Dr Christophe Laveaux
Aesthetic medicine is booming and significant progress has been made in fields such as regenerative medicine, which is one of the most promising approaches.
In this approach, we do not seek to substitute elements that are damaged or that lessen with age (collagen, elastin, fat, etc.) but instead focus on targeted stimulation that allows the body to regenerate itself. As we age, our skin starts to deteriorate. It becomes less hydrated and loses its elasticity and firmness, namely due to lower quantities of collagen and elastin. But the deepest layers are also concerned by aging as fat is lost from the face, which leads to a loss of volume as well as a loss of support for the skin, causing the face to sag.
The aim of regenerative medicine, for aesthetic purposes, is to overcome these negative effects of aging. In practice, several tools can be used to bio-reshape the tissues, primarily injectable products (latest-generation hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, mesotherapy, etc.) or machines that deliver various forms of energy (radiofrequency, ultrasounds, plasma, etc.). In my practice, the injectable product I most often use is Profhilo®, and lately Profhilo® Structura, which is new for 2024.
What are Profhilo® and Profhilo® Structura?
These are the latest generation of highly-concentrated hyaluronic acids, which are ultra-pure, hybrid, and obtained through thermal stabilisation. They are hybrid because they contain low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for keeping the skin hydrated, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis. The product’s additive-free thermal stabilisation (patented NAHYCO® technology) guarantees its purity and therefore gives it excellent clinical tolerance without any inflammatory properties.
What are the expected benefits?
Profhilo® allows us to treat the dermis by improving its hydration and stimulating collagen synthesis (improves skin firmness) and elastin synthesis (improves the shape memory effect in the skin fold test). In practice, the skin’s texture and density are improved, fine lines and wrinkles are reduced, and skin sagging is improved. Profhilo® Structura acts deep within the skin by restructuring the hypodermal subcutaneous fatty layers. Though it does not really increase volumes, it has a plumping effect that tightens up the overlying tissues.
What are the injection protocols?
Profhilo® is injected with a needle, in 0.2ml subdermal boluses, while Profhilo® Structura is injected using a cannula into the subcutaneous fatty tissue. Downtime is short, as any mild swelling disappears after 24 to 48 hours and bruises are rare. The treatment protocol includes two sessions of injections spaced a month apart, then a top-up session every year. Patients who want to enhance the effects can have top-up treatments every six months.
What are the indications?
Profhilo® allows us to improve the skin’s texture and density in all areas of the body (neck, face, décolleté, arms, thighs, belly, back of the hands, etc.).
Profhilo® Structura is primarily indicated for restoring the lost volumes of fat around the masseters and the cheekbones, for a gentle lifting effect in the lower face. Other indications will no doubt appear with experience. Depending on the doctor’s opinion but also on the patient’s budget, we might choose either Profhilo® or Profhilo® Structura, or a combination of the two treatments. If I decide to use both products on a patient, I tend to inject Profhilo® Structura into the deep layers using a cannula and Profhilo® into the superficial layers using a needle, in the same session, so the patient has fewer appointments. This also keeps post-treatment oedema
to a minimum.
Profhilo® and Profhilo® Structura can be used on their own or alongside other treatments.
When combined with radiofrequency, which is another bio-regenerating procedure, the Profhilo® is carried out first in order to improve skin hydration, as radiofrequency is more effective on well-hydrated skin. If it is combined with cervicofacial or body surgery, Profhilo® can enhance the results and make them last longer. The different surgical face lifts aim to remove any excess skin and, in some cases, reposition the deep tissues (repositioning the SMAS and the platysma in the face and neck, treating abdominal diastasis, etc.), however, the quality of the remaining skin should not be neglected. It is therefore useful to carry out a Profhilo® treatment prior to any surgical procedure and to maintain the skin quality after the surgery.
The progress made in regenerative aesthetic medicine concerns a number of treatments that include hyaluronic acid injections, energy-based devices such as radiofrequency, plasma, etc. Profhilo® and Profhilo® Structura are reliable and easily accessible solutions, indicated for all types of patients. They can be used on their own or combined with other treatments, as an enhancement to any medical or surgical treatment plan.
Dr Christophe Laveaux
Qualified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon. He has been exclusively
practicing aesthetic surgery and medicine in private practice in Cannes since 2012.
More informations: christophelaveaux.fr
