The ageing process in the face results in a gradual and continuous change, not only of the skin, but in all the underlying tissues, resulting in anatomical laxity and loss of volume. It is important to appreciate these soft tissue changes when providing rejuvenation treatments.
There is now a new formulation of the Profhilo® line, Profhilo® Structura. This is an injectable biomodulator indicated to target the subcutaneous layers: the superficial fat compartments and the ligaments connecting muscles and skin.
This new product is made with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA), total of 90mg in 2ml, and works by improving the environment where adipocytes and fibroblasts exist and augmenting their function by activating specific cell surface receptors.
The effect is an enhancement of the adipose tissue quality and a tightening of the connective tissue which is the main component of the ligaments. The new formulation represents a new baseline in my daily practice. For my patients it is the best available treatment indicated for the bio-remodelling of the superficial fat compartments.
Depending on the morphology of the face, two main ageing categories can be distinguished: ‘sinkers’ or ‘saggers’. In the ‘sinkers’ the face will tend to hollow out in the lateral area, while the cheekbones will maintain an optimal structure; on the other hand, in the ‘saggers’, the tissues will tend to sag downwards, with loss of tone.
The Profhilo® Structura injection protocol includes specific techniques for each type, allowing customised results. Using a single-entry point, the technique for the ‘sinker’ face addresses the preauricular area; on the other hand, for the ‘sagger’ face, the injection occurs in both the zygomatic and preauricular areas. The complete protocol involves two injections 30 days apart and a follow-up at four months after the first injection.
Patient before treatment.
Patient three months after the second session of treatment.
The patient illustrated for the treatment is a 64-year-old female, who has received injectables (HA fillers and botulinum toxin) on a regular base for 10 years with good results and no side-effects. She had the features of a ‘sinker’ patient, presenting with atrophic fat compartments in the preauricular area and hollow cheeks. The needle entry point was 2cm in front of the auricular tragus. A 22G 50mm long microcannula was used to deliver 1ml of Profhilo® Structura into the superficial fat layer with a linear retrograde technique following the line of the posterior border of the mandibular ramus. The product has to be placed starting at least 1cm above the inferior border of the mandible.
The aim of the procedure was to restore the thickness of the superficial fat compartments in the preauricular-masseter area and to obtain an increase of the connective tissue firmness.
The injection protocol was completed with two sessions performed 30 days apart. The control pictures and patient’s feedback were collected four months after the first injection.
The patient feedback was enthusiastic; she appreciated the efficacy of the procedure in terms of results, minimal pain and no downtime. She perceived the overall improvement of her skin appearance and, in particular, she was satisfied with the cheek lines and the fullness of the preauricular area.
In conclusion, in carefully selected patients, we can affirm that Profhilo® Structura is a safe and effective treatment for the bio-remodellation of the superficial fat compartments.
Further reading:
Kuzniak A. How I Do It - Utilising ARES AK and AO as a multi-factorial approach. The PMFA Journal 2024;12(1):21.
Declaration of competing interests: None declared.
