Profhilo Structura

Profhilo Structura is an injectable hyaluronic acid treatment for the face. It has been developed with particular attention to superficial facial fat tissue and may be considered where changes in this tissue contribute to reduced support or facial volume.

Results are temporary and vary between individuals. Profhilo Structura is not the same as standard Profhilo, a traditional hyaluronic acid dermal filler or a botulinum toxin treatment.

If you first want an overview of the wider treatment family, read our guide to Profhilo treatment.

What is Profhilo Structura?

Profhilo Structura is an injectable hyaluronic acid product from IBSA. The 2 ml presentation contains high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid processed using NAHYCO® Hybrid Technology.

With this technology, different hyaluronic acid chains form what are described as Hybrid Cooperative Complexes, or HCCs. This describes the formulation of the product; it does not, by itself, tell you how much visible change an individual treatment will produce.

Structura differs mainly in its treatment objective. It has been developed with specific attention to superficial facial fat tissue. These fat compartments contribute to the shape and support of areas including the cheeks and midface.

Profhilo Structura therefore has a different purpose from a treatment aimed primarily at skin hydration, but it is also not a traditional volumising dermal filler.

What can Profhilo Structura do and what can it not do?

Profhilo Structura may be considered where changes in superficial facial tissue contribute to reduced support or a change in facial contour.

A practitioner may discuss it in relation to:

• changes in cheek fullness;

• early loss of support through the midface;

• changes around the lateral cheek;

• subtle changes in facial volume and contour.

Profhilo Structura does not automatically create the same targeted projection or volume as a dermal filler. It also does not reduce muscle activity in the way botulinum toxin treatments do.

Where there is substantial skin excess, more pronounced structural volume loss or a desire for a major contour change, Structura may not match the treatment objective. A practitioner can assess which tissues contribute to the visible change and whether treatment is appropriate to consider at all.

Does Profhilo Structura work?

Small clinical studies have reported changes after Profhilo Structura treatment in measures including facial volume loss and other clinical assessments. However, the evidence base remains limited and an individual result cannot be guaranteed.

One observational study followed 50 participants who received two treatments approximately one month apart. The researchers reported improvement after treatment, with measured benefit still present at a follow-up three months after the treatment course.

An earlier case series included 22 treated participants and followed them for six months. Clinical changes were also reported in that study.

These studies can provide information about possible treatment effects, but they are relatively small. They are not equivalent to large randomised trials directly comparing Profhilo Structura with another treatment or placebo.

What is the difference between Profhilo Structura, Profhilo and fillers?

Profhilo Structura, standard Profhilo and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers all involve hyaluronic acid, but they are not designed for exactly the same treatment objective.

Standard Profhilo is generally discussed in relation to skin characteristics such as hydration and skin quality. Profhilo Structura has been developed with particular attention to superficial facial fat tissue and changes in support and volume.

Traditional hyaluronic acid fillers are commonly placed more selectively to create localised volume, projection or contour.

The appropriate approach depends on your anatomy, treatment goal and the assessment made during consultation.

If you specifically want to compare these treatment approaches, read Profhilo vs fillers.

Who might consider Profhilo Structura?

Profhilo Structura may be discussed during consultation when someone is looking for a subtle change and superficial facial tissue appears relevant to the treatment goal.

The practitioner may assess:

• where changes in volume or contour are visible;

• which tissues appear to contribute;

• the quality and movement of surrounding tissue;

• previous cosmetic treatments;

• relevant health information and medication;

• what you expect from treatment.

Similar-looking facial changes can have different underlying causes. For example, a hollow appearance through the cheeks does not automatically mean Profhilo Structura is the appropriate treatment.

Which areas can be treated with Profhilo Structura?

Research into Profhilo Structura has focused particularly on superficial fat compartments around the cheeks and midface. Treatment protocols may also involve the lateral facial area extending towards the region in front of the ear.

Structura is therefore not a general treatment for every part of the face. The practitioner determines which area is relevant based on facial anatomy, the treatment objective and the technique being used.

How many Profhilo Structura treatments are usually given?

The product information described in the source uses an initial treatment cycle of two sessions approximately 30 days apart. The treatment plan can still differ between individuals.

