What is Profhilo®?
Profhilo is an injectable anti-ageing treatment made from hyaluronic acid for skin that is losing its elasticity and firmness with age. It can be used on the face, neck, decollete, arms, hands and knees, or any part of your body where the skin shows visible signs of ageing. You may see and feel a noticeable improvement in skin tone and firmness immediately and this will continue to improve over the next 2-6 months.
How does it work?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance produced in our body, found in skin, joints and other connective tissue. Its role is to retain moisture in the body and aid collagen production. It can hold 1000 times its weight in water which makes it ideal for binding moisture in the skin. With age, however, hyaluronic acid production slows and the skin looks duller and dehydrated, with fine lines and wrinkles forming.
In its synthetic form, Hyaluronic Acid is best known as a ‘filler’ and is usually used to give volume to lips or to contour other areas of the face. However, this is where Profhilo differs in a number of ways due to its structure and concentration. Rather than creating volume it will flow within your skin, like honey over an extended area to boost hydration and smooth or ‘remodel’ the skin creating glowing and hydrated skin.
Profhilo contains one of the highest concentrations of stabilised hyaluronic acid on the market (64mg/2m) and is injected just underneath the surface of the skin where it gently disperses over the next 28 days and reacts with your own tissue to boost hydration and encourage healthy skin processes. Over the next four weeks phase two kick in as it goes to work boosting elastin and collagen production. This effectively remodels the skin and giving it a plumper, smoother and firmer appearance. Due to its gel like consistency Profhilo distributes smoothly and evenly without the formation of any lumps – a potential risk with traditional fillers. This means it can be used on areas which are difficult to treat with traditional fillers, such as the neck and forehead.
How many treatments are needed?
The full treatment consists of two sessions, one month apart. A further session may be recommended after approximately six months in order to prolong the effect. You should see noticeable results immediately, but optimum results show 1 month after the second treatment. Result typically last for 4-6 months depending on your lifestyle and individual metabolic factors.
Some people prefer two completed full treatments every 6 months. Your treatment plan will be devised to best suit your needs.
Profhilo can be used on its own or in combination with other in clinic treatments, and for best result Profhilo should be accompanying a strong medical grade skin care regimen.
Who is it suitable for?
Men and women over the age of 30 who are uncomfortable with skin laxity, crepe-like skin or other visible signs of ageing but it is suitable for anyone over the age of 18 that just want to give their skin a boost of hydration and extra glow.
Who is it not suitable for?
This treatment is not suitable for patients who:
have active skin infections at the planned site of injections,
are pregnant or breastfeeding,
are immune compromised
have any bleeding disorders.
As with any procedure, it is important to find an experienced and qualified practitioner to fully discuss your medical history and any current medications so that your suitability can be assessed before the treatment is carried out.
What can I expect during the treatment?
Profhilo is injected just under the skin using very fine needles in pre-determined points. It is relatively painless and there is usually no need for topical pain relief creams prior to treatment but this can be applied if you prefer. The treatment itself is very quick, taking only about 10 minutes.
On the face only five injection points are necessary on each side of the face to give maximum results.
Is there any downtime?
There is no downtime, but the injection points may appear a little raised for the first 24-48 hours as the product disperse within the skin, but most people can return to their normal activities straight after the treatment. Immediately after treatment you should avoid wearing make-up, and give sports, swimming and any other strenuous physical activity a miss for 24 hours. It is also best to avoid saunas and steam rooms for a few days after treatment. It is advisable to avoid alcohol, aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication in the 24 hours before treatment to minimise the risk of bruising.
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Are there any side effects of the treatment?
This is a considered very safe and well tolerated treatment with minimum downtime, but like any medical procedure undesired effects and reactions may occur.. You may experience slight redness, tenderness and an itching sensation in the treated area for up to 48 hours after treatment but for most people this fully resolve within a few hours.. Minor swelling and micro-bruising can occur at injection points if you bruise easily.
There are no long-term side effects. Profhilo is metabolised by the body completely within 28 days.
No allergy test is required prior to treatment. The risk of allergic reactions is substantially reduced because Profhilo does not contain any synthetic chemicals which some people might react to.
How much does Profhilo cost?
The price for a single treatment is £270. A full treatment course of two treatments 4 weeks apart is strongly advised and cost £450
