Profhilo® is not a classic filler and not a regular skin booster — it is a bio-remodelling injectable that has created its own category in aesthetic medicine. For clinics and injectors considering adding Profhilo to their treatment portfolio, or looking to scale up, this guide provides a complete picture: from NAHYCO® technology to the BAP technique, the difference between Profhilo H+L and Structura, and the full treatment protocol.
Aesthetics Experts supplies original Profhilo products from manufacturer IBSA Derma directly to certified clinics and cosmetic physicians in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Below you will find everything you need to make a well-informed purchasing decision.
What exactly is Profhilo?
Profhilo is an injectable based exclusively on hyaluronic acid (HA), developed by the Swiss pharmaceutical company IBSA. Where traditional dermal fillers add volume by mechanically lifting the skin, and skin boosters improve superficial skin quality through hydration, Profhilo operates in a third category: bio-remodelling.
That difference is fundamental. Profhilo does not remain locally as a gel depot, but spreads throughout the treated zone within 24-48 hours and stimulates the fibroblasts there for approximately 28 days to produce new collagen, elastin and endogenous hyaluronic acid. The result is an improvement in skin quality from within, without altering facial contours or expression.
Key characteristics for the practitioner:
- 64 mg HA per 2 ml — one of the highest hyaluronic acid concentrations on the market
- No BDDE crosslinking — stabilised via thermal crosslinking, highly biocompatible
- Obtained through biofermentation — no animal origin
- CE marking and MDR compliant — registered as a medical device
- Long clinical track record — in Europe since 2015, with extensive peer-reviewed literature
NAHYCO® Hybrid Technology — what makes it unique
The technical foundation of Profhilo is NAHYCO® Hybrid Technology, a patented process in which two fractions of hyaluronic acid are combined:
- 32 mg/ml high-molecular-weight HA (H-HA) — responsible for the mechanical 'lift' effect and the long-lasting presence in the skin
- 32 mg/ml low-molecular-weight HA (L-HA) — broken down more quickly and releases signals that activate fibroblasts
By binding both fractions into a single Hybrid Cooperative Complex (HCC) via a thermal process (no chemical crosslinkers such as BDDE), a product is created with the viscosity of a low-molecular-weight HA but the durability of a high-molecular-weight HA. This is what makes it possible to inject via only 5 BAP points per facial half — the product spreads on its own.
The absence of BDDE is clinically relevant: it lowers the risk of late-onset nodules and granulomas compared to heavily crosslinked fillers, and makes Profhilo particularly suitable for patients with sensitive skin or a history of filler reactions.
Profhilo H+L vs Profhilo Structura — which when?
The Profhilo range comprises two main injectable products with clearly different indications. It is essential to make this distinction clear to the patient during every consultation.
Profhilo H+L (classic)
The original formulation. Indicated for the upper two-thirds of the face (cheeks, temples, forehead), the neck, décolleté and the hands. Works at the dermis level and targets skin quality: hydration, fine lines, dull complexion, early laxity. Administered with a needle via the BAP technique.
Profhilo Structura
The more recent evolution, with an adapted formulation that works deeper in the superficial subcutaneous fat layer. Specifically indicated for the lower part of the face: jawline definition, mild jowling, and patients with early structural midface volume loss. Administered with a cannula (25G × 38 mm, included) for minimal bruising risk and even distribution.
👉 Order Profhilo Structura (1×2 ml)
Combination protocol H+L + Structura
In practice, experienced injectors use both products complementarily: H+L for the upper part of the face and Structura for the jawline and lower jaw. This allows the entire face to be addressed within a single treatment plan, with a natural end result and no volume increase.
Indications and treatment zones
Profhilo is registered and clinically supported for the following zones:
- Face — cheeks, temples, forehead, jawline (especially with Structura)
- Neck — vertical wrinkles, 'tech neck', mild laxity
- Décolleté — fine lines from sun damage, thinning skin
- Hands — improving visibility of tendons and veins, skin quality
- Body — upper arms, inner thighs, knees, abdomen (Profhilo Body Kit, separate indication)
The treatment is particularly suitable for patients in the 30-65 age range with early to moderate signs of skin ageing. In cases of severe laxity, surgical intervention remains the first choice.
The BAP technique — Bio Aesthetic Points
The Bio Aesthetic Points technique was developed by IBSA together with clinical experts to achieve maximum spread and effect with a minimum number of injection points. For the face, these are 5 fixed anatomical points per facial half, selected based on vascular safety and optimal tissue distribution.
