All about: Profhilo Structura, now at Clinic42

A few years I was lucky enough to visit the forever inspiring Dr. Ellen Selkon at Clinic 42 to try a brand new injectable beauty option known as Profhilo. From Italy, the Profhilo treatment provides an innovative and exciting new approach to anti-ageing known as “biomodelling”. This refers to the remodelling of the extracellular matrix in terms of elasticity and support, and clinical data confirms resulting improvements in skin texture, elasticity and hydration with an immediate tightening effect.
Beyond plumping cheeks and filling in lines, cosmetic injectable treatments have now evolved to achieve skin structural changes by stimulating the natural tissue and influencing fibroblast activity. Profhilo is at the forefront of this next-gen offering and its popularity has gone global with very good reason – and I was immediately a raving fan.
Often called the ‘Profhilo Glow’ or the ‘Profhilo Filter’ by fans of the treatment, stellar results have been seen in patients of all ages. Amazing when combined with Botox or dermal fillers but an incredible treatment all on its own, it’s no surprise that Profhilo is now the injectable on everyone’s lips.

Clinic42's Dr. Ellen Selkon at the New Zealand launch of Profhilo Structura

Hello, Profhilo Structura
Since then, Ellen and the team at Clinic42 have added Profhilo Body to their offering – an absolute gamechanger for my decolletage, DM me anytime for details – and Profhilo Structura, a truly groundbreaking addition to the non-invasive cosmetic medicine landscape. Following a recent debut at the NZSCM Conference in Queenstown and premiere event in Auckland, New Zealand has now officially become the fourth country globally to offer this revolutionary fat regenerative treatment, which caught my attention immediately.
Dr. Ellen was the first practitioner in the country to inject this cutting-edge product, saying: “Structura is a game-changer in non-invasive cosmetic treatments. It is incredibly unique and the only product on the market that reverses the ageing of the fat cells in the face”.
Essentially, Profhilo Structura is a fat regenerative solution that restores and strengthens old fat cells, leading to a natural lift and rejuvenation of the midface. For those like me that appreciate a ‘you but better’ approach when it comes to cosmetic medicine, it offers patients the opportunity “not to radically change their appearance; but to improve their look, correcting small defects and have a fresher overall appearance”. And while it’s not a replacement for fillers, “it can significantly reduce the need for them, offering a more natural enhancement without the risk of ‘widening’ the face,” adds Ellen.
I was fascinated to learn that Profhilo Structura is designed to address two key types of age-related facial changes: charmingly dubbed ‘Sinkers’ and ‘Saggers’. Sinkers are characterised by a sunken or hollowed appearance due to thinning skin and fat tissue, while Saggers are those who experience facial laxity and heaviness (I’m in the latter camp). Both can benefit from Structura, as a targeted approach ensures that each patient receives customised care to enhance their unique facial characteristics.
As aforementioned, unlike traditional fillers, Structura does not simply add volume; it rejuvenates and regenerates your own ageing fat cells to restore natural contours and midface volume without the risk of over-volumisation – which I love. The superficial fat cells are responsible for a lot of contour changes we see on the face as we age, and by reversing this process you create lift and a rejuvenated look – without the overinflated cheeks seen all too often in the pages of tabloid magazines. “It works on a cellular level enhancing collagen, elastin and restored fat cells to enhance the superficial fat layer in the face,” says Ellen, and the effects although subtle, are quite remarkable over time.
It also works synergistically with Profhilo, providing both lift and rejuvenation while enhancing the glow and vitality of the skin, and follows the same treatment protocol as Profhilo: two initial sessions with a 30-day interval, followed by maintenance treatments every 4-6 months. Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes and is priced at $900 per treatment, which is a significant investment for sure.

What does it feel like?
I have to say, I found both appointments surprisingly painless, but also a little disconcerting at times as Structura requires a cannula to be used when injecting the product. This can feel a little weird at first, especially if you’ve never experienced a cannula injection procedure before. It’s worth it though, as it definitely lowers the pain level and makes things nice and quick.

And the end result?
Like the original Profhilo, key to the Profhilo Structura treatment is the waiting game, as it doesn’t deliver the kind of instant gratification that comes with most injectables. After my second date with Ellen I definitely saw change, subtle but very much in line with my preferred approach to tweakments – natural and soft, but my features were perceptibly lifted and refreshed.
I am such a huge fan of Profhilo and Profhilo Body, and can definitely see this new kid on the block sitting beautifully alongside them for those looking for a natural lift and greatly improved skin texture overall. More dramatic types can most definitely also add this to their usual fillers as well, for a holistic approach for real change.

Does Profhilo Structura sound like a bit of you? Treatments can be booked online at clinic42.co.nz or via the Clinic42 reception on (09 638 4242) - and come highly recommended.