Age is just a number—but it seems harder to remind yourself of this as aging becomes more noticeable. From sagging skin to wrinkles and crow’s feet that start to appear on our face, these visible signs of aging can affect our confidence.
Many have turned to aesthetic treatments to help reduce these aging lines and maintain a youthful appearance.
With advancements in technology, aesthetic treatments are constantly improving and becoming increasingly available. Profhilo is one of the latest, up-and-coming anti-aging treatments that has gained significant popularity in Singapore.
Manufactured by IBSA Farmaceutici, an Italian company, Profhilo is the first BDDE-free, bio-remodeling injectable skincare containing high concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA). It’s not a filler, not a skin booster, and not a pure biostimulator, but rather represents a leap forward in aesthetic medicine.
What is Profhilo?
Profhilo is a revolutionary injectable hyaluronic acid product manufactured using a special process where high and low molecular weight HA are cross-linked.
Due to its hybrid complexes, it functions differently from dermal fillers or skin boosters by stimulating collagen and elastin production in the skin.
It has one of the highest concentrations of HA (about 64mg/2ml) in the market. The manufacture of Profhilo uses a proprietary method, the NAHYCO Hybrid Technology, which forms hybrid complexes by treating HA with low and high molecular weight with heat.
This leads to improvement of the skin quality through:
- Deep hydration of the skin
- Production of a skin-tightening effect
- Making skin more resistant to enzymatic breakdown
- Stimulation of elastin and 4 types of collagen production
The stimulation of collagen and elastin also produces a secondary effect of skin tightening, which can reduce the effects of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and lacklustre skin.
Due to the hydrophilic (water-loving) property of HA, it holds water in your skin, creating a luminous effect for those with tired and dull-looking skin.
What is Profhilo Used For?
Profhilo is primarily used for treating early skin aging, such as:
- Skin dryness and dehydration
- Loss of skin elasticity due to the decrease in HA
- Tired and dull-looking skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Overall skin texture improvement
The main treatment areas for Profhilo are the face and neck. However, it can also be used on other areas like the hands, arms, knees, and abdomen, although these applications may not be officially recommended by the manufacturer.
How Does Profhilo Work?
As our skin ages, there is a decrease in the concentration of HA, collagen, and elastin in our bodies. This leads to common skin aging symptoms such as dry skin, wrinkles, and skin drooping.
Profhilo works through a unique mechanism:
- The Hybrid Complex: Profhilo consists of both high molecular weight HA (H-HA) and low molecular weight HA (L-HA). This hybrid complex is very stable against natural hyaluronidase digestion, ensuring long-lasting release.
- Slow Release Technology: The L-HA is released gradually to deeply hydrate the skin (Hydro effect), while H-HA provides a stable structure within the dermis for a volumetric lift effect.
- Collagen and Elastin Stimulation: Profhilo stimulates the production of four types of collagen (I, III, IV, VII) and elastin, which helps to firm and tighten the skin.
- Spreadability: Once injected, Profhilo spreads evenly beneath the skin’s surface within a 2cm radius, providing comprehensive coverage with fewer injection points.
Profhilo vs. Botox: Understanding the Difference
Profhilo and Botox are completely different treatments with different mechanisms of action:
Botox (Botulinum Toxin):
- Is a neurotoxin that targets the nervous system
- Disrupts nerve signaling processes that stimulate muscle contractions
- Causes temporary muscle paralysis to reduce wrinkles
- Works by relaxing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles
Profhilo:
- Is not a neurotoxin and does not affect muscles
- Works by stimulating collagen and elastin production
- Creates a “lifting” and “hydrating” effect
- Improves overall skin quality and texture
Read more: Botox vs Dermal Fillers: Which is Better?
Profhilo vs. Skin Boosters and Rejuran
While all these treatments involve injections, they serve different purposes:
Profhilo:
- Effects: Hydration, collagen and elastin production
- Treatment area: Lower face primarily (using BAP technique)
- Sessions: 2 sessions, one month apart
- Duration of effect: 6-9 months
- Cost range: $850-$1500
Skin Boosters:
- Effects: Primarily hydration
- Treatment area: Full face
- Sessions: Initially 3 sessions per month, then every six months
- Duration of effect: 6-9 months
- Cost range: $498-$800
Rejuran:
- Effects: Promotes skin healing and repair
- Treatment area: Full face
- Sessions: 3 sessions, one month apart
- Duration of effect: 9-12 months
- Cost range: $650-$1000
Compared to Rejuran, Profhilo has the ability to activate collagen and elastin production at a deeper level.
Rejuran works by stimulating collagen in the superficial dermis layer, which reduces the appearance of pores and fine wrinkles. With its high content of hyaluronic acid, Profhilo is more effective for skin hydration, while Rejuran does not have a significant hydrating effect.
