Profhilo® Hamburg | Improved Skin Quality Without Artificial Volume

Details of Your Profhilo® Treatment in Hamburg


Treatment Duration	Approx. 20–30 minutes
Downtime	A few hours to 1 day
Duration of Results	Approx. 6 months
Pain Level	Minimal
Aftercare	Do not massage; avoid makeup, exercise, and saunas for 24 hours


Treatment Intervals	4 weeks
Contraindications	Pregnancy, breastfeeding, infection or inflammation in the treatment area, hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid
Number of Sessions	Usually 2
UV Avoidance	A few days

Attending Doctors

Dr. med. Anna Brandenburg

Specialist in Dermatology

Focus areas: Aesthetic Dermatology, Hair Medicine, Laser Therapy

Dr. med. Bianca Arsene

Specialist in Dermatology

Focus areas: Surgical Dermatology, Laser Medicine and Aesthetic Dermatology, Hair Medicine

Daria Marashi

Resident Physician

Focus areas: Laser Medicine and Aesthetic Dermatology, Hair Medicine

Dr. med. univ. Pamela Mai

Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology

Focus areas: Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser Medicine, Hair Medicine

Profhilo® – When Skin Loses Hydration and Firmness

A glance in the mirror after a short night: Your skin looks tired and a little thinner, and makeup settles into fine lines that weren’t there a few years ago. These aren’t wrinkles in the traditional sense, but rather a gradual loss of firmness and freshness. Profhilo® is designed for this in-between stage, when a filler would be too much and a cream too little.

The treatment introduces specially formulated hyaluronic acid into the skin to support hydration and elasticity. At our private dermatology practice in Hamburg, we first take a close look at your individual concerns. After all, a loss of firmness and a loss of volume do not necessarily require the same treatment. Together, we determine whether Profhilo®, Profhilo® Structura, or a combination with other procedures is right for you.

Your Treatment Process

Everyone’s skin ages differently. Genetics, sun exposure, hormonal changes, tissue density, and individual facial anatomy mean that two people of the same age can have very different starting points. Our structured approach takes all these factors into account.

Consultation

We examine your skin, discuss previous treatments, and listen to what you would like to change. We explain what the procedure can achieve and where another treatment may be more effective.

Preparation

The treatment area is cleansed and disinfected. Beforehand, we discuss whether cooling is sufficient or whether an anaesthetic would help make the treatment more comfortable.

Injection Using the BAP Technique

Using the BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) technique, we inject five predefined points on each side of the face. Small bumps at the injection sites usually subside within a day.

Second Session

The second treatment takes place approximately four weeks later. After that, we plan maintenance treatments according to your skin's condition, often after around six months. Follow-up appointments are generally not necessary.

Before and Aftercare

Avoid wearing makeup before the treatment if possible
Only discontinue blood-thinning medication after consulting your doctor
Do not massage the injection sites during the first 24 hours
Avoid exercise, saunas, and makeup for 24 hours
Use consistent sun protection during the first few days

What Is Profhilo® and How Does It Work?

Profhilo® is a CE-marked medical device manufactured by IBSA. Each syringe contains 64 mg of hyaluronic acid in 2 ml, consisting of equal parts high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. Both forms are combined into stable hybrid complexes using a patented thermal process known as NAHYCO® technology, without chemical crosslinking agents such as BDDE.

The Effects – What Studies Show

What happens within the tissue has primarily been investigated in laboratory settings. In cell and skin models, the hybrid complexes stimulated connective tissue cells to produce more collagen and elastin than either high- or low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid alone. In humans, open-label studies have shown improved hydration and elasticity, as well as a reduction in fine lines, over three to four months following two treatments. An initial small placebo-controlled study confirmed a reduction in the depth of fine lines but found no advantage over saline solution in terms of skin thickness.

Which Areas Can Be Treated – and What Are the Limitations?

