At Central CosMedic, Dr Danielle Waxman offers Profhilo treatment for patients across Havelock North, Hastings, Napier and the wider Hawke’s Bay. Profhilo is an injectable hyaluronic acid treatment for skin that is losing firmness, elasticity and hydration with age.
There are three options, each for a different concern: Profhilo for skin quality on the face, neck and hands, Profhilo Structura for lost volume in the mid-face, and Profhilo Body for loose or crepey skin on the body. This page explains how each one works and what to expect.
Profhilo is made from a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, a substance your skin makes naturally to hold moisture. It combines high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, produced using a patented heat-based process rather than the chemical agents used in many fillers.
The original Profhilo treatment is not designed to add volume or change the shape of your face. Once injected, it spreads gradually through the treated area, hydrating the skin and supporting its own production of collagen and elastin. The aim is firmer, smoother, better hydrated skin, rather than a change to your features.
The original Profhilo treatment is used for crepey skin, fine lines and loss of firmness on the face, neck, decolletage, hands and upper arms. A small number of injections are placed at set points in each area, and the product spreads out from there.
Treatment course: two sessions, four weeks apart, followed by a maintenance session every 6 months.
Profhilo Structura is designed for the mid-face. With age, the layer of fat under the skin in the cheeks and around the eyes thins, which can lead to flattened cheeks, hollowing and sagging. Structura is placed deeper than the original Profhilo and helps restore support to this layer, giving a subtle lift without adding width to the face. It may suit people with:
Treatment course: two sessions, four weeks apart, followed by a maintenance session every 6 months.
Profhilo Body is formulated for larger areas where skin has become loose or crepey, such as the upper arms, decolletage, abdomen and knees. It works in the same way as the original Profhilo, improving hydration and supporting collagen and elastin in the skin.
Treatment course: two to three sessions, four weeks apart, followed by a maintenance session every six months.
This image shows the appearance before and immediately after Profhilo treatment. Individual results and recovery vary.
Profhilo is only offered after a consultation, and only when it suits your skin and goals.
Dr Waxman takes a full health history, including any medications you take, and talks through what you would like to improve.
She looks at your skin quality, laxity and volume, and considers which Profhilo option fits, or whether another treatment such as dermal fillers, a collagen stimulator or another skin booster would suit you better.
You will hear the potential benefits, risks and side effects in plain terms, along with the costs, before you decide anything.
If you go ahead, we agree on a course of treatment together and a time to review your progress.
An appointment usually takes around 30 minutes. Most people feel only mild discomfort from the injections. Small raised bumps appear where the product was placed and usually settle within 24 hours. There is generally no downtime, though some swelling or bruising is possible.
Dr Waxman will give you aftercare advice, which usually includes avoiding strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol for 24 hours.
Many people notice their skin feels more hydrated around four weeks after the first session, with further improvement in firmness around four weeks after the second, as collagen and elastin production builds. Results vary from person to person, and Dr Waxman will talk you through realistic expectations at your consultation.
Common side effects include small raised bumps, redness, swelling, tenderness and bruising where the injections were given. These usually settle within one to two days.
Less commonly, infection or an allergic reaction can occur. All Profhilo products are Class III medical devices and are given by a doctor. They are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you have an active skin infection in the treatment area. If you are planning laser resurfacing or a medium-depth peel, let Dr Waxman know, as these need to be timed around Profhilo Structura.
Your health history is reviewed before anything is recommended, and Dr Waxman will talk through the risks and potential benefits so you can make an informed decision. If you have any concerns after treatment, contact the clinic.
Containing low and high molecular weight Hyaluronic acid is a class 3 medical device for face treatment and for restoring adipose tissues -in the dermal tissue repair process, and in cases of acne scars. PROFHILO® STRUCTURA has risks and benefits. Do not use it along with treatments such as laser resurfacing or medium/deep skin peeling. Do not inject into inflamed areas or intravenously or intramuscularly. Possible side effects are pain, itching or swelling at the injection site. Dermocosmetica Pty Ltd. Auckland. TAPS BG4145.
For the redefinition and laxity remodelling where skin laxity is a problem. Profhilo has risks and benefits Contains low & high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (64mg /2ml) As your doctor if Profhilo is right for you. For product information check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier Accelagen Pty Ltd. Whanganui.
Dermal Filler, Medical Device Class III to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore or enhance the lips, or restore facial volume. Dermal filler has risk and benefits. Ask your doctor if dermal filler is right for you. For product information, check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier.
Botulinum toxin injections are prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet round the eyes. Botulinum toxin injections have risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if botulinum toxin injection is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor. You will need to pay for your botulinum toxin injection and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your doctor or go to www.medsafe.govt.nz. Botulinum toxin injections lasts about 4 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals.
Botulinum toxin injections are prescription medicines for the treatment of frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. Botulinum toxin injections have risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if botulinum toxin injections are right for you. For further information ask your doctor or go to www.medsafe.govt.nz.
