If you are looking for a way to restore skin that has started to sag, lose hydration, and show the first lines of ageing, you have probably come across the name Profhilo. Many people assume it is just another type of Skin Booster — but Profhilo actually belongs to a newer category of injectable treatment called Bio-Remodeling, which works far deeper and across a wider area than an ordinary skin booster. In this article, Dr. Pang Skin Clinic walks you through Profhilo in detail: what it is, how it works at the cellular level, the clinically proven results behind it, the injection technique, and how to care for your skin afterwards.
What Is Profhilo?
Profhilo is a high-concentration injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) product designed to “remodel” the skin — a process known as Bio-Remodeling. It is manufactured by IBSA (Institut Biochimique SA), the largest privately owned pharmaceutical company in Switzerland, founded in 1945 and recognised as one of the world’s leading producers of hyaluronic acid.
Profhilo was first launched in Italy in February 2015 and rolled out internationally in January 2016. What makes it distinctive is that it is neither a traditional dermal filler that adds volume at specific points, nor a basic skin booster that only delivers temporary hydration. Instead, it is engineered to stimulate the skin to produce new collagen and elastin while lifting and firming lax tissue in a natural-looking way.
Profhilo at a glance:
- Manufacturer: IBSA, Switzerland — a global leader in hyaluronic acid
- Product category: Bio-Remodeling (not a filler, not an ordinary skin booster)
- Composition: ultrapure hyaluronic acid at a high concentration of 64 mg per 2 ml (3.2%)
- Technology: NAHYCO® Hybrid Technology, with no chemical cross-linking agents (BDDE-free)
- Treatment areas: face, neck, hands, inner arms and body
- Track record: over 400,000 treatments performed worldwide (as of 2018) and winner of Best Product Awards from 2016–2018
What Is Bio-Remodeling, and How Is It Different from an Ordinary Skin Booster?
Bio-Remodeling is the concept of “rebuilding the skin’s tissue structure” using two hyaluronic acids of different molecular weights that work together to hydrate the skin and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin at the same time. The heart of Profhilo is the combination of:
- H-HA (High Molecular Weight HA): 32 mg of high molecular weight HA (1,100–1,400 kDa) that binds water, boosts hydration and provides stable structure
- L-HA (Low Molecular Weight HA): 32 mg of low molecular weight HA (80–100 kDa) that activates skin cells and stimulates collagen production
The two are bonded together through a patented IBSA thermal stabilization process, creating a structure called Stabilized Hybrid Cooperative Complexes (HCC). This allows the product to last in the skin as long as a low cross-linked gel, while still flowing and spreading smoothly without leaving lumps beneath the surface. This is exactly why Profhilo outperforms ordinary skin boosters, which typically provide only hydration and break down quickly.
To make the differences clearer, the table below compares Profhilo (Bio-Remodeling), an ordinary Skin Booster, and a dermal filler:
| Aspect | Profhilo (Bio-Remodeling) | Ordinary Skin Booster | Dermal Filler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Remodel skin, stimulate collagen and firm | Add hydration to the skin | Fill deep folds, add volume at points |
| HA concentration | Very high (64 mg/2 ml) | Low to moderate | Moderate to high (cross-linked) |
| Cross-linker (BDDE) | None (heat-stabilized) | Usually little or none | Present |
| Spreadability | Flows across the whole area, no lumps | Localized spread | Stays at the injection point |
| Number of injection points | Few (5–10 points) | Many (dense across the face) | Only target areas |
| Firming effect | Clear | Low to moderate | Adds volume, not direct firming |
NAHYCO® Technology and the Composition of Profhilo
What sets Profhilo apart is not only the concentration of hyaluronic acid, but its NAHYCO® Hybrid Technology — a patented thermal manufacturing process. H-HA and L-HA are first combined in a simple mix, then heated and cooled according to a specific process, without using any chemical cross-linking agents such as BDDE. This makes the product safe and minimizes tissue inflammation.
The unique characteristics of Profhilo delivered by NAHYCO® technology include:
- High hyaluronic acid concentration (64 mg/2 ml)
- Excellent spreadability, allowing it to rejuvenate the skin evenly
- Low viscosity — easy to inject without leaving lumps or surface irregularities
- No BDDE or other chemical cross-linking agents
- Low inflammatory response
- Thermally stabilized natural HA with a duration comparable to a low cross-linked gel
In addition, IBSA’s hyaluronic acid is an ultrapure grade HA produced through a biofermentation process using Streptococcus zooepidemicus, which is ranked worldwide as “TOP HIGH QUALITY” in terms of purity and safety.
