At Self London we believe ageing should be managed intelligently, not by masking features but by working with the body’s own structures. Two injectable treatments that form part of this approach are Profhilo and Profhilo Structura. Although they share a name, they are not interchangeable. Profhilo improves the quality of the skin itself, while Profhilo Structura restores the deeper subcutaneous layer that gives the face its shape and support. Used in the right way, they can achieve results that are subtle, natural and long-lasting.
Why skin and structure both matter
The face ages on more than one level:
- Skin surface: thinner, less elastic skin with fine lines, pigmentation, and crepiness.
- Deeper changes: shrinking or shifting fat pads, hollowing of the midface and temples, and bone remodelling that reduces support.
If the surface is smooth but the scaffold underneath has collapsed, the face still looks tired. Equally, restoring support without addressing the skin above can look incomplete. The most natural results come when both layers are treated together.
Profhilo: improving skin quality
Profhilo has become one of the most popular treatments in modern aesthetics, not because it changes the shape of the face but because it improves the quality of the skin itself. It contains a high concentration of patented hybrid hyaluronic acid that spreads widely after injection. This stimulates the skin to remodel by encouraging collagen and elastin production, rather than acting as filler.
The effect is skin that feels firmer, more elastic, and better hydrated. Fine lines soften, and the surface takes on a fresher, brighter appearance. Many patients describe their skin as looking healthier and less tired, even if they cannot point to one specific change.
Profhilo is delivered with a fine needle into mapped points on each side of the face. The procedure takes minutes, and small bumps usually settle within hours as the product spreads beneath the skin. A typical course is 2 sessions, spaced a month apart, with maintenance every 6-9 months. Results build gradually, with the best improvements seen around eight weeks.
Profhilo Structura: restoring support
Profhilo Structura is a newer development designed to target a different layer: the subcutaneous fat. With age, hormone changes, or weight loss, fat pads shrink and reposition, leaving the cheeks flatter, the midface hollow, and the temples sunken.
Structura is delivered using a fine cannula through a single entry point on each side of the face. The cannula allows precise placement into the areas that require support and is often associated with less bruising than multiple needle injections. Patients may notice a firmness or ridge immediately after treatment; this smooths quickly as the product integrates.
A typical course is 2 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart, with maintenance every 4-6 months. Results are visible straight away and continue to improve as the tissue remodels.
Structura is particularly effective for patients with midface deflation, hollow temples, or jawline changes. It is also valuable for those who have lost facial fat after GLP-1 medication, and for peri- and post-menopausal women who experience both thinning skin and structural change.
Profhilo vs Profhilo Structura: which should you choose?
- Profhilo: best for patients concerned with skin hydration, glow and resilience.
- Structura: best for patients experiencing hollowing, midface deflation, or contour loss.
- Combined plan: many benefit from both, often starting with Structura for support and adding Profhilo for surface refinement.
Special situations
- GLP-1 medication users: Structura restores fat pads lost after weight-loss injections, while Profhilo refreshes the skin above.
- Peri- and post-menopause: oestrogen decline affects both skin and fat distribution. Profhilo improves thinning skin, while Structura restores deeper support.
- Younger patients: Profhilo maintains glow and delays visible ageing. Structura can be introduced later if hollowing develops.
Combining with other treatments
At our dermatology, laser and lifestyle clinic on Harley Street, we rarely rely on injectables alone. For optimal results, Profhilo and Structura can be layered with:
- Sofwave ultrasound for collagen stimulation and lifting
- UltraClear or HALO lasers for texture, pigmentation, and scarring
- Polynucleotides and regenerative injectables for deeper repair
This multi-layered approach restores both surface and structure, ensuring results remain natural.
Results to expect
- Profhilo: gradual improvements in elasticity and glow, most noticeable at 8 weeks.
- Structura: immediate restoration of support with continued improvement over several weeks.
The outcome is fresher skin on a face that retains its natural shape and contours, never overfilled. Friends may notice you look rested, without knowing why.
Safety
Both treatments are based on purified hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body. They are not crosslinked like fillers, meaning they integrate seamlessly and behave more like native tissue. Side-effects are generally mild, such as temporary swelling or redness. At Self London, all injectables are performed or overseen by consultant dermatologists, ensuring precision, safety and natural results.
Frequently asked questions about Profhilo and Profhilo Structura
What is the difference between Profhilo and filler?
Profhilo spreads evenly to remodel skin quality, while filler is designed to add targeted volume or contour.
How many treatments are needed?
Both Profhilo and Structura require 2 sessions a month apart.
How long do results last?
Profhilo maintenance is recommended every 6-9 months. Structura is usually maintained every 4-6 months.
Can Profhilo and Structura be combined in one plan?
Yes. Many patients benefit from both, Structura to restore support and Profhilo to refine skin quality and glow.
Who is a good candidate for these treatments?
Almost any adult seeking improved skin quality can benefit from Profhilo. Structura is particularly valuable for patients experiencing midface hollowing, menopausal changes, or facial deflation following weight-loss medication.
Book your consultation at Self London
At Self London, we take an intelligent, consultant-led approach to aesthetics. Profhilo and Profhilo Structura are part of our wider regenerative toolkit, layered with advanced devices and injectables for the most natural results.
Book your consultation today to discover whether Profhilo, Profhilo Structura, or a combination is right for you.
