Hailed as 'injectable moisturizers', a new wave of hyaluronic acid fillers - including Profhilo - have formed a group of advanced aesthetic treatments commonly known as 'skin boosters', which are currently soaring in popularity among both women and men. But unlike typical dermal fillers, they're used for hydration rather than volume, as Dr. Wassim Taktouk, an aesthetic doctor specializing in such treatments, explains.
"Injectable moisture treatments and dermal fillers are both made from hyaluronic acid," he explains, referring to the water-binding molecule that can hold 10,000 times its weight in water. "It is a natural part of human skin that our bodies produce less and less of as we age," he adds. "Hyaluronic acid is made up of long chains, similar to spaghetti, and each attracts and retains water. With dermal fillers, the 'spaghetti' is slightly modified and cross-linked, as if it has been 'cooked', so that it clumps together and remains where it is injected to create volume." However, with injectable skin booster treatments, "the hyaluronic acid is less 'cooked' so it spreads evenly across the face, absorbing water along the way." This means that the substance hydrates the skin without bulking the face, prevents laxity and gives the complexion a healthy, fresh-looking texture.
Profhilo explained
As I experienced myself, together with another cosmetic expert - Dr. Sophie Shotter, after numbing the skin with a topical cream, Profhilo involves approximately eight strategically placed injections administered subcutaneously in the lower part of the face. These can leave small bee sting-like swellings that can last up to 24 hours, with possible bruising (although I have not experienced the latter). Reassuringly, there are no other downsides to Profhilo, which is why it appealed to me over other injectable treatments such as wrinkle-relaxing toxins and traditional fillers.
The story continues
It takes two sessions, approximately six weeks apart, and most people see the best results about three to four weeks after their second session, although I also noticed benefits after my first treatment. In my case, this included skin plumping - nothing I imagine regular fillers could improve my contours, but it still provided a significantly fuller, yet firmer look - as well as a softening of crepiness and a youthful 'you '. looking good!' glow.
Results last about six months, although Dr. Shotter suggests having one session every three months to "top up," rather than waiting six months for two. I imagine it could become addictive.
Profhilo and other skin boosters compared
In addition to Profhilo, which has become the biggest buzzword in beauty injectables this decade, many cosmetic practitioners are working with Volite from Juvéderm - the makers of Botox - which is also formulated exclusively with hyaluronic acid. Other products in the skin-booster cohort, such as Teoxane Redensity 1, Belotero Revive and Sunekos Performa, contain additional skin-loving nutrients that promise to work on skin's condition.
Dr. Taktouk explains that "Volite has lower levels of hyaluronic acid than Profhilo and Teoxane Redensity 1." It contains no vitamins, minerals, antioxidants or amino acids and will only "moderately hydrate the skin and improve fine lines."
Profhilo, he adds, "is pure hyaluronic acid in large amounts and will bioremodel collagen and elastin while hydrating the skin." It's 'anti-aging' on multiple levels, but because it's not generally used on the forehead (where people may find fine lines problematic), it won't help hydrate the skin there. Profhilo Body, meanwhile, focuses on sagging skin under the neck.
Then there's Teoxane Redensity 1, which can be used all over the face as a full hydration treatment. "Teoxane Redensity 1 combines pure hyaluronic acid with three antioxidants, eight amino acids, two minerals and a vitamin, so it repairs and hydrates the skin." Think of it as a more powerful version of mesotherapy. Dr. Taktouk adds: "Teoxane Redensity 1 not only hydrates the skin, but also prevents premature skin aging, helps with thinning skin and gives a beautiful, healthy glow."
Other skin boosters that do more include Belotero Revive, which contains glycerin - another powerful humectant, and Sunekos Performa which has an amino acid complex added. The latter is a favorite of Dr. Johanna Ward from The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, who says: "Sunekos Performa is great because it can be used on the forehead lines, around the eyes to treat crow's feet, and on mouth lines, while Profhilo is not licensed in these areas."
Polynucleotides are another category of injectable treatments that offer similar benefits to Profhilo and his colleagues. "They are similar in effects," says Dr. Ashwin Soni, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, "but instead of just providing hydration like hyaluronic acid skin boosters, polynucleotides communicate with the cells to make them produce collagen and elastin. produce.
Polynucleotides (like Ameela) can also be used on areas where some skin boosters can't, such as the eyes, lips and forehead, and are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to tear fillers, notes Dr. Soni.
How to decide which skin booster treatment is right for you
"As a rule, for people who want to improve skin health, hydration, skin protection and get a 'wow' glow, I would refer to Teoxane redness 1", says doctor Taktouk. Belotero revives claims similar benefits, as Dr Sarah Tonks of The Lovely Clinic says: it aims to "deeply hydrate the skin, without creating unwanted bulk", delivering the ultimate softening effect.
" Profhilo is great for patients concerned about crepey skin that has lost its elasticity - it softens fine lines and helps plump the skin," adds Dr. Taktouk. While people concerned with so-called crow's feet and smoker's lines may want to investigate this Sunekos Performa. "In areas with complex requirements and limited other options - such as the forehead, around the eyes and in the upper lip - it is perfect," adds Dr Ward.
Dr. Taktouk believes that Teoxane Redensity 1, Profhilo, Belotero Revive and Sunekos Performa are all excellent treatments, "so it is best to consult your doctor who will help you choose between these treatments".
For cosmetic procedures, it is imperative to only visit highly trained, ethical injectors. Below, check out Bazaar's trusted list of the best practitioners in London (and beyond) offering a range of skin boosting treatments.
Dr. Wassim Taktouk has a menu of skin boosters at the chic and discreet Taktouk Clinic, Knightsbridge, where he and his team will select the right treatment for you after a consultation.
Doctor Sophie Shotter who is as renowned for her aesthetic expertise as she is for being a voice of the industry, offers Profhilo at her Illuminate Skin Clinic in Kent and Harley Street in London, which we highly recommend.
Dr. Ashwin Soni is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon as well as an aesthetic physician, meaning his knowledge of facial anatomy is unparalleled. He mainly works with Teoxane Redensity 1 and you can find him at The Soni Clinic in Knightsbridge and Ascot.
Dr. Alexis Granite a world-renowned expert in medical and aesthetic dermatology, offers Profhilo, Volite and Belotero Revive at Skinesis Medical in Sarah Chapman, Chelsea, and will decipher the best option for you after a consultation.
Doctor Johanna Ward also considered one of the safest hands on the London aesthetic scene, working with Profhilo and now Sunekos Performa at the Cosmetic Skin Clinic in Marylebone and Stoke Poges (Buckinghamshire), also offering other skin boosters including Volite.
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