Benefits of Profhilo
- Longevity of Results The formation of high-HA (H-HA) and low-HA (L-HA) hybrid complexes in Profhilo are very stable against natural hyaluronidase digestion, ensuring long-lasting release and effects.
- Greater Patient Comfort L-HA in Profhilo is biocompatible since its slow release from HA hybrid complexes ensures that it does not trigger inflammatory pathways in the body. Using Profhilo provides comfort during and after treatment and provides excellent hydration to the skin.
- Improvement of Skin Quality and Hydration The stable hybrid complex in Profhilo contains an increased expression of type I, III, IV, and VII collagen, leading to improved skin quality and hydration in both the dermis and epidermis, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
- Minimal Downtime There is minimal downtime after Profhilo treatment. You can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment, making it convenient even for those with busy schedules.
- Natural Results Because Profhilo stimulates your body’s own collagen and elastin production, the results look natural rather than artificial.
Success Rate and Effectiveness
Profhilo generally has very high patient satisfaction rates due primarily to it being a fast and effective treatment with minimal pain and downtime.
The treatment has been shown to result in:
- A 20% increase in skin hydration
- A 12 times increase of collagen and elastin in the skin
- 8 times more lasting in the skin compared to regular non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid
Who is Profhilo Most Suitable For?
Profhilo is typically suitable for all, since HA, which is the main component of Profhilo, is naturally present in the body. As such, you would rarely develop an allergic reaction to Profhilo.
Those who may have had an allergic reaction towards other HA filler injections in the past may not necessarily have an allergic reaction to Profhilo. This is because the allergy caused by HA filler injections may be due to the chemicals used in binding to the crosslinker BDDE, which is present in most bio-aesthetic injectables. However, Profhilo is BDDE-free, hence the binding process is different, making it less likely for an allergic reaction to occur.
Specifically, Profhilo is ideal for:
- Patients over 40 with signs of aging skin who want to hydrate, tighten, and improve the quality of their skin.
- Patients in their late 20s and 30s looking to maintain skin elasticity and prevent early signs of aging.
- Anyone seeking to improve skin laxity and achieve a more youthful, hydrated appearance.
- Those with dry, dehydrated skin who want long-lasting hydration.
- People with fine lines and wrinkles who want a non-invasive solution.
The Profhilo Treatment Process
During the Treatment
During the treatment, your doctor will inject Profhilo under the skin’s surface at standardized locations, known as the Bio Aesthetic Points (BAP) on your face and neck. These 5 BAP on each side of the face are:
- Zygomatic protrusion
- Nasal base
- Tragus
- Chin
- Mandibular angle
They are specially mapped out for Profhilo treatment to determine how the treatment would best spread around your facial tissue for the safest and most optimal results. In total, 10 injections will be made. For each injection site, 2cc of Profhilo will be injected under the skin’s surface.
10 to 20 minutes before the injection, your doctor will apply some anesthetic on the BAP to minimize any discomfort you may experience. Each treatment session will take about 30 minutes.
Following the injection, you will observe small elevations on the injection points that resemble mosquito bites. These bumps will typically disappear after 24-48 hours. The Profhilo will diffuse and be absorbed within a 2cm radius around the injection site. Since there will be very little swelling, you can undergo the Profhilo treatment on the same day as your consultation.
Number of Sessions Recommended
For Profhilo treatment, it is recommended to undergo a minimum of 2 sessions one month apart. Most people will be able to see the results of smoother and tighter skin about 7-10 days after the injection. The results will stay for about 6-9 months, hence you can repeat your treatment every 6-9 months for maintenance.
Downtime and Recovery
There is hardly any downtime after a Profhilo injection, apart from the small injection wound which is not very visible. In fact, you can do it during your lunch hour and resume work right after. You may, however, feel a small bump when you touch the injection site, but it is not obvious to the human eye.
Side Effects and Aftercare
Possible Side Effects
A possible side effect is a chance of slight bruising, which depends on the injection technique used by the aesthetic doctor. Since Profhilo is not mixed with other chemical agents and is made with a naturally occurring product already found in your body, there is a very low chance of developing an allergic reaction.
To ensure that you do not develop any allergic reactions or inflammation due to the use of imported or parallel products, you can request to scan a unique QR code on the Profhilo packaging during your treatment. Once scanned, the particular box cannot be reused and rescanned, ensuring you receive the genuine product.
