Profhilo vs Dermal Fillers: Which Is Right for You?
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Zahrah, Glow by Dr. Zahrah — Wimbledon, South West London.
The simplest way to think about it: dermal fillers add volume to a specific area, while Profhilo improves the quality of your skin overall. Both are made from hyaluronic acid, but they do different jobs. Fillers are firmer gels placed to restore volume or definition — cheeks, lips, jawline. Profhilo is a runnier, "bio-remodelling" injectable that spreads through the skin to boost hydration, firmness and radiance without reshaping a feature. Many people don't choose between them at all — they use each for what it does best.
Below, Dr. Zahrah explains how each one works, how long they last, and how to tell which suits what you're actually trying to change.
What is the difference between Profhilo and dermal fillers?
Fillers and Profhilo start from the same ingredient — hyaluronic acid, a substance your body makes naturally to hold water in the skin — but they're built and used very differently.
- Dermal fillers use cross-linked hyaluronic acid: the gel is chemically structured to stay put and hold its shape. Placed in a defined spot, it adds volume and support — plumping lips, rebuilding cheek volume, or sharpening a jawline. Results are visible more or less immediately.
- Profhilo uses a high concentration of non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid. Instead of staying in one place to add volume, it's designed to spread through the tissue, deeply hydrate it, and stimulate your own collagen and elastin. This is what "bio-remodelling" means — it remodels the skin's biology over a few weeks, then is absorbed. It improves skin quality, not shape.
In short: if the concern is lost volume or definition, that's filler territory. If the concern is skin that looks tired, crêpey, dull or lax but you don't want to change your features, that points toward Profhilo.
How does Profhilo work, and what's the treatment like?
Profhilo is injected at a small number of precise points using the BAP technique (Bio Aesthetic Points) — typically five points on each side of the face, chosen because they let the product diffuse widely while staying in safe zones away from major vessels. From there it spreads to hydrate the skin and kick-start collagen production.
A few practical points people usually want to know:
- It's a course, not a one-off. The standard protocol is two sessions about four weeks apart, with some people benefiting from a third depending on their skin.
- Results build gradually over several weeks as the skin remodels, rather than appearing instantly.
- It's quick with little downtime, though small raised bumps at the injection points are normal for a few hours and occasionally up to a day.
How long does each one last?
Neither is permanent — both are gradually broken down by the body. As a realistic guide:
| | Profhilo | Dermal fillers | |---|---|---| | What it does | Improves skin hydration, firmness and quality | Adds volume, structure or definition | | HA type | Non-cross-linked (bio-remodelling) | Cross-linked (volumising) | | Results appear | Gradually, over a few weeks | More or less immediately | | Typical course | 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart | Usually a single appointment per area | | How long it lasts | ~6 months, then maintenance every 6–9 months | ~6–18 months depending on product and area |
These are typical ranges, not guarantees — your metabolism, the area treated, and your skin all affect the outcome, which is why the honest answer for your face only comes from an in-person assessment.
Can you have Profhilo and dermal fillers together?
Yes — and it's common. Because they solve different problems, they're often complementary rather than either/or. A typical approach might use dermal filler to restore volume where it's genuinely been lost, and Profhilo to improve the overall quality and hydration of the surrounding skin. They're usually done at separate appointments, and your practitioner will plan the order and timing so each has room to settle. What's right for you depends on your skin and your goals, not on a fixed formula.
Which one is right for me?
There's no universally "better" treatment — only the one that matches what you want to change. As a starting point:
- Consider dermal fillers if you want to restore lost volume, add definition, or refine a specific feature such as the cheeks, lips or jawline.
- Consider Profhilo if your skin looks tired, dull, dry or a little lax, and you want an overall improvement in quality and glow rather than a change in shape.
- Consider both if you have some volume loss and declining skin quality — a very common combination, especially from the late 30s onwards.
The most reliable way to decide is a consultation, where your skin and features can be assessed properly and the options talked through honestly — including whether either treatment is right for you at all.
Risks and honest expectations
Both are medical treatments and carry some risk. Common, usually short-lived side effects include redness, swelling, tenderness and bruising at the injection sites; with Profhilo, small raised bumps at the injection points are expected for a few hours. Less commonly, injectables can cause lumps, infection, or — rarely — more serious vascular complications, which is precisely why these treatments should only be carried out by a qualified, experienced practitioner after a proper consultation and assessment. Neither treatment is a one-time fix: results fade and maintenance is part of the picture. Anyone promising dramatic, permanent transformation isn't giving you the full story.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Profhilo and dermal fillers? Dermal fillers add volume and structure to a specific area, while Profhilo is a bio-remodelling skin booster that spreads through the skin to improve hydration, firmness and overall quality rather than reshaping a feature.
Can you have Profhilo and dermal fillers together? Yes. They address different concerns, so many people use them together — fillers to restore volume or definition and Profhilo to improve overall skin quality. Your practitioner will advise on timing at consultation.
How long does Profhilo last compared to dermal fillers? Profhilo results typically last around 6 months after the initial two-session course, with maintenance every 6–9 months. Dermal fillers last longer, roughly 6–18 months depending on the product and area.
Does Profhilo add volume like filler? No. Because it isn't cross-linked, Profhilo doesn't add structural volume the way filler does. It improves skin quality — hydration, firmness and glow — rather than reshaping or plumping a feature.
The honest bottom line
Profhilo and dermal fillers aren't really rivals — they answer different questions. Filler is for volume and definition; Profhilo is for skin quality, hydration and firmness. Both are temporary hyaluronic acid treatments that need maintenance, both carry some risk, and both work best when matched carefully to your skin by an experienced clinician. The right choice — one, the other, both, or neither for now — is best made face to face.
Considering skin boosters or fillers in Wimbledon? Dr. Zahrah offers unhurried, consultation-led appointments to talk through your options honestly — with no pressure to proceed. Book a consultation →
This article is for general information and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Individual results and suitability vary and can only be assessed in person.
Related reading
- How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
- The Truth About Dermal Fillers: What to Expect
- Treatment pages: Dermal Fillers · Skin Boosters
Sources
- London Skin Clinic — What is the difference between Profhilo and dermal fillers?
- Pabau — Profhilo Injection Protocol: BAP Technique Guide
- Millennium Aesthetics — How long does Profhilo last? The Complete Guide
Book a consultation with Dr. Zahrah to discuss your goals.
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