Profhilo vs Profhilo Structura: Which Treatment Suits You?

Profhilo and Profhilo Structura belong to the same product family, but they are designed to address different aspects of facial ageing. Profhilo focuses primarily on skin quality and laxity. Profhilo Structura targets changes in the superficial facial fat beneath the skin. Choosing between them is therefore less about which product is “better” and more about which tissue needs attention.[1] [2] [3]

If your concern is crepey skin or a loss of suppleness, the appropriate treatment may differ from the one considered for a flatter or more hollow-looking cheek. A clinical assessment helps distinguish these concerns, set realistic expectations and decide whether an injectable treatment is appropriate at all.

What is Profhilo?

Profhilo is an injectable hyaluronic-acid treatment used for skin bioremodelling. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the body that helps retain water. In Profhilo, high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid are combined using IBSA’s thermal stabilisation technology rather than the chemical cross-linking used in many conventional hyaluronic-acid fillers.[1]

Regular Profhilo contains 64 mg of hyaluronic acid in a 2 ml syringe. Its formulation is designed to spread through the treated tissue rather than create the focused projection sought with a lip or cheek filler. Its intended role is to improve skin laxity and quality, with hydration and elasticity among the treatment goals.[1] [2]

The term “bioremodelling” describes that treatment approach. It should not be taken to mean that Profhilo reverses all skin ageing, replaces good skincare or produces a surgical lift.

Where is Profhilo most useful?

Profhilo is generally considered when the main concern is skin quality rather than a specific volume deficit. Examples include skin that looks less supple, early laxity or a crepey texture across the face. Neck skin may also be assessed for treatment.[1] [2]

For someone who is happy with their facial shape but wants a subtle improvement in skin quality, this may be the more relevant of the two products. It is not designed to enlarge lips, create sharply defined cheekbones or directly fill every visible hollow.

The wider Profhilo range includes body treatments, but the appropriate formulation, treatment area and protocol must be selected separately. A facial treatment should not simply be assumed to be suitable for every area of the body.[2]

What is Profhilo Structura?

Profhilo Structura is a different hyaluronic-acid formulation with an intended role in the restoration of facial adipose tissue—the fat that contributes to facial support and contour. It contains 90 mg of hyaluronic acid in a 2 ml syringe and is designed for a different tissue layer and treatment approach from regular Profhilo.[3] [4]

Its focus is the superficial facial fat, particularly in the lateral cheek region. Changes in this tissue can contribute to a sunken appearance or altered facial contours. However, skin, ligaments, muscle and bone also influence how a face looks; a single injectable cannot address every part of that process.[3] [4] [5]

Structura is therefore not simply “stronger Profhilo”. A higher hyaluronic-acid concentration does not automatically make it the better choice for someone whose main concern is skin hydration or texture.

Where is Profhilo Structura most useful?

Structura may be considered when an assessment identifies age-related changes in superficial cheek fat and facial support, rather than skin quality alone. This can include selected patients with a more sunken lateral-cheek appearance or changes in the way the overlying tissue sits.[3] [4]

The important word is “selected”. Not every hollow is caused by the same tissue change, and not every person with sagging skin is a suitable candidate. A concern close to the eye, a need for precise cheek projection or substantial skin excess may require a different approach.

Structura should not be presented as an all-purpose treatment for lips, tear troughs, the neck or body. Its facial-fat application is distinct from the broader skin-remodelling role of the Profhilo range.[2] [3]

Does Structura really “regrow fat”?

You may see Structura described as regenerative or as a treatment that restores facial fat. These descriptions reflect its intended use and proposed biological effects, but they should not be interpreted as proof of permanent new fat-cell growth in people.

Early human studies are encouraging but limited. A 2024 pilot study involving 50 women reported improvements in assessed facial appearance after two treatments. A separate 22-person series reported changes in tissue thickness and facial appearance. Neither study included an untreated comparison group; both had industry involvement and relatively short follow-up.[4] [5]

The tissue-thickness measurement in the smaller study was not a direct measurement of newly grown fat cells. These studies also do not establish that Structura is superior to regular Profhilo, conventional fillers, fat transfer or surgery. Laboratory findings about cells are not the same as demonstrating lasting fat regeneration in a patient.[4] [5]

A fair expectation is a possible improvement in appropriately selected facial contours—not guaranteed replacement of lost fat or the equivalent of a facelift.