Aftercare Procedures
Some aftercare procedures that you can follow after treatment include:
- No facial treatments or face massages for about 2 weeks
- No energy-based devices for about 2 weeks
- No steam baths or saunas where the temperature is very hot
- No swimming as you do not want your injection site to be infected by the pool water
- Avoid intense sun or UV light exposure for a few days after the treatment
Combining Profhilo with Other Treatments
Yes, Profhilo can be combined with other aesthetic treatments for enhanced results:
- Profhilo with Botox: Botox can weaken the muscles responsible for wrinkles, allowing the skin to tighten. The combination will eliminate fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating the production of collagen & elastin.
- Profhilo with Laser Treatments: It can be combined with energy-based devices such as lasers to treat pigmentation, skin renewal, and overall skin tightening.
- Profhilo with HIFU: HIFU is an excellent anti-aging treatment that can stimulate 3 layers under the skin to jumpstart collagen production. Combined with Profhilo, it will accelerate collagen production for an optimal face lift.
- Profhilo with Dermal Fillers: Combining with fillers can treat skin laxity issues while providing added contours to sunken parts of your face. As the main ingredient for both treatments is hyaluronic acid, it can provide a synergistic approach to target anti-aging issues.
However, for other aesthetic treatments that require the use of energy-based devices, such as lasers, it is not recommended to do it within the same day as a Profhilo treatment. This is a precautionary measure because the heat transmitted from these devices may compromise the structure of the Profhilo. It is recommended to do your energy-based device treatment and rest before doing your Profhilo treatment.
Cost of Profhilo Treatment in Singapore
The standard cost of a Profhilo injection starts from $850-$1500 per syringe. This also depends on the area being treated, with larger areas generally requiring more injections.
However, it is important to ensure that the Profhilo administered to you is from an authorized distributor and that your doctor administers the full volume required (2cc). The prices can sometimes differ due to the use of Profhilo from a parallel importer, or because lesser Profhilo is being injected, which may lead to unsatisfactory results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long do the effects of Profhilo last?
The effects of Profhilo can last about 6-9 months. You will observe effects such as skin tightening, reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, skin lifting effect, and more luminous skin.
2. Is Profhilo painful?
Profhilo treatment involves minimal discomfort. With the application of topical numbing cream, it is well-tolerated by most patients. The injection is performed using very thin needles, and there are only 10 injection points in total.
3. Can I do Profhilo if I’ve had allergic reactions to other fillers?
Those who may have had an allergic reaction towards other HA filler injections in the past may not necessarily have an allergic reaction to Profhilo. This is because Profhilo is BDDE-free, hence the binding process is different, making it less likely for an allergic reaction to occur.
4. How quickly can I see results from Profhilo?
Patients may feel an immediate improvement thanks to the hydrating effect, but it can take a few weeks before the real results of treatment start to be noticed as Profhilo encourages the body to produce its own anti-aging collagen and elastin. After a month, your skin should feel smooth, soft, tight, and plump. At this point, a second treatment is needed to stimulate collagen fully and elastin production for optimal results.
5. Can Profhilo be used on other parts of the body besides the face?
Although it’s most commonly used on the face, Profhilo can also work well on the neck, arms, hands, knees, and abdomen areas with skin laxity issues.
6. How does Profhilo differ from traditional dermal fillers?
Unlike traditional dermal fillers that add volume to specific areas, Profhilo works by stimulating collagen and elastin production across the treatment area. It improves skin quality and provides a lifting effect without creating volume, resulting in a more natural appearance.
7. Are there any contraindications for Profhilo treatment?
Profhilo is not recommended for:
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding mothers
- People with known hypersensitivity reactions to hyaluronic acid
- Immunocompromised individuals
8. What is the Bio Aesthetic Points (BAP) technique?
The BAP technique involves injecting Profhilo at 5 specific points on each side of the face, chosen to avoid nerve branches and large blood vessels. This technique ensures better spreadability of the product and minimizes the risk of bruising.
9. How should I prepare for a Profhilo treatment?
No special preparation is required before Profhilo treatment. However, it’s advisable to avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin for a few days before treatment to minimize the risk of bruising.
10. Can I wear makeup after Profhilo treatment?
It’s recommended to avoid wearing makeup for at least 12 hours after the treatment to prevent any potential infection at the injection sites.
Conclusion
Profhilo is indeed a leap forward in the realm of aesthetic medicine. It offers a unique approach to skin rejuvenation by stimulating the body’s natural collagen and elastin production while providing deep hydration. With minimal downtime, few side effects, and natural-looking results, it’s no wonder that Profhilo has become increasingly popular in Singapore.
Whether you’re looking to address early signs of aging or want to maintain youthful, hydrated skin, Profhilo offers an effective solution. As with any aesthetic treatment, it’s essential to consult with a qualified aesthetic doctor to determine if Profhilo is right for you and to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and goals.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution in aesthetic medicine. The best approach is one that suits your individual needs and concerns. Always communicate both your desires and concerns with your aesthetic doctor to plan out a suitable treatment plan.