Recovery & Aftercare Guide

Skin boosters (Profhilo)

Injectable hydrating treatment given as a short course, usually two sessions four weeks apart.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

Skin boosters are injectable hyaluronic acid treatments that hydrate and improve skin quality rather than adding volume or changing contour.

They are used for skin laxity, dryness and overall quality, commonly on the face and neck.

The standard course is two sessions four weeks apart. Effect develops over 4 to 8 weeks and typically lasts around 6 months.

Before your procedure

Attend a consultation first.
Tell the team about all medicines, particularly anticoagulants and antiplatelets.
Tell the team if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. Treatment is not offered.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand.
Come without make-up on the treatment area where possible.
Do not book within 2 weeks of an important event.

What happens on the day

The skin is assessed and injection points marked, typically five on each side of the face.
The area is cleaned and a small volume is injected at each point.
Small raised blebs form at each injection point. These are expected.
The treatment is short and you can leave immediately.

Aftercare

Blebs

Small raised bumps at each injection point are expected and usually settle within 4 to 24 hours.

Touching the area

Do not massage or press the blebs. They are meant to disperse on their own.

Make-up

Avoid make-up for 24 hours.

Exercise

Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

Heat

Avoid saunas, steam rooms and sunbeds for 48 hours.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours to reduce bruising.

Bruising

Small bruises at injection points are common and fade within a week.

Course

The second session is normally four weeks after the first. Completing the course matters for the result.

Onset

Improvement develops over 4 to 8 weeks rather than immediately.

Typical recovery timeline

Timings are typical and vary between individuals.
When	What to expect
First 24 hours	Blebs settle. Avoid make-up, exercise and alcohol.
Days 2 to 7	Any bruising fades. Skin feels normal.
Week 4	Second session of the course.
Weeks 4 to 8	Improvement in skin quality becomes apparent.
Around 6 months	Effect gradually reduces. Repeat course considered.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Emergency Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department

Severe or increasing pain out of proportion to what you were told to expect
Skin that turns white, grey or dusky near an injection point
Severe swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

Blebs that have not settled after 48 hours
Spreading redness, heat or pus at an injection point
Lumps that persist beyond 2 weeks

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from filler?

Skin boosters improve hydration and skin quality. They do not add volume or change facial contour.

How long do the bumps last?

Usually 4 to 24 hours. They are an expected part of the treatment.

Do I need both sessions?

The course is designed as two sessions four weeks apart. Completing it is important for the result.

When will I see a difference?

Over 4 to 8 weeks rather than immediately.

More information

Clinical reviewer: Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date: 21 July 2026
Review by: 21 July 2027
Version: 1.0