Let’s explore Profhilo - everyone is a masterpiece.
The first of its kind, Profhilo® is a revolutionary 'beneath the skin' hyaluronic acid moisturising treatment, made with the patented NAHYCO® technology. This results in a unique hyaluronic acid injectable gel, which has a prolonged stimulating activity on the dermal cells. When injected into skin, Profhilo stimulates the skin cell receptors to counteract skin laxity and improve and restore firmness of the skin.
One of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market, Profhilo not only boosts and hydrates the skin, but also remodels ageing and sagging tissue. The most common areas of treatment include the face and neck and can also be used for the décolletage, hands, arms, knees and abdomen area where it would effectively treat skin laxity. The treatment is suitable for men and women as well as offering skin benefits for patients of all ages.
Although the majority of dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, Profhilo is not a dermal filler. The molecule chains of both high and low molecular weight non-animal hyaluronic acid are thermally stabilised and fused together creating a unique patented hybrid complex, to form a gel which spreads and becomes integrated into the skin.
Profhilo is injected into the skin in a specific pattern depending on the area to be treated. Two treatments are required, 4 weeks apart. The first to stimulate, the second to ‘boost’ and ensure longevity. In some cases and depending on your initial skin quality, you may benefit from a third treatment, typically 8 weeks from your second treatment.
How does it work?
Ultra-pure hyaluronic acid is precisely injected into the area being treated. Unlike wrinkle reducing and dermal filler treatments, Profhilo stimulates collagen and elastin, attracting water in the deeper layers of the skin.
As a stabilised product, the activity on dermal cells will last longer than that of a non-stabilised gel. During this time the stimulation of four different types of collagen and elastin takes place by slow release of hyaluronic acid.
The stimulation results in significant tissue improvement. Therefore we cannot say that Profhilo is a skin booster as it also has a significant tightening / lifting effect on the tissue.
What is it used to treat?
Profhilo is used to treat skin laxity and improve skin quality. It can be used to treat skin laxity and skin quality, almost anywhere, common indications include;
The face
Neck
Décolletage
Hands
Inner arms.
Caution
If you are planning to attend a special event when a bruise, should it occur, would be unacceptable to you.
If you are planning to attend an important event and any adverse event described would be unacceptable to you, discuss with your clinician in advance of having treatment.
Some over the counter medicines and supplements can also affect bleeding (make you more prone to bruising) as can alcohol- which should be avoided the day before and after treatment.
Vigorous exercise, sun exposure, sun beds, sauna should be avoided for 48 hours, or as advised by your clinician, after treatment.
If you are at all concerned about symptoms you were not expecting or not happy with, please contact the practitioner for advice. If necessary an appointment will be made for you to be seen.
Preparing for your treatment
All make up will need to be removed prior to treatment, so please come ‘fresh faced’ if possible. Alcohol, aspirin, Ibuprofen and a range of dietary supplements including; St. John’s Wort, fish oils, Gingko Biloba, Vitamins C and E- may all contribute to bruising and are best avoided 24 hours before treatment. Treatment cannot be administered if there is an active skin infection, including acne or cold sores or if you are unwell- including colds, coughs, sore throats etc. Contact the clinic to discuss any illness or new medicines prior to attending.
Do not schedule treatment when you have other procedures planned, without first discussing with your clinician. This includes, but is not limited to; massage, facials, dental appointments and surgery.
Does it hurt?
Anaesthetic cannot be used and is not necessary for this treatment. The injections sting briefly, but patients generally report only a mild discomfort. After the treatment, you may experience some tenderness for the first 24- 72 hours.
How long will it last?
Longevity does vary between individuals, but results are expected to be gained over a period of 4-6 weeks and last for approximately 6 months. If you choose not to maintain the results with further treatment, your skin will return to its pre-treatment state over time.
Aftercare Advice
Most people can continue with normal activities. Some will have some redness, pin prick marks. Bruising is possible.
The product is injected in small ‘deposits’, you may be able to see them initially, but they settle usually within hours. It may be possible to feel the product where it has been injected under the skin. It will settle, there is no need to massage.
Make-up should not be worn for 12 hours
You are advised to avoid alcohol and vigorous exercise for 48 hours
Avoid sun bathing, and extremes of heat or cold for 14 days post treatment.
Any bruising may take a few days to appear, arnica can be helpful in clearing bruising. It is advisable to avoid aspirin and alcohol for 12-48 hours after treatment.Tenderness should settle as swelling and bruising goes down.
Symptoms to report to your practitioner
Please contact your practitioner if redness, tenderness, itching or swelling worsens after 3 days, rather than settling.
Blanching, mottled bruising/redness, or pain (beyond tenderness as you would expect with bruising or swelling).
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the tongue, eyelids, lips, hoarseness of the voice, stomach pain, nausea or diarrhoea. If you have any of the above symptoms please report to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department or call 999 for an ambulance.