Profhilo Structura Aftercare: How to Recover and Protect Your Results
Profhilo Structura is a newer bio-remodelling injectable from IBSA — the same manufacturer as standard Profhilo — but with a different formulation designed to work deeper in the tissue for enhanced structural support. If you have recently had Profhilo Structura, or are considering it, understanding the specific aftercare will help you protect your results and ensure a smooth recovery.
This guide covers Profhilo Structura aftercare in full: what to do and avoid, the recovery timeline, how the aftercare differs from standard Profhilo, and what to expect at each stage.
What Is Profhilo Structura?
Profhilo Structura is a hybrid injectable that combines the bio-remodelling properties of hyaluronic acid with calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) — the active ingredient found in Radiesse. This combination creates a product that both remodels the skin (like Profhilo) and provides structural support in the deeper tissue layers (like Radiesse).
It is indicated for areas with more significant tissue laxity, particularly:
- The lower face and jawline
- The neck
- The upper arms
- Body areas where skin laxity is a concern
Because Profhilo Structura works at a deeper tissue level than standard Profhilo, the injection technique and aftercare requirements differ in some respects.
Profhilo Structura vs Standard Profhilo: Key Differences
| Feature | Profhilo | Profhilo Structura |
| Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid only | Hyaluronic acid + calcium hydroxyapatite |
| Depth of injection | Intradermal and subdermal | Deeper subdermal/subcutaneous |
| Primary mechanism | Bio-remodelling, hydration | Bio-remodelling + structural support |
| Best for | Skin quality, texture, hydration | Tissue laxity, structural support |
| Typical sessions | 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart | 2 sessions, 4 to 8 weeks apart |
| Downtime | Minimal (blebs resolve in hours) | Similar, but more common temporary firmness |
Immediately After Profhilo Structura
In the first few hours after treatment you will experience:
- Raised blebs at the injection sites — these are more prominent than standard Profhilo due to the deeper injection plane and the viscosity of the product
- Mild swelling and redness around the treated areas
- Tenderness when pressing on the treated area
- Possible firmness — the treated area may feel harder than surrounding tissue
The blebs from Profhilo Structura typically take longer to resolve than those from standard Profhilo — up to 12 to 24 hours in some cases. This is normal and reflects the different viscosity and depth of the product.
Profhilo Structura Aftercare: What to Do
Immediately (First 24 Hours)
- Keep the treated area clean using a gentle cleanser
- Avoid touching or massaging the injection sites — do not attempt to disperse the product
- Sleep on your back if the face or neck was treated — avoid pressure on the area
- Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water to support the hyaluronic acid component
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours
- Avoid heat — saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, and sun exposure in the first 24 hours
Days 2 to 7
- Gentle cleansing and moisturising of the treated area
- Avoid high-impact exercise until any swelling and tenderness has resolved (typically days 3 to 5)
- No massage of the treated area unless specifically instructed by your practitioner
- Avoid alcohol for 48 hours as it can worsen swelling
- SPF 50 if any treated area is on or near the face
From Week 2 Onwards
- You can return to all normal activities
- Continue daily SPF 50 if the face or neck was treated
- Allow the results to develop over the following 4 to 12 weeks before assessing the outcome
What to Avoid After Profhilo Structura
| Timeframe | Avoid |
| First 24 hours | Exercise, heat, alcohol, massage, makeup on treated area |
| First 48 hours | Strenuous exercise, alcohol, sun exposure |
| First 2 weeks | High-intensity exercise, saunas, steam rooms |
| Ongoing | Excessive sun exposure without SPF 50 |
What Is Normal During Recovery
Normal post-treatment experiences with Profhilo Structura:
- Raised blebs that take up to 24 hours to fully resolve
- Mild swelling that peaks at 24 to 48 hours and then reduces
- Tenderness and a feeling of fullness in the treated area for the first week
- Firmness at the injection sites that softens over 1 to 3 weeks
- Possible mild bruising at some injection points
The firmness at injection sites can be more noticeable with Profhilo Structura than with standard Profhilo, due to the calcium hydroxyapatite component and the deeper injection plane. This is expected and resolves as the product integrates into the tissue over the first 2 to 4 weeks.
Profhilo Structura Results Timeline
| Stage | Timeline | What to Expect |
| Immediately | Day 0 | Visible blebs, redness, swelling |
| Early recovery | Days 1 to 3 | Blebs resolving, swelling reducing |
| Settling | Week 1 to 2 | Firmness softening, area feeling more natural |
| Early results | Weeks 3 to 4 | Skin quality improvement visible |
| Second session | Weeks 4 to 8 (as advised) | Protocol continues |
| Optimal results | Weeks 8 to 16 | Full structural support and remodelling effect |
The structural support effect from the calcium hydroxyapatite component takes longer to develop than the hydration effect from hyaluronic acid. Patience is required — final results are typically assessed at 8 to 16 weeks after the second session.
Profhilo Structura Aftercare: Key Differences from Standard Profhilo
If you have previously had standard Profhilo, the Structura aftercare is broadly similar but with a few important differences:
- Blebs take longer to resolve — up to 24 hours compared to 30 minutes to 4 hours with standard Profhilo. Do not be alarmed if the treated area still looks raised on the morning after your treatment.
- More initial firmness — the treated area may feel harder for longer (1 to 3 weeks) due to the calcium hydroxyapatite component. This is normal and resolves as the product integrates.
- Do not massage — standard Profhilo aftercare advice sometimes includes gentle massage to help spread the product. With Profhilo Structura, massage should only be performed if your practitioner specifically instructs it, as the product is designed to remain in a deeper plane.
- Longer results timeline — the structural remodelling effect builds over 8 to 16 weeks, longer than the 8-week peak for standard Profhilo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Profhilo Structura results last? Results from Profhilo Structura typically last 12 to 18 months, longer than standard Profhilo. The calcium hydroxyapatite component degrades more slowly than hyaluronic acid, contributing to a longer duration of effect.
Is Profhilo Structura painful? The procedure is similar in comfort to standard Profhilo. Some patients find the deeper injections slightly more uncomfortable, but topical anaesthetic is applied beforehand. Post-treatment tenderness is typically mild and manageable.
How many sessions of Profhilo Structura do you need? Most protocols involve 2 sessions, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart. Your practitioner will advise on timing based on your response to the first treatment.
Can I combine Profhilo Structura with other treatments? Profhilo Structura can be used alongside botulinum toxin injections and other skin treatments. If you are considering combination treatments, discuss the sequence and spacing with your practitioner.
What happens if I exercise too soon after Profhilo Structura? Exercise increases blood flow and body temperature, which can increase swelling and potentially affect the placement of the product before it has fully integrated. Waiting at least 24 to 48 hours before returning to exercise is recommended.
When should I contact my practitioner after Profhilo Structura? Contact your clinic if you experience increasing pain (not just tenderness), skin that looks white, pale, or mottled, or signs of infection such as increasing warmth and redness after day 3.
For general bio-remodelling aftercare, see our Profhilo aftercare guide. For results expectations, see our Profhilo results timeline.
Book Profhilo Structura at NexaSkinMed
Profhilo Structura is a specialist treatment for facial volume loss and deep tissue remodelling. If you're concerned about hollowing in the cheeks, temples, or midface, it could be the right option for you.
Book a Profhilo Structura Consultation
Our practitioners at our Birmingham clinic will assess whether Profhilo, Profhilo Structura, or a combination approach is best suited to your skin and your goals.