How Does Profhilo Work? The Bio-Remodeling Mechanism at the Cellular Level
When Profhilo is injected into the superficial subcutaneous layer, the hyaluronic acid is gradually released and stimulates several key cell types to function effectively again. In-vitro (laboratory) studies have shown that Profhilo helps maintain suitable conditions for the viability and function of the following cells:
- Keratinocytes — epidermal skin cells that help restore the skin barrier
- Fibroblasts — the cells that produce collagen and elastin, central to skin elasticity
- Adipocytes — fat cells that help restore the subcutaneous fat layer that thins with age
- Myocytes and osteoblasts — muscle cells and bone-forming cells involved in facial structure
Stimulating these cells leads to a remodeling of the extracellular matrix in terms of elasticity and support, including:
- Stimulating the production of collagen types 1, 3, 4 and 7, the main structural components of the skin
- Stimulating elastin production, increasing the skin’s elasticity and bounce
- Prolonging the life of all the relevant cells without triggering an inflammatory response in the body
- Restoring skin quality, softening fine lines and improving the condition of aged skin
An important point is that Profhilo’s repair and collagen-stimulating process happens in a way that mimics nature, without going through any inflammatory process in the body. This makes it highly safe and produces natural-looking results — different from some biostimulator treatments that rely on an inflammatory reaction as their trigger.
The Benefits and Clinically Supported Results of Profhilo
Profhilo’s results are not merely marketing claims — they are supported by clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals. The main benefits patients can expect include:
- Deep, lasting hydration for plumper, healthier-looking skin
- Improved elasticity, making the skin look firmer, tighter and smoother
- Reduced skin laxity on the face and neck
- Help repairing skin tissue and acne scarring
- Remodeling of aged skin structure by clearing old skin cells and stimulating new ones
Notable findings from clinical studies:
- Facial lifting and volume restoration: in an evaluation of 64 female patients (average age 53) treated with the BAP technique, 70% of patients improved by at least one grade on the Facial Volume Loss Scale (FVLS)
- Hydration and elasticity: a study of 15 female patients found a significant improvement in skin hydration after just one treatment, and in skin elasticity after the second treatment (p < 0.05)
- High satisfaction: the study by Laurino et al. (2015) reported a high patient satisfaction rate of 87.9% at the end of treatment, with no significant pain reported
Who Is Profhilo For, and Which Areas Can Be Treated?
Profhilo is suitable for people who are beginning to see signs of age-related skin decline, especially those with the following concerns:
- Skin starting to sag and lose firmness on the cheeks, jawline and neck
- Dry, dehydrated, dull and tired-looking skin
- Early fine lines and uneven tone from increasing age
- Those who want preventive skincare to slow skin ageing
- Those with acne scarring who want to improve overall skin quality
Profhilo can be performed on the face, neck, hands, inner arms and body — all areas that tend to show signs of ageing clearly. The before-and-after images below show the change in skin on the neck and the back of the hands.
The BAP Injection Technique (Bio Aesthetic Points)
IBSA recommends injecting Profhilo using the BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) technique, which defines anatomically safe injection points free of large blood vessels and nerves, in order to minimize risk and maximize the product’s spreadability across the whole area. With fewer injection points, patients experience less pain and greater comfort.
BAP Technique for the Face (5 Points)
For the face, five injection points are defined on each side, located in areas that respond well to rejuvenation: the zygomatic protrusion (at least 2 cm from the outer corner of the eye), the nasal base, in front of the tragus, the chin, and the mandibular angle. Around 0.2 ml is injected per point into the subcutaneous layer.
BAP Technique for the Neck (10 Points)
Because the skin on the neck is thin and contains several important structures, a dedicated BAP technique using 10 injection points was developed. This provides reproducible, standardized injection points across all patients and helps avoid injury to vital structures. The skin is pinched slightly before injecting around 0.2 ml per point.
