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Should I have Profhilo or dermal fillers - and what's the difference?

Updated: Feb 16

Q: If Profhilo and dermal fillers are both hyaluronic acid, then surely there's no difference right?


A: Well, whilst both of these injectables do contain the skin holy grail that is hyaluronic acid, the similarities end there. Read on to learn about the differences between the two and whether you should opt for one or the other, or even both!


Introduction


Dermal fillers and Profhilo are two types of cosmetic treatments that can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of ageing. Whilst both treatments involve injecting substances into the skin with the aim of enhancing facial features, there are some key differences between the two.


In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of both dermal fillers and Profhilo. First, let's look at each one individually to really understand the treatments.


What Are Dermal Fillers?


Dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a natural substance (sugar molecule) that occurs in the body. Hyaluronic acid is used to add volume to the skin, fill in wrinkles, and plump up sagging skin. It is hydrophilic which means its loves water and is therefore essential for boosting moisture in the skin. This wonder molecule is carefully manufactured under strict health and safety conditions and packaged into sterile syringes suitable for injecting into the skin. Now this is where the fun starts!


The structure and properties of hyaluronic acid can be adapted depending on what we want it to do. For example do we want it to provide lots of volume or projection of the skin? Or do we need it to be soft and hydrating? There are different dermal fillers for different areas of the face - we want a different filler under the eye compared to the one we would use along the jawline.


Dermal fillers can be used to achieve a variety of different results, including:


  • Fill in deep wrinkles and folds: Dermal fillers can be used to fill in deep wrinkles and folds, such as the nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth) and marionette lines (lines that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin).


  • Plump up the lips: Dermal fillers can be used to plump up the lips, add definition to the lip border and reduce the appearance of vertical lip lines.


  • Enhance the cheeks: Dermal fillers can be used to enhance the cheeks to imitate a great cheekbone structure. We can also add it to the the mid-face or apples of the cheek to replace lost volume, reduce sunken skin or jowls and refresh the undereye.


  • Contour the jawline or the chin: Dermal fillers can be used to contour the jawline and create a more defined and sculpted look. This is great to reduce the appearance of jowls. It can also help improve and rebalance a side profile. Typically wider jawlines can masculinise the face, so jawline filler is a popular treatment amongst male patients. It can also be a very transformative treatment for transgender patients to feel more at ease in their visual identities and those undergoing gender reassignment surgery.


Pros and Cons of Dermal Fillers


At your appointment you may have topical numbing cream applied to minimise discomfort, however the majority of people find the treatment relatively comfortable. Some dermal fillers will have local anaesthetic in the syringe, providing further comfort throughout the treatment. Depending on which area of the face you are having treated, your appointment will take between 30-60 minutes. Most of this time is spent discussing your concerns, reviewing your medical history and planning your treatment. The injecting doesn't take very long at all!


One of the main benefits of dermal fillers is that they provide immediate results. You can see the effects of the treatment right away, although some swelling and bruising may occur for a few days after the injection. There can be virtually no downtime, although it can take seven to 14 days for the minor side effects to fully subside.


Dermal fillers can last anywhere from six to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used and the area of the face that is treated. However, there are also some drawbacks to dermal fillers. There is a risk of side effects such as bruising, swelling, redness, itching, and infection at the injection site. In rare cases, dermal fillers can also cause more serious side effects, such as tissue or nerve damage. This is why it is always recommended that you see an experienced medical professional who is able to treat and manage any complications should they arise.


What is Profhilo?


Profhilo is a relatively new type of injectable treatment that is designed to hydrate the skin and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. It is made from hyaluronic acid, just like dermal fillers but it is formulated in a different way. Instead of adding volume to the skin, Profhilo is designed to improve skin quality and texture. The structure of the molecule is different - instead of acting as a structural support in the skin as dermal fillers do, Profhilo kickstarts the skin to start building its own structure through collagen stimulation.


Profhilo is injected into the skin in a series of small injections, similar to dermal fillers. These injections use a very small needle that causes minor discomfort and therefore no anaesthetic or even numbing cream is typically required. Unlike dermal fillers, Profhilo is placed under the skin using a specialised technique known as "bio-remodelling." This technique involves injecting the product directly into the skin at specific points, which helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production.


Profhilo can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including:


  • Fine lines and wrinkles: Profhilo can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin texture and quality.


  • Sagging skin: Profhilo can help to tighten and firm sagging skin, improving the overall appearance of the skin.


  • Dehydrated skin: Profhilo is designed to hydrate the skin from the inside out, leaving it looking and feeling more plump and youthful. This is why it is often referred to as an injectable moisturiser.


Pros and Cons of Profhilo


The main advantage of Profhilo is that it can provide subtle and natural-looking results. Because it works to improve the overall quality of the skin, patients often see a gradual improvement over time, rather than a sudden change. I love recommending Profhilo as a newbie treatment because it is a great introduction to aesthetics. It's that in between treatment - you've tried retinol and want to up your skin care game but you're still a little anxious about going down the dermal filler route.


Profhilo can last up to six months, although some patients may require more frequent treatments. The first time you have Profhilo, you should have two sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. Remember the time old saying - collagen wasn't built in a day! You may see results quite quickly, but don't be disheartened if you only start to see results from four to 8 weeks. This is perfectly normal as your skin works hard to create the structure, moisture and elasticity that Profhilo is all about.


There are also some drawbacks to Profhilo. You can opt to repeat the course every 6 months, however some wish to come in 3 monthly for single sessions. This potentially means more frequent visits to the clinic in comparison to dermal fillers (not a bad thing though, we love having you!).


Additionally, while Profhilo is a less invasive treatment than dermal fillers, it still carries some risks. Patients may experience some bruising or swelling after the injection, and in rare cases, infection or other complications may occur. These are very unlikely as Profhilo has a great safety profile and when performed by an experienced professional is a great, safe option.


Conclusion


In conclusion, both dermal fillers and Profhilo are effective treatments for reducing the signs of ageing and enhancing the appearance of the skin. However, they work in different ways and offer different results.


Dermal fillers provide immediate results and can be used to add volume, contour the face, and fill in deep wrinkles and folds. Profhilo, on the other hand, is designed to improve the overall quality of the skin, and can be used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, hydrate the skin, and firm up sagging skin. It takes a little time to work and results are usually more subtle.


Ultimately, the decision to choose between dermal fillers and Profhilo will depend on your individual needs and goals, as well as your budget and medical history. If you are considering either treatment, why not speak with our experience Nurse who can offer you honest advice and a complimentary consultation with no obligation to go ahead with treatment.



"Hi! I'm Nurse Coral, an experienced aesthetic nurse who is passionate about providing natural enhancements to help people feel confident and beautiful. My clinics are based in the City of London, Essex & Kent.

You can book in for a consultation with me here, or simply reach out with any queries by emailing info@coralaesthetics.co.uk and I'll get back to you!"




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