Profhilo for Acne Scars: Does It Really Work?

Introduction

Acne scarring affects up to 95 % of people who have experienced moderate-to-severe break-outs, leaving lasting depressions, pitted textures, and hyper-pigmented marks that can erode confidence long after active pimples disappear.¹ Traditional remedies—chemical peels, micro-needling, laser resurfacing, even conventional dermal fillers—each improve texture but also come with downsides such as prolonged downtime, risk of post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (PIH) in darker Asian skin types, or an over-filled, uneven look. Enter Profhilo®, a next-generation injectable containing the highest concentration of hybrid cooperative complexes (HCC) of hyaluronic acid (HA) ever formulated. Unlike volumising fillers that simply “prop-up” tissue, Profhilo bio-remodels skin, stimulating collagen, elastin, and even adipocyte (fat cell) progenitors for a smoother, firmer, more hydrated canvas. But can it really lift rolling scars, soften box-cars, and smooth post-inflammatory textural changes? This in-depth, 2,000-plus-word guide breaks down the science, clinical evidence, patient journey, costs in Malaysia, and realistic expectations so you can decide with clarity.

Understanding Acne Scars

Types of Depressed Scars (Atrophic)

1. Ice-pick scars – narrow, V-shaped tracts extending deep into the dermis, often resistant to superficial resurfacing.

2. Box-car scars – broad U-shaped depressions with sharply defined edges.

3. Rolling scars – wide, shallow undulations caused by fibrotic tethering bands.

Hypertrophic and keloid scars exist too, but atrophic pitting is far more common after inflammatory acne.

Why Scar Tissue Is Hard to Treat

Scar collagen is disorganised and devoid of normal elastin. Sebaceous gland destruction and dermal fat atrophy collapse the overlying epidermis, producing shadows and uneven reflection of light. Hydration levels plunge while inflammatory mediators linger, delaying natural remodelling.

Psychosocial Impact in Malaysia

Local studies show that visible scarring correlates with a 38 % higher risk of social withdrawal and a 31 % reduction in perceived employability among young adults in Kuala Lumpur.² With the selfie culture and HD video calls, demand for safe yet effective scar treatments has never been higher.

Conventional Treatment Landscape

Patients, especially those with busy work schedules, increasingly look for hybrid approaches delivering meaningful texture smoothing with less social downtime—precisely where Profhilo aims to slot in.

Meet Profhilo: A Bio-Remodelling Game-Changer

Composition & Mechanism

Profhilo contains 64 mg of pure HA in 2 ml, but—crucially—half is low-molecular-weight (~80 kDa) and half is high-molecular-weight (1,100 kDa). Through thermal bonding (no chemical cross-linkers), these molecules form Hybrid Cooperative Complexes (HCC) that:

• Diffuse widely to hydrate and “plump” from within (LMW-HA).

• Act as a 3-D scaffold that fibroblasts climb on to produce new collagen, elastin, and extracellular matrix (HMW-HA).

Laboratory work shows fibroblast activity rises up to +12-fold in the presence of HCC compared with un-blended HA. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Why It Differs from Standard Fillers

• Not volumising—it flows like runny honey, avoiding “over-filled” cheeks.

• Bio-active—triggers biostimulation rather than acting as inert space-occupier.

• Long-lasting hydration—water-binding persists for 6–9 months once new collagen network matures.

Injection Technique for Scars

While the classic facial protocol uses BAP (Bio-Aesthetic Points), acne-scar therapy often employs:

1. Micro-bolus deposit beneath rolling or box-car scars after subcision.

2. Fanning technique to spread HCC across atrophic fields (temples, cheeks).

A split-face randomised trial showed that adding Profhilo immediately after subcision produced twice the scar-depth reduction versus subcision alone at 12 weeks. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Scientific Evidence – What the Data Say

Split-Face Randomised Controlled Trial (2024)

• Design: 20 participants; right cheek received subcision + Profhilo; left cheek subcision only.

• Outcome: Mean Goodman & Baron scar score fell 48 % vs 24 % in control (p < 0.01).

• Patient Satisfaction: 95 % rated “very satisfied” vs 60 % on control side. (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)

Mesogel Synergy Study

Combining Profhilo mesogel with blunt-tip cannula delivery led to “significant improvement in texture, reduction of the shadowing effect, and restoration of tissue elasticity,” according to a 2025 Dermatologic Surgery publication. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

High-Concentration HCC for Scar Remodeling

An Italian 2025 dual-plane study reported one-grade improvement on the Quantitative Global Scarring Grading System at 4 months with just two Profhilo sessions. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Ongoing Phase IV Trial (STRUCTURA®)

A multicentre study is investigating deep injection of Profhilo Structura for ice-pick and box-car scars; interim data signal statistically significant collagen re-alignment on serial ultrasound elastography. (cdn.clinicaltrials.gov)

Bottom line: Early evidence is promising, with most trials showing 25–50 % scar-depth reduction after two sessions—on par with fractional lasers but with < 48 h downtime.

