While I’m not one to shy away from the needle there’s always a part of me that’s a little apprehensive – a seemingly endless feed of pillow-faced, over-Botoxed celebs doing nothing for the cause. Any anxiety I had before this treatment, however, melted away the moment I was greeted by the adorable, pixie-like Dr Preema Vig, whose synonymous clinic on Park Lane is both glamorous and sanctuary-like.
I’d heard whispers about Profhilo, a revolutionary hyaluronic acid moisturising treatment that (quite literally) gets under the skin. Already a fan of facial serums and creams that contain this super hydrating ingredient, I was intrigued to see how hyaluronic acid could work elsewhere in the body. Indeed, Profhilo is best known for its rejuvenating properties on the face, but thanks to Dr Preema, Londoners can now reap its skin-tightening benefits on the neck, décolletage, arms, elbows and tummy. And even add volume to loose skin, saggy knees, “bingo wings” or papery skin on the hands – the possibilities are positively tantalising.
But it’s the latter two that I’m particularly interested in tweaking: the arms, because no matter how much weight I lose or muscle I build up, there’s always that stubborn inner arm spot between armpit and elbow that threatens to sag. And the hands? Well, there’s a certain diamond ring that needs showing off and I want my manicured mitts to be looking their absolute best.
Dr Preema begins by identifying the areas that could do with some attention and with the aid of a perforated Profhilo template, gently marks the injection spots to create an evenly spaced web-like pattern, the idea being that the substance spreads evenly under the skin. I’ll admit, some areas are more sensitive than others, but I’m relieved to discover, within seconds, that these are barely-there baby injections – and much less painful than previously imagined
As she’s working her magic, Dr Preema explains that it’s best to think of Profhilo as a “bio-stimulation” treatment. In other words, something that stimulates the body into renewal. Ultra pure hyaluronic acid is injected into the area, then, unlike wrinkle reducing and dermal filler treatments, Profhilo stimulates collagen and elastin, improving hydration in the deeper layers of the skin. I’m told the treatment is particularly popular because it offers an entirely natural, youthful look, whilst improving skin elasticity and minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – yes, even on the hands.
There’s some slight bruising and a bumpy texture to my skin, for which I’m given arnica infused pads to gently cover the treated areas. But any signs of the injections soon disappear. A little time and patience is required but within weeks of my second treatment I can really see and feel the results. The skin on
my (newly sculpted!) inner-arm feels noticeably tighter when I pinch it, while my hands appear to have found themselves a time machine. They feel smooth and wrinkle-free – and they look fantastic in those engagement party photos.
Prices for Profhilo BODY start from £850 for a 2-part treatment. Dr Preema London Clinic, Avenfield House, 118-127 Park Lane, W1K (020 7221 0043; drpreema.com)