By Alex Donald, Registered Nurse | 15 August 2026
Both Profhilo and dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid (HA), so it's easy to assume they do the same thing. They don't. Understanding the difference is key to choosing the right treatment for your skin — and it's one of the most common questions I'm asked at Embrace Cosmetics.
Dermal fillers add volume and structure. They're used to plump lips, restore cheek volume, soften folds, and define contours. Think of fillers as architecture — they change the shape of your face.
Profhilo improves skin quality. It hydrates, firms, and remodels the skin from within without adding volume. Think of Profhilo as renovation — it improves the material your face is made of.
Dermal fillers use cross-linked hyaluronic acid, which means the HA molecules are bound together to create a gel that holds its shape. When injected, this gel sits in place and provides structural support — filling lines, restoring volume, or enhancing contours. Results are immediate and last 6-12 months depending on the area.
At Embrace Cosmetics, I use Belotero fillers, known for their smooth integration with natural tissue. Fillers are ideal if you want to: enhance lip volume, restore lost cheek volume, soften nasolabial folds, or define your jawline.
Profhilo uses a high concentration of pure, non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid. Because it's not cross-linked, it flows freely through the tissue rather than sitting in one place. It's injected using the BAP (Beauty Anaesthetic Points) technique — just 5 injection points per side of the face. Once in the skin, the HA stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin tone, hydration, and elasticity over several weeks.
Profhilo is ideal if you want to: improve skin texture and hydration, address crepey or sagging skin, treat the neck or décolletage, or achieve a subtle "better skin" look without changing facial structure.
| Dermal Fillers | Profhilo | |
|---|---|---|
| HA Type | Cross-linked (holds shape) | Pure (flows freely) |
| Primary Effect | Adds volume/structure | Improves skin quality |
| Results Visible | Immediately | 2-4 weeks |
| Duration | 6-12 months | 6-12 months |
| Injection Points | Multiple, targeted | 5 per side (BAP) |
| Price (Embrace) | From $600 | From $900 |
Absolutely — many clients benefit from combining both treatments. Profhilo improves the overall skin quality, while fillers address specific volume concerns. For example, a client might have Profhilo to improve skin texture across the lower face, plus a small amount of filler to soften deep nasolabial folds. The treatments complement each other beautifully.
If your main concern is volume loss — hollow cheeks, thin lips, deep folds — dermal fillers are likely the better choice. If your concern is skin quality — crepey texture, dullness, early sagging, fine lines — Profhilo may be more appropriate. During your consultation, I'll assess your skin and recommend the treatment that best addresses your specific concerns.
Read more: Profhilo treatment page | Dermal fillers treatment page | Dermal fillers guide | Pricing
Dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid are medical devices. Common side effects include bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness. More serious but rare risks include vascular occlusion, infection, and late-onset granulomas. Treatment should only be administered by a qualified health professional.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Cosmetic injectable procedures at Embrace Cosmetics are performed by Registered Nurse Alex Donald working under the medical direction and standing orders of Dr. Shareen Jacob.