Profhilo and Sculptra are both injectable treatments designed to improve ageing skin, but they work in very different ways. Profhilo focuses on deep hydration and overall skin quality, while Sculptra stimulates your body to produce new collagen and restore lost volume.
In this blog, you will learn all about Profhilo and Sculptra, how they work, longevity, and more. Read to the end to find out what’s best for you.
What Is Profhilo?
Profhilo is a pure, high-strength hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable. It’s not a filler; it doesn’t add volume or give the shape to your face features; it just hydrates and nourishes your skin from within.
How Does it Work?
After injection, Profhilo spreads evenly beneath the skin. It hydrates deeply, improves skin elasticity, and gently stimulates collagen and elastin production for smoother, firmer skin.
What it Does Not Do?
Profhilo does not add volume or change your facial contours. It’s purely for skin quality, hydration, and subtle tightening.
Best Profhilo Areas
- Face (cheeks, jawline, under-eyes)
- Neck and décolletage
- Hands and arms
How Long Do Results Last?
Effects appear within a week, improving over 4-6 weeks. Results typically last around 6 months, after which a maintenance session is recommended.
What Is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). It’s a collagen stimulator, not a filler, meaning it encourages your body to make its own collagen over time.
How does it work?
Sculptra takes time to work. Following injection, it gradually improves the structure of the skin over weeks and months by stimulating fibroblasts in the deeper layers of the skin to rebuild collagen.
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- Over a Decade of Surgical & Aesthetic Expertise
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Sculptra smoothes deep lines, adds subtle volume, restores natural contours, and provides a soft lifting effect without appearing “done.”
Treatment Areas
- Jawline
- Chin
- Cheeks
- Temples
- Mid-face hollows
- Areas with deeper sagging or volume loss (e.g., butt)
For more information, learn: ‘Where is Sculptra injected?’
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of Sculptra build up gradually and may appear after 3-6 months and can last up to 2 years. The longevity of results may depend on your skin and lifestyle. Maintenance sessions can help prolong the effect.
Profhilo vs Sculptra: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Profhilo | Sculptra |
|---|
| Main purpose | Hydration & skin quality | Collagen building & volume addition |
| Ingredient | Hyaluronic acid | Poly-L-lactic acid |
| Adds volume? | No | Yes, gradually |
| Speed of results | Fast (days to weeks) | Slow (weeks to months) |
| Longevity | Around 6 months | Up to 2 years |
| Best for | Fine lines, dull skin, mild laxity | Volume loss, sagging, deep wrinkles |
| Aftercare | Minimal | Massage may be required |
How Profhilo and Sculptra Work in the Skin?
- Profhilo spreads under the skin, improving hydration and texture. Think of it as moisture from within.
- Sculptra builds collagen gradually, giving your skin a structural lift.
Things to remember: Profhilo is like a hydrating drink for your skin, while Sculptra is like reinforcing the frame of a house.
Which Gives Faster Results?
- Profhilo: Within 2 to 4 weeks, you may start notice hydration, glow, and mild tightening.
- Sculptra: Gradual improvement appears over 3 to 6 months as collagen forms.
Which Lasts Longer?
- Profhilo: Effects last around 6 months. Regular sessions maintain the glow.
- Sculptra: Results can last up to 2 years. It’s a long-term investment in skin structure.
Treatment Areas Compared
When it comes to treatment areas, both Profhilo and Sculptra can be used on the same areas, but for different purposes.
Profhilo works best on:
- Face
- Neck
- Décolletage
- Hands
- Arms
- Knees
Sculptra works best on:
- Cheeks
- Temples
- Jawline
- Mid-face hollows
- Butt
- Deeper sagging and volume loss
Profhilo targets skin quality, Sculptra targets volume and lift.
Downtime and Aftercare
- Profhilo: The downtime is minimal. Tiny bumps or mild redness may appear but fade in 48 hours. No massage needed.
- Sculptra: You may need to do a gentle massage for 5 days (5 minutes, 5 times a day) to distribute the product. Some bruising or swelling is normal for a few days.
Who Is Profhilo Best For?
Prpfhilo is suitable for someone who is noticing:
- Is noticing early signs of ageing.
- Have Dry, dull, or crepey skin.
- Want a natural glow without changing facial shape.
- People in their 30s to 50s are starting preventive care.
Who Is Sculptra Best For?
Sculptra is best for:
- Moderate to advanced volume loss.
- Sagging or hollowing of the face.
- Those looking for longer-lasting results.
- People who are happy to wait for a gradual, natural lift.
Can You Combine Profhilo and Sculptra?
Yes, many practitioners combine them for the best overall results:
- Sculptra first, because it rebuilds structure and volume.
- Profhilo, after: boosts hydration and smooths the skin surface.
This approach gives a lifted, firm, and radiant look.
Ready to achieve your aesthetic goals?
- CQC-Registered Clinic with Nationally Recognised Leadership
- Over a Decade of Surgical & Aesthetic Expertise
- Personalised treatment plans tailored to your needs
Which Is Better, Profhilo or Sculptra?
There is no single “better” treatment for everyone. It depends on what your skin needs and what results you want.
- Choose Sculptra if you have noticeable volume loss, deeper wrinkles or sagging and want a long‑lasting structural lift. It works more slowly but lasts longer.
- Choose Profhilo if you want to address dry, dull skin, mild laxity or early signs of ageing. Profhilo deeply hydrates and improves skin texture and glow. Results are quicker but shorter.
The best approach is to match the treatment to your goals. A professional consultation can help you decide which one suits your skin and aesthetic priorities.
Profhilo VS Sculptra: The Bottomline.
Profhilo and Sculptra are two treatments that have distinct functions. If hydrated, radiant, firmer skin with subtle lifting is your main objective, go with Profhilo. If you require long-lasting collagen stimulation, deeper volume restoration, and structural support, choose Sculptra.
For personalised advice and safe, natural results, you can explore Profhilo and Sculptra treatments in Leeds at Yorkshire Skin Centre. Our experts will help you choose the right option for your skin and goals.
FAQs
1. Is there anything better than Sculptra?
Radiesse gives instant lift and volume while also stimulating collagen over time. Sculptra works slowly, so Radiesse may be preferred if you want faster, more visible results.
2. Why do some doctors not like Sculptra?
Sculptra needs a precise technique. Risks include lumps, delayed results, no reversal, harder future surgery, and post-treatment massage requirements. It’s also not ideal for mobile areas or people with autoimmune conditions, allergies, keloid-prone skin, or active skin issues.
3. Can you have Profhilo after Sculptra?
Yes, you may have Profhilo 4 to 6 weeks after Sculptra. Profhilo then adds hydration, smoothness, and radiance on top of the collagen support already building underneath.
4. Is Profhilo or Sculptra better?
It depends on what you want to achieve. Sculptra is best for restoring volume and boosting collagen for a firmer, lifted look. Profhilo is ideal for deeply hydrating the skin and improving texture, tone, and overall radiance.