Profhilo

Not a filler: Profhilo does not add volume, reshape the face or alter your features. It improves the quality of your skin from the inside out, leaving you looking refreshed rather than treated.

Deep hydration: Profhilo contains one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid available in any injectable treatment. It draws moisture deep into the skin tissue, producing a visible improvement in hydration and radiance.

Collagen and elastin stimulation: Once injected, Profhilo triggers the production of four types of collagen and elastin. These proteins give skin its firmness and elasticity. Production of both declines with age. Profhilo restarts that process.

Minimal downtime: The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes. Most patients return to normal activities immediately. Small bumps at the injection sites are normal and resolve within 24 to 48 hours.

Natural-looking results: Because Profhilo spreads evenly beneath the skin and adds no volume, the results look natural. Skin looks healthier and more rested, not different.

Treatment type: Injectable skin hydration and collagen stimulation

Active ingredient: Ultra-pure hyaluronic acid (no added chemicals)

Common concerns treated: Skin laxity, loss of firmness, dehydration, fine lines, crepey skin texture

Procedure length: 15 to 30 minutes per session

Injection technique: BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) technique, 10 injection points total, five on each side of the face

Anaesthetic: Topical numbing cream available, though most patients find treatment comfortable without it

Recovery time: Minimal to none. Small bumps at injection sites typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours

Results visible: Improved hydration within days. Peak results four to eight weeks after the second session

How long results last: Approximately six months. Single maintenance session every six months recommended

Profhilo is an injectable skin treatment made from ultra-pure hyaluronic acid. It is often described as an injectable moisturiser because its primary function is to deeply hydrate the skin from within, in a way no topical moisturiser can replicate. Although some clinics and patients refer to Profhilo as a skin booster, it is more accurately described as a skin remodelling treatment.  A simpler way to think about it: choose Profhilo if your skin feels lax, dull or has lost its bounce. Choose a standard skin booster if your main concern is surface texture or an instant glow.

It is not a dermal filler. This is the single most important distinction to understand before considering treatment. Dermal fillers are designed to add volume to specific areas, reshape features or fill deep folds. Profhilo does none of these things. It has a thin, honey-like consistency that spreads evenly beneath the skin across the treated area rather than staying where it is injected.

Profhilo is made using a process that bonds hyaluronic acid together using heat rather than chemicals. Most dermal fillers use chemical agents to hold them in place and maintain their shape. Profhilo does not. This is what allows it to spread evenly through the skin rather than staying put, and it is part of why Profhilo has a strong safety record compared to standard fillers.

Once injected, the hyaluronic acid slowly releases over several weeks, stimulating the skin to rebuild its own collagen and elastin. This process gradually improves skin firmness, elasticity and texture. The results are not immediate or dramatic. They develop over weeks as the skin improves itself, and they look natural because no volume has been added.

Profhilo produces two effects after injection, one immediate and one gradual.

The first effect is hydration. Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water at up to 1,000 times its own weight. Once injected, it draws moisture deep into the skin, producing a noticeable improvement in hydration and radiance. Most patients notice this within a few days of their first session.

The second effect develops over the following weeks. As the hyaluronic acid slowly releases, it triggers skin cells to produce four types of collagen and elastin. These are the proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. Production of both naturally declines with age. Profhilo triggers that production again, gradually improving skin quality over the weeks after treatment.

The BAP injection technique

Profhilo is administered using the Bio Aesthetic Points (BAP) technique, a standardised injection protocol using 10 points in total, five on each side of the face. These points are carefully chosen to maximise how the product spreads across the face.

The five points on each side are:

• Upper cheek, near the outer corner of the eye
• Mid-cheek, level with the bottom of the nose
• Just below and forward of the ear
• Just above the corner of the jawbone
• The chin

At each point, a small amount of Profhilo is injected using a fine needle. The product then spreads outward from each point, giving even coverage across the lower and mid-face with just 10 injections. Traditional skin boosters require 40 or more injections to achieve the same coverage.

