Profhilo® and Sculptra® are two popular injectable treatments designed to rejuvenate and improve the skin. While both can enhance your complexion, they work in entirely different ways, offering distinct benefits. Let’s break it down:
1. What’s in Them?
- Profhilo®: Made with pure, stabilised hyaluronic acid (HA) in high concentrations. HA is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that’s great at attracting and holding onto moisture, giving you a plump, hydrated look. Profhilo® is all about skin quality—it doesn’t include any volumising agents or stimulants.
- Sculptra®: Contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic material that works differently. PLLA acts as a collagen stimulator, encouraging your body to rebuild its own collagen over time.
2. How They Work
- Profhilo®: Think of Profhilo® as a skin bio-remodeller. Once injected, it spreads evenly under the skin, boosting hydration and improving elasticity and firmness. While it does gently stimulate collagen and elastin production, its main focus is hydration and skin quality rather than adding structure.
- Sculptra®: Sculptra® works as a biostimulant. It targets fibroblasts in the skin, prompting them to produce more collagen over time. This helps restore lost volume, improve contours, and smooth the appearance of ageing skin.
3. Where They’re Best Used
- Profhilo®: Ideal for improving skin texture, elasticity, and hydration in areas like the face, neck, décolletage, and hands. It’s great for anyone looking to boost overall skin radiance without adding volume.
- Sculptra®: More suited for areas needing volume restoration, such as the cheeks, temples, and jawline. It can also help improve skin laxity on the body, like the upper arms or buttocks.
4. What Happens During Treatment?
- Profhilo®: A quick and simple procedure involving injections at five strategic points on each side of the face (or other targeted areas). The product disperses naturally—no need for massaging. You’ll need two sessions spaced four weeks apart, with results becoming noticeable in 4–8 weeks.
- Sculptra®: Multiple injections are administered into the deeper layers of the skin or fat, depending on the treatment area. After each session, the treated area needs to be massaged daily for about a week to help distribute the product. A typical course involves 2–4 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with results building gradually.
5. Results and Longevity
- Profhilo®: Results appear quickly, with improvements in hydration, smoothness, and elasticity showing in just a few weeks. The effects last around 4–6 months, making it perfect for maintaining a radiant glow.
- Sculptra®: Takes a little longer to work its magic—about 3–6 months—but the results are long-lasting, often up to two years. It’s ideal for structural rejuvenation and volume restoration.
6. Downtime and Aftercare
- Profhilo®: Minimal downtime. You might see small bumps or mild redness at the injection points, but these typically disappear within 48 hours. There’s no need for post-treatment massage.
- Sculptra®: Slightly more aftercare involved—gentle daily massage of the treated area is essential for the first week to ensure the product is evenly distributed. Bruising or swelling can last a few days.
7. Who They’re For
- Profhilo®: Perfect for younger patients looking to maintain skin quality or for those starting to notice early signs of ageing like fine lines and mild laxity. It offers subtle, natural-looking results.
- Sculptra®: Best for older patients or those dealing with significant volume loss or deeper wrinkles. It’s also great for anyone looking for more dramatic anti-ageing or body-contouring results.
In a Nutshell
Both Profhilo® and Sculptra® are brilliant treatments, but they cater to different needs. Profhilo® is all about hydration and improving skin quality with subtle, natural effects. Sculptra®, on the other hand, is the go-to for restoring volume and addressing deeper signs of ageing.
Not sure which is right for you? A consultation will help determine the best option based on your skin’s needs and your aesthetic goals. Whatever you choose, you’ll be on your way to glowing, rejuvenated skin.
Author's experience
Dr Victoria is highly experienced in performing Profhilo and Sculptra treatments. She acts as a Sculptra trainer for Gladerma in Scotland and has over 20 years knowledge and skill in delivering injectable treatments.
Resource links:
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Official Sculptra® website
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Official Profhilo® website