Profhilo is a bio-remodelling product made of a high concentration of high and low molecular weight HA or hyaluronan. HA is naturally present in the skin but declines with age. The HA used for Profhilo is a unique formulation free of additives and is highly biocompatible as it is made from synthesised HA and is stabilised without the addition of chemical cross-linking agents. It works through the slow release of both high and low molecular weight HA. While it consists of pure HA, it is not a dermal filler, and the aim is not to volumise but to induce bio-stimulation of cells. This means it stimulates the laying-down o new collagen and elastin in the superficial layers, just under the surface of the skin.

Profhilo works in two stages. The immediate hydrating effects and glow that people often report are the short-term effects and the first stage. The second stage of Profhilo is the stimulation of fibroblast cells, increasing collagen, elastin, and HA. It disperses into the skin where it has a ‘scaffolding’ action on the tissues, hydrates and begins its bio-remodelling process to improve skin laxity. It has also been shown to stimulate fat cells under the skin lost through aging. This second stage takes longer and will continually be working for the duration that the treatment lasts (up to six months). As the effects wear off it is recommended to have follow up treatments to maintain the results. As we age our fibroblast cells will keep slowing down and won’t produce as much collagen, so we want to keep them stimulated.

At CosMedic Clinic we use Profhilo for treatment to the face and neck. It can also be used on other areas including the decolletage and hands, but we are not currently treating these areas. If you are interested in treatment to the hands or decolletage please contact us.

Profhilo is best suited to those who have mild to moderate skin laxity and fine lines and are starting to notice the effects of skin aging. It is also ideal for anyone wanting a clearer and brighter complexion and more hydration in their skin.

It can be used in young patients who are looking for rejuvenation treatments to help slow down the aging process of the skin to those patients with visible sun damage who can already see the effects of age on their skin. You must be minimum of 18 years old to receive any of our injectable treatments, but we recommend in most cases starting treatments from late 20’s depending on the condition of the skin. We will give you recommendations at your consultation and after a full facial assessment has been completed.

For best results we recommend 2 to 3 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart. The number of treatment required in the initial treatment course depends on your skin condition and age and will be determined at your consultation. For very dehydrated or sun damaged skin we may recommend an initial course of 4 sessions. We recommend maintenance sessions every 4 to 6 months after the initial treatment course.

Bioremodelling injections spread quickly to the areas needed to provide instant hydration. Initially there is an intense hydration phase and patient’s often report glowing appearance in the hours and days following their treatment. After the
hydration phase settles the bio stimulation phase begins and progresses for the next 4 to 6 months generating more collagen and elastin.

Visible signs are more subtle than dermal fillers and not as initially noticeable as the focus is more on hydration, brightness, fine lines, and skin quality. Patient’s will often notice their skin feels more hydrated and clearer, but results may not be visually seen on photographs. It’s not always easy to measure results and some people will see more visible changes than others.

As the product works to stimulate fibroblasts generating new collagen, elastin and HA, results continue to improve with time and further treatments. There have been numerous clinical studies done on Profhilo proving its efficacy.

You'll notice improved hydration levels within the first 24 hours after your initial treatment, but optimal results typically appear 24-48 hours after the last treatment in the initial treatment course and last for up to 6 months. Profhilo kickstarts the production of elastin fibres, remodelling the skin tissue and continuing to improve skin elasticity and laxity.

To maintain its effects, it is recommended that you have maintenance treatments every 4 to 6 months. As we age our fibroblast cells will keep slowing down and won’t produce as much collagen, so we want to keep them stimulated.

Results can vary among individuals.

Please arrive to your appointment with a clean face and no make-up.

You will need to avoid dental treatments for 2 to 4 weeks before and after your treatment. We also advise waiting at least 4 weeks either side of dermal fillers and more ablative energy based treatments and 2 weeks for microneedling, and Botox and Xeomin.

To reduce the likelihood of bruising we recommend you avoid alcohol for a few days prior to treatment and any non-prescribed blood thinning supplements such as omegas, fish oil, krill oil, Vitamin E, garlic and ginkgo, turmeric, and evening primrose for at least 7 days prior to your treatment and a few days after. Do NOT stop taking any medications without first consulting your doctor.

If you have any active skin infections, are unwell or have recently been unwell please delay treatment.

After consultation with your practitioner, a treatment session is planned. When you arrive to you appointment you will be required to fill out some paperwork including informed consent if this hasn’t been done already and you will have before photos taken. Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic and injection points marked out.

The treatment involves placing the product under the skin using a fine needle at points which are chosen to ensure safety and maximise the location of the product. Profhilo is injected into 10 specific areas of the face, known as the BAPs (bio aesthetic points). There are 5 injections of 0.2ml administered on each side of the face. The product then spreads under the surface of the skin where it immediately hydrates deep within
the skin, due to the hydrophilic (water-loving) properties of the HA. It spreads evenly throughout the surrounding tissues to hydrate and stimulate the collagen and elastin production.

Most people describe the pain as mild and liken it to a short sting. We do not apply numbing cream as in our experience it does not lessen the pain enough to make it effective, and there are risks associated with the numbing cream. The stinging sensation experienced is associated more with the product being injected than the actual needles. There are a total of 10 injection sites for the face and 10 for the neck. Some of the injections you will feel more than others, but typically the injections themselves take between 10 and 15 minutes. The needles are very small and are injected just below the surface of the skin.

It is possible to have small visible lumps similar to a mosquito bite and the treated area may exhibit redness, lumpiness, and tenderness for up to 48 hours. Swelling and bruising may persist for up to a week. Mild pain in the treated area is also normal, but it tends to improve over the following few days. Lumps can be expected, and it may take up to a few weeks for the product to integrate into the tissue, although these generally go down within the first 24 hours for most people.

