When it comes to injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) treatments, IBSA Derma’s Profhilo is a household name for glowing, hydrated skin. However, the introduction of Profhilo Structura has changed the game.
While they share a similar scientific heritage, they are designed for completely different layers of your facial anatomy. Here is everything you need to know to figure out which one your face actually needs.
What Is Profhilo?
Profhilo is an ultra-pure, ultra-hydrating injectable treatment designed to reverse skin aging and dullness from the inside out. It is often described as an “injectable moisturizer,” but it does far more than a topical cream ever could.
How Profhilo Works
Profhilo uses NAHYCO technology to combine high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid into a highly fluid gel ($64\text{ mg}$ of HA per $2\text{ mL}$). Instead of remaining localized to add localized volume like a dermal filler, it spreads smoothly across the tissue.
Once injected, it undergoes bioremodeling: it triggers your body to produce four different types of collagen and elastin. This process radically improves skin texture, snap-back elasticity, and overall radiance.
What Is Profhilo Structura?
Profhilo Structura is a structural regenerative treatment. It is specifically engineered to address structural aging—specifically, the loss of facial fat pads that happens naturally as we age.
How Profhilo Structura Works
Structura contains a much higher concentration of hyaluronic acid ($90\text{ mg}$ of HA per $2\text{ mL}$) and possesses different flow properties than the original formula.
Instead of targeting the skin surface, it is placed deeper to interact directly with the superficial subcutaneous fat layer. At a cellular level, it reorganizes the extracellular matrix and supports the adipose (fat) tissue cells. This helps “re-anchor” shifting facial tissues, providing a subtle, completely natural-looking lift without the density or “pillow-face” risk of traditional dermal fillers.
Profhilo vs Profhilo Structura: Key Differences
Treatment Goals: Profhilo focuses on skin health, glow, and surface firmness. Structura focuses on restoring lost facial architecture, anchoring descended tissue, and correcting mild hollowing.
Injection Technique: Profhilo uses the precise BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) technique, injecting 5 small boluses of product using a fine needle on each side of the face. Structura is primarily administered using a blunt-tipped microcannula via a single entry point near the ear to safely fan the product through the fat compartments.
Treatment Areas: Profhilo is highly versatile and used on the face, neck, décolletage, and hands. Structura is tightly indicated for the midface, lateral cheeks, preauricular hollows, and jawline.
Depth of Injection: Profhilo goes into the deep dermis (the skin layer). Structura goes deeper into the subcutaneous fat layer.
Suitable Candidates: Profhilo is perfect for anyone from their late 20s upward experiencing dullness, fine lines, or early crinkling. Structura is ideal for individuals (usually 40+) noticing sinking cheeks, a sagging jawline, or sudden facial volume loss from weight loss.
Results: Profhilo yields dewy, airbrushed skin with a smooth texture. Structura yields a lifted, more defined contour and a less “tired” looking facial structure.
Number of Sessions: Both treatments require an initial protocol of 2 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart.
Longevity of Results: Profhilo typically lasts about 6 months before requiring a maintenance top-up. Structura has greater structural longevity, often lasting 9 to 12 months.
Downtime: Profhilo leaves small, visible bumps at the 10 injection sites that look like bee stings, which fully dissolve within 24–48 hours. Structura has fewer injection marks due to the cannula technique, but patients often report a temporary feeling of internal tightness, firm ridges, or minor swelling that resolves over a few days.
Cost: Due to the higher concentration of HA ($90\text{ mg}$ vs. $64\text{ mg}$) and specialized cannula delivery, Profhilo Structura is generally more expensive per syringe than classic Profhilo.
Profhilo vs Profhilo Structura: Comparison Table
| Feature | Profhilo (Skin Quality) | Profhilo Structura (Structural Lift) |
| Target Layer | Deep Dermis (Skin) | Subcutaneous Fat |
| HA Concentration | $64\text{ mg}$ per $2\text{ mL}$ | $90\text{ mg}$ per $2\text{ mL}$ |
| Primary Tool | 29G Fine Needle | Microcannula |
| Main Indication | Dehydration, fine lines, crepiness | Sinking cheeks, sagging jawline |
| Longevity | ~6 months | 9–12 months |
Which Treatment Is Better for Different Concerns?
Skin Hydration and Rejuvenation
Winner: Profhilo
If your primary complaint is dry, parched, or lackluster skin, classic Profhilo is unmatched. It holds moisture directly within the dermis to give you a continuous “lit-from-within” glow.