When the neck is treated, 10 injection points are used in a grid pattern across the front and sides of the neck, injected slightly closer to the surface to account for the thinner skin in this area.

The treatment protocol

A standard course is two sessions spaced four weeks apart. The first session starts the hydration and collagen process. The second reinforces and extends it. Peak results are typically visible four to eight weeks after the second session. A single maintenance session every six months is recommended to sustain the results.

Profhilo is suited to patients who want to improve the overall quality of their skin rather than add volume or change specific features. It works well for:

• Patients noticing early to moderate skin laxity, particularly across the lower face, jaw and neck
• Skin that feels dehydrated, dull or has lost its previous firmness
• Crepey or thin skin texture on the face, neck, décolletage or hands
• Patients who want a natural result and do not want volume added to their face
• Adults from approximately age 30, when natural hyaluronic acid and collagen production begins to decline meaningfully
• Patients seeking a preventative treatment before significant laxity develops

Profhilo is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for patients with an active skin infection in the treatment area, or for anyone with a known allergy to hyaluronic acid. A medical consultation before treatment is required to confirm suitability.

Profhilo is a family of three distinct products, each targeting different concerns. All three use the same hyaluronic acid base but are formulated differently for their specific purpose.

Standard Profhilo: The original product. Designed for overall skin hydration, firmness and texture improvement across the face, neck, décolletage and hands. Suited to patients noticing early to moderate skin laxity, dehydration or loss of radiance.

Profhilo Structura: A newer formulation designed to work in the fat layer beneath the skin, rather than within the skin itself. This is where the structural fat pads of the mid-face sit. These pads thin and flatten over time, causing the cheeks to lose their lift. Profhilo Structura targets this layer to restore support and subtle lift without the volume or look of traditional filler. It suits patients noticing the mid-face losing definition or appearing flat.

Profhilo Body: A formulation developed for body areas affected by skin laxity, including the inner arms, abdomen, knees and décolletage. Used alongside a specific home-care cream protocol. Body areas typically require more product than facial treatment.

All three products can be used independently or in combination. A practitioner will advise which is appropriate at consultation.

Profhilo, dermal fillers and Botox are all administered by injection but work in entirely different ways and address different concerns. Understanding the distinction helps patients choose the right treatment, or combination of treatments, for their goals.

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Many patients benefit from two or more of these treatments used together. Profhilo improves the quality of the skin itself. Fillers restore structural volume. Botox addresses muscle-related expression lines. A qualified practitioner can advise on the most appropriate combination for your specific concerns at consultation.

Profhilo works across a broader range of areas than most patients initially expect. Because the product spreads through tissue rather than staying in one spot, it is suited to larger surface areas where targeted filler placement would not be practical.

Face: The most common treatment area. Profhilo improves hydration, reduces fine lines, tightens mild to moderate laxity and restores radiance across the cheeks, lower face and jaw.

Neck: One of the most requested areas. Crepey, loose skin on the neck responds well to Profhilo, particularly when treated alongside the face. A 10-point modified BAP neck protocol is used.

Décolletage: Thin, sun-damaged or crepey skin on the chest responds to the hydration and collagen stimulation Profhilo provides. The product spreads effectively across this area.

Hands: Profhilo restores hydration and improves the texture of thinning, papery hand skin, one of the earliest and most visible signs of ageing.

Inner arms, abdomen and knees: Profhilo Body is used for these areas in patients with skin laxity concerns, particularly following significant weight loss. These areas require more product than facial treatment.

Many patients ask whether Profhilo can be used to treat the under-eye area. The honest answer is that Profhilo should not be injected directly into the skin beneath the eyes.

The reason is straightforward. Profhilo is designed to attract and hold water. When injected into the thin, delicate skin directly under the eye, it can cause significant and persistent puffiness and swelling in this area. The skin under the eyes is thinner than elsewhere on the face and reacts differently to injectable treatments.

However, Profhilo does provide some indirect benefit around the eyes. When injected at the cheekbone as part of the standard treatment, the product naturally spreads upward toward the lower eyelid over the following weeks. This provides a degree of hydration and skin quality improvement around the eye area without being placed directly under it.

For patients whose main concern is the under-eye area, the more appropriate options are polynucleotides for under eyes, which are well suited to the delicate skin in this area, or tear trough filler placed by an experienced practitioner. A consultation will help clarify which approach is right for your specific concern.

Profhilo results develop gradually rather than appearing immediately. Most patients notice improved skin hydration and a subtle glow within a few days of the first session. The more significant improvements in firmness, elasticity and skin texture build over the following weeks as collagen and elastin stimulation takes effect.

Peak results are typically visible four to eight weeks after the second session. At this point, patients commonly report:

• Skin that feels firmer and more elastic to the touch
• Improved hydration and a natural radiance
• Reduction in fine lines and crepey skin texture
• A tighter appearance across the jaw and lower face
• A more rested and refreshed overall appearance

Results do not alter the structure or shape of the face. The improvement is the kind that makes skin look healthier and more rested rather than obviously treated.

For a full breakdown of results, timeline, what to expect at each stage and realistic outcomes by skin type, read our dedicated Profhilo before and after guide.

The cost of Profhilo in the UK varies depending on the practitioner, the clinic location and whether the face alone or additional areas such as the neck are included.

A single session typically costs between £250 and £500. Most patients require the standard two-session initial course, which costs between £450 and £850 in total. London clinics sit at the higher end of this range. Mid-range London practices typically charge £300 to £425 per session. Premium practices in areas such as Harley Street and Mayfair charge up to £500 per session. Clinics in Manchester and Birmingham generally offer more accessible pricing, which we cover in detail on each city page.

Adding neck treatment to a face session increases the cost as additional product is required. For Profhilo Structura and Profhilo Body pricing, see the dedicated Profhilo Structura and Profhilo Body pages.

Maintenance sessions every six months are priced at the single-session rate.

Factors that affect Profhilo cost:

• Clinic location and the practitioner’s level of experience
• Whether face only or face and additional areas such as the neck are treated
• Which Profhilo product is used (standard, Profhilo Structura or Profhilo Body)
• Whether combination treatments are included in the appointment
• Whether the clinic charges a separate consultation fee, which is often redeemable against treatment

When comparing prices, consider practitioner qualifications and experience alongside cost.

The Aesthetic Standard lists verified Profhilo clinics across London, Manchester and Birmingham, each manually reviewed for practitioner credentials, safety standards and patient care before being listed.

Profhilo treatment is quick and straightforward. Most appointments, including consultation time, take between 30 and 45 minutes.

Before the procedure: Your practitioner will review your medical history, confirm suitability and discuss your treatment goals. Topical numbing cream can be applied 20 to 30 minutes before injection if preferred, though most patients find the procedure comfortable without it.

During the procedure: Using a fine needle, the practitioner injects Profhilo at each of the 10 points across the face. Small raised bumps appear at each injection site immediately after treatment. These are the product sitting in the tissue before it begins to spread and are completely normal. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or a brief sting at each point.

Immediately after treatment: The bumps will be visible for several hours to 24 hours as the product disperses through the surrounding tissue. Mild redness, swelling or tenderness at the injection sites is common and usually settles within 24 to 48 hours. Most patients are comfortable returning to normal activities immediately.

Profhilo has minimal recovery compared to most injectable treatments. There is no significant downtime.  Swelling, if present, is often slightly worse on days two to three before improving from around day five and resolving fully within two weeks.

Ongoing: Apply SPF daily. Sun damage accelerates the breakdown of both hyaluronic acid and collagen, which directly counteracts the benefits of Profhilo treatment.

When to contact your clinic: Contact your practitioner if you notice severe or worsening pain that does not settle, skin at the injection site that turns white, grey or mottled, increasing redness or heat beyond 48 hours, or any symptoms that concern you.