In the first 48 hours after treatment keep the area clean and avoid make-up and any heavy exercise. After this time, you can wear make-up and continue with your regular skincare routine, but it's advisable to avoid oil-based products, AHAs, retinol, and vitamin C for the first week. Avoid swimming pools, extreme temperatures, hot tubs, and saunas for 7 days. No dental treatments for 2 to 4 weeks after treatment.

It is important to note that, like all medical procedures, there can be risks, even if they are rare. 

Risks and side effects may include:

• Swelling and redness at the injection site.
• Brusing and swelling.
• Persistent lumps lasting more than 24 hours.
• Skin infection – although rare when performed with a clean injection technique.
• Vascular occlusion – the depth of injection sites and location of landmarks used for Profhilo makes the risk of a vascular occlusion extremely rare. Due to the vast amount of blood vessels in our face and differences in our individual anatomy we can never eliminate this risk completely and can only minimise it.

Profhilo is generally a well-tolerated treatment and to date there have been no reported vascular occlusions from this product although it is possible. We always have the enzyme used to dissolve HA in clinic and emergency protocols in place along with other emergency equipment and medications.

Profhilo is highly biocompatible as it is made from synthesised HA and is stabilised without the addition of chemical cross-linking agents like dermal fillers, making it less likely to cause adverse effects. It is one of the most concentrated HAs on the
market. Despite being far more concentrated than dermal filler, the unique manufacturing process leads to a far less viscous gel. The consistency is more like runny honey than a gel substance and is intended to spread in the tissues.

Dermal filler is injected at different depths and used to target specific lines, plump lips, and augment and volumise different facial compartments. Profhilo is a bioremodelling product that is intended to provide deep hydration and stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and HA. It is injected just under the surface of the skin at very specific landmarks. These landmarks have been carefully designed with safety in mind and to allow for the spread and integration of the product over the intended areas to cover a large surface area. Profhilo works from within to improve skin texture, fine lines, and laxity and to provide an overall rejuvenating effect that continues to work with each treatment and does not change facial shape or features as dermal fillers can.

Unlike dermal fillers Profhilo does not contain any anaesthetic.

• Those previously allergic to hyaluronan or HA.
• Anaphylaxis reaction to bee stings (if you have this reaction to bee stings there is a very high chance you could be allergic to the enzyme that we use to dissolve HA should there be any complications).
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding.
• Those with permanent fillers or facial implants.
• If you are unwell or have recently had an infection such as a facial infection or sinusitis or dental infection, you will need to delay treatment.
• History of keloid scarring.
• Planned dental work in the next month. You will need to reschedule.
• If you are travelling overseas in then next two weeks or going to a remote area you will need to reschedule your treatment.
• Caution is needed for those with autoimmune disorders. Please discuss further with us to determine if you are suitable for treatment.

Profhilo has an excellent safety profile and has been available in New Zealand since 2020. It was launched in Italy in 2015 and since then over a million treatments have been performed across Europe and the UK.  It was approved by the TGA and introduced to Australia in 2022.

From a safety perspective, Profhilo is highly biocompatible as it is made from natural Hyaluronic Acid and is stabilised without the addition of chemical cross-linking agents. It has a very well-established safety profile.

Profhilo should only be performed by a Dr or Registered Nurse trained in cosmetic medicine. Registered Nurses working in the field of cosmetic medicine must have
oversight from a Dr with specific qualifications such as Dr’s who are a member of NZSCM. As with all our injectable treatments, your treatment will be performed by a Registered Nurse trained in cosmetic nursing. Our cosmetic nurse Jaime has been working in the industry for over 13 years and has oversight from Dr Henryk Poczwa, member of NZSCM and owner of the Vein and Skin Clinic in Wellington. Dr Poczwa visits Invercargill regularly and meets with Jaime.

If you are a new patient, you will need to book for a Cosmetic Consultation prior to treatment. If you are an existing patient and have not yet spoken to us about this treatment, you will need to book the existing patient consultation.

If you are an existing patient and have already spoken to us about the treatment and you are a suitable candidate, you can book the Profhilo treatment option.

Please ensure that you book all the required treatments to complete the course as treatments need to be four weeks apart or the treatment will not be effective. You can book here.

Profhilo can be a stand-alone treatment or combined with other services to further enhance your treatments and meet your aesthetic goals. A personalised treatment plan can be created at your cosmetic consultation. Treatments typically combined with Profhilo include:

Medical grade skincare - prescribed for your individual skin care needs to improve skin health and quality improving the overall result of your treatments and aiding recovery time.

Botox and Xeomin (Anti-wrinkle injections) – to reduce muscle contraction and smooth out the overlying skin, softening lines, and wrinkles, and preventing the formation of deeper lines.

IPL photorejuvenation - to reduce redness, rosacea, pigmentation, sunspots and improve skin tone.

Dermal Filler - to volumise areas that have lost volume over time and fill deeper lines where reduced muscle contraction is not recommended. Dermal filler is also used for definition, volumisation and hydration to the lips.

Tixel Resurfacing – Tixel is an energy-based skin resurfacing treatment used to reduce lines and wrinkles, improve pigmentation, skin texuture, scarring and stretchmarks including scarring from acne and in the treatment of active acne. Unlike other treatments it can be used safely around the delicate eye area, an otherwise difficult area to treat. Tixel bridges the gap between microneedling and fractional ablative laser, but with less downtime than laser.

DermaFrac (microneedling with serum infusion) - combines collagen induction therapy with needling, suction to aid in lymphatic drainage and serum infusion in a quick, low pain, low downtime, and effective treatment. Used to improve skin texture, hydration, brightness and reduce the appearance of pigmentation, dark spots and acne.