How does a clinician choose between them?

A useful starting point is to identify the main concern.

If the concern is predominantly skin texture, suppleness and early laxity, regular Profhilo may be the more relevant option to discuss. If the concern is changes in superficial cheek fat and facial support, Structura may warrant consideration.[1] [3]

If both are present, a clinician may consider a staged plan addressing more than one tissue layer. That does not mean everyone needs both products. Combining treatments should have a clear purpose, with the likely benefit, additional cost and risks explained before proceeding.

Sometimes neither is the best application. A conventional filler may be discussed for a specific volume or contour goal, while more substantial laxity may require a different treatment or a surgical opinion. Choosing not to treat is also a reasonable outcome of a consultation.

What is the treatment course like?

Both products commonly begin with a course of two sessions approximately four weeks apart. The exact plan should follow the current product instructions and the treating clinician’s assessment.[1] [3] [4]

The delivery methods differ. Regular Profhilo is commonly administered through a series of small needle injections; Structura is usually delivered with a cannula into the assessed superficial facial-fat region. Both involve entering the skin, and each requires product-specific training and an understanding of facial anatomy.[1] [3]

Changes are assessed over the following weeks rather than judged solely from the appearance immediately after treatment, when swelling may influence what you see. The degree and duration of improvement vary. Maintenance should be discussed individually rather than promised on a fixed timetable for everyone.

What are the risks and suitability considerations?

Neither treatment is risk-free. Temporary tenderness, swelling, bruising or redness can occur. Infection, inflammatory reactions or persistent lumps are also possible after hyaluronic-acid injections. Rare vascular complications—where blood flow is affected—can be serious.[1] [6] [7]

The fact that hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body does not remove injection-related risks. A cannula also does not make treatment risk-free. Professional registration matters, but it needs to be accompanied by relevant training, appropriate product sourcing and a clear complication-management plan.[6] [7]

During your consultation, disclose previous fillers or facial surgery, allergies, medicines, active skin problems and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. These details can affect suitability or timing. Do not stop prescribed medicines on your own to prepare for treatment.

After any facial injectable, worsening or unusual pain, unexpectedly pale skin or spreading dusky or mottled discolouration needs urgent assessment. Contact the treating clinician immediately; if they cannot be reached promptly, seek urgent medical care. Sudden visual changes are an emergency—seek emergency care immediately rather than waiting for a routine follow-up.[7]

Our approach at The Medical Skin Clinic

At our CQC-registered clinic in Newmarket, the starting point is an assessment, not a product name. We want to understand what is bothering you, which tissue changes contribute to it and what a realistic improvement would look like.

Ask the clinician why they recommend Profhilo, Structura or an alternative for your particular concern. They should explain the product, proposed course, likely limitations, full cost and aftercare arrangements. You should have time to consider the decision without pressure.[6]

The simplest distinction is skin quality versus superficial facial-fat support. Profhilo and Profhilo Structura can each have a role, but the best application is the one that matches the clinical assessment—not the newest product or the largest number on the syringe.

This article provides general information and is not a diagnosis or an individual treatment recommendation. Suitability, product instructions, risks and expected outcomes must be discussed with the treating clinician. Results vary.

References

1. 1. Cassuto and colleagues, 2020: Profhilo formulation, clinical background and post-marketing safety surveillance. Accessed 4 November 2026.
2. 2. IBSA Derma Baltics: Profhilo product line and differing skin and tissue applications. Accessed 4 November 2026.
3. 3. Harley Academy, 2024: Profhilo Structura formulation, facial indication and treatment approach. Accessed 4 November 2026.
4. 4. Sparavigna and colleagues, 2024: Profhilo Structura efficacy and tolerability pilot study. Accessed 4 November 2026.
5. 5. Cassuto and colleagues, 2023: High- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic-acid complexes for facial fat-compartment treatment. Accessed 4 November 2026.
6. 6. NHS: Choosing who will do your cosmetic procedure. Accessed 4 November 2026.
7. 7. UK CMAC guideline, 2021: Recognition and management of hyaluronic-acid vascular occlusion. Accessed 4 November 2026.