The global facial injectable market was valued at USD 8.88 billion in 2019, and a growth of 12% per annum is forecast for the foreseeable future. This growth is being driven by a greater awareness of aesthetic appearance, an ageing population, and a rapid shift to minimally invasive procedures. It is also driven by incredible advancements in facial rejuvenation and the introduction of cost-effective facial injectables and procedures.
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) 2016-2018 surveys, the USA currently leads the market with about 23%, followed by Europe (18%), South America (14%) and Asia at 6%, but expanding fast.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in high concentrations in soft connective tissue, cartilage, skin, joint fluids and the fluid around your eyes. It is used in a reformulated format for injectable fillers and relieving pain in joints, due to its water retention properties and low allergic reactions. The low molecular weight facilitates deep penetration into the epidermis, retaining water in the cells, releasing antioxidants, and helping to delay the ageing process.
What is Profhilo?
According to Dr Baldeep Farmah from Dr Aesthetica in Birmingham, Profhilo is a “bio-remodelling skincare treatment which concentrates on the laxity of skin and promotes hydration naturally. This treatment is a breakthrough in aesthetic technology and should not be mistaken for a dermal filler nor a mesotherapy treatment. It is currently the only product in the world of this kind.”
As the first BDDE-free stabilised injectable hyaluronic acid(HA)-based product, Profhilo has one of the highest concentrations of HA on the market (64mg /2ml). Dr Farmah says it quite simply “means it keeps you looking fresher and more youthful by encouraging collagen production. As we get older, our skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity, which inevitably leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Profhilo encourages the skin to regenerate itself by promoting elasticity, firmness, and smoothness. It brings back natural rehydration to the skin and boosts collagen, something which most face creams, serums and lotions cannot do.”
Medical Travel Market also spoke to Dr Rekha Tailor from Health And Aesthetics, a multi-award-winning cosmetic medical clinic in Surrey. Dr Tailor explains “it treats skin laxity, boosting and hydrating the skin, and remodelling the ageing and sagging tissue.
It’s a rejuvenation treatment and not designed to add volume to the skin or restrict movement in the facial muscles like anti-wrinkle injections. Instead, it’s an anti-ageing hydration treatment that contains high levels of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring compound that helps to improve the texture, tone and elasticity of the skin.”
Profhilo consists of two treatments which need to be undertaken four weeks apart, according to Dr Farmah. “There is no downtime and most patients would have this treatment once or twice a year depending on their concerns.” It’s injected just below the surface of the skin, where it disperses and reacts with the tissue to boost hydration instantly, and “patients see a noticeable improvement in skin tone, firmness and reduction of lines immediately”, according to Dr Tailor. “In the weeks that follow, Profhilo continues to work to boost elastin and collagen production so that the skin appears plumper and smoother, as well as firmer.”
Which conditions are treated by Profhilo?
Dr Tailor says the treatment can be used “on the tops of cheeks, sides of the face, around the mouth, in the folds around the nose and on the laughter lines. It’s also effective on the neck, chest and decolletage.” You can see potentially dramatic improvements for:
- Worry lines that run across your forehead
- Nasolabial furrows (Deep smile lines that run from the side of the nose to corners of the mouth)
- Crow’s feet at the corner of your eyes
- Smoker’s lines; vertical lines on the mouth
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Marionette lines at the corners of the mouth
- Redefining the lip border
- Cheek depressions
- Some facial scars
- Acne scars
- Scars including burns, acne and those caused by wounds
How is Profhilo different to Botox?
Dr Chia Tan of Harley Street MD in London, which provides cutting-edge non-surgical cosmetic treatments, says dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid (HA) are different than Botox because “HA is naturally found in our body and once injected hydrates the dermis. Fillers can stimulate collagen production, which slows as we age while reducing and softening wrinkles. Botox is a botulinum toxin that freezes the muscles to prevent movements in the face that lead to wrinkles.”
Dr Farmah says Botox “is used to relax muscles in the face and stop line formation. Although Botox can be used for underarm sweating and teeth grinding, it is typically used on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes, to relax wrinkles. Profhilo, on the other hand, can be used anywhere on the body and is perfect for that loose, lax, crepe-like skin.”
Dr Tan explains that Botox is not recommended for certain areas of the face but can be great as a preventative measure to stop wrinkles from forming. Dermal fillers help people of all ages and are more versatile in the application process. “Some people, however, use a combination of fillers and Botox to get the youthful look they desire. A qualified and skilled doctor or aesthetician will help you decide on the best treatment for your needs. Both treatments are quick and relatively painless, so many people get them while on their lunch break.”
Profhilo may very well be the new ‘holy grail’ for non-invasive skin treatments and will rejuvenate tired and dull skin, leaving it plump, wrinkle-free, softer and younger-looking.
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