Profhilo, questions answered

Profhilo is an injectable treatment made from high concentrations of hyaluronic acid. Unlike a dermal filler, it isn't used to add volume in one spot — instead it spreads through the skin to hydrate it deeply and stimulate collagen and elastin, improving overall skin quality, firmness and glow.

Profhilo is the gold standard in the industry. It stimulates four different types of collagen and elastin in your skin, which plumps the skin, provides greater skin quality, reduces lines and wrinkles and can even help contour the face. It's delivered through injections at five points on each side of the face, and the serum then spreads to cover the area.

Profhilo is quick and straightforward. After a consultation, the product is injected at a small number of precise points, from which it flows through the skin. The appointment usually takes around 30 minutes, and most people return to their day straight away. We'll talk you through everything beforehand.

The results of Profhilo can last for around six months, although the product itself leaves the body after about 28 days — the lasting effect comes from the collagen and elastin it stimulates. Maintenance treatments help keep your skin looking its best.

Generally, people require two sessions spaced one month apart. If you have more significant skin laxity, a third session may be recommended for the best results. To maintain the effect, the treatment is ideally repeated around every six months.

If you have wrinkles, loose skin or crepiness, Profhilo can be the right treatment to soften them and leave the skin looking plumped and youthful. It has a tightening effect that can leave your skin and you looking fresher and more radiant.

Both treatments are great at addressing skin concerns, but neither is 'better' — they simply work in different ways. Botox relaxes the muscles to stop them contracting, which softens expression lines, whereas Profhilo hydrates the skin and boosts collagen to give it that youthful glow. Many people find the two complement each other beautifully.

Downtime is minimal. You may notice small raised bumps at the injection points, which typically settle within a few hours to a day as the product disperses. Some redness or mild tenderness is normal. Most people return to everyday activities straight away, though it's wise to plan around any big events in case of minor bruising.

Keep things gentle. Avoid makeup for around 24 hours and try not to rub or massage the area. Skip strenuous exercise for 24 hours and avoid saunas, sunbeds, swimming and extremes of heat or cold for around two weeks. Stay hydrated, use a high SPF, and we'll give you full aftercare advice at your appointment.

As with any treatment, Profhilo can come with side effects, which can include swelling, bruising, soreness and redness. Most of these settle within a few days. If they last longer, you should contact your practitioner.