Cellular Matrix® VS Profhilo®?

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide, which is widely distributed in the connective tissue extracellular matrix. Several hyaluronic acid preparations have become widely available for subcutaneous/intradermal, intraarticular, topical, and ocular use.

When is it indicated?

Hyaluronic acid gel fillers are injected to restore volume lost due to age or disease, provide facial contour, and help maintain a youthful appearance.

FDA indicates it dermatological use for:

• Volume deficit correction for dorsal hands in patients over the age of 21.
• Correction of age-related volume loss and for cheek augmentation in mid-face in patients over the age of 21.

What are the two basic types of HA?

High-density, large-particle fillers are recommended for deep dermal injections.

Low-density, small-particle fillers are recommended for fine lines.

It can also be classified on the basis of derivative:

Animal-derived: Comes from a rooster comb and might cause an allergic reaction.

Non-animal derived: Its production occurs through bio-fermentation of Streptococcus (bacteria) and does not cause an allergic reaction.

The hyaluronic acid filler can further be classified based on how it is processed:

Particulate manufactured: The particulate size determines the longevity of particulate manufactured hyaluronic acid filler.

Non-particulate manufactured: Cross-linking density determines the longevity of non-particulate manufactured hyaluronic acid filler.

What is the mechanism of action of Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid, a chief component of the extracellular matrix, is found throughout various human tissues such as the skin, eyes, connective tissue, and synovium. Due to hyaluronic acid’s highly anionic proprieties, it can attract water to swell and create volume and provide structural support. Aging leads to decreased production of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the skin. Once the skin has lost its viscoelastic properties, overlying wrinkles begin to form. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers work to counteract aging by replacing lost volume. In addition to this, hyaluronic acid fillers have also been shown to increase collagen production and affect fibroblast morphology.

What are the adverse effects of Hyaluronic Acid Filler?

The most common adverse effects associated with hyaluronic acid filler are pain, bruising, redness, itching, and swelling. These side effects are self-limited and typically last no more than seven days. You can mitigate them by applying an ice pack to the injection site, remaining upright, and, 1 week before the procedure, stopping medications or supplements that increase the risk of bleeding, for example, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, vitamin E, fish oils, St. John’s wort, and ginkgo biloba. Placing HA fillers too superficially might result in the so-called Tyndall effect, which appears as a bluish discoloration of the skin

Extremely rare side effects of hyaluronic acid gel injection include infection, tissue necrosis, granulomatous foreign body, and activation of herpes labialis. Infection is due to bacterial inoculation through the injection site, which is preventable with proper aseptic technique and ensuring that there is no active infection near the injection site. Tissue necrosis can result from vascular occlusion due to intra-arterial injection of hyaluronic acid filler and highlights the importance of understanding facial anatomy and performing a blood aspiration test before injecting. If this adverse complication is suspected, hyaluronidase should be applied immediately, which will dissolve the hyaluronic acid gel particles.

Which is better?

Cellular Matrix: The Cellular Matrix comprises of sterile system and contains equal amounts of PRP and HA (2 mL of each) within the same tube (40 mg of non-crosslinked natural HA per tube obtained from bacterial fermentation)

Profhilo: It is a blend of high- and low-molecular-weight HA (H-HA and L-HA) concentration of HA is 3.2%, with 32 mg of H-HA and 32 mg of L-HA, in 2 mL of buffered sodium chloride physiologic solution.

So in summary we have seen that the cellular matrix delivers higher content of HA and its synergistic effects with PRP (and RF micro needling) results in better lift, plumpness and reduced recovery time. Treatments with Profhilo or Cellular Matrix costs upwards of £350 per session with no significant difference in pricing. Two treatments are needed a month apart for both and then a top up treatment every 6 months helps maintain results. So winner with a slight margin will be Cellular Matrix. However if the treatment with Cellular Matrix is combined with RF micro needling and LED therapy the difference becomes apparent.