Profhilo and dermal filler are both made of hyaluronic acid, and that is roughly where the similarity ends. Filler adds volume to a specific area: lips, cheeks, jawline, chin. Profhilo improves skin quality across a broader zone. The two treatments solve different problems, and the right choice depends on whether you want to change a shape or improve the skin itself. Most clients who use one for several years eventually use both, because the goals are different and the results complement each other.
I am Cristina Pardo, an NMC-registered aesthetic nurse practitioner in Norwich. This post explains exactly when filler is the right answer, when Profhilo is the right answer, and how to think about combining them.
What dermal filler does
Dermal filler is a heavier-cross-linked hyaluronic acid that stays in the place it is injected. It adds volume, supports tissue from below, and changes the shape of a specific area.
Common uses: lip enhancement, cheek volume restoration, jawline definition, chin balancing, nasolabial fold softening, tear trough hollowing.
Filler results are immediate (with some swelling in the first few days). The product lasts 6 to 24 months depending on the area, the product, and the dose.
Filler is the right answer when you want to change shape or restore volume in a specific area.
What Profhilo does
Profhilo is a much lighter, less cross-linked hyaluronic acid that spreads through the tissue rather than staying in one place. It hydrates the skin and stimulates collagen and elastin production over weeks.
Common uses: overall skin quality improvement, broad facial hydration, neck and décolletage, the back of the hands.
Profhilo results build over weeks. Initial hydration is visible quickly. The deeper improvement from stimulated collagen production peaks at 8 weeks after a course of two sessions.
Profhilo is the right answer when you want to improve skin quality without changing shape.
When to choose filler
You want fuller lips, a more defined cheekbone, a sharper jawline, a balanced chin, softer smile lines, or any other shape-related change. None of these are Profhilo's job.
You have a specific area that has lost volume and you want it restored. Filler in the cheek or chin restores volume locally.
You want a visible result immediately rather than over weeks.
When to choose Profhilo
Your skin looks dull, fine lines are appearing, or the overall quality is the dominant concern rather than the shape.
You want to maintain skin quality without obvious treatment. Profhilo gives a subtle, hydrated glow that looks like skin doing well rather than skin that has been treated.
The neck or décolletage is your priority. These areas respond beautifully to Profhilo and poorly to filler.
You are in your late 20s to early 40s and want a preventive approach to maintaining skin quality.
When to use both
Most established aesthetic patients eventually use both. Filler for shape, Profhilo for quality. The two complement each other because they solve different problems.
Typical layered protocol for someone in their 40s: filler for cheek volume and lip definition (every 12 to 18 months), Profhilo for overall hydration and glow (every 6 months).
Timing for combination: I usually do filler first, allow the result to settle (4 to 6 weeks), then introduce Profhilo. The Profhilo improves the skin quality over the filler-corrected structure.
Cost realism: maintaining both for a full year costs around £600 to £900, depending on filler use. Most clients spread this across 3 to 4 appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Possible but I prefer to space them by at least 4 weeks. Doing both at once mixes the assessment, and any swelling or bruising from filler complicates the Profhilo response.
No. The hyaluronidase in Profhilo is at a different formulation and concentration. Profhilo does not affect filler that has already integrated.
Filler is usually more expensive per session, but lasts longer. Profhilo needs more frequent maintenance, but each session is shorter. Annual costs end up similar for most clients.
Depends on the goal. If you want a shape change you can see immediately, filler. If you want better skin quality and a subtle glow that builds over weeks, Profhilo.
Yes. Both are available as part of the mobile service at Pardo Medical Aesthetics across Norwich and the 15-mile zone.
Profhilo £270 single, £490 for the course of 2. Filler £160 to £330 depending on the area and ml.
Related treatments at Pardo Medical Aesthetics
Written by Cristina Pardo, NMC-registered aesthetic nurse practitioner at Pardo Medical Aesthetics. Mobile aesthetics across Norwich and Norfolk. Read more at JCCP guidance on injectable treatments for further reading.
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