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Profilostructure｜A Comprehensive Guide to Effects and Downtime
"I'm concerned about sagging cheeks."
"Sunken cheeks make me look tired."
"My nasolabial folds and marionette lines have been getting deeper."
"I'd like hyaluronic acid, but I want to avoid an unnatural, over-filled look. What is Profhilo Structura like?"
Do you have questions or concerns like these about Profhilo Structura?
Hello, this is Smart Skin Clinic, an aesthetic dermatology clinic.
In this article, we explain from a professional standpoint the effects and features of Profhilo Structura, its downtime, and how it differs from other treatments.
*If you want to know specific information such as pricing, you can jump to it from the table of contents below.
Group Chief Director, Smart Skin Clinic Group
Ishii Kota
Career
Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine
Worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and affiliated facilities
Worked at a major aesthetic clinic in Tokyo
Affiliations / Qualifications
Board-certified specialist, Japan Surgical Society
Board-certified specialist, Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
What Is Profhilo Structura?
Profhilo Structura is an injectable treatment and formulation designed to restructure the facial fat tissue (lipostructuring).
It is an injectable in the next-generation hyaluronic acid "Profhilo" series and has obtained the "CE mark" as a medical device compliant with European safety standards. It is approved in the EU for the indication of repairing and improving adipose tissue.
By concentrating injections mainly in the shallow fat layer from in front of the ear to the outer cheek, it targets the fat tissue that is one of the causes of age-related concerns.
With age, the facial skeleton, ligaments, muscles, subcutaneous fat, and skin each undergo changes.
Fat shrinks with age (atrophy) and sags under gravity, which also affects the skin above it.
In particular, when fat that should sit high on the cheeks is lost and shifts downward, sunken cheeks, sagging, jowl hollows, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines become more noticeable.
As its name suggests, Profhilo Structura (Structura = structure) is a treatment that supports the structure of fat tissue changed by aging, aiming to restore volume and firmness from within.
Differences from Conventional Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Profhilo Structura is a formulation made of hyaluronic acid, but it differs greatly from conventional hyaluronic acid formulations.
| Profhilo Structura | Conventional hyaluronic acid | |
| Purpose | Restructuring and regeneration of adipose tissue | Filling grooves and depressions / adding volume |
| Mechanism | Activates your own tissue | Physically fills |
| Results | Extremely natural; your own tissue recovers | Sharp line definition, immediate volume |
| Crosslinking agent | None | Yes |
| Indications | Overall facial hollowing, natural lift | Reshaping the nose and chin, filling deep wrinkles |
| Drawbacks | The effect is gradual | Adding too much can look unnatural |
Whereas conventional hyaluronic acid works as a "filler," Profhilo Structura is a treatment that "supports tissue restructuring" to achieve a natural lift.
Using its proprietary NAHYCO® technology without crosslinking agents, it stabilizes high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid through heat treatment. This aims for a natural result that minimizes lumps and unnatural swelling.
Differences from Profhilo
Profhilo Structura is a formulation that further evolves the conventional Profhilo.
| Profhilo Structura | Profhilo | |
| Primary Purpose | Restructuring of fat tissue (lipostructuring) | Skin rejuvenation |
| Target audience | Superficial fat layer | dermal layer |
| Expected benefits | Improves sagging and volume loss, lifts and firms | Improves skin firmness, radiance, and elasticity; reduces fine lines |
| Hyaluronic acid concentration | 90 mg / 2 ml | 64 mg / 2 ml |
| Recommended for | Those concerned about sunken cheeks, jowl hollows, and sagging fat | Those concerned about dry skin, fine lines, and loss of firmness |
| Injection method | A method of injecting into specific points corresponding to the fat layer | The BAP injection method into the superficial dermis (10 points) |
| Injection site | Face | Face, neck, and backs of the hands |
Whereas conventional Profhilo excels at "raising the overall quality of the skin," Profhilo Structura excels at "improving volume from the fat layer." It retains Profhilo's characteristic "soft, uniform spread," while the increased hyaluronic acid content also offers moisture-retention and elasticity support.
The two are complementary: by choosing between them according to your concern—"conventional Profhilo for skin-quality improvement" and "Profhilo Structura for volume loss and deep wrinkles"—more effective treatment becomes possible.
For more about Profhilo, please refer to the following article.
