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Profhilo vs Dermal Fillers: Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Written by , Level 7 Aesthetic Practitioner | Mesglo London

When it comes to addressing skin laxity and restoring a youthful, hydrated complexion, two of the most popular treatments in aesthetic medicine are Profhilo and dermal fillers. Both are injectable treatments, yet they work in fundamentally different ways and serve distinct purposes. At Mesglo London, our Marylebone clinic sees a significant number of clients who are unsure which treatment is the right choice for their concerns. Understanding the differences between these two powerhouse treatments is essential for making an informed decision about your skin health. This comprehensive guide compares Profhilo and dermal fillers across every important dimension — from how they work and what they treat, to expected results, downtime, and cost — so you can choose the treatment that will deliver the best outcome for your unique needs.

What Is Profhilo and How Does It Work?

Profhilo is an injectable skin remodelling treatment that contains one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA) available on the market — 64mg per 2ml syringe. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, Profhilo does not add volume or structure to the face. Instead, it works by dispersing beneath the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, the two proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity.

The treatment uses a patented thermal cross-linking technology called NAHYCO, which creates a unique hybrid cooperative complex of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. This dual-action formula provides immediate deep hydration from the low molecular weight HA, whilst the high molecular weight HA stimulates a biological remodelling process that continues for weeks after treatment.

Profhilo is administered using the BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) technique, which involves just five injection points on each side of the face. The product then spreads evenly beneath the skin, acting as a bio-stimulator rather than a filler. This makes it an exceptionally versatile treatment suitable for the face, neck, hands, and décolletage.

At Mesglo London, we often describe Profhilo as a treatment that makes your skin behave younger. Rather than changing your appearance, it restores the quality and vitality of your skin from within.

  • Stimulates collagen I, III, and IV production for improved skin structure
  • Boosts elastin synthesis for enhanced skin elasticity and bounce
  • Provides intense hydration that lasts for up to six months
  • Requires only ten injection points using the BAP technique
  • Suitable for all skin types and ages from the late twenties onwards

What Are Dermal Fillers and How Do They Differ?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances, most commonly made from cross-linked hyaluronic acid, that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Unlike Profhilo, which spreads freely beneath the skin, dermal fillers are designed to stay precisely where they are placed, providing structural support and definition.

The cross-linking process in dermal fillers creates a more robust gel that resists degradation and maintains its shape over time. Different filler products have varying degrees of viscosity and elasticity, allowing practitioners to select the ideal product for each treatment area — from soft, pliable fillers for lips to firmer products for cheek and jawline augmentation.

At Mesglo London, our practitioners are highly skilled in advanced filler techniques, including the use of cannulas for safer, more comfortable injections. We use only premium, CE-marked filler brands that have extensive safety data and clinical evidence supporting their use.

Common Treatment Areas for Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers can be used across numerous areas of the face and body. The most popular treatment areas at our Marylebone clinic include lip enhancement for added volume and definition, cheek augmentation to restore youthful contours, nasolabial fold softening to reduce the appearance of smile lines, jawline contouring for a more defined profile, tear trough treatment to address under-eye hollows, and chin projection for improved facial balance.

FeatureProfhiloDermal Fillers
Primary PurposeSkin remodelling and hydrationVolume restoration and contouring
How It WorksBio-stimulation of collagen and elastinStructural support via cross-linked HA gel
Injection Technique5 BAP points per side (10 total)Targeted placement with needle or cannula
Results TimelineGradual over 4-8 weeksImmediate with refinement over 2 weeks
Duration of Results6-9 months6-18 months depending on area
DowntimeMinimal — small bumps for 24 hoursMild swelling and bruising for 3-7 days
Best ForSkin laxity, crepey skin, dullnessVolume loss, wrinkles, facial contouring
Starting PriceFrom £300 per sessionFrom £250 per syringe

Profhilo vs Dermal Fillers: Which Should You Choose?

