#What Is Profhilo?
Profhilo is an injectable skin remodelling treatment that uses one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid available in a bio-remodelling treatment to hydrate the skin from within and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, Profhilo does not add volume or change facial contours, instead, it transforms the quality of your skin, making it firmer, smoother, more hydrated, and more luminous.
Since its introduction to Ireland, Profhilo has rapidly become one of the most popular non-surgical aesthetic treatments in the country. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, its natural-looking results, and its ability to address the one thing that no amount of filler or anti-wrinkle treatment can fix on its own: overall skin quality.
Profhilo contains 64mg of pure hyaluronic acid in a 2ml syringe, one of the highest concentrations of any injectable HA product. What makes it unique is its patented NAHYCO technology, which combines both high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid stabilised through a patented thermal process rather than traditional chemical cross-linking agents. This means the product spreads easily beneath the skin, providing intense hydration while simultaneously triggering the body's own regenerative processes.
The result is often described as a "glow from within", healthier, dewier, more elastic skin that looks naturally refreshed without any of the volume or structural changes associated with fillers. It is sometimes called a "bioremodelling" treatment to distinguish it from both fillers and traditional skin boosters.
#How Does Profhilo Work?
Profhilo works through a dual mechanism: immediate deep hydration and longer-term biostimulation.
Hydration: The high concentration of hyaluronic acid draws and holds moisture within the skin's dermal layer. Because Profhilo is not cross-linked (unlike fillers), it flows and spreads easily once injected, distributing hydration evenly across a wide area from just a few injection points.
Biostimulation: Over the following weeks, the slow release of hyaluronic acid triggers the body's regenerative processes. In vitro studies have shown that Profhilo stimulates production of collagen types I and III as well as elastin. This remodelling effect improves skin firmness, elasticity, and structural integrity from the inside out.
The standard treatment protocol uses the BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) technique, a series of 5 precisely mapped injection points on each side of the face, totalling 10 injection points. These points have been specifically identified to allow optimal distribution of the product across the face while avoiding key blood vessels and nerves.
Each injection is a small bolus (deposit) of product placed just beneath the skin. The procedure is quick, typically 15 to 20 minutes, and requires no massage or moulding after injection. Small bumps may be visible at the injection sites immediately after treatment; these are expected and typically resolve within a few hours, though may persist for up to 48 hours in some patients.
The standard protocol consists of three sessions, four weeks apart. The first session begins the hydration and biostimulation process, and subsequent sessions amplify and sustain the effect. Results become progressively visible over the weeks following each treatment, with full results typically apparent 4 weeks after the final session.
#How Much Does Profhilo Cost in Ireland?
Profhilo represents good value in the aesthetic treatment market. Particularly considering the visible improvement in skin quality that a full course delivers.
Typical costs in Ireland:
- Per session: €250–€450
- Full initial course (3 sessions): €750–€1,200
- Maintenance session (every 6–9 months): €250–€450
- Neck treatment: €250–€450 per session
Factors affecting cost:
- Treatment area, Face, neck, and hands each have different protocols. Some practitioners offer package pricing for multiple areas.
- Practitioner experience, As with all injectables, more experienced practitioners may charge a premium.
- Clinic location, Prices can vary across Ireland, though the difference is typically modest for Profhilo.
- Package deals, Some clinics offer a discounted rate when you book both sessions upfront or combine Profhilo with other treatments.
When considering cost, remember that the initial investment covers three sessions and the results last 6 to 9 months. Profhilo complements a good skincare routine and can address skin quality concerns that topical products alone may not reach.
#Profhilo vs Alternative Treatments
| Treatment | Best For | Duration | Price Range | Downtime |
|---|
| Profhilo | Skin quality, laxity, hydration | 6–9 months | €250–€450/session | None to minimal |
| Skin Boosters | Hydration, fine lines | 4–9 months | €200–€400/session | Minimal |
| Polynucleotides | Skin regeneration, dark circles | 6–9 months | €250–€450/session | Minimal |
| Microneedling | Texture, scars, pores | Every 3–6 months (maintenance) | €150–€350/session | 1–3 days |
| Dermal Fillers | Volume, contouring, wrinkle filling | 6–18 months | €250–€500/syringe | None to minimal |
A note on duration. For microneedling, the interval shown reflects the typical maintenance schedule rather than the point at which results disappear, collagen improvements are durable. Injectable hydration treatments (Profhilo, skin boosters, polynucleotides) genuinely require re-treatment as the product is metabolised.
Profhilo vs skin boosters: Both improve skin hydration, but Profhilo has stronger published evidence for collagen and elastin stimulation compared to traditional skin boosters. Skin boosters primarily hydrate, while Profhilo hydrates and remodels. Profhilo uses fewer injection points and typically requires fewer sessions.
Profhilo vs polynucleotides: These are both biostimulatory treatments but work through different mechanisms. Polynucleotides use DNA fragments to stimulate cellular repair and regeneration. They are particularly effective for the under-eye area and for patients with very thin skin. Some practitioners combine Profhilo and polynucleotides for comprehensive skin rejuvenation.
Profhilo vs microneedling: Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production and is particularly effective for improving skin texture, acne scarring, and pore size. Profhilo excels at hydration and laxity. They complement each other well and are often recommended as part of a broader skin health programme.
Profhilo vs dermal fillers: These treat fundamentally different concerns. If you need volume, structure, or contour, you need fillers. If you want better skin quality, Profhilo is the answer. Many patients benefit from both.
#How to Choose a Profhilo Provider in Ireland
While Profhilo is a relatively straightforward treatment compared to complex filler procedures. It is still a medical injectable that should be performed by a qualified, registered practitioner using genuine product.
Your practitioner should be registered with:
- The Medical Council of Ireland (doctors)
- The Dental Council of Ireland (dentists)
- The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) (nurses)
What to look for:
- Training specifically in Profhilo and the BAP injection technique. This is not the same as standard filler training
- Use of genuine, batch-traceable Profhilo product (counterfeit and substitute products are a real concern in the aesthetics industry)
- A proper consultation including skin assessment and discussion of realistic expectations
- A clean, clinical treatment environment
- Willingness to discuss what Profhilo can and cannot achieve. A good practitioner will tell you if a different treatment would be more appropriate for your concerns
Red flags:
- Unregistered or unverifiable practitioners
- Extremely low prices (genuine Profhilo has a consistent wholesale cost, very cheap treatments may indicate non-authentic product)
- Treatments labelled as "Profhilo" that use different products, ask to see the product packaging and batch number
- No consultation or skin assessment before treatment
- Treatment in non-clinical environments
You can search for verified clinics on SafeSkin.ie to find practitioners across Ireland who are confirmed as registered with a recognised regulatory body. SafeSkin's verification process helps ensure you are starting your search with clinics that meet baseline professional standards.