The 5 BAP points per side:
- Tragus — next to the ear, on the zygomatic arch
- Zygoma — on the cheekbone, laterally
- Nasal base — next to the nostril wing, lateral to the fold
- Mandibular angle — angle of the lower jaw
- Chin — submentally, lateral to the mentum
Per point, 0.2 ml is injected subcutaneously with a needle (usually 29G or 30G), at a depth just above the periosteum. Total dose per treatment session: 2 ml distributed over 10 points (5 per side). The injection itself takes 5-10 minutes.
For the neck, décolleté and hands there are adapted BAP protocols with different injection points and numbers. IBSA offers training materials and injection maps for certified clinics; these are available on request.
Treatment protocol for your clinic
The standard protocol for Profhilo consists of:
- Session 1: 2 ml via BAP technique
- Interval: 4 weeks (28 days)
- Session 2: 2 ml via BAP technique
- Maintenance: 1 session of 2 ml every 6-9 months
The full result is typically visible 4 weeks after the second session, because bio-remodelling (collagen and elastin production) needs time to build up. Patients usually see improved skin hydration and glow after the first session, but the structural effect only manifests after the complete protocol.
Combinations with other treatments are possible and often desirable:
- Botulinum toxin: in the same session or with a 1-2 week interval
- HA fillers: Profhilo first, then fillers after 2-4 weeks (or vice versa, depending on treatment goal)
- PRP / polynucleotides: additionally, with a minimum 2-week interval
- Energy-based devices (laser, RF, microneedling): a minimum of 2 weeks before or after
Patient selection and contraindications
Ideal candidates are patients with:
- Early to moderate skin laxity and quality loss
- Dull or dehydrated skin
- A wish for natural rejuvenation without volume increase
- A preference for short treatment time and minimal downtime
Contraindications are the standard injectable contraindications: pregnancy and lactation, active skin infection or inflammation at the injection site, known hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid, autoimmune diseases in an active phase, and coagulation disorders or anticoagulation therapy without consultation with the treating physician. A thorough patient history remains essential.
Storage, handling and shelf life
Profhilo is supplied in a pre-filled sterile 2 ml syringe. Logistical points of attention:
- Storage temperature: 2-25 °C, protected from direct sunlight
- Shelf life: typically 24 months from production date (see batch on packaging)
- Before injection: preferably bring to room temperature for comfortable administration
- Do not freeze and do not use after the expiry date
- Single use per patient — dispose of residual product according to medical waste protocol
Buying Profhilo for your clinic
Aesthetics Experts is a specialised B2B supplier of professional injectables, based in Ridderkerk and typically delivers within 1 business day within the Netherlands.
Directly available in our webshop:
- Profhilo H+L (1×2 ml) — for face, neck, décolleté and hands
- Profhilo Structura (1×2 ml) — for jawline and lower part of the face
Also see our broader skin boosters collection and the dermal fillers collection for combination protocols.
Frequently asked questions
Is Profhilo a filler or a skin booster?
Neither, in the strict sense. Profhilo is a bio-remodelling injectable: it does not add volume like a filler and does not remain locally like a conventional skin booster. It spreads through the treated zone and stimulates collagen and elastin production.
What is the difference between Profhilo H+L and Structura?
H+L works in the dermis and targets skin quality (hydration, lines, glow) of the upper part of the face, neck, décolleté and hands. Structura works in the superficial subcutaneous fat layer for structural support of the jawline and lower part of the face.
How many sessions are needed?
The standard protocol consists of 2 sessions with a 4-week interval, followed by maintenance every 6-9 months for a lasting result.
How long does the result last?
Typically 6-9 months after the full initial protocol, depending on age, skin condition, lifestyle and sun exposure.
Can Profhilo be combined with fillers and botox?
Yes, combinations are clinically supported and common in practice. Use a 1-4 week interval depending on the combination and treatment goal.
Is Profhilo suitable for all skin types?
Profhilo has been clinically studied and used across all Fitzpatrick skin types. Caution is advised in cases of active skin conditions, autoimmune diseases and pregnancy (see contraindications).
Disclaimer: This content is intended exclusively for qualified medical and cosmetic professionals. Profhilo is a medical device that may only be administered by authorised practitioners. Aesthetics Experts supplies exclusively to registered professionals. Always consult the official IBSA leaflet and your professional guidelines for the complete indication and contraindication profile.