ProfHilo

Profhilo is considered a 'beneath the skin' moisturizer which contains a very high concentration of Hyaluronic acid (HA). It is used as an anti-ageing treatment to help the skin restore its firmness and combats skin laxity.

Hyaluronic acid is a group of sugar molecules called polysaccharides that retains moisture and it is capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water. One of the main characteristics of hyaluronic acid is that it binds water like a sponge, creates volume, and provides structural support.  It is naturally found in many areas of the human body, including the skin, eyes, connective tissue, and synovial fluid of the joints and it helps to keep skin plump and hydrated and has a function in wound repair.  

Profhilo injection contains 64mg of HA made of two types- high molecular weight (32mg) HA and low molecular weight (32mg) HA in a 2ml pre-loaded syringe. The low molecular weight HA promotes the skin's hydration process and stimulates the new formation of collagen and elastin. High molecular weight HA supports the low molecular weight HA and acts as a scaffold for the skin's rejuvenation. The HA in Pofhilo is thermally stabilised, allowing it to last 28 days and, in turn, stimulates four types of collagen and elastin. 

Every time you step into Linora Aesthetics in Lincoln, you undergo a full consultation, completion of a medical questionnaire (which you have filled in before coming in), and, if needed, a cool-off period before your treatment.

The full consultation involves discussing your needs and a physical examination of the areas in question. This is followed by deciding whether Profhilo is beneficial for you. The possible complications and risks will also be discussed at length, as well as other concerns that need addressing. It is also important to discuss realistic expectations of the treatment so that both parties are satisfied with the outcome.

Once the discussion is completed, the medical questionnaire will be reviewed, to ensure that any medications or recent interventions to the areas in question are discussed to minimise the risks. It will also help to formulate a proper treatment plan.

At the end of the consultation, the price of the treatment will be discussed and a cool-off period will be offered if required. At this point, it is up to you to decide whether you want a cool-off period or would like to proceed with the procedure. Once you have made an informed decision, you will sign a consent form electronically. Photographs will be taken as part of the medical record, and for marketing purposes (it is important to inform Dr Alya if this is an issue).

On treatment day, photographs may be taken as well. Once seated, a topical anaesthetic cream will be applied for 20-30 minutes, and then, it will be removed. In the meantime, if make-up is worn, it will be removed, and the skin area being treated will be cleansed and disinfected.

The Bio Aesthetic points will be marked with a pencil. The Profhilo treatment takes from 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is important to allow as much time as possible, as Dr Alya's philosophy is that each work should be a work of art.

Once the treatment is complete, the treated area will be cleaned. The results and the bumps at injection sites will be shown to the patient and discussed to ensure that both Dr Alya and you are satisfied. Before leaving, you will be given the opportunity for a follow-up appointment (usually 4 weeks later) for a second session as well as to what post-treatment aftercare involves.

1. Pain. There should be minimal pain as a numbing cream is applied, and if done by a trained professional. If the pain is beyond expectation, contact Dr Alya as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms.
2. Bruising. They can be small or large, but they usually resolve within 2 weeks.
3. Redness. It is normal for the skin to be erythematous/ red after it was pricked by a needle, and it usually self-resolves. However, if it persists and feels warm/hot, please contact Dr Alya to discuss your symptoms.
4. Swelling. There will be swelling post-treatment, especially on the second day. However, they are self-limiting.
5. Infection. The risk of infection should be minimal as Dr Alya has very strong hygiene ethics and IPC in place. She performs her art in a sterile environment as possible. If the areas treated feel hot, red and swollen, contact Dr Alya ASAP for a review.
6. Lumps. It is normal to have lumps at the injection site, however, they resorb after 48 hours. If lumps persist for more than 2 weeks, contact Dr Alya for further advice.
7. Vascular Occlusion. This is a very rare side-effect/complication, however, a serious one. This causes the blood flow to reduce in the area affected, in turn causing less oxygen to reach the tissues and ischaemia to follow. It can cause tissue loss, infection and/or scarring. The symptoms are severe pain, change in colour in the area and poor capillary refill. If this occurs, the filler needs to be dissolved as soon as possible.*
8. Anaphylaxis.  This is a serious allergic reaction to either lidocaine or the filler used, which can cause shortness of breath, voice hoarseness, wheezing, cough, swelling of the tongue, eyelids and lips, nausea and vomiting. This is a medical emergency*
9. Tyndall Effect. Rarely, a blueish/ grey hue under the skin means that the HA remains visible. Remedial treatment may be required.
10. Herpes (cold sores). If Cold sores appear after the treatment, antiviral treatment may be required. If you are known to have cold sore, preventative measures may be advised (do mention this during the past medical history discussion)
11. Blindness. Extremely rare, however, it is a possible complication of dermal filler injection.
12. Stroke. Extremely rare but has been documented with dermal filler. 

*Dr Alya always prioritises safety and has an emergency kit to handle unexpected side effects.