Profhilo Lumps: Why They Happen and How to Treat Them

Key Takeaways

• Small, temporary Profhilo lumps after injections are common and usually resolve within 24–72 hours.
• Proper injection technique and aftercare can minimize the occurrence of Profhilo lumps.
• Persistent, painful, or hard lumps may indicate complications and require medical evaluation.
• Gentle massage or hyaluronidase may be used under professional guidance to address persistent lumps.
• Choosing an experienced practitioner and following aftercare instructions are crucial for optimal results.

Understanding Profhilo Lumps

Profhilo is a hyaluronic acid-based injectable treatment designed to improve skin hydration and stimulate collagen production.  Instead of adding volume to specific facial areas, it delivers a high concentration of pure hyaluronic acid (64mg per 2ml) into the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production across a wider area. This unique formulation requires a specialized injection approach known as the Bio Aesthetic Points (BAP) technique.

After treatment, some patients may notice small lumps or bumps at the injection sites. These are typically due to the high concentration of hyaluronic acid deposited in specific areas and are a normal part of the treatment process. Since this is not a traditional dermal filler, medical professionals who want to know where to buy Profhilo can refer to Best Buy Fillers online shop for a genuine and high-quality product. 

Why Do Profhilo Lumps Occur?

Profhilo is administered using the Bio Aesthetic Points (BAP) technique, involving five injection points on each side of the face. Each injection delivers a bolus of 0.2 mL of product, which then diffuses into the surrounding tissue. However, because these injections deliver a relatively large volume of product into small, concentrated areas, visible or palpable lumps, also referred to as “injection bumps” or “Profhilo nodules, may appear immediately afterward.

Lumps after Profhilo injections are most often a temporary and expected part of the treatment process; but understanding why they occur can help reassure both practitioners and patients.

Several factors contribute to the formation of these lumps:

• Product Characteristics: Profhilo doesn’t immediately spread out upon injection, causing a temporary lump until it disperses.
• Skin Thickness and Hydration Levels: Areas with thinner or drier skin, like the neck, décolletage, or off-label sites such as under the eyes, tend to show these bumps more prominently and for longer durations. In dehydrated or mature skin, absorption and integration into the tissue can also be slower.
• Injection Technique: Incorrect depth or angle during injection can increase the likelihood of lump formation.
• Patient Movement or Touching Post-Treatment: If patients touch, press, or massage the treated area too soon after the injections, the product may migrate or clump.

Understanding these contributing factors helps set realistic expectations, especially for first-time patients. Most importantly, these initial bumps are typically harmless and part of the product’s natural behavior.

Normal vs. Concerning Lumps

While Profhilo lumps are common and usually self-limiting, it’s important to differentiate between what’s normal and what could be a sign of a complication.

Normal Post-Injection Lumps

After treatment, many patients notice small, soft bumps under the skin at the injection sites. These are usually:

• Painless and not tender to touch
• Symmetrical and located precisely at the known BAP points
• Not inflamed, with no accompanying redness, swelling, or warmth
• Transient, resolving within 24 to 72 hours as the product disperses naturally

These are considered a normal response to Profhilo injections and require no treatment. Some patients may not even notice these bumps, especially when administered in areas with thicker skin.

Concerning Profhilo Lumps or Nodules

In rare cases, bumps may persist longer than expected or display abnormal characteristics. These may indicate technical errors or adverse reactions such as:

• Granulomas: These are firm, non-painful nodules caused by a delayed immune response to the injected material.
• Biofilm Infections: Sometimes, bacteria introduced during injection can become trapped within the filler material and form a biofilm. This can lead to low-grade, chronic infections that present as firm, painful nodules that don’t resolve with time.
• Incorrect Placement: Lumps caused by injections that were too superficial or too deep may not integrate properly into the skin and can persist beyond the normal timeframe.
• Infection or Inflammation: If the lump is accompanied by pain, redness, warmth, or swelling, it could indicate cellulitis or another form of infection, which requires urgent medical attention.

Practitioners should monitor any lump that lasts longer than 7–10 days or changes in size, color, or texture. Early detection and intervention are crucial to avoid long-term complications. Interested in learning more about the side effects of Profhilo? Read our Profhilo Gone Wrong article to learn what to look for and how to avoid it.  

Treating Profhilo-Related Lumps

For Normal Lumps:

• Observation: Most lumps resolve without intervention.
• Avoid Touching: Do not massage or rub the area unless advised by your practitioner.

For Persistent Lumps:

• Gentle Massage: If recommended by your practitioner, gentle massage may help disperse the product.
• Hyaluronidase: In rare cases, an enzyme called hyaluronidase may be used to dissolve the hyaluronic acid.
• Medical Evaluation: Seek professional advice if lumps persist beyond 7–10 days or worsen.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact your practitioner if you experience:

• Lumps lasting longer than two weeks
• Increasing pain, redness, or swelling
• Signs of infection, such as warmth or pus
• Skin discoloration or changes in texture

Prompt evaluation can prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

Preventing Profhilo Lumps in Future Treatments

For Practitioners:

• Adhere to the BAP technique and proper injection depth.
• Avoid injecting too superficially or deeply.
• Educate patients on expected post-treatment effects.

For Patients:

• Choose experienced, medically trained injectors.
• Follow pre- and post-treatment advice, such as avoiding alcohol, heat, and strenuous activity immediately after.
• Understand that full results take 4–8 weeks, with visible improvements over time.

If you need more detailed aftercare instructions, refer to our Profhilo aftercare guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Profhilo leave lumps?

Small, temporary lumps at injection sites are common and typically resolve within 24–72 hours.

Who should not have Profhilo?

Individuals with allergies to hyaluronic acid, active skin infections, or certain medical conditions should avoid Profhilo. Consult a qualified practitioner for personalized advice.

What to avoid after Profhilo?

Avoid touching or massaging the treated area, strenuous exercise, alcohol, and extreme temperatures for at least 24 hours post-treatment.

Can Profhilo be injected incorrectly?

Yes, improper injection technique can lead to complications, including persistent lumps. Always choose an experienced practitioner.

Is Profhilo really worth it?

Many patients experience improved skin hydration and texture with minimal downtime, making Profhilo a worthwhile treatment when administered correctly.

Sources

1. Cassuto D, Delledonne M, Zaccaria G, Illiano I, Giori AM, Bellia G. Safety Assessment of High- and Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronans (Profhilo®) as Derived from Worldwide Postmarketing Data. Biomed Res Int. 2020;2020:8159047. Published 2020 Jun 20. doi:10.1155/2020/8159047 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7327616/

2. Sparavigna A, Grimolizzi F, Cigni C, Lualdi R, Bellia G. Efficacy and tolerability of Profhilo® Structura intended to restore lateral cheek fat compartment: An observational pilot study. Health Sci Rep. 2024;7(1):e1743. Published 2024 Jan 21. doi:10.1002/hsr2.1743 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10801275/

3. Cassuto D, Cigni C, Bellia G, Schiraldi C. Restoring Adipose Tissue Homeostasis in Response to Aging: Initial Clinical Experience with Profhilo Structura^®. Gels. 2023;9(8):614. Published 2023 Jul 28. doi:10.3390/gels9080614 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37623069/