Differences from Profhilo Body
The Profhilo series also includes "Profhilo Body," specifically for skin laxity on the body.
Both belong to the Profhilo series, but Structura is specialized for the "facial structure (fat layer)," while Body is specialized for "tightening the skin of the body." For more about Profhilo Body, please refer to the article below.
The Effects of Profhilo Structura
- Improving jowl hollows and midface depressions
- Reduction of nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Improving sunken cheeks and a gaunt-looking appearance
- Improvement of skin firmness and elasticity
- Natural volume enhancement
Effects on the cheeks and jowl hollows
The cheeks and jowl hollows are the areas Profhilo Structura is best at.
The fat in the central cheek area is prone to volume loss with age. When this area thins, a line known as the jowl hollow appears under the eyes, giving an instantly aged or tired impression.
By injecting into the fat layer of this area, the environment of the fat tissue is improved, restoring plump, naturally rounded cheeks from within and making the jowl hollows less noticeable.
Effects on nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines (the grooves below the corners of the mouth) appear as deep "wrinkles" or "shadows" when the cheek fat sags and its weight pulls downward.
Profhilo Structura is not a treatment that directly injects into and "fills" these grooves. Instead, it lifts the underlying cause—"the sagging of cheek fat"—by restructuring the fat tissue.
As the foundation is lifted, the weight from above is relieved, so the nasolabial folds and marionette lines become shallower and less noticeable.
Furthermore, regarding the fat-tissue repair effect of Profhilo Structura, even in cases where it was used to restore the homeostasis of fat tissue that declines with age, the effects were sustained from immediately after treatment through 6 months, with reports of natural-looking results and high satisfaction.
Cassuto, D., Cigni, C., Bellia, G., & Schiraldi, C. (2023). Restoring adipose tissue homeostasis in response to aging: Initial clinical experience with Profhilo Structura®. Gels, 9(8), 614. doi:10.3390/gels9080614
Comparison and Combination with Other Sagging Treatments
We have compiled a list comparing representative sagging treatments with Profhilo Structura. The most suitable treatment differs depending on your goals. (※Please note that our clinic does not offer HIFU.)
| Comparison point | Profhilo Structura | Thread Lift | HIFU(HIFU) |
| Target audience | fat layer | Subcutaneous tissue (near the ligaments) | SMAS, subcutaneous, dermis (depending on the device and output) |
| Primary Purpose | Improves the environment of the fat layer and compensates for volume loss | Physically lifts and provides support with barbed threads / stimulates fibroblasts → increases collagen production | Tightening with focal thermal coagulation |
| Concerns We Specialize In | Cheek volume loss / midface hollows | Sagging along the jawline, nasolabial folds and marionette lines, V-line shaping | Loosening of the facial contour, sagging of the skin and subcutaneous tissue |
| Characteristics of the Result | A natural change that keeps the "filled" look to a minimum | A lifting sensation is easy to feel right after the procedure (the natural look settles in after the downtime) | You gradually feel the firming effect over the course of a few weeks |
| Onset of Effect | From about 2 weeks, peaking at 1 to 2 months | Right away / swelling settles within 1 to 2 weeks and looks natural | From several weeks onward |
| Approximate Duration | 6 to 12 months | A guide of about 6 months to 1 year (varies by thread material) | Several months (varies by device and output) |
| Estimated Downtime | 24 to 48 hours (redness, swelling, bruising) | Several days to 2 weeks (swelling, puffiness, bruising) | Same day to several days (mild swelling, tenderness, etc.) |
| Pain Guide | Mild to moderate | Moderate (anesthesia is generally used) | Mild to moderate |
| Main Risks | Bruising, swelling, and rarely infection | Asymmetry, thread exposure/infection, unevenness, and puckering | Risks of over-irradiation such as nerve damage and fat reduction (device-dependent) |
| Who It Suits | Those who want to restore natural dimension / smooth out hollows and depressions | Those who want to lift the facial contour quickly | Those who want to tighten |
| Combination Methods (Example) | — | ① Thread → ② Profhilo Structura 2 to 4 weeks later | ① HIFU → ② Profhilo Structura 2 to 4 weeks later |
For more about thread lifts, please refer to the following article.
Smart Skin Clinic Pricing
| Sessions (2 cc per vial) | Through August 31Discount price | Per 1 cc Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bottle | ¥99,000 | 49,500 yen |
| 2 bottles | ¥180,000 (¥90,000 per vial) | 45,000 yen |
| 3 bottles | ¥260,000 (¥86,666 per vial) | ¥43,333 |
| 4 bottles | 319,200 yen (¥79,800 per vial) | 39,900 yen |
*We offer self-pay (non-insured) treatments only; insurance does not apply.
Hatchobori Clinic Exclusive PriceAn additional 20%OFF off the discounted price
| Sessions (2 cc per vial) | Through August 31 Hatchobori Clinic Exclusive Price | Per 1 cc Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bottle | ¥99,000 79,200 yen | 39,600 yen |
| 2 bottles | ¥180,000 144,000 yen(72,000 yen per session) | 36,000 yen |
| 3 bottles | ¥260,000 208,000 yen(69,333 yen per session) | 34,666 yen |
| 4 bottles | 319,200 yen 255,360 yen(63,840 yen per session) | 31,920 yen |
*All prices include tax.
*We offer self-pay (non-insured) treatments only; insurance does not apply.
*Limited to treatments at the Hatchobori Clinic
When Effects Appear and How Long They Last
Regarding Profhilo Structura, what many people wonder about is "when will the effects appear?" and "how long will they last?"
When can I start to feel the results?
The effects of Profhilo Structura typically appear about two weeks after treatment and reach their peak within one to two months.
A distinctive feature is that the effect appears in stages.
[Immediately After Treatment – 1 Week]
Immediately after injection, the product provides a physical volumizing effect, but this is temporary.
Mild swelling may occur at the injection site for 2–3 days, and during this period, it may be difficult to assess the full effect.
[2 weeks to 1 month]
Around this time, the product’s true effects begin to gradually appear.
This is when many people start to feel their skin gradually becoming firmer from within. You’ll also find it easier to notice changes in the texture of your skin when you touch it.
[1–2 months]
This is when the effects peak.
Collagen and elastin production increases, improving the overall texture of the skin. This is the period when you’ll notice the most improvement in sagging and increased volume.
[After 3 months]
The effects continue even after they have peaked. Because the tissue itself has improved, a natural, youthful appearance is maintained.
How long does the effect last?
The effects of Profhilo Structura are generally said to last about 6 to 12 months.
This is the result of promoting "regeneration of your own tissue," and differs from the sensation with conventional hyaluronic acid, where "the formulation is absorbed and things return to how they were." Even after the formulation is absorbed, the improved state tends to be maintained to some degree.
Recommended Number of Treatments and Maintenance Intervals
The recommended schedule for ProfiloStructure treatments is as follows:
Regular maintenance treatments can help slow down the effects of aging and help you maintain a more youthful appearance.
- Initial course: two treatments as a set, spaced 1 to 2 months apart
- Maintenance: continue with one treatment every six months, or a set of two treatments twice a year
Injection Method and Injection Points
Whereas conventional Profhilo used the "BAP (Bio-Aesthetic Point) method" of shallow injections at 10 points across the whole face, Profhilo Structura is injected at deeper, more limited points.
Targeting the specific fat layer responsible for sagging and hollow cheeks, we inject intensively with ultra-fine needles at 2 to 3 points per side of the face (e.g., below the zygomatic arch, the mid-cheek area, etc.).
Which layer is it injected into?
Injectable formulations vary in both their ingredients and intended purposes.
Therefore, it is extremely important to administer each formulation at the appropriate “depth” and “volume” to ensure optimal results.
In the case of Profhilo Structura, the primary injection layer is the "subcutaneous fat layer."
The skin is structured in layers, from the surface inward: the "epidermis," the "dermis" (comprising the superficial, middle, and deep layers), the "subcutaneous fat layer," and the "muscle layer," each of which plays a distinct role. The subcutaneous fat layer sits beneath the dermis and acts as a cushion between the skin and the muscle layer.
The subcutaneous fat layer is the layer that best draws out the effects intended by Profhilo Structura's ingredients, and this is the medical rationale for our clinic injecting this formulation into that layer.
About Pain During Treatment
The pain during a Profhilo Structura injection consists of a prickling sensation as the needle is inserted and a feeling of pressure as the formulation is injected.
The number of needle insertions is small, and the injection is placed in a layer where pain is less likely to be felt.
At our clinic, we generally consider Profhilo Structura treatment to require no anesthesia. There is individual variation, but most people describe it as "tolerable."