The table below summarizes the Profhilo treatment protocol by area:
| Area | Product Quantity | Sessions | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face | 1 ml per side (BAP 5 points) | 2 sessions (1 month apart) | Twice per year |
| Neck | 2 ml per side (BAP 10 points) | 2 sessions (1 month apart) | Twice per year |
| Hands | 2 ml per hand | 2 sessions (1 month apart) | Twice per year |
| Inner arms | 2 ml per arm | 2 sessions | 2–3 times per year |
The Treatment Process and Aftercare
The standard Profhilo programme is 2 sessions about 1 month apart, followed by maintenance treatments roughly twice a year. The ideal number of sessions and amount of product depend on each person’s degree of ageing, which the doctor will assess. Profhilo’s recovery advantages include:
- Few injection points, which reduces pain and increases patient comfort
- A lunch-time procedure that takes little time, so you can return to your daily routine immediately
- Low downtime, with changes in the skin often visible within a day
Aftercare recommendations for the best Profhilo results:
- Avoid touching, massaging or applying makeup to the treated area during the first 24 hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and steam rooms for about 1–2 days
- Avoid strong sun exposure and apply sunscreen regularly
- Drink enough water to support the action of the hyaluronic acid
- Return for your second session as scheduled to achieve the full results of the programme
Frequently Asked Questions About Profhilo (FAQ)
Is Profhilo a dermal filler?
No. Although Profhilo is made from hyaluronic acid like a filler, it belongs to the Bio-Remodeling category, which focuses on stimulating collagen and firming the skin across the whole area rather than filling specific points. This gives natural-looking skin improvement rather than added volume at one location.
How is Profhilo different from an ordinary skin booster?
Ordinary skin boosters mainly focus on adding hydration, whereas Profhilo has a much higher hyaluronic acid concentration (64 mg/2 ml) and works to both hydrate and stimulate collagen and elastin at the same time, producing a clearer firming effect. You can read more about Skin Booster on our services page.
How soon will I see results, and how long do they last?
Many people start to notice more hydrated, radiant skin within the first day to the first week, but the firming and collagen-building results become clearest after completing both sessions. Results generally last around 6 months, so maintenance treatments twice a year are recommended.
Does Profhilo hurt, and are there any side effects?
Because it uses few injection points (5–10), discomfort is relatively low. You may see small bumps at the injection points, redness or slight bruising that usually resolves within 1–2 days. Clinical studies report a very low rate of complications. That said, the treatment should always be performed by an experienced doctor in an accredited medical facility.
Can Profhilo be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Profhilo has strong potential to be combined with fillers or other skin lifting and tightening procedures to enhance both structural and skin-quality results. Your doctor will design a programme suited to your skin condition and goals.
Conclusion
Profhilo is a Bio-Remodeling innovation from IBSA, Switzerland, that goes beyond the limits of ordinary skin boosters. With ultrapure, high-concentration hyaluronic acid and NAHYCO® technology free of chemical cross-linking agents, Profhilo not only adds hydration but also stimulates collagen and elastin, remodeling the skin to be firmer and more youthful in a natural way — backed by clinical research. If you are interested in improving your skin quality precisely, consulting an experienced doctor to assess your skin is the most important first step.
To discuss Profhilo and a personalized skincare plan, you can contact Dr. Pang Skin Clinic to book a skin assessment with an experienced doctor.
References
- D’Agostino A. et al. In vitro analysis of the effects on wound healing of high- and low-molecular weight chains of hyaluronan and their hybrid H-HA/L-HA complexes. BMC Cell Biol. 2015;16:19. PubMed PMID: 26163378
- Stellavato A. et al. Hyaluronan Hybrid Cooperative Complexes as a Novel Frontier for Cellular Bioprocesses Reactivation. PLoS One. 2016;11(10):e0163510. PubMed PMID: 27723763
- Stellavato A. et al. Hybrid Complexes of High and Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronans Highly Enhance HASCs Differentiation: Implication for Facial Bioremodelling. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2017;44:1078-1092. PubMed PMID: 29179206
- Laurino C. et al. Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerance of a New Injection Technique for High- and Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Hybrid Complexes. Eplasty. 2015;15:e46. PubMed PMID: 26491508
- Sparavigna A. et al. Efficacy and tolerance of an injectable medical device containing stable hybrid cooperative complexes of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid: a monocentric 16 weeks open-label evaluation. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:297-305. PubMed PMID: 27713647
- IBSA Group — Profhilo® Bioremodeling: product information and NAHYCO® Hybrid Technology. www.ibsagroup.com
Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Treatment results may vary from person to person. Please consult an experienced doctor before deciding to undergo any procedure.