Benefits of Profhilo for Acne Scars

1. 3-in-1 Action: Hydrates, fills micro-depressions, and stimulates collagen / elastin.

2. Even Spread: Low viscosity lets HCC flow under scarred fields, smoothing large cheek planes.

3. Minimised PIH Risk: No thermal injury, thus safer for darker Asian skin tones common in Malaysia.

4. Rapid Recovery: “Mosquito bites” flatten within 24 h; patients can return to work the next day.

5. Synergy Friendly: Plays well with subcision, micro-needling, low-energy lasers, and PRP—ideal for staged protocols. (glojasaesthetic.com)

Treatment Protocol & Patient Journey

Consultation & Assessment

• High-resolution photography and 3-D imaging baseline.

• Scar type mapping: rolling, box-car, ice-pick.

• Discussion of expectations; combination planning.

Procedure Day (Session 1)

Total chair time ≈ 45 minutes.

Downtime & Aftercare

• Pin-point swelling resolves < 24 h.

• Avoid exercise, heat, and make-up on day 1.

• SPF 50 +, gentle cleanser, no exfoliants for 48 h.

Session 2 (Week 4)

Repeat Profhilo to reinforce hydration and collagen cascade. Severe scarring may benefit from a third dose at Week 8.

Expected Results & Longevity

• Instant – subtle plumping of shallow rolling scars as water binds.

• Weeks 4–8 – visible softening of box-car edges, smoother light reflection.

• Months 3–6 – peak collagen remodelling; patient satisfaction > 90 %.

• Longevity – improvements persist 6–12 months; maintenance yearly. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Safety Profile, Contraindications & Side Effects

Profhilo is CE-marked, BDDE-free, and contains only ultrapure HA with an allergy incidence < 0.1 %. Adverse events in published studies are mild and transient:

• Erythema / oedema (< 24 h)

• Pin-prick bruising (< 7 days)

• Rare: superficial nodule if injected too superficially—massages out easily.

Contraindications: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, active skin infection, keloid-prone hypertrophic scars, and severe autoimmune conditions.

Profhilo vs Alternative Scar Therapies

Candidate Checklist – Are You Suitable?

• Age: 18–55 years with stable hormonal acne.

• Scar Types: Predominantly rolling or shallow box-car scars.

• Skin Tone: Works on all Fitzpatrick types; ideal for III–V common in Malaysia.

• Lifestyle Needs: Require minimal downtime; cannot afford week-long recovery.

• Expectations: Understands that deep ice-pick scars may need complimentary TCA CROSS or punch excision for best results.

Cost & Value in Malaysia (2025)

Reputable clinics such as Millennium clinic in Kuala Lumpur position Profhilo as a mid-tier option—costlier than microneedling but cheaper than multiple fractional laser passes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Profhilo fully erase deep ice-pick scars? No; pairing with TCA CROSS or punch excision is advised.

2. Is it safe on active acne? Treat active lesions first; injections can spread Propionibacterium acnes bacteria.

3. When will I see results? Hydration glow in 72 h; structural scar changes by Week 4–8.

4. How many syringes do I need? Usually 2 ml per session for both cheeks; extensive scarring may use 3 ml.

5. Will I look puffy? No—Profhilo diffuses unlike fillers, delivering a natural texture, not volume.

6. Can I combine with lasers on the same day? Wait at least 2 weeks between modalities.

7. Does it hurt? Discomfort is minimal; most clinics provide topical anaesthetic.

8. Any long-term risks? None reported; HA is biodegradable and identical to endogenous HA.

9. What if I skip my second session? You’ll enjoy hydration but 50 % less collagen stimulation.

10. Is it suitable for men? Yes—clinical papers note equally high satisfaction among male patients. (byrdie.com)

Conclusion

Profhilo’s hybrid HA technology offers a compelling bridge between hydration boosters and structure-adding fillers, making it particularly valuable for rolling and shallow box-car acne scars that span wide facial areas. Early clinical evidence—including split-face trials and high-concentration HCC studies—demonstrates scar-depth reductions on par with laser resurfacing but with dramatically less downtime and a far lower risk of PIH in darker skin tones.

For Malaysians seeking smoother skin without week-long recovery or the fear of an “over-filled” look, Profhilo represents a science-backed, minimally invasive pathway toward renewed confidence. Two precisely scheduled sessions could transform the look and feel of your scarred cheeks—hydrating, firming, and remodel­ling from the inside out—so you can face the world with a clear, even canvas. Consult a board-certified aesthetic physician or dermatologist trained in scar management to craft your personalised protocol—because when it comes to acne scarring, bio-remodelling may be the missing piece of the puzzle.