The choice between Profhilo and dermal fillers depends entirely on your primary concern. If your main issue is skin quality — dullness, dehydration, fine lines, crepey texture, or mild laxity — then Profhilo is likely the better option. It works holistically to improve the overall condition of your skin without changing your facial structure.

If your concern is volume loss — sunken cheeks, thinning lips, deep nasolabial folds, or a weak jawline — then dermal fillers are the more appropriate treatment. Fillers provide immediate, visible structural improvement that Profhilo simply cannot deliver.

However, at Mesglo London, we find that many of our clients benefit most from a combination approach. Profhilo creates the ideal canvas — hydrated, firm, glowing skin — upon which dermal fillers can then add strategic volume and definition. This layered approach delivers results that are far more natural and harmonious than either treatment alone.

Age-Related Considerations

In your late twenties and thirties, Profhilo is often the ideal starting point for preventative skin care, maintaining hydration and stimulating collagen before significant volume loss occurs. In your forties and fifties, a combination of Profhilo for skin quality and targeted fillers for volume restoration typically delivers the most comprehensive rejuvenation. For clients in their sixties and beyond, we often recommend starting with Profhilo to improve skin elasticity before introducing fillers, as this creates a more natural-looking result.

ConcernBest TreatmentWhy
Dull, dehydrated skinProfhiloProvides deep hydration and stimulates collagen production
Crepey neck skinProfhiloSpreads evenly to remodel thin, delicate skin
Sunken cheeksDermal FillersAdds precise volume to restore youthful contours
Thin lipsDermal FillersProvides controlled volume and definition
Fine lines and mild laxityProfhiloBio-stimulation tightens and firms the skin
Deep nasolabial foldsDermal FillersFills the crease for immediate smoothing
Overall facial ageingBoth CombinedProfhilo for skin quality, fillers for strategic volume

The Treatment Experience at Mesglo London

Both Profhilo and dermal filler treatments at our Marylebone clinic begin with a thorough consultation. Our practitioners assess your skin quality, facial structure, and aesthetic goals to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. We believe in a bespoke approach — no two faces are the same, and your treatment should reflect your unique anatomy and desires.

A Profhilo session typically takes around 30 minutes. The ten injection points are administered quickly, and most clients describe the sensation as a mild pinch. Small bumps may be visible at the injection sites for up to 24 hours, but these resolve naturally. Two sessions spaced four weeks apart are recommended for optimal results, with maintenance treatments every six to nine months.

Dermal filler treatments vary in duration depending on the areas being treated, typically ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. We apply topical anaesthetic cream before treatment and use products containing lidocaine for maximum comfort. Results are visible immediately, though the final outcome is best assessed after two weeks once any swelling has settled.

Our practitioners at Mesglo London hold advanced qualifications in facial anatomy and injectable techniques. We prioritise safety and natural-looking results above all else, ensuring every client leaves feeling confident and beautiful.

Safety, Side Effects, and Aftercare

Both Profhilo and dermal fillers have excellent safety profiles when administered by qualified practitioners. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, which means allergic reactions are exceptionally rare. However, as with any injectable treatment, there are potential side effects to be aware of.

Common side effects of Profhilo include temporary bumps at injection sites, mild redness, and occasional bruising. These typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Dermal filler side effects may include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and temporary asymmetry, which usually settle within one to two weeks.

Aftercare for both treatments is straightforward. We advise clients to avoid intense exercise, saunas, and alcohol for 24 hours following treatment. For dermal fillers, we also recommend avoiding pressure on the treated areas and sleeping on your back for the first few nights. Our team provides comprehensive aftercare instructions and is always available for follow-up questions or concerns.

  • Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for 24 hours
  • Refrain from intense exercise and heat exposure for 24-48 hours
  • Stay hydrated to support the hyaluronic acid's moisture-binding properties
  • Attend your follow-up appointment to assess results and plan next steps
  • Contact the clinic immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms

Combining Profhilo with Other Treatments at Mesglo London

One of the greatest advantages of Profhilo is its versatility as a foundation treatment. At Mesglo London, we frequently combine Profhilo with other regenerative and aesthetic treatments to create comprehensive rejuvenation programmes tailored to each client's needs.

Profhilo pairs exceptionally well with exosome therapy, as both treatments work at the cellular level to stimulate regeneration. The combination of Profhilo's collagen-boosting properties with the growth factors delivered by exosomes creates a synergistic effect that accelerates skin renewal and delivers superior results.

For clients seeking both skin quality improvement and volume restoration, we often recommend a staged approach: Profhilo first to establish a healthy, hydrated foundation, followed by targeted dermal fillers four to six weeks later. This sequence ensures the fillers integrate beautifully with skin that is already in optimal condition.

Mesotherapy is another excellent companion treatment, delivering targeted cocktails of vitamins, minerals, and hyaluronic acid to address specific concerns such as pigmentation, dullness, or dehydration. When combined with Profhilo, the results are a complexion that is not only firmer and more elastic but also visibly brighter and more even-toned.

Conclusion

Choosing between Profhilo and dermal fillers — or deciding to combine both — is a decision best made with expert guidance. At Mesglo London, our experienced practitioners in Marylebone take the time to understand your concerns, assess your skin and facial structure, and recommend a bespoke treatment plan that will deliver the most natural, beautiful results. Whether you are looking to restore your skin's youthful glow with Profhilo, add definition and volume with dermal fillers, or achieve comprehensive rejuvenation with a combination approach, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Book your complimentary consultation today to discover which treatment is the perfect match for your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Profhilo better than dermal fillers?
Neither treatment is inherently better — they serve different purposes. Profhilo is superior for improving overall skin quality, hydration, and elasticity, whilst dermal fillers are better for restoring volume and contouring specific facial features. Many clients at Mesglo London benefit from combining both treatments.
Can I have Profhilo and dermal fillers at the same time?
We generally recommend spacing the treatments at least two to four weeks apart for optimal results. Typically, we suggest completing your Profhilo course first to establish a healthy skin foundation, then introducing dermal fillers once the bio-remodelling process is underway.
How long does Profhilo last compared to dermal fillers?
Profhilo results typically last six to nine months, with most clients scheduling maintenance treatments twice yearly. Dermal fillers last between six and eighteen months depending on the product used and the treatment area, with lip fillers generally lasting six to nine months and cheek fillers lasting twelve to eighteen months.
Does Profhilo hurt more than dermal fillers?
Most clients find Profhilo less uncomfortable than dermal fillers. The BAP technique involves just ten small injections, and the procedure is very quick. Dermal filler injections may involve more injection points and deeper placement, though we use topical anaesthetic and lidocaine-containing products to ensure maximum comfort.
What age should I start Profhilo?
Profhilo can be beneficial from the late twenties onwards as a preventative treatment. However, it is most commonly sought by clients in their forties and fifties who are beginning to notice skin laxity, dullness, and fine lines. There is no upper age limit — Profhilo can deliver remarkable improvements at any age.
How much does Profhilo cost in London?
At Mesglo London, Profhilo treatment starts from £300 per session. A full course consists of two sessions spaced four weeks apart. We offer complimentary consultations to discuss your treatment plan and provide a detailed cost breakdown.
Can Profhilo be used on the neck and hands?
Absolutely. Profhilo is one of the few treatments that delivers excellent results on the neck, décolletage, and hands — areas that are notoriously difficult to treat with traditional fillers. The product's ability to spread evenly makes it ideal for these larger, thinner-skinned areas.
Will dermal fillers make me look unnatural?
Not when administered by skilled practitioners. At Mesglo London, our philosophy centres on enhancing your natural beauty rather than creating an artificial appearance. We use conservative volumes and advanced techniques to ensure results that look refreshed and harmonious, never overdone.

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