Profhilo has become a widely discussed option among people in Malaysia who want to improve skin hydration and overall skin quality without the volume changes associated with dermal fillers. It is an injectable treatment that works through a process known as bio-remodelling, which supports the skin’s own collagen and elastin activity.
What Is Profhilo?
Profhilo is an injectable treatment containing stabilised hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin that helps maintain hydration. Unlike dermal fillers, which are used to restore volume or reshape facial features, Profhilo is designed to spread beneath the skin to improve hydration and support collagen and elastin production through a process known as bio-remodelling, helping to improve overall skin quality. Treatment is typically performed using the Bio Aesthetic Points (BAP) technique, with injection points selected by an LCP-certified aesthetic physician following an individual assessment to determine whether Profhilo is suitable for your skin concerns and goals.
Profhilo Benefits
Profhilo is designed to improve overall skin quality rather than add volume or reshape facial features. By delivering stabilised hyaluronic acid into the skin, it supports hydration while stimulating collagen and elastin production through bio-remodelling. Depending on individual skin characteristics and treatment goals, potential benefits may include:
- May support improved skin hydration and moisture retention
- Designed to support smoother skin texture and overall skin quality
- May assist in supporting skin firmness and elasticity
- Supporting a healthier-looking, more radiant complexion
- May support the softening of fine lines associated with mild skin laxity
- Designed to support a natural-looking result without adding facial volume
The degree of improvement varies between individuals and depends on factors such as age, skin condition and lifestyle. Your aesthetic physician will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
| TREATMENT | PRIMARY PURPOSE | ADDS VOLUME? | HYDRATION | TYPICAL USE | MECHANISM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profhilo | Improve skin quality and hydration through bio-remodelling | No, not intended to add significant volume | Yes, supports hydration | Dull, dehydrated or less firm skin; overall skin quality | Stabilised hyaluronic acid that spreads through tissue to support collagen and elastin activity |
| Skin Boosters | Improve skin hydration and texture | Minimal, not designed for structural volume | Yes, focused on hydration | Dry or dehydrated skin; refining texture | Hyaluronic acid injected into the skin to hydrate localised areas |
| Dermal Fillers | Add volume, shape or contour | Yes, designed to add volume | Varies by product | Restoring or enhancing facial volume and contour | Cross-linked hyaluronic acid that provides structure in a targeted area |
There are clear similarities. All three use hyaluronic acid, and all are administered by injection following consultation. The differences lie in their purpose. Profhilo is focused on the quality and hydration of the skin across a broader area, rather than reshaping a specific feature. Skin boosters also prioritise hydration, though they are often used in more localised areas. Dermal fillers are designed to add volume or contour, which is a different objective altogether.
None of these treatments is better than the others in a general sense. They address different concerns. Some individuals may be suited to one approach, others to a combination, and some to an entirely different treatment. This can only be determined following an individual assessment by an aesthetic physician. If you are unsure which category fits your concerns, our dermal fillers hub explains volume-based treatments in more detail, and a consultation can help clarify the right direction.
What Results Can You Expect?
Profhilo is generally associated with gradual changes rather than immediate ones. Because bio-remodelling works with the skin over time, some patients notice a gradual improvement over several weeks rather than straight after the appointment.
Reported changes commonly relate to skin hydration, texture and elasticity. Many people describe skin that feels better hydrated and looks more refreshed. It is important to understand that results vary from person to person, and no outcome can be guaranteed. Factors such as your skin condition, age, lifestyle and general health can all influence how your skin responds.
Profhilo is often provided as a course rather than a single session. A common approach involves an initial treatment followed by a second session a few weeks later, after which maintenance sessions may be recommended over time. The exact schedule, including how many sessions may be appropriate, is determined by your physician following assessment. Multiple sessions may be recommended to support and maintain results.
Setting realistic expectations is an important part of any aesthetic treatment. Profhilo is intended to support skin quality and hydration. It is not designed to reshape the face, restore significant volume or stop the natural ageing process. A consultation is the right time to discuss what may be realistic for your skin.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You may wish to arrange a consultation if you have noticed changes in your skin that you would like to understand better. Common reasons people seek professional advice include:
- Skin that looks dull or tired despite a good skincare routine
- Persistent dryness or dehydration
- Reduced elasticity or firmness
- Uncertainty about which treatment, if any, is appropriate for your concerns
Seeing an aesthetic physician does not commit you to a particular treatment. A consultation is an opportunity to have your skin assessed, ask questions and receive balanced, evidence-based advice. Your physician may recommend Profhilo, another treatment, a combination approach, or simply a change to your skincare, depending on your individual assessment.