Profhilo has a strong safety record, in part because it is made without added chemicals and hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body, which reduces the likelihood of adverse reactions.

Common side effects (expected and temporary):

• Small bumps or raised spots at the injection sites, resolving within 6 to 48 hours as the product disperses
• Mild redness and swelling at the injection sites, settling within 24 to 48 hours
• Minor bruising, particularly in patients prone to bruising or taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen
• Mild tenderness at the injection sites for up to 48 hours

Less common side effects:

• Persistent lumps or nodules that do not resolve within a few days, usually indicating the product was placed too superficially
• Prolonged swelling beyond 48 to 72 hours

Rare but serious complications:

• Vascular occlusion: if Profhilo is injected into or near a blood vessel, it can restrict blood supply to the surrounding skin. Signs include intense pain and skin that turns white, grey or mottled at the injection site. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment by the practitioner
• Infection at the injection site
• Allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid, which is rare given its natural presence in the body

Choosing a practitioner with appropriate medical qualifications and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy significantly reduces the risk of serious complications. All clinics listed on The Aesthetic Standard are reviewed for practitioner registration, clinical standards and patient safety before being listed.

Profhilo is a prescription-only injectable in the UK. It must be prescribed and administered by a qualified medical professional with formal training in aesthetic medicine and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy.

When choosing a Profhilo clinic, consider:

• Whether the practitioner holds statutory medical registration: General Medical Council for doctors, General Dental Council for dentists, or Nursing and Midwifery Council for nurses
• Whether the clinic holds voluntary professional body membership such as the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) for doctor and dentist-led clinics, or the British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses (BAMAN) for nurse-led clinics
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration. This is the independent government regulator of health and social care in England. CQC registration is not currently mandatory for cosmetic clinics, but where a clinic voluntarily holds it this demonstrates an exceptionally high level of clinical governance
• Whether the clinic uses genuine, licensed Profhilo product
• The practitioner’s specific experience with Profhilo and the BAP technique
• Whether a proper medical consultation is conducted and documented before treatment is agreed
• Before and after photographs of the practitioner’s previous Profhilo patients for similar concerns
• Voluntary accreditation with Save Face, the UK’s only government-approved aesthetics register, or Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP)  provides further reassurance of meeting recognised safety standards

Every Profhilo clinic listed on The Aesthetic Standard has already been reviewed against these criteria by our editorial team. We verify practitioner statutory registration, professional body membership and Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration where held. We review independent patient feedback across Google, Trustpilot and RealSelf. We speak directly with the lead practitioner at every clinic, and where possible we also speak with patients who have undergone treatment there.

Before booking, read our list of questions to ask at your Profhilo consultation.

Your consultation is the opportunity to assess whether the practitioner and clinic are right for you. Questions worth asking include:

• Are you registered with the General Medical Council, General Dental Council or Nursing and Midwifery Council?
• How many Profhilo treatments have you performed and how long have you been trained in the BAP technique?
• Can I see before and after photographs of patients you have treated for similar concerns to mine?
• Is the Profhilo product you use sourced from a licensed UK pharmacy?
• Which Profhilo product are you recommending for me, and why?
• How many sessions are you recommending and at what interval?
• Are you recommending face only, or face and neck, and what is your reasoning?
• What realistic results should I expect given my skin type and age?
• What aftercare support do you provide and how do I contact you if I have concerns after treatment?
• What is your protocol if a complication occurs?

Patients looking for Profhilo treatment can find experienced clinics in London, Manchester and Birmingham through The Aesthetic Standard directory.

Each city page covers local pricing, how we select clinics in that area and verified practitioners offering Profhilo treatment:

• Profhilo Clinics in London
• Profhilo Clinics in Manchester
• Profhilo Clinics in Birmingham

Browse our full treatments guide or explore our clinic directory to find verified practitioners and clinics in London, Manchester and Birmingham.