Profhilo vs SkinVive in Seoul

What are Profhilo and SkinVive?

Profhilo is a hybrid HA injectable made by IBSA, with very high HA concentration and no traditional crosslinking agent. SkinVive is Allergan's lightly crosslinked HA microdroplet product with lidocaine, from the Juvederm family. Both are called skin boosters.

What is the key difference?

Profhilo is placed at a few points on each side of the face and spreads across the tissue, hydrating it and stimulating the skin over time. SkinVive is injected as many tiny droplets into the dermis across the cheeks to improve smoothness, hydration and glow. The key difference is placement and feel: Profhilo for broad bounce and mild firmness, SkinVive for surface smoothness and radiance.

Which one should you choose?

Choose Profhilo if you have dry, crepey or slightly loose skin
Choose Profhilo if you want fewer injection points
Choose SkinVive if you want smoother, glowing cheeks
Choose SkinVive if you want a single session with quick visible glow
Choose either as maintenance for skin quality, not volume

When neither is the right fit

Pregnant or breastfeeding people
Anyone with active infection, cold sores or acne at the site
People with allergy to hyaluronic acid products or lidocaine
People who need volume, lifting or contour change
Anyone with bleeding disorders without a doctor's review

What happens at the appointment

Consultation and skin assessment
Cleansing and numbing cream
Injections: a few fixed points for Profhilo, many microdroplets for SkinVive
Gentle pressure and cooling
Aftercare advice and plan for repeat session

Aftercare and flying home

Expect small bumps for 1–2 days
Avoid makeup for about 12 hours
Avoid saunas, heavy exercise and alcohol for 24–48 hours
Do not massage the area unless the doctor advises it
You can usually fly the next day

Side effects and risks

Redness, swelling, bumps and tenderness
Bruising at injection points
Rare nodules or lumps
Rare infection or vascular complication, as with any HA injection

Costs in Seoul

Profhilo ₩300K–700K · SkinVive ₩300K–800K (about US$220–600 per session) — In Seoul, both products are imported and priced per syringe, so they cost more than Korean skin boosters. The total depends on how many syringes and sessions you need. Prices are estimates and change with promotions; check availability, as not every clinic stocks both.

Why visitors choose Seoul

Seoul clinics offer a wide range of skin boosters side by side, including imported Profhilo and SkinVive and many Korean options. This makes it easy to compare and choose in one consultation, often at lower prices than abroad.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Profhilo and SkinVive cost in Seoul?

Each usually costs about ₩300,000–₩800,000 per syringe or session. A full course of Profhilo is usually 2 sessions.

Does Profhilo or SkinVive hurt?

Both cause mild stinging. SkinVive contains lidocaine, and numbing cream is used for both.

How long do Profhilo and SkinVive last?

Both usually last about 6 months. Profhilo is typically started with 2 sessions about 4 weeks apart.

Can I fly after Profhilo or SkinVive?

Yes, you can usually fly the next day. Small bumps typically settle in 1–2 days.

Are Profhilo and SkinVive safe?

Both are widely used HA products and generally well tolerated. Like all HA injections, rare risks include lumps, infection and blood vessel blockage.

Can Profhilo or SkinVive be dissolved?

Both are hyaluronic acid, so hyaluronidase can break them down if needed. This is rarely necessary for skin boosters.