However, for those who are sensitive to pain or feel especially anxious, we offer an optional numbing cream (for an additional fee). If you would like it, please let us know during your consultation.
Downtime Symptoms and Duration
Profhilo Structura is known as a treatment with relatively little downtime.
- Downtime period: typically within 24 hours, at most within 48 hours
- Main symptoms: swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection site; discomfort or tightness; bruising
The swelling right after injection gradually subsides, and any redness, swelling, or discomfort typically settles within a few days. Applying cold intermittently can help reduce pain and swelling.
Bruising gradually changes color as it fades and should settle within 1 to 2 weeks. It can be covered with makeup, but if you have an important event, we recommend completing the treatment at least about 2 weeks beforehand.
Side Effects and Risks
Profhilo Structura is a relatively safe treatment.
However, since it is an injection-based treatment, it is not possible to completely eliminate side effects and risks such as the following.
Rare side effects and complications
- Infection: bacteria enter through the injection site, causing persistent redness, swelling, pain, and heat (preventable with proper disinfection and hygiene management).
- Allergic reaction: an allergic reaction to the formulation (the risk is extremely low because the hyaluronic acid is non-crosslinked).
- Vascular embolism: a serious complication that occurs extremely rarely when the formulation enters a blood vessel.
- Granuloma formation: rare given the nature of the formulation, but a hard lump may develop as a foreign-body reaction (manageable with appropriate treatment).
If any of the following symptoms appear after treatment, please contact the clinic promptly. These may indicate serious complications and require rapid attention.
- Severe pain, swelling, or heat / worsening redness / changes in skin color (pale or purple) / vision problems or a severe headache
How to Spend Your Time After Treatment and Points to Note
【Things to Avoid on the Day of Treatment】
- Intense exercise, long baths, saunas, and alcohol: increased blood circulation may worsen swelling or bruising
- Massaging the injection site: this may cause the formulation to shift or worsen swelling
- Sleeping face down: pressure on the injection site can cause swelling
- Smoking: hinders tissue repair
- Dental treatment: avoid stimulation around the mouth (if you have an appointment, complete it before your treatment, or leave at least two weeks between them)
【Recommended】
- Cooling: if you have pain or swelling, applying a cold pack wrapped in a clean towel intermittently can help relieve it
- Rest: spend your time as relaxed as possible
- Sleep with your head elevated: using a higher pillow can help reduce puffiness
- Hydration: adequate hydration promotes metabolism
- Well-balanced meals: support tissue repair
- Skincare: keep up proper moisturizing and UV protection
The Flow of a Profhilo Structura Treatment
You can easily book from your smartphone.
A smart, effortless check-in: just give your name and our clinic IT system completes reception right away.
During counseling, please feel free to share any concerns. Rest assured, there is no pushy sales.
After marking is done, we perform the injection while checking in with you as we go.
We explain in detail how to care for the treated area and what to keep in mind in daily life. From a prevention and maintenance standpoint, we also suggest suitable home care, such as oral medications and skincare products that can support improvement of your concerns.
Details
| Treatment Time | 15–30 minutes (not including counseling) |
| Recommended Number & Frequency of Treatments | ・It is recommended to undergo another session—or a set of two sessions—1 to 2 months after the initial treatment. ・After that, maintenance treatments are recommended about once every six months. |
| Downtime | Approximately 24 to 48 hours |
| Treatment on the day of counseling | Available |
| Makeup | Possible right after the treatment |
| Skincare | Possible right after the treatment |
| Shower | Possible from the same day |
| Pain | A slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted. |
*Results vary from person to person.
[Legal Notices]
Profhilo Structura treatments include procedures using drugs or medical devices not approved in Japan. The drugs and devices used in treatment are imported personally under the judgment of our physicians.
Please refer to this page for information on medications and similar items that require caution in personal importation.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Medications and Similar Items That Require Caution in Personal Importation."
Those Who Cannot Receive Treatment (Contraindications)
Profhilo Structura is a highly safe treatment, but those who fall under the following cannot receive it, or require thorough consultation with a physician.
Those who are not eligible for the treatment
- Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding: Because the potential effects on a fetus or infant are not fully understood, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot receive treatment. Please consider treatment after you have finished breastfeeding and your menstrual cycle has stabilized.
