Profhilo Treatment Protocol: Sessions, Timing, and Injection Points Explained
Profhilo is not a standard dermal filler and does not follow the same treatment logic. It is a bio-remodelling injectable — an ultra-pure hyaluronic acid that spreads through the tissue rather than adding volume in a targeted area. Understanding the protocol behind how Profhilo is administered helps you make sense of the results timeline, the number of sessions your practitioner recommends, and why the treatment works the way it does.
This guide explains the Profhilo treatment protocol, including the officially recommended number of sessions, how they are spaced, where the injections are placed, and what to expect at each stage.
What Is Profhilo?
Profhilo is an injectable hyaluronic acid treatment manufactured by IBSA. Unlike dermal fillers, which are cross-linked to stay in place and add volume, Profhilo uses a patented thermal bonding process (NAHYCO technology) that combines high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid without chemical cross-linking agents.
This structure allows Profhilo to:
- Flow through the tissue and remodel the extracellular matrix
- Stimulate four types of collagen and elastin production
- Deeply hydrate the skin from within
- Improve skin laxity, texture, and quality rather than adding volume
The result is skin that looks and feels younger, more elastic, and more luminous — without a filled or altered appearance.
The Official Profhilo Treatment Protocol
The standard Profhilo protocol, as specified by IBSA and used by trained practitioners, consists of:
2 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart.
This is the validated clinical protocol based on the trials and regulatory approval behind the product. The 4-week interval is not arbitrary — it reflects the time required for the first treatment to begin stimulating collagen and for the tissue to be ready for the second injection of hyaluronic acid.
Why 2 Sessions?
The first session of Profhilo deposits hyaluronic acid into the tissue and begins the bio-remodelling process. Collagen stimulation starts within days of the first treatment, but the full cellular response takes weeks to develop.
The second session, delivered 4 weeks later, amplifies and consolidates this response. Clinical studies show that the 2-session protocol produces significantly better outcomes than a single treatment — the combined stimulation from both sessions drives the collagen and elastin response that delivers the visible lifting and tightening effect.
What Happens After 2 Sessions?
After the initial 2-session course, most practitioners recommend a maintenance treatment every 6 months. This keeps the collagen stimulation active and maintains the remodelling effect over time.
Without maintenance, the results gradually diminish as the body naturally breaks down the hyaluronic acid (over approximately 6 to 12 months) and no new collagen stimulus is provided.
Profhilo Injection Points
Profhilo is administered using the BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) technique — a specific injection map developed for the product that optimises the spread of hyaluronic acid through the facial tissue.
The 5 BAP Points Per Side (Face)
On each side of the face, Profhilo is injected at 5 specific anatomical points. These points are chosen to allow the hyaluronic acid to flow along tissue planes and reach the maximum surface area with the fewest injection sites.
The 5 points on each side are located at:
- Cheekbone area (malar point) — allows Profhilo to spread across the midface
- Nasolabial fold area — addresses the fold and the tissue lateral to it
- Chin area (mental point) — spreads to the lower face and jaw
- Sub-mandibular area — addresses the jowl and lower face laxity
- Pre-auricular area (in front of the ear) — spreads to the lateral face and temporal area
This gives 10 injection points in total for the face (5 per side). Each point receives a bolus injection of Profhilo — the product then diffuses through the surrounding tissue in the hours and days that follow.
Profhilo for the Neck and Hands
Profhilo can also be used on the neck and hands, with adapted injection maps for each area. The neck protocol typically uses injection points along the platysmal bands. The hands use multiple small injection points across the dorsal surface.
Before and After Profhilo: Injection Points and What They Look Like
Immediately after Profhilo injections, the 10 deposit sites appear as small raised bumps (blebs) under the skin. These are visible for 30 minutes to several hours as the product begins to spread.
This is normal and does not represent the final position of the product. The blebs resolve as the hyaluronic acid diffuses into the surrounding tissue.
Before and after comparisons at the injection sites typically show:
- Immediately after: visible raised points with slight redness
- 2 to 4 hours after: blebs flattening as product spreads
- 24 to 48 hours: injection sites almost invisible, mild residual redness only
- 4 weeks: tissue quality visibly improved following the first session
What to Expect at Each Stage of the Protocol
First Session
Your practitioner will cleanse the skin and mark the BAP injection points. The injections take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. After treatment, you will have 10 small raised bumps visible on your face.
Immediately: Mild swelling, redness, and visible injection points. 24 to 48 hours: Blebs resolve, minor redness remains. Week 1 to 2: First signs of improved hydration — skin feels more plump and smooth. Weeks 2 to 4: Collagen stimulation is building, but the full response requires the second session to consolidate.
Second Session (4 Weeks Later)
The second session follows the same protocol. After this treatment, the full collagen and elastin stimulus from both sessions is working simultaneously.
Week 4 to 8 (after first session): The lifting and tightening effect becomes visible as collagen production increases. Week 8 to 12: Optimal results — skin laxity improved, texture smoother, overall radiance enhanced. Month 6: Maintenance treatment recommended to sustain results.
How Many Sessions of Profhilo Do You Need in Total?
| Stage | Sessions | Timing |
| Initial course | 2 sessions | 4 weeks apart |
| Maintenance | 1 to 2 sessions per year | Every 6 months |
Some practitioners offer 3-session initial courses for patients with more significant skin laxity or those seeking faster results. This is not the standard protocol but is sometimes appropriate depending on individual assessment.
Profhilo vs Dermal Fillers: Key Protocol Differences
| Feature | Profhilo | Dermal Filler |
| Number of sessions (initial) | 2 (4 weeks apart) | Usually 1 |
| Injection points | 10 fixed BAP points | Targeted to specific area |
| Mechanism | Bio-remodelling, collagen stimulation | Volume replacement |
| Visible results | Gradual over 4 to 8 weeks | Immediate |
| Maintenance | Every 6 months | Every 12 to 18 months |
| Effect | Skin quality, laxity, texture | Shape, volume, contour |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions of Profhilo do you need? The official protocol is 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments are recommended every 6 months after that to sustain results.
Why is there a 4-week gap between Profhilo sessions? The 4-week interval allows the collagen stimulation from the first session to establish before the second session amplifies and consolidates the response. This timing is specified in the clinical protocol and should not be shortened.
Where are the Profhilo injection points? Profhilo uses the BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) technique — 5 specific anatomical points on each side of the face, giving 10 injection points in total. These are chosen to maximise the spread of hyaluronic acid through the facial tissue.
How long do the injection point bumps last? The raised blebs at the injection sites typically resolve within 30 minutes to 4 hours as Profhilo spreads through the tissue.
Can I have Profhilo and other treatments at the same session? Combination protocols are possible but should be planned with your practitioner. Profhilo and microneedling are sometimes combined (with appropriate spacing), and Profhilo can be used alongside botulinum toxin or dermal fillers on the same day depending on the treatment areas.
When do Profhilo results appear? Initial improvement in hydration is often noticeable within the first 1 to 2 weeks. The lifting and tightening effect builds over the full 2-session course and is most visible at 4 to 8 weeks after the second treatment.
For guidance on what to do after your session, see our Profhilo aftercare guide and Profhilo results timeline.
Book Your Profhilo Course at NexaSkinMed
Ready to start your Profhilo treatment? NexaSkinMed offers the full 2-session protocol at our Birmingham skin clinic, with experienced practitioners who follow the BAP injection technique for optimal results.
Not sure if Profhilo is right for you? We offer free consultations where we assess your skin and recommend the most effective treatment for your goals — whether that's Profhilo, skin boosters, or another bio-remodelling option.