Profhilo Structura is the form of the Profhilo family aimed at the subcutaneous fat. Classic Profhilo targets the skin (dermis); Structura is placed one layer deeper, into the superficial fat pads that shrink and slide with age. Its purpose is to support the structure of these pads; it does not add volume like a filler and does not reshape the face. I work with products in this class that have traceability and a certificate of analysis.
The general frame of mesotherapy is on the mesotherapy page; the classic form is on the Profhilo page.
What is Structura, and how does it differ from classic Profhilo?
Both are hybrid complexes of high- and low-molecular-weight HA made with the same technology; according to the manufacturer, no chemical cross-linking is used. The difference is concentration and target layer:
- Profhilo: into the dermis at BAP points; hydration and elasticity.
- Profhilo Structura: into the subcutaneous fat compartment, usually with a cannula; structural support of the fat tissue.
With ageing, the superficial fat pads shrink and shift; the cheek flattens and the face looks “deflated”. Placed in this compartment, Structura aims to preserve the support network around the fat cells and maintain tissue integrity. A study in a mouse model reported a change in fat cell size and an increase in the volume of the fat compartment 3; a pilot clinical study of 50 participants reported improvement in volume-loss and wrinkle scores in the lateral cheek fat compartment 1. All three publications cited on this page are manufacturer-linked; independent long-term data are still limited.
What does “lipolifting” mean?
It is the manufacturer’s term for this effect 2. It does not mean mechanically lifting the fat; it means a sense of tightening of the facial oval as the structural support of the compartment improves. The right expectation is “support”, not volume. In marked volume loss I do not present Structura as a volume solution; for that patient we discuss filler, because the support Structura gives does not replace the volume a filler gives.
Who is it for?
- Early flattening and a “deflated” look in the cheek
- Mild laxity of the facial oval
- People who do not want volume and want their facial shape unchanged
- Patients for whom classic Profhilo is enough at the skin surface but who need support in the deeper layer
Profhilo or Profhilo Structura?
The decision depends on the layer of the problem: if dryness and thinning at the skin surface dominate, Profhilo comes forward; if deflation and laxity in the subcutaneous fat dominate, Profhilo Structura comes forward. The final choice is made at the consultation.
The two can be used sequentially in the same patient, deeper layer first and dermis second. I plan this not for everyone, but for the patient in whom I see a need in both layers.
If the need for firmness and tissue support goes beyond the fat compartment, we consider the collagen-stimulating class rather than HA: liquid facelift and biostimulators.
Session plan and expected course
- 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart. This is also the scheme used in the pilot clinical study 1.
- The effect develops over 4–8 weeks. In the pilot study, improvement was seen after the first session and was still present three months after the last session 1.
- Duration is roughly 6–9 months; maintenance is a single session.
Procedure: why a cannula?
Classic Profhilo is placed with a needle at 5 points; Structura is usually spread into the fat compartment with a blunt-tip cannula. The cannula gives homogeneous distribution in the right layer and, with a single entry point, lowers the chance of bruising. In the pilot study the product was also applied with a cannula through a single entry point 1. The procedure takes 15–20 minutes.
Topical anaesthetic cream is standard. Because I am an anaesthesiologist, I treat pain management as a separate part of the procedure. Deep-layer placement with a cannula gives a mild sensation of pressure and fullness and is well tolerated.
Aftercare
First 24 hours
- No make-up on the treated area
- No hot showers, sauna, hammam or steam
- Avoid heavy exercise
- No alcohol
- Do not sleep face-down (facial treatments)
- Do not touch the injection points; do not squeeze or massage the bumps
First 48 hours
- Avoid direct and prolonged sun exposure
- No facial massage, skincare treatments or energy-based device treatments
Expected findings Small bumps (papules) at the injection points lasting 12–24 hours are expected and show that the product has settled in the skin. Mild swelling, tenderness or bruising lasting a few days may occur. Around the eyes, bruising is slightly more likely than on the rest of the face.
Safety and anatomy
Structura contains non-cross-linked HA and can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if ever needed. With the cannula technique a small bump at the entry point and, rarely, bruising can occur. Distance from vascular structures in the deep layer is the main reason for choosing a cannula.
Because allergic reactions can occur rarely, treatments are carried out under medical supervision.
Product and regulatory status: Profhilo Structura has been assessed under CE and TİTCK frameworks for its relevant indications; in Europe it is certified for adipose tissue support 3. Approval belongs to the product and to a specific indication, not to a technique or to a physician.
Who is not suitable
Treatment is not performed, or is postponed, in the following situations:
- Active infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- Autoimmune disease in an active phase
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to the product components
- Uncontrolled chronic illness
- Untreated bleeding disorder or unregulated anticoagulant use
Without being a medical contraindication, I also consider expectation and treatment to be mismatched in these situations:
- People with marked volume loss — Structura does not add volume, and filler is assessed
- People with advanced tissue laxity who require surgical assessment
- People expecting a clear change in facial contour
Suitability is determined by consultation in every case.
Pricing
Under the applicable regulations, price information cannot be published on our website. The cost of a treatment depends on the product used, the technique chosen and the extent of the treatment. You can call the clinic for detailed information.
Frequently asked questions
What does lipolifting mean?
It is the manufacturer’s term. It does not mean mechanically lifting the fat; it means a sense of tightening of the facial oval as the structural support of the subcutaneous fat compartment improves. The right expectation is support, not volume.
Will Profhilo Structura make my face look wider?
No. Structura does not add volume; it provides structural support in the compartment where it is placed. It does not change the facial shape and does not push the cheek outward.
Is Profhilo Structura applied with a cannula or a needle?
Structura is usually applied with a blunt-tip cannula. The cannula distributes the product evenly in the fat compartment, uses a single entry point and keeps distance from vascular structures. Classic Profhilo is placed with a needle at 5 points; the two products target different layers, so their techniques differ.
Planning your visit
My clinic is in Nişantaşı, Şişli, on the European side of Istanbul, approximately 45 minutes from Istanbul Airport.
For a Profhilo Structura treatment I suggest planning a stay of two to three days: arrival, consultation and treatment, and departure. Because this treatment is planned as two sessions four weeks apart, it requires more than one visit. The first session takes place in Istanbul, and we plan the schedule of the following sessions together according to your travel arrangements, with remote follow-up in between. Flying is generally appropriate 24 hours after an injectable treatment.
Consultations are conducted in English. Follow-up after you return home is arranged remotely, and I remain reachable for any questions during the period in which the result develops.
Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin — Specialist in Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Diploma Registration No: 113606
Published: 22 February 2026 · Last updated: 2026-09-21 This content has been medically reviewed by Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin.
References
- 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. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38260185/ — Some of the authors are employees of the manufacturer; the work is manufacturer-linked.
- Forte R, Salti G, Tateo A. Profhilo Structura, Current Status and Future Perspectives: A Practical Review. Plast Aesthet Nurs. 2024;44(3):213–219. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39028477/ — Report of an advisory board convened by the manufacturer; the work is manufacturer-linked.
- Polvere I, Scrima M, Vito N, et al. Remodeling Effect of HA Hybrid Cooperative Complexes on Dermal White Adipose Tissue and Its Structure. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2026;19:617588. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42518882/ — All authors are employees of the manufacturer; the work is manufacturer-linked. Animal (mouse) study.