Most visible signs of facial ageing don’t start on the surface. They begin beneath it – particularly within the ECM (extracellular matrix), the structural network responsible for shape, support, cell communication, and tissue stability.

What Is the ECM?

The ECM is a 3D internal support system composed of:

• Collagen – structure and firmness
• Elastin – elasticity, spring, and recoil
• Hyaluronic acid – hydration
• Structural fibres – connecting and holding soft tissue

Put simply, the ECM is the scaffolding and suspension system that keeps the face in its natural shape.

How Ageing Affects the ECM

With time, hormonal changes, oxidative stress, and repeated facial movement can lead to:

• Collagen loss – reduced firmness and stability
• Elastin fragmentation – decreased ability to “bounce back”
• Hyaluronic acid depletion – reduced hydration and tissue firmness
• Weakening of supporting fibres – fat pads begin to drift or flatten

These internal changes lead to structural descent even before surface lines appear.

How Facial Fat Pads Change

The face contains multiple fat compartments, each held in place by fibrous supports.
As these supports weaken with age, fat pads shift downward, creating shadows, hollows, and a general loss of youthful contour.

Profhilo Structura: What It Is (and Is Not)

Introducing Profhilo Structura – a bio-remodelling treatment that restores internal support within the ECM and the facial fat pads.

It is:

• Not a filler
• Not designed to add volume
• Not intended to change facial shape

Profhilo Structura is specifically engineered to reinforce and strengthen internal tissue structure.

How Profhilo Structura Works

Profhilo Structura uses Hybrid Cooperative Complex Hyaluronic Acid (HCC-HA), which:

• Integrates into the superficial subcutaneous plane
• Spreads evenly rather than forming localized volume
• Signals fibroblasts to boost collagen and elastin production
• Improves hydration balance within the ECM
• Restores mechanical tension so tissues sit more naturally

Analogy:
Cells = buildings
ECM = scaffolding and support structures
Structura = the engineering team repairing the scaffolding

Possible Results & Effects

Improvements may include:

• A soft mid-face lift effect
• Reduced under-eye shadowing
• Less early heaviness around the mouth
• Tissue that feels stronger and more supported

What does not happen:

• No puffiness
• No overfilling
• No change to natural identity

Because the approach is bio-regenerative, results develop gradually over 6–12 weeks as the tissue remodels.

Ideal Candidates

Most suitable for those noticing:

• Early mid-face descent or flattening
• A “tired” look not related to actual fatigue
• Makeup not sitting as it used to
• Subtle loss of facial support, tone, or definition

Treatment Schedule

• 1–2 sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart
• Maintenance every 6–9 months, depending on tissue response

Risks & Considerations

Common: mild swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising
Uncommon: prolonged puffiness, temporary uneven hydration
Rare: infection, nodule formation, hypersensitivity, vascular compromise

Profhilo Structura helps restore the internal framework beneath the skin so tissues can sit where they are meant to. The goal is a natural, subtle enhancement – not added volume or altered features.

You could say it delivers restored integrity, not a change in identity.

Profhilo®, containing low & high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, is a Class III medical device for the treatment of the face and body for contours redefinition and laxity remodelling where skin laxity is a problem. Profhilo® has risks and benefits. Do not use with treatments such a laser resurfacing or medium deep skin-peeling. Caution in people on blood thinning medicines. Do not inject into inflamed areas or intravenously or intramuscularly. Possible side effects: pain and swelling at injection site. Please refer to instructions for use, local distributor. Healthcare Logistics, Auckland.