There are many factors that can cause dull, dehydrated skin - age, diet, medicine, health and stress to name just a few. If this concerns you and you've got a big event coming up like a wedding, birthday or other special occasion consider a series of Prohfilo treatments. Prohfilo is a bio-remodelling hyaluronic acid that stimulates collagen and elastin encouraging rejuvenation from the inside out. It hydrates skin but also improves texture and laxity.
Dr Catherine Stone, affectionately known as Dr Cat, from The Face Place attended the launch of Profhilo five years ago in Paris, and was one of the first to be chosen to take part in the initial New Zealand trial.
Profhilo has one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market. Its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin and improve skin texture makes it significantly different from other ‘injectable moisturiser’ treatments. It can be used on the face, neck, hands or decolletage, to improve skin texture and quality. The entire medical team at The Face Place have been hand trained by Dr Cat in Profhilo and are now offering these treatments. We caught up with Dr Cat to find out more about this amazing new treatment and how to fit it in amongst a busy schedule and pre-event planning.
How is Profhilo administered? Is it a series of small injections, a roller derm type pen or a few big injections?
"Profhilo is a simple and well tolerated procedure where the product is injected just under the skin in 10 specific injection points on the face (5 each side) or neck by a trained medical professional. It can also be used in the hands, décolletage, knees and arms. The HA product has a ‘runny’ like honey texture which means it moves through the tissues over a few days to stimulate collagen, elastin, hydration and firming around the area that was treated."
What do you look like immediately after the treatment ?
"Immediately after the treatment there may be some minor bumps where the product has been injected, along with some redness, swelling, and occasionally bruising. The lumps are more obvious on the neck than on the face, so we recommend wearing a scarf or high collar for the first couple of days. The lumps are normal and disappear over the first few days as the product moves into the tissues."
When does it look the best?
"While some people may start to see changes in the weeks after their first treatment, results often look their best a few weeks after the second (or third) treatment. Most people describe their skin looking and feeling plumper, more hydrated and more “glowy”."
Can it be done in a lunch break or is some downtime required?
Treatments on the face could potentially be done in your lunch break, but we wouldn’t recommend having an important meeting, photos or an event immediately after your treatment, and you’d want to wear a scarf to hide the bumps if you treat your neck.
How far in advance of my wedding day should I have it done?
"Ideally you would plan your first treatment 4 months before the wedding date, giving time for a third treatment and for the results to settle in optimally, with the last treatment at least a month before your big day – so if you do get a bruise, it has time to go away!"
Is it a one treatment or series of treatments?
"Your first treatment with Profhilo should be two treatments spaced a month apart, with the possibility of a third treatment. For maintenance you might decide to do a single treatment every 3-6 months, or two treatments on an annual basis."
Is it suitable for all skin types?
"Profhilo is suitable for all skin types, but cannot be injected through skin that is infected or inflamed at the time of injection. If you have active acne on your chin, jawline or cheeks and are planning facial injections, you may need to delay your treatment until the infection has settled."
Should I wait a few days before getting botox – how does it work with other treatments?
"Profhilo works beautifully alongside other treatments, and you should be OK to have your Botox immediately after your Profhilo treatment, as long as they are not both being injected in the same area. In theory, the swelling from the Profhilo could mean the Botox moves into adjacent muscles, causing unwanted effects."
Are there any after care requirements?
"After care is relatively straightforward."
How much does it cost?
A course of two treatments (each of 1 syringe) with Profhilo is $1600, which would treat either your face or your neck. If you chose to treat your face and neck in the same session, you would pay slightly less for your course at $3000 (or $1500 per area). For a single repeat syringe is $995, however for maintenance, you can purchase a course of 2 for $1600 and use them within 12 months of purchase to be more cost effective.
Call the team at The Face Place to book a consultation on 0800 COSMED