After the first treatment, the practitioner can review how the treated area has responded and whether the next planned step remains appropriate. Completing an initial treatment course does not automatically mean that ongoing maintenance treatment is required.

For wider information about treatment courses within the Profhilo range, see how many Profhilo treatments may be needed.

What information should you receive after treatment?

Ask what product and treatment information the clinic records and what details you will receive afterwards. Keeping product details and treatment dates can help ensure that relevant information is available if you consider another treatment later.

When can you see Profhilo Structura results?

There is no reliable fixed number of days after which the final result will be visible for everyone. Immediately after treatment, swelling and the injection process itself can temporarily affect how the treated area looks.

In the studies described in the source material, changes were assessed during follow-up after the treatment course. It can therefore be more useful to assess the result at the agreed review appointment rather than judging it only during the first few days after injection.

For broader information, read when Profhilo results become visible.

How long can Profhilo Structura results last?

There is no single duration that applies to everyone. Small studies of Profhilo Structura have followed measured changes for several months, but this does not establish a guaranteed duration for every person treated.

In the small case series described above, participants were followed for up to six months. In the study involving 50 participants, measured treatment benefit was still present three months after completion of the treatment course.

How the result develops and changes over time can depend on factors including your starting point, anatomy and treatment plan.

For more general information about treatment longevity, read how long Profhilo lasts.

Profhilo Structura before and after

Before-and-after photographs can show changes seen in other people following Profhilo Structura treatment, but they cannot predict the result you will achieve.

When comparing photographs, check that Profhilo Structura was actually the treatment used. Also compare facial expression, head position, camera angle and lighting, and check how long after treatment the second photograph was taken.

You can view further examples on the Profhilo before and after page.

Side effects and risks of Profhilo Structura

Profhilo Structura is an injectable treatment and is not risk-free. Temporary reactions around the injection site may include redness, swelling, tenderness or pain, bruising, itching, or a warm or burning sensation.

How long these reactions last can vary between individuals. Contact the treating clinic if symptoms are unexpectedly severe, become worse or develop differently from what was explained before treatment.

When comparing practitioners, the product itself is only one factor. You can also ask about treatment-specific experience, knowledge of facial anatomy, available aftercare and how the clinic manages unexpected problems.

For more detailed information, read about Profhilo side effects.

Important considerations before treatment

Aftercare after Profhilo Structura

Aftercare can depend on the injection technique and how the treated area responds. Your practitioner should explain which temporary reactions may occur and when you should contact the clinic.

Avoid unnecessary irritation of the treated area and follow the personalised instructions provided after treatment. If you are unsure about your recovery, contact the treating clinic for advice based on your individual treatment.

Read more about general Profhilo aftercare.

How much does Profhilo Structura cost?

The cost of Profhilo Structura can vary between UK clinics and treatment plans. When comparing prices, first check that the quoted amount specifically relates to Profhilo Structura and whether it covers one appointment or a treatment course.

Useful points to compare include:

• what is included in the quoted price;

• which product and amount are being used;

• who carries out the treatment;

• whether consultation and follow-up are included;

• how aftercare and complication support are organised.

How do you compare practitioners and clinics for Profhilo Structura?

A professional title or registration alone does not tell you how much experience someone has with Profhilo Structura. Compare more than a title, price or clinic location.

Consider:

• relevant professional status and clinical training where verified;

• experience specifically with Profhilo Structura;

• how your facial anatomy and treatment goal are assessed;

• whether limitations and alternatives are discussed;

• how possible side effects and risks are explained;

• what aftercare is available;

• how the clinic handles unexpected symptoms or complications.

A careful consultation should give you enough time to ask questions and decide not to proceed if you do not feel treatment is appropriate for you.

Read more about choosing a practitioner for Profhilo.

Compare clinics offering Profhilo Structura

A clinic that offers standard Profhilo does not necessarily offer Profhilo Structura. Check that the specific treatment is available and find out who would carry it out.

Compare clinics using information such as the treating practitioner, relevant experience with Structura, the quality of the consultation, price information and arrangements for aftercare. A low price alone does not tell you whether a particular treatment plan is appropriate for you.

Injectablesbooking allows you to compare available clinic information side by side. Comparing clinics does not mean you have to proceed with treatment.

Frequently asked questions about Profhilo Structura