An injectable “transformative” moisturizer that smoothes wrinkles on the stomach, arms and bust is offered in cosmetic clinics in the UK.
The innovative procedure involves up to 40 injections of diluted hyaluronic acid, a natural substance used in skin care products and lip and cheek fillers, which rejuvenates the skin.
Women report that the £850 treatment, Profhilo Body, gives noticeable results, erasing fine lines and sagging caused by ageing, sunbathing, weight loss and pregnancy.
Conventional injectable fillers smooth the skin by adding volume with substances such as hyaluronic acid and other gels, but they can form clumps if not used correctly.
But this last technique stimulates the skin’s own renewal processes, surgeons say, causing the release of collagen proteins that naturally give elasticity to the skin.
Profhilo Body, a “transformative” injectable moisturizer that smoothes wrinkles on the stomach, arms and bust, is offered in UK cosmetic clinics
This means that it is not instantaneous. Multiple injections (up to 40 to correct a sagging stomach, experts say) can leave the skin red, lumpy or swollen for a couple of days, while full results won’t be seen for weeks.
The treatment was launched in the UK by Dr Preema Vig at her clinic in London’s Mayfair.
The former GP says: ‘Other types of filler are designed to shape and mold and stay where they are.
‘But Profhilo Body is formulated in such a way that the hyaluronic acid dissipates quickly in the tissue, within a few days.
Women report that the £850 treatment gives noticeable results, erasing fine lines and sagging caused by ageing, sunbathing, weight loss and pregnancy. In the photo: before treatment.
This last technique stimulates the skin’s own renewal processes, surgeons say, causing the release of collagen proteins that naturally give elasticity to the skin. In the photo: after treatment.
“Over the next month, there is a cascade of events that stimulate collagen, which is what firms the skin and makes it brighter.”
Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin, eyes, and fluids that lubricate the joints.
As a chemical, it is classified as a humectant (a substance that retains moisture), meaning it is commonly used in skin care.
As skin ages, cells produce less acid and existing levels begin to decrease.
This causes visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of volume and elasticity.
Hormonal changes, excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, smoking, and stress can also contribute to the skin aging process.
Profhilo Body is normally administered in two sessions, four weeks apart.
The number of injections a patient will need depends on the sagging of their skin and the size of the area to be treated.
The upper or inner arms, for example, may require up to 20 injections each session for maximum benefit.
Dr. Vig cautions that there are limits to what the procedure can achieve. For example, he cannot help patients left with large amounts of excess skin after significant weight loss, who would benefit most from abdominoplasty surgery.
However, he says, “It’s a fantastic treatment and most people will experience substantial improvement in that area and in collagen stimulation.” Patients say it’s transformative.’
One patient who benefited is Katy Buckley, 52, who received the treatment to treat sagging stomach skin.
The London life coach says the problem got worse as she got older.
“I wasn’t very happy with the way my belly looked,” she says. ‘I didn’t have loose skin anywhere else on my body, but looking at my stomach made me feel unhappy.
“I lost a lot of confidence and felt uncomfortable wearing clothes where my stomach could be seen.”
In 2021, Katy received ten Profhilo injections in her stomach. She says her injections didn’t hurt and she didn’t experience any side effects.
After a month, many of the wrinkles had disappeared.
“Now I feel much happier,” he says. “It’s really remarkable how the lines and wrinkles have faded.”
Mum-of-two Lucy Mathias from Chigwell, Essex, received the treatment to treat the “crepey” skin on her décolleté after turning 40.
“It really made a difference,” he says. ‘All women notice it after turning 40: your skin changes.
“I was starting to feel a little self-conscious and felt like my skin needed a little work.
“The treatment did what I wanted: it made my skin feel plumper, hydrated and brighter, like it was ten years younger.”