- Those with an allergy to hyaluronic acid: Those who have had a severe allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid injections in the past cannot receive treatment.
- Those with an infection or inflammation at the intended injection site: If you have acne, shingles, a skin infection, or the like, please wait until it has completely healed before receiving treatment.
- Those with a severe bleeding disorder: Those with problems in blood clotting, such as hemophilia, cannot receive treatment because of the increased risk of bruising.
Those who need to consult with a physician
- Those currently taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medication: Those taking warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or similar are at increased risk of bruising. You will need to consult your primary physician to confirm whether temporarily stopping the medication is possible.
- Those with diabetes: If blood glucose control is poor, there are concerns about infection risk and delayed wound healing. This is judged based on your HbA1c level and the state of your blood glucose control.
- Those with impaired liver or kidney function: Because this may affect the metabolism or excretion of the formulation, consultation with a physician is necessary. Depending on the severity, treatment may still be possible.
- Those with a keloid-prone constitution: Those with a constitution prone to raised scars may experience an abnormal reaction after injection, so careful judgment is needed.
- Those with autoimmune diseases: Those with an autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis tend to have tissue reactions that are difficult to predict.
FAQ
- Does Profhilo Structura hurt?
-
How pain is felt varies from person to person, but it is generally tolerable without anesthesia. For those with a low pain threshold or significant anxiety, we also offer an optional numbing cream (¥5,500 including tax), so please consult with us.
- How many sessions does it take to see results?
-
You can feel the effects even after just one session, but the results are not permanent, so maintenance is required.
- Can it be combined with other treatments?
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Yes, it can be combined with many aesthetic treatments, such as Botox and beauty IV drips. If you are considering a combination, designing the order and intervals is important, so please consult your physician during your consultation.
- Can I wear makeup right after the treatment?
-
Yes, from immediately after treatment. You can also wash your face on the same day, but please do so gently as well. We recommend avoiding harsh cosmetics (such as those high in retinol or peeling products) for 2 to 3 days.
- How long does the effect last?
-
The effects of Profhilo Structura generally last about 6 to 12 months. However, the duration varies from person to person.
- Are there any side effects?
-
Profhilo Structura is a relatively safe treatment, but on rare occasions side effects such as infection or allergy may occur.
- Should I be worried about allergies?
-
Profhilo Structura is a formulation with a very low risk of allergy. However, those with a hyaluronic acid allergy cannot receive it.
- Will it form a lump after injection?
-
Because Profhilo Structura is a non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid with the property of spreading uniformly over a wide area, it is a formulation that is unlikely to form lumps.
For Profhilo Structura, choose Smart Skin Clinic
Profhilo Structura is an injectable treatment recommended for those concerned about sunken cheeks and sagging. By improving the environment of the fat layer, this non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid formulation can be expected to deliver natural volume enhancement.
Smart Skin Clinic is a cosmetic dermatology clinic that performs over 24,000 injection procedures annually. We offer formulations tailored to address a variety of concerns, including wrinkles, the eye area, and acne scars. Our streamlined operations allow us to offer a transparent pricing structure. We do not engage in aggressive same-day upselling.
Whether you are troubled by sunken cheeks or sagging, or simply unsure about which treatment or formulation to choose, please feel free to consult with us.
Reference
Physician Who Supervised This Page
Smart Skin Clinic, Chief Medical Director / Physician
Kota Ishii
We oversee treatment policies across the entire group, tailored to the skin condition of each individual patient. The content on this page has been reviewed and approved in line with our clinic's treatment policies.
Interview with Director Kota Ishii
Kota Ishii, our Chief Medical Director, shares our clinic's approach to patient care.
Clinic List
Jimbocho Clinic
〒101-0054
3-16-1 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, EX Kanda Nishiki-cho Building 8F (general reception) / 7F
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00–20:00 / Sat & Sun 10:00–19:00
Yokohama Clinic
〒221-0835
TS Plaza Building 2F, 2-23-2 Tsuruya-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Hours: 10:00–19:00
About the physician supervision of this site
This site is operated under the supervision of a Smart Skin Clinic supervising physician.
This page was produced in accordance with the Medical Advertising Guidelines Medical Advertising Guidelines revised and enforced in June 2018, under which we produce and provide this information.
- Scope of supervision: treatment descriptions, risks and side effects, price display
- Last supervision date: June 26, 2025