FAQs: Profhilo

Although most 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.

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
• Stomach – particularly around the navel
• Hands
• Inner arms
• Knees.

Generally, patients report an overall improvement in skin hydration, brightness, smoothness and firmness. 

Your Clinician will take a detailed medical history to ensure you have no conditions that might increase risk of unwanted side effects, an initial consultation is also important to discuss your expectations and whether or not this treatment is able to meet them.

With any injectable treatment;

• Treatment is not recommended if you are suffering from a skin infection in or near the treatment area or are unwell in any way (even a cold).
• If you are taking any medicines which affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin.
• If you are currently or have recently completed a course of Roacutane (acne treatment) in the last 18 months.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 your practitioner for advice. If necessary an appointment will be made for you to be seen.

• All make up will need to be removed prior to treatment, so please come ‘fresh faced’ if possible. Alcohol, aspirin, Ibuprofen and a number of dietary supplements including; St. John’s Wort, fish oils, Gingko Biloba, Vitamins C and E, Ginger and Garlic 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.

Treatment with hyaluronic acid is safe, but not risk free, the clinician will discuss all the risks and benefits with you at consultation and again prior to treatment.

Anaesthetic cannot be used and is not necessary for this treatment.  The injections sting briefly, but patients generally report only a mild discomfort. Ice is used to numb the skin prior to each injection. After the treatment, you may experience some tenderness for the first 24- 72 hours. 

Anaesthetic cannot be used and is not necessary for this treatment.  The injections sting briefly, but patients generally report only a mild discomfort. Ice is used to numb the skin prior to each injection. After the treatment, you may experience some tenderness for the first 24- 72 hours. 

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.