29 June 2026 · Reviewed by Dr. Tan Chin Loon
Profhilo vs Dermal Fillers:
Which Is Right for You?
Both are injectable treatments. Both use hyaluronic acid. But Profhilo and dermal fillers do very different things — and mixing them up is one of the most common misunderstandings we see at CANVAS.
The short answer
Profhilo is a skin-quality treatment. Fillers are a volume and structure treatment. They address different problems, and in many cases our physicians use both — just in different areas, for different reasons.
If you come to CANVAS wondering which you need, the answer almost always starts with: what is bothering you most?
What is Profhilo?
Profhilo is an injectable containing a very high concentration of pure hyaluronic acid — but it is not a filler. Instead of adding volume to a specific area, Profhilo spreads through the tissue, deeply hydrating the skin and stimulating collagen and elastin production.
The result, after two sessions spaced a month apart, is skin that looks rehydrated, smoother and more elastic. Patients often describe it as their skin looking rested and healthy — without looking done.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels — most commonly hyaluronic acid — used to restore or add volume to specific areas. At CANVAS, our physicians use fillers for purposes such as:
- Restoring volume loss in the cheeks or temples
- Softening the appearance of deep nasolabial folds
- Defining the jawline or chin
- Subtle lip enhancement
- Under-eye hollowness (tear trough)
The right filler for the right area matters enormously. We carry a wide range — from thin skinbooster-type products to denser structural fillers — because no single product suits every purpose or face.
Key differences at a glance
| Feature | Profhilo | Dermal Fillers |
|---|---|---|
| Primary goal | Skin quality & hydration | Volume & structure |
| HA concentration | Very high (64mg/2ml) | Varies by product |
| Spreads or stays? | Spreads throughout tissue | Stays where placed |
| Sessions needed | 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart | Usually 1 (review at 2 wks) |
| Longevity | 6–12 months | 6–24 months (product-dependent) |
| Visible change? | Subtle, quality-based | Yes — volume/shape change |
| Reversible? | Yes (hyaluronidase) | Yes (hyaluronidase, HA-based) |
Can you combine them?
Yes — and often the best outcomes come from combining both. A common approach at CANVAS is to use a structural filler in the cheeks or chin to restore lost volume, and Profhilo across the face to improve skin quality. You get the architecture of a well-rested face and the skin quality to match.
Your physician will assess your face holistically and recommend what genuinely makes sense — not what produces the highest invoice. Our philosophy is always less-is-more.
How to decide
You may be better suited to Profhilo if you:
- Feel your skin has lost its healthy, hydrated glow
- Notice early laxity or dullness but don't have significant volume loss
- Want a natural result with minimal visible change
- Are newer to injectables and looking for a gentle starting point
You may be better suited to fillers if you:
- Have noticeable volume loss in the cheeks, temples or under-eyes
- Want to define or balance facial contours
- Have deep folds or hollows that hydration alone won't address
- Are looking for a specific structural change in a particular area
The CANVAS approach
At CANVAS Medical Clinic in George Town, Penang, we carry one of the widest formularies of injectables in the region — including Profhilo, Profhilo Structura, and a comprehensive range of HA and biostimulatory fillers. Our physicians choose products based on your anatomy, your goals and your skin — not on brand loyalty or margins.
Every injectable treatment begins with an in-depth consultation. We'll explain exactly what we're recommending, why, and what you can realistically expect. No pressure, no upselling.
Ready to find out which is right for you?
Book a consultation at our Gurney Walk clinic and our physicians will assess your face and recommend the most appropriate treatment — or combination of treatments — for your goals.
Reserve a Consultation