Sculptra vs Profhilo: Which One is Best For Me?

So, you’ve probably come across either Profhilo or Sculptra, perhaps both if you’re searching for ways to rejuvenate your skin with non-surgical skin treatments. If you’ve never heard of either treatment before, you’re welcome to, pull up a chair and let’s discuss these two major players in the world of advanced skin treatments.

Today let’s discover what Sculptra and Profhilo are, our medical-aesthetic practitioner’s view of both treatments and how they could benefit your skin.

What’s the Difference Between Sculptra and Profhilo?

Both Sculptra and Profhilo aim to treat symptoms of ageing skin by triggering internal rejuvenation. But, how do you know what’s going to be best for you? Short of you having a consultation where your specific goals can be discussed and your concerns assessed, here is the low-down on both Sculptra and Profhilo so you can see what each treatment may offer you.

Profhilo

What is Profhilo?

Profhilo is a non-surgical injectable treatment which falls under the category of ‘bio-stimulator’. This injectable treatment is made up of PURE hyaluronic acid which has gone through a special thermal process which ultimately means that when it’s introduced to your skin it triggers a ‘bio-remodelling’ process; new collagen and elastin are stimulated helping to smooth and firm skin that’s showing mild to moderate signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. Profhilo additionally gives your skin tissues a great big dose of hydration which leaves them looking plumper, smoother, and healthier.

I think it’s important to point out that although I’m talking about plumping your skin with Profhilo, I am not talking about adding volume. Profhilo is all about boosting the quality of your skin.

The Profhilo treatment requires a little bit of time to see your results. A full treatment is split into two sessions and although many people notice positive changes between the two sessions, you won’t achieve your full results until after the second session. They say that good things come to those who wait, right?

Profhilo Vs Sculptra: our View of Profhilo.

Profhilo Results

Results last approximately 6 months. You can have the full 2 sessions again at this time; however, we sometimes recommend having a single session 3 monthly rather than waiting the full 6 months to have 2 sessions, but it’s very much your choice.

Popular Areas to Target.

Face, neck, decolletage, and upper arms are all popular when it comes to Profhilo. There are set treatment points when treating with Profhilo, for example, when treating the face specifically, set, injection zones are followed to ensure the product distributes evenly throughout the tissue. The forehead and temples cannot be treated with Profhilo, it specifically treats the mid and lower face. If the forehead is an area of concern for you, you may like to consider a treatment such as a skin booster or SuneKos which can be used on the forehead.

The Number of Profhilo Sessions Needed.

Two treatment sessions about 6 weeks apart. Some people may require a 3rd session if their concerns are more advanced.

Sculptra

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a non-surgical, injectable treatment that falls under the classification of ‘dermal fillers’; now that you know that I would like you to wipe it from your thoughts because Sculptra ISN’T like dermal fillers as you currently know them.

Sculptra consists of a bio-compatible substance called PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid). PLLA is a collagen stimulator which is gradually broken down by your body and safely removed-much like dissolvable stitches which are made of PLLA also. Unlike dermal fillers which have a gel-like consistency, Sculptra is more liquid in consistency and contains microparticles of PLLA.

Once injected into the dermal layer of your skin, Sculptra starts to reinforce the structure of your skin, rebuild volume in the skin that’s starting to thin and become fragile with age, and subtly replenish volume in areas that are starting to hollow, such as the temples; and the new collagen production works to soften even deep wrinkles and folds.

So, what makes Sculptra different to traditional fillers? Unlike, traditional fillers which will treat a particular wrinkle in isolation, Sculptra will treat an entire area, stimulating collagen to not only smooth the wrinkle in question but improve the quality of skin across the entire area- allowing the skin to plump, lift, and firm all in proportion. This is why clients love Sculptra results-they look natural, your features are kept in their natural proportion, and you avoid the risk of looking ‘filled’ or like you’ve ‘had work done’.

The Sculptra process isn’t a quick fix. You usually need a few treatment sessions and following those sessions the PLLA particles get to work immediately, stimulating collagen and rebuilding your skin’s structure and volume. Most start to notice positive changes in their skin within 8 weeks of treatment, and your full results are generally achieved three to six months after your last treatment session. This gradual correction of wrinkles, skin sagging, loss of skin firmness, and poor skin quality is something that many prefer because it’s not obvious to those around them, rather they just receive compliments like ‘You look well’ and ‘Have you done something different with your hair?’!

Profhilo Vs Sculptra: Our View of Sculptra.

Our nurse, Jane, says: “We think that Sculptra is best for skin laxity, deep lines and wrinkles, and skin that’s becoming thin. In short, when it comes to more advanced signs of ageing and for those who want a long-term outcome, we prefer to use Sculptra over Profhilo.”

Sculptra Results

Results last up to, sometimes beyond 5 years.

Popular Areas to Target.

Jawline and chin area, cheeks, temples, and neck. We can be more prescriptive with Sculptra in comparison to Profhilo as it allows us to place more products in the areas that require more attention. Much like Profhilo, we would not use Sculptra on the forehead.

The Number of Sculptra Sessions Needed.

As mentioned previously, Sculptra is a little more prescriptive than Profhilo, so the number of sessions and vials required during those sessions is variable. As a very rough guide, the number of vials required equates to each decade of life, so someone in their 40s may need around 4 vials spread over a few sessions. This is to be taken with a pinch of salt though as we all age differently due to genetics, illnesses, and lifestyle choices. In fact, one client, in her 60s only required 3 vials of Sculptra to achieve a great result on her face as she had a good skincare regime and previously had rejuvenating treatments with us.

Which is Better, Profhilo or Sculptra?

Both are excellent treatments which have their benefits. We wouldn’t say that one is BETTER than the other, but each treatment is better suited for specific concerns and skin requirements.

Our nurse Jane adds: “We’ve achieved good results with different age groups and genders with both Profhilo and Sculptra, however, as a sweeping statement we feel that Sculptra is best suited for those with more dramatic signs of ageing such as deep wrinkles and sagging skin. Profhilo, we LOVE as a preventative treatment and to correct mild to moderate signs of ageing as well as to deeply hydrate the skin.

If you are unsure which treatment is best suited for you, a consultation with a medical practitioner should make this clearer. They will use their experience with these treatments and their knowledge to advise you after looking at your unique concerns.”

If you’d like to talk to our medical practitioners at our CQC-registered, Hertfordshire skin clinic about your skin and the best treatments for you, contact us today to arrange a no-obligation consultation.