Profhilo and LumiPro are the two skin boosters I offer. Both are aimed at hydration and skin quality, and neither will change the shape of your face. In practice, what separates them is how they are given, how many sessions they take and what the course costs. Which one suits your skin is decided at the consultation.
What they have in common
"Skin booster" is an umbrella term rather than a single product, and Profhilo and LumiPro both sit under it. Before getting into the differences, it helps to know how much they share.
- Both are injected into the skin and aimed at hydration and overall skin quality.
- Neither adds volume or changes your facial structure.
- Both are given as a short course, and the effect builds gradually over the weeks of that course rather than on the day.
- A session of either usually takes around 30 minutes, including preparation.
- Downtime is minimal: small raised bumps at the injection points for a few hours, occasionally a small bruise. Most people carry on as normal the same day.
- Both start with a face-to-face consultation. Profhilo can be done in the same appointment if it is right for you; for LumiPro there are at least 72 hours before the first session.
Where they differ
Profhilo
- A stabilised, high-concentration hyaluronic acid, formulated to spread under the skin after injection.
- Placed at a small number of set points on each side of the face.
- A course of two sessions, four weeks apart.
- Many people then have a single session once or twice a year, decided once we see how your skin responds.
- £250 a session, or £450 for the course of two.
LumiPro
- A different formulation, placed in small amounts across the treatment area with a fine needle.
- More injection points than Profhilo, each with a smaller amount.
- Commonly a course of three sessions.
- Any maintenance is agreed once we see how your skin has responded.
- £100 a session, or £270 for the course of three.
Prices are a guide and confirmed at your consultation.
Four questions to think about first
1. How many appointments can you commit to?
Profhilo is two sessions, four weeks apart. LumiPro is commonly three. If your diary is tight, two visits may simply be easier. Whichever you choose, plan to finish the course before you judge it.
2. How do you feel about injections?
Profhilo uses a small number of set points rather than many, and most people find that easier than they expect. LumiPro involves more, smaller injections across the area. Numbing cream is available for both, so this is about preference rather than a reason to rule either out.
3. What is your budget for the whole course?
Compare courses, not single sessions. A full Profhilo course is £450 and a full LumiPro course is £270. Then allow for any maintenance afterwards, which we agree once we see how your skin has responded.
4. Do you have any allergies?
Tell me about every allergy you know of, including any allergy to fish. Allergies can affect which products are suitable for you, and we go through them properly at the consultation.
When neither is the answer
Part of choosing well is knowing when to choose something else.
- If the concern is volume or shadowing. Skin boosters are aimed at the quality of the skin, not its shape. If you have lost structure, dermal filler for cheeks, chin and jaw may be the more honest answer, and I will tell you if so.
- If the concern is under your eyes. Polynucleotides are often the better option there. I explain why in what polynucleotides are and how under-eye treatment works.
- If you need a result next week. Both courses build over weeks. Neither is an event-week treatment.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have an active skin infection or inflammation in the area. We would wait.
Why I will not choose for you online
"Which skin booster is best?" is a fair question, and the honest answer is that there is no single best one. They suit different skin and different concerns. Anyone recommending one before seeing your skin is guessing.
At the consultation I look at your skin properly, take a full medical history including allergies, and listen to what you would like to change. Then I tell you which booster I think fits and why, or that neither does. Nothing is booked on the spot (Profhilo is the one exception, and only if you are ready).
For aftercare and more detail on each, see my pages on Profhilo treatment in Birmingham and skin boosters in Birmingham, including LumiPro.
Have a question, or ready to book?
Every treatment begins with a face-to-face consultation. Prices are a guide and confirmed at that appointment.