Fine Lines and Crepey Skin
Winner: Profhilo
Because it spreads evenly through the upper tissue layers, Profhilo behaves like a smoothing iron for fine crinkles on the lower face, neck, and chest.
Skin Laxity
Tie (Depends on the cause)
If your skin feels thin and loose on the surface, Profhilo will tighten it up by generating surface-level collagen. But if the laxity is caused by the underlying framework sliding downward, Structura is required to physically support and lift that tissue back into place.
Facial Volume Loss
Winner: Profhilo Structura
Classic Profhilo cannot restore volume. Structura’s high-density formula is custom-made to combat modern volume loss, especially for individuals noticing structural depletion from aging or rapid weight loss (such as GLP-1 medications).
Hollow or Sunken Cheeks
Winner: Profhilo Structura
Structura targets the preauricular and lateral cheek fat compartments. It works to naturally pad out these deflated zones without the heavy, artificial look that too many syringes of traditional dermal filler can cause.
Facial Contouring
Winner: Profhilo Structura
If you want to sharpen a soft jawline or subtly lift your profile using your own biology, Structura is the clear choice.
Can Profhilo and Profhilo Structura Be Combined?
Yes—and they absolutely should be for the ultimate anti-aging protocol.
A common issue in aesthetics is treating the surface skin while the structural “scaffolding” underneath is collapsing. Combining both treatments provides a multi-layer approach: Profhilo Structura fixes the deep deflated fat pads to lift the face, while classic Profhilo sits right on top to give the surface skin a smooth, glowing finish.
They are usually injected in the same overall plan, either during alternating sessions or spaced out according to your practitioner’s strategy.
Risks and Side Effects
Both products feature high-purity, bio-compatible hyaluronic acid without chemical cross-linking agents (like BDDE), making them exceptionally well-tolerated with low risk profiles. However, injection-related side effects still apply.
Side Effects of Profhilo
Mild redness and swelling at the 10 BAP points.
Small, visible papules (bumps) under the skin that look like bug bites, lasting 24 to 48 hours while the product diffuses.
Minor bruising.
Side Effects of Profhilo Structura
Tenderness and swelling around the single cannula entry point.
A temporary feeling of pressure, firmness, or a “ridge” along the cheekbone where the product was fanned out. This softens completely over 1–2 weeks as the gel integrates into the fat layer.
As with all deeper injectable procedures, there is an incredibly rare but serious risk of vascular occlusion (accidental injection into a blood vessel), which is minimized by seeing an expert practitioner who uses a blunt cannula.
FAQs About Profhilo vs Profhilo Structura
What Is the Difference Between Profhilo and Profhilo Structura?
Profhilo goes into the skin layer to improve hydration and texture. Profhilo Structura goes beneath the skin into the fat layer to rebuild structure and lift sagging tissue.
Is Profhilo Structura Better Than Profhilo?
Neither is “better”. If your issue is dry, crinkly skin, Profhilo is better. If your issue is a drooping jawline or deflated cheeks, Structura is better.
Which Treatment Lasts Longer?
Profhilo Structura lasts longer, typically providing structural benefits for 9 to 12 months, whereas classic Profhilo requires maintenance every 6 months.
Which Treatment Is Better for Sagging Skin?
If the sagging is caused by a loss of volume in the midface, Profhilo Structura is far superior because it lifts from the deep structural layers.
Which Treatment Is Better for Facial Volume Loss?
Profhilo Structura. Classic Profhilo is a fluid gel that does not provide volumizing or structural support.
Can Profhilo Structura Replace Dermal Fillers?
Not entirely, but it is an incredible alternative. Traditional dermal fillers act like stable, local “implants” to build sharp cheekbones, project chins, or fill deep folds instantly. Structura does not give a sharp or dramatically sculpted look; it regenerates the fat layer to provide a softer, entirely natural-looking global lift.
Can Profhilo and Profhilo Structura Be Combined?
Yes. They complement each other beautifully by treating the deep structural layer (Structura) and the surface skin layer (Profhilo) simultaneously.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
For both treatments, the standard clinical protocol is 2 initial sessions spaced 4 weeks apart.
Is There Any Downtime After Treatment?
Downtime is minimal. Profhilo leaves small visible bumps for 1–2 days. Structura leaves less surface marks due to using a cannula, but you may feel temporary swelling or internal firm spots for a few days.
Which Treatment Is More Suitable for Younger Patients?
Profhilo is highly suitable for younger patients (late 20s and up) to preserve skin elasticity, delay aging, and maintain an intense skin glow. Structura is rarely needed until the early 40s, when age-related fat pad depletion begins.