According to the manufacturer, the treatment is intended for the face, neck, décolletage, and hands. Treatment of the face, particularly the cheeks, cheekbones, and jawline, has been studied most extensively. Clinical data is also available for the neck, where improvements in skin roughness and sagging were observed after two treatments. Evidence for the décolletage and backs of the hands is more limited. For body areas such as the inner upper arms, a separate product called Profhilo® Body is available.

For deep wrinkles, significantly sagging tissue, or pronounced volume loss, standard Profhilo® is not always the right choice. In such cases, another method may be more suitable. Sometimes, adjusting your skincare routine is sufficient, or no treatment may be necessary at all. We believe that providing this assessment is an essential part of an honest consultation.

Possible Side Effects and Contraindications

The active ingredient is generally considered well tolerated. Studies have predominantly reported mild, temporary reactions that usually resolved within three days:

Rare side effects:

When we do not perform the treatment:

Careful consideration is required in cases of:

Which Is Right for Me: Profhilo®, Skinboosters, or Fillers?

All three treatments use hyaluronic acid. The key difference lies in the results you want to achieve and how each product is administered.

	Profhilo®	Skinboosters	Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Goal	Skin firmness and quality	Hydration, fine lines	Volume and contour
Gel	Highly concentrated, thermally stabilised, without chemical crosslinking agents	Lightly crosslinked hyaluronic acid	More extensively crosslinked hyaluronic acid
Distribution	Spread across a wider area from 5 injection points on each side of the face	Numerous small injections	Precisely targeted at the treatment area
Volumising Effect	None	Minimal	Intentional
Sessions (Typical)	2 sessions, 4 weeks apart	Usually 2–3	Usually 1
Duration of Results (Approx.)	6 months	6–9 months	6–18 months

Also Available at Our Practice: Profhilo® Structura – When the Sides of the Face Lose Support

Not every age-related change first becomes visible on the skin’s surface. As we age, the superficial fat tissue in the lateral cheek area can also change. This can make facial contours appear flatter, even when the skin itself is well cared for. Structura was developed to address these changes in the subcutaneous fat tissue.

It is injected deeper than conventional Profhilo®, into the superficial fat layer. The aim is to address age-related changes in tissue structure and volume, rather than create pronounced facial contours. Small clinical studies have reported improvements in the lateral facial area.

Feature	Profhilo® Structura
Active Ingredient Content	90 mg of hyaluronic acid in 2 ml
Treatment Area	Lateral cheek area, superficial fat tissue
Typical Treatment Course	Two sessions approximately four weeks apart
Injection Technique	Adapted subcutaneous technique; the precise treatment plan is determined by the physician

Which Treatments Can Complement Profhilo®?

If the skin primarily needs support in stimulating collagen production, treatments such as Sculptra, JULÄINE™, or Radiesse may be considered. For targeted changes in volume or facial contours, hyaluronic acid fillers may be the more suitable option. These treatments are not interchangeable; appropriate combinations and treatment intervals depend on your individual assessment.

Profhilo® in Hamburg – What Really Benefits Your Skin

Perhaps you simply want your skin to look fresher and feel smoother again – without noticeably changing your facial features. We take this wish seriously and will be equally honest with you if Profhilo® is not the best solution. At our practice on Heilwigstraße in Hamburg, we take the time to carefully discuss your options with you – we look forward to welcoming you for your first appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Profhilo®

At What Age Is Profhilo® Recommended?

There is no fixed age limit. What matters is the condition of your skin: The treatment is particularly suitable when skin begins to lose firmness and hydration but has not yet experienced significant volume loss. Most participants in clinical studies were between their late 30s and mid-60s.

Is the Treatment Painful?

Most people find the ten injections brief and easily tolerable, especially as only a few injection points are needed. You may feel slight pressure during the injection. Anaesthesia is generally not necessary; however, we can cool the skin beforehand upon request.

Can I Return to Work Immediately After the Treatment?

