients who want their skin to look fresher, smoother and healthier without looking as though they have had an injectable treatment. It is often chosen by people who do not want filler, do not want to change their facial proportions, and prefer a subtle improvement in skin quality.
Profhilo is not usually the best standalone option when the main concern is deep lines, established folds, significant volume loss or more advanced skin laxity. In these cases, Dr Duncan Brennand may recommend a different treatment, or a combination approach, depending on the skin, facial structure and desired result.
For example, dermal filler may be more appropriate where there is clear volume loss in areas such as the cheeks, temples or around the mouth. Energy-based treatments may be more suitable where the main concern is tightening, lifting or jowling. If the skin is actively inflamed, acne-prone or the barrier is compromised, treatment may need to be delayed until the skin is calmer and more stable.
| Patient type or concern | Is Profhilo suitable? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Men and women from their 30s onwards | Yes | Profhilo is often suitable for patients beginning to notice early changes in skin quality, hydration and firmness. |
| Dull, dry or dehydrated skin | Yes | Profhilo contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, helping the skin appear fresher, smoother and more hydrated. |
| Mild to moderate skin laxity | Yes | It can help improve firmness and elasticity, particularly where the skin is starting to look crepey or less resilient. |
| Fine lines and early ageing changes | Yes | Profhilo can support smoother-looking skin, especially when lines are linked to dehydration or reduced skin quality. |
| Patients wanting natural results | Yes | It does not add volume or reshape the face, making it suitable for patients who want a subtle improvement in skin quality. |
| Preventative skin ageing support | Often | It may be appropriate for patients in their late 20s or early 30s who are beginning to notice early skin changes, depending on clinical assessment. |
| Face, neck, décolletage or hands | Yes | Profhilo is commonly used beyond the face, especially in areas where the skin looks thinner, crepey or less firm. |
| Patients considering Botox or fillers | Sometimes | Profhilo can be used alongside other injectable treatments, but it has a different role: improving skin quality rather than relaxing muscles or restoring volume. |
| Deep folds or significant volume loss | Not usually as a standalone treatment | Dermal filler or another structural treatment may be more appropriate if the main issue is volume loss or deeper facial folds. |
| Significant jowling or advanced laxity | Not usually as a standalone treatment | Energy-based tightening treatments or combination plans may be more effective where lifting and tightening are the priority. |
| Active infection, inflammation or acne in the treatment area | No | Treatment should usually be postponed until the skin is calm and stable. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | No | Injectable aesthetic treatments are generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
| Known allergy or sensitivity to treatment ingredients | No | Patients with relevant allergies should not proceed without medical review. |
| Under 18s | No | Profhilo is an adult aesthetic treatment and is not suitable for patients under 18. |
Profhilo is often compared with polynucleotides, dermal fillers and collagen-stimulating treatments such as Julaine, but each treatment has a different role.
Profhilo is not a filler. It does not add volume, reshape the face or fill deeper lines. Instead, it improves skin quality by increasing hydration, supporting elasticity and encouraging a fresher, smoother appearance. This makes Profhilo a good option for patients whose main concern is dullness, crepey texture, mild laxity or skin that looks tired, rather than facial volume loss.
When comparing Profhilo vs polynucleotides, the difference is mainly in the type of skin support each treatment provides. Profhilo is usually chosen when the priority is hydration, glow and an overall improvement in skin texture. Polynucleotides are often considered when the skin needs more regenerative support, particularly around delicate areas or where inflammation, repair or longer-term skin quality is the focus. For many patients, it is not necessarily a case of Profhilo or polynucleotides, but which treatment is the better starting point for their skin.
When comparing Profhilo vs filler, the distinction is clearer. Dermal filler is used when the aim is to restore volume, support structure or soften deeper folds. Profhilo is used when the aim is to improve the condition of the skin itself. A patient with volume loss in the cheeks, temples or around the mouth may benefit more from filler. A patient whose skin looks dry, dull or less elastic may be better suited to Profhilo.
For patients who want a stronger firming or collagen-stimulating effect than Profhilo can provide, Julaine may be the more appropriate option. Julaine is often considered when the priority is progressive collagen support, improved firmness and more meaningful improvement in skin laxity over time.
For patients who want skin tightening without an injectable, Sofwave (the same as Softwave Therapy) may be the better first step. Sofwave uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen and tighten the skin, particularly where the concern is lifting, laxity or early jowling. Profhilo and Sofwave can also work well together, with Sofwave supporting tightening and Profhilo improving hydration and skin quality.
At L’Atelier Aesthetics on Harley Street, Dr Duncan Brennand will assess whether Profhilo, polynucleotides, dermal filler, Julaine, Sofwave or a combination approach is most appropriate. The right choice depends on whether the concern is hydration, volume loss, skin laxity, collagen support or overall skin quality.
| Concern | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
Overall skin quality and mild firmness | Profhilo | High concentration, spreads across the tissue, stimulates collagen |
Under-eye crepiness and fine lines around the eyes | Polynucleotides | Better suited to the thin skin around the eyes, more targeted repair |
Early line softening with hydration | Sunekos | Combines hyaluronic acid with ingredients that support fine line improvement |
Profhilo can improve skin hydration, radiance, firmness, elasticity and overall skin texture. It is not designed to add volume or change the shape of the face. Instead, it works gradually to improve the quality of the skin itself, helping it look fresher, smoother and healthier over the weeks following treatment.
Most patients notice the first improvements in hydration and glow within the first week. The fuller results usually appear after the second session, with the best outcome typically visible around eight to twelve weeks from the first appointment.
Profhilo may help improve:
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Immediately after treatment | Small raised bumps may appear at the injection points. These usually settle within six to twelve hours. |
| First week | Skin may feel more hydrated and look slightly brighter or more luminous. |
| Four weeks | The second treatment is usually carried out, helping to build the full result. |
| Four to six weeks after the second session | Hydration, glow, firmness and skin texture are usually more noticeable. |
| Eight to twelve weeks from the first session | This is when many patients see their best result. |
| Six to nine months | Results are usually maintained for this period, depending on skin quality, age and lifestyle. Some patients may see benefits for up to twelve months. |
Profhilo is not an instant lifting or volumising treatment. It does not work like dermal filler, where structure or volume can be seen straight away. The result builds gradually as the hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin and supports collagen and elastin production.
This is why Profhilo is often a good choice for patients who want a natural-looking improvement rather than an obvious injectable result.
Downtime is usually minimal. Profhilo is commonly injected using five specific points on each side of the face, often called the BAP technique. These points are chosen to allow the product to spread through the tissue while keeping the number of injections low.
After treatment, you may notice:
For most patients, the small bumps settle within six to twelve hours. Many return to normal activity the same day and apply makeup the following morning.
Profhilo results usually last around six to nine months. Some patients may see benefits for up to twelve months, depending on their skin quality, age, metabolism, sun exposure, smoking status and skincare routine.
Most patients maintain their results with one to two courses per year. Patients in their forties and above often benefit from two courses annually, while patients in their mid-thirties may find that one course per year is enough.
For the right patient, Profhilo can be a very effective treatment for improving skin quality without changing the face. The key is choosing it for the correct concern. If the main issue is hydration, glow, early crepiness or mild laxity, Profhilo can work beautifully. If the concern is deeper volume loss, established folds or more advanced skin laxity, we may need to consider filler, Sofwave, Julaine or a combination approach instead.
At L’Atelier Aesthetics, all Profhilo treatments are administered personally by Dr Duncan Brennand. He is a GMC-registered aesthetic doctor with over a decade of clinical practice on Harley Street. His registration can be verified on the GMC medical register using reference number 4341662. Patients are encouraged to verify the credentials of any practitioner before undergoing injectable treatment.
Every patient begins with a clinical consultation. Dr Brennand will assess the skin, review the concerns presented, and recommend a treatment plan suited to the clinical picture. Where Profhilo is not the most appropriate option, an alternative will be recommended and the reasoning explained clearly.
The clinic is at 101 Harley Street, London W1G 6AH, a short walk from Bond Street and Oxford Circus underground stations. Patients travelling from outside London can reach the clinic directly via the Elizabeth line from Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airports.
Profhilo is not better than Botox. They treat different concerns. Botox relaxes specific facial muscles to soften movement-related lines, such as frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. Profhilo improves skin hydration, firmness, elasticity and texture without affecting facial movement.
For many patients, the best result comes from using both treatments in the right way: Botox for dynamic wrinkles and Profhilo for overall skin quality.
No, Profhilo is not a dermal filler. Although it contains hyaluronic acid, it is designed to spread beneath the skin rather than stay in one place to add volume or structure.
Dermal fillers are used to restore volume, contour the face or support areas such as the cheeks, lips, jawline or temples. Profhilo is used to improve the condition of the skin itself, including hydration, glow, firmness and elasticity.
Profhilo improves skin quality. Dermal fillers restore or create structure. Profhilo is usually chosen when the skin looks dry, dull, crepey or less firm, but the face does not need volume restoration.
