If you’re up to date with the latest ‘tweakments’, chances are you’ve come across Profhilo. Described as an injectable moisturiser by the experts, this in-clinic treatment is extremely popular with both women and men. In fact, most experts would describe it as one of the most in-demand skin-renewing treatments on the market today – something they put down to its subtle-yet-noticeable results.
Whereas dermal fillers are generally administered in particular areas (e.g. cheeks, jawline and nose) to change the shape of your face, Profhilo spreads evenly throughout the face to give an overall plumper appearance. The results are natural – think slightly firmer skin and an all over glow. Huge on TikTok, the hashtag #Profhilo has amassed 87.9 million views (and counting), with lots of fans documenting said natural results.
The 10-minute alternative to surgery.
Keen to find out more, we asked the experts to break down everything you need to know about this buzzy treatment – including what it is exactly, why it’s so popular and if it’s painful. Always first in line to try any beauty innovation, our tester Lottie tried the injectable treatment first-hand at The Prager Clinic in Knightsbridge, London. Below, she shares her honest review and if this treatment is indeed worth the hype!
Before we jump straight in, let us first say that here at GLAMOUR, we're all about 'your beauty, your rules' and if you want to trial cosmetic treatments, that's your call. If you'd rather embrace your fine lines and natural beauty in all its glory, you do you. All we advise is that you seek the best advice and do things on your terms. So, if you're looking to trial something yourself, please do your research and consult an expert.
What is Profhilo?
The first of its kind, Profhilo is a stabilised form of the miracle hydrating molecule hyaluronic acid. When injected, “Profhilo stimulates collagen and elastin production, attracting water in the deeper layers of the skin to effectively plump and hydrate the skin from within, like an internal moisturiser,” explains Dr Maryam Zamani, oculoplastic surgeon, facial aesthetics doctor and founder of MZ Skin.
As we know, the skin’s ability to produce collagen decreases as we age. “Profhilo is strategically placed at key points to rejuvenate the skin’s own collagen-making abilities,” explains Dr Michael Prager, award-winning and world-renowned cosmetic doctor.
What does Profhilo do to your face?
“Think of Profhilo like taking a really hydrating moisturiser and, instead of applying it on top of your skin, injecting it into your skin for rejuvenation,” says Dr Zamani. Profhilo attracts water into the deeper layers of the skin while stimulating four different kinds of collagen and elastin production. “Together, this can result in a tightening and lifting effect while giving skin that luminous glow,” continues Dr Zamani.
What are the benefits?
The revolutionary treatment is especially effective at treating those areas prone to laxity and sagging like the cheeks, neck, chest and décolletage. “More traditional dermal fillers aren’t suitable for these areas as the delicate skin makes it difficult to inject and to control the distribution, but these areas are also especially prone to ageing,” says Dr Prager.
But Profhilo isn’t just effective in the treatment of wrinkles and ageing skin – it also helps with radiance and hydration. “It really does rejuvenate skin and restores firmness beyond any topical skin care’s reach,” adds Dr Marco Nicoloso, medical director at London-based clinic Ouronyx.
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Who is Profhilo for?
“Individuals complaining of tired, lacklustre or dull skin,” says Dr Zamani. “It can be used to treat crepe-y skin and signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen and elastin production as opposed to filling an area.”
What happens during the treatment?
After a consultation, Dr Prager cleans my skin before injecting the collagen-boosting liquid into five key points on my face, starting with each side just next to the ears, then onto the nasolabial fold (laughter lines around the mouth), chin, under the eyes and on the tops of cheeks.
Now, I’m not going to lie to you – it hurts, not a lot, but it creates an unpleasant stinging sensation which lasts around 20 seconds, so if you’re looking for a relaxing spa treatment, this might not be your vibe. As a firm believer in ‘no pain, no gain’ I grimaced through the pain and was glad when it subsided a few moments later.
What results can you expect to see?
Results can be seen in two to three weeks. “Improved skin hydration can be seen soon after the first session with Profhilo and full results with improvement in skin texture and laxity are seen after the second session,” says Dr Zamani.
One of the most requested treatments at Ouronyx, Dr Nicoloso says the results are always natural looking: “it gives a great glow and plumpness to the skin.” According to him, “best results will be seen at around six weeks later when your body will start to produce more collagen.”
How long does Profhilo last?
Not exactly cheap, a single session of Profhilo can cost anywhere between £300 and £800, depending on where you go - so it makes sense that many of us are Google searching ‘how long does Profhilo last’. According to all experts, results generally last for six months (if two treatments are given, one month apart). “Eventually, the ingredients will be absorbed by the body,” explains Dr Nicoloso.
Is there a downside to Profhilo?
I left with no visible trace of having just had multiple injections and with no downtime required - it was straight back to the daily grind. It took a few days before I started to notice any visible improvement, mainly because unlike dermal fillers, the body has to produce the skin-boosting ingredients itself, which understandably takes a while.
“In the right hands it is a very safe treatment, with little-to-no downtime,” assures Dr Nicoloso. “There may be pinpoint bruising, swelling and mild tenderness to treated areas for 24-72 hours,” notes Dr Zamani. And as with all injectable treatments it is recommended that you avoid exercise, steam and sauna for 24 hours after treatment.
The radiance boost was like nothing I have experienced before from any number of creams, scrubs or serums – and it kept on getting better as my skin produced more and more collagen.
It’s recommended that you go back for a top-up appointment after one month, and repeat the process twice a year to enjoy an enduring glow - which is exactly what I will be doing.
“It's a two-part treatment, done in two sessions four to six weeks apart,” confirms Dr Nicoloso. “Each treatment involves five injections on each side of the face.” The injection points are in the upper cheek, nasal base, lower cheek, jawline, and chin. “To maintain results, two repeated sessions are recommended every six to nine months,” adds Dr Zamani.
Considering other injectable treatments? Read our guide to everything you need to know about botox as well as the expert-led lowdown on dermal fillers.