A consultation-first approach helps ensure that any treatment you consider is based on your actual needs rather than a general recommendation. It also allows your physician to review your medical history and check whether a treatment may be suitable for you.
Possible Risks and Profhilo Side Effects
As with any injectable treatment, Profhilo carries the possibility of side effects. Most reported effects are temporary and localised to the treated area. Common temporary effects may include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness at the injection sites
These effects typically settle within a short period, though this varies between individuals. Your physician can explain what to expect and how to care for your skin afterwards.
Less common or rare complications are also possible with any injectable procedure. These, along with any specific concerns relating to your medical history, allergies or current medications, should be discussed during your consultation. Providing your physician with a full and accurate medical history helps them assess whether a treatment may be appropriate and helps reduce the likelihood of complications.
This is another reason why treatment should always follow a professional assessment. An LCP-certified aesthetic physician can weigh the potential benefits and risks in the context of your individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Profhilo?
Profhilo is an injectable treatment containing stabilised hyaluronic acid. It is designed to improve skin hydration and quality through a process called bio-remodelling, which supports the skin’s own collagen and elastin activity. It is not a dermal filler.
How is Profhilo different from fillers?
Dermal fillers are designed to add volume, shape or contour to a specific area. Profhilo is not intended to add significant facial volume. Instead, it focuses on skin hydration and overall skin quality across a broader area. The two treatments have different objectives.
Is Profhilo a skin booster?
Profhilo and skin boosters both use hyaluronic acid and both aim to improve hydration, so they are sometimes grouped together. However, Profhilo is specifically associated with bio-remodelling and is often applied across a wider area, whereas skin boosters are frequently used in more localised areas. Your physician can explain the distinction in relation to your skin.
How many sessions are usually recommended?
Profhilo is commonly provided as a short course rather than a single session, with maintenance sessions considered over time. The number of sessions that may be appropriate depends on your individual assessment and is decided together with your physician.
How long does treatment take?
An individual session is generally short, though the total appointment time can vary depending on the assessment and the areas being treated. Your clinic can give you a clearer estimate at the time of booking.
Is there downtime?
Many people are able to return to their usual activities soon after treatment, though temporary effects such as redness, swelling or small marks at the injection sites may be present for a short time. Your physician can advise on aftercare based on your circumstances.
Who may be suitable?
Profhilo may be suitable for some individuals who are looking to improve skin hydration and quality. Suitability can only be determined following an individual assessment by an LCP-certified aesthetic physician, who will review your skin, goals and medical history.
Can Profhilo be combined with other treatments?
In some cases, an aesthetic physician may discuss combining Profhilo with other treatments as part of a personalised treatment plan. Whether this is appropriate depends on your individual assessment and should be discussed during consultation.
How long do results last?
The duration of any changes varies between individuals and depends on factors such as skin condition, age and lifestyle. Maintenance sessions may be recommended over time. Your physician can discuss what may be realistic for you. No outcome can be guaranteed.
Does Profhilo replace fillers?
No. Profhilo and dermal fillers are designed for different purposes. Profhilo focuses on skin quality and hydration, while fillers are used to add volume or contour. One does not replace the other, and some individuals may be advised on a different approach entirely following assessment.
Is Profhilo suitable for the neck or hands?
Profhilo is sometimes discussed for areas beyond the face. Whether any particular area is appropriate for you depends on your individual assessment. Your physician can advise on suitable treatment options during consultation.
Profhilo
If you are considering Profhilo, arrange a consultation with one of our LCP-certified aesthetic physicians. Following an individual assessment, your physician can discuss whether Profhilo or another treatment may be appropriate for your skin concerns.
You may also wish to read our Profhilo treatment page for treatment-specific information, or our dull skin page if uneven tone, dehydration or tired-looking skin is your main concern.
This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for a professional consultation. Any treatment should follow an individual assessment by a qualified, LCP-certified aesthetic physician. Medically reviewed in line with the clinical standards of A.M Clinic’s aesthetic physicians.