In many cases, yes. Small bumps develop at the injection sites, which may remain visible for a few hours but usually disappear within 24 hours. If you have an important appointment that same evening, it is best to allow an extra day for recovery.

Can Profhilo® Be Dissolved?

Profhilo® consists of hyaluronic acid, which the body naturally breaks down over several months. If necessary, hyaluronic acid can be selectively dissolved using the enzyme hyaluronidase – at our practice, this can also be performed under ultrasound guidance. However, because Profhilo® spreads evenly throughout the tissue without adding volume, this is very rarely necessary.

Is Profhilo® Suitable for Men?

Yes. Men’s skin is generally slightly thicker and produces more sebum, but it ages according to the same principles: It loses hydration and elasticity. What matters is your skin’s condition and your treatment goals, not your gender. If you primarily want fresher, firmer-looking skin without adding volume, Profhilo® may be a suitable option.

Can Profhilo® and Structura Be Used Together?

In principle, the two approaches can be combined if both skin quality and the tissue in the lateral cheek area need to be addressed. A medical examination will determine whether a combination is appropriate and what treatment intervals are suitable. Using more products does not automatically lead to better results.

References

Alessio, N., Stellavato, A., Squillaro, T., Del Gaudio, S., Di Bernardo, G., Peluso, G., De Rosa, M., Schiraldi, C. & Galderisi, U. (2018). Hybrid complexes of high and low molecular weight hyaluronan delay in vitro replicative senescence of mesenchymal stromal cells: a pilot study for future therapeutic application. Aging, 10(7), 1575–1585. https://www.aging-us.com/article/101493/text

Cheng, S. W. N., Lim, S. Y. D., Cigni, C., Grimolizzi, F. & Goh, C. L. (2025). Efficacy and Tolerability of Stable Hybrid Cooperative Complexes of High- and Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in Asian Patients: An Open-Label Study. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 50(1), 27–36. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00266-025-05188-x

Sparavigna, A. & Tenconi, B. (2016). Efficacy and tolerance of an injectable medical device containing stable hybrid cooperative complexes of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid: a monocentric 16 weeks open-label evaluation. Clinical Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology, Volume 9, 297–305. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/CCID.S114450

Sparavigna, A., Bombelli, L., Giori, A. M. & Bellia, G. (2022). Efficacy and Tolerability of Hybrid Complexes of High- and Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronan Intradermal Injections for the Treatment of Skin Roughness and Laxity of the Neck. The Scientific World JOURNAL, 2022, 1–8. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/4497176

Sparavigna, A., Grimolizzi, F., Cigni, C., Lualdi, R. & Bellia, G. (2024). Efficacy and tolerability of Profhilo®® Structura intended to restore lateral cheek fat compartment: An observational pilot study. Health Science Reports, 7(1), e1743. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hsr2.1743

Profhilo®® structura. (o. D.). IBSA DERMA. https://shop.ibsaderma.de/Profhilo®-structura

Profhilo®® – Face & Neck | IBSA Germany. (o. D.-b). Site-ibsa-germany. https://ibsagermany.de/produkte/Profhilo®.html

Stellavato, A., Corsuto, L., D’Agostino, A., La Gatta, A., Diana, P., Bernini, P., De Rosa, M. & Schiraldi, C. (2016). Hyaluronan Hybrid Cooperative Complexes as a Novel Frontier for Cellular Bioprocesses Re-Activation. PLoS ONE, 11(10), e0163510. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0163510

Zanella, G., De Souza Ataíde, F. T., De Lima Bonato, T. C., Cordeiro, J. M., Machado, R. A., De La Torre Canales, G. & Câmara-Souza, M. B. (2026). Effects of Profhilo®® Tissue Bioremodeling on Skin Texture and Perioral Wrinkles: A Randomized Controlled Triple-Blind Clinical Trial. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 50(11), 4324–4332. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00266-026-05634-4

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Profhilo® in Hamburg – Renewed Firmness for Your Skin