Fillers are more appropriate when the concern is hollowing, deeper folds, facial volume loss or contouring. Some patients benefit from both: Profhilo to improve the skin, and filler to support areas where volume or structure has been lost.
Profhilo is generally well tolerated, but it is not the right treatment for every concern. It will not lift significant jowling, replace lost facial volume or remove deep folds in the way that filler, energy-based tightening or other regenerative treatments might.
The most common short-term effects are small raised bumps at the injection points, mild redness, swelling, tenderness or occasional bruising. These usually settle quickly, often within the same day or by the following morning.
Profhilo results usually last around six to nine months. Some patients may notice benefits for up to twelve months, depending on skin quality, age, lifestyle, sun exposure, smoking status and how well the skin responds.
Most patients maintain results with one to two courses per year. Patients in their forties and above often benefit from two courses annually, while patients in their mid-thirties may find one course per year is enough.
Profhilo is commonly suitable for patients in their mid to late 20s onwards, when early changes in hydration, elasticity, firmness and skin texture start to become more noticeable. It can also be useful later, particularly for patients with dry, crepey or thinner-looking skin.
There is no single “best” age for Profhilo. Suitability depends more on skin quality than age alone. Dr Duncan Brennand will assess whether Profhilo is likely to give the improvement you want, or whether another treatment would be more appropriate.
No, 60 is not necessarily too old for Profhilo. It can still improve hydration, skin texture and overall skin quality in patients in their sixties. However, expectations need to be realistic.
If the main concern is significant laxity, deeper folds, jowling or volume loss, Profhilo may work best as part of a broader treatment plan rather than as a standalone option.
Profhilo can soften the appearance of fine lines when they are linked to dehydration, thinning skin or reduced skin quality. It is not designed to remove deep wrinkles, expression lines or established folds.
For movement-related wrinkles, Botox may be more appropriate. For deeper folds or volume loss, dermal filler may be more suitable. Profhilo’s strength is improving the texture, hydration and resilience of the skin.
It depends on the concern. Profhilo is an excellent option for hydration, glow, mild laxity and overall skin quality. If the main concern is deeper collagen stimulation, polynucleotides or Julaine may be considered. If the priority is lifting or tightening, Sofwave may be a better starting point. If volume has been lost, dermal filler may be more appropriate.
At L’Atelier Aesthetics, the decision is based on the skin, the face and the result the patient wants, rather than choosing one treatment as universally “better”.
Profhilo and polynucleotides both support skin quality, but they work differently. Profhilo is usually chosen for hydration, glow, elasticity and a smoother skin texture. Polynucleotides are often considered where the skin needs more regenerative support, particularly in delicate areas or where repair and resilience are the focus.
For some patients, Profhilo is the better starting point. For others, polynucleotides may be more appropriate. The right choice depends on the skin quality, treatment area and desired result.
Yes, Profhilo can often be combined with Botox or dermal fillers because each treatment has a different role. Botox softens movement-related lines. Fillers restore volume and structure. Profhilo improves hydration, firmness and skin quality.
A combination approach can work well when patients have more than one concern, such as expression lines, early volume loss and dull or crepey skin.
Profhilo should be used as part of a sensible treatment plan. Having it too frequently is unlikely to create a better result and may increase the risk of unnecessary swelling, bruising or irritation.
Most patients do well with one to two maintenance courses per year after their initial treatment course. Dr Duncan Brennand will advise the right frequency based on your skin, age and response to treatment.
Profhilo is not suitable for patients under 18, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or anyone with an active infection, inflammation or acne flare in the treatment area. It may also be unsuitable for patients with a known allergy or sensitivity to any relevant treatment ingredient.
A consultation is always needed before treatment to confirm medical suitability and to make sure Profhilo is the right option for the concern being treated.
After Profhilo, patients are usually advised to avoid touching or massaging the treated area, applying makeup immediately, intense exercise, alcohol, saunas, steam rooms and excessive heat for the first 24 hours. It is also sensible to avoid facial treatments or strong active skincare for a short period after treatment.
We welcome patients from across Marylebone, Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Regent’s Park, Soho, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Chelsea and Kensington, as well as visitors travelling to London for specialist aesthetic and skin treatments. Our location benefits from excellent transport links, with Oxford Circus only a 13 minute walk away, Bond Street and Regent’s Park Underground stations are also both within easy reach. The clinic is also conveniently accessible from major London rail stations and Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airports thanks to the Elizabeth line, making visits straightforward for both UK and international patients.
Whether you are travelling from within London or further afield, our Harley Street clinic provides a calm, professional environment for personalised aesthetic and skin health treatments in one of the capital’s most respected medical locations.
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