Structura: Restoring Facial Fat Cells
.avif)
Structura targets the superficial fat cells in your face, the ones that age, shrink, and change shape over time. It is not a filler. It is not a skin booster. It is something different. Sculptra is not a filler. It doesn't add volume from the outside, it rebuilds your skin's own collagen from within, restoring the structural foundation that supports your face and addressing the underlying cause of facial ageing rather than masking its effects.
What Is Structura?
Structura is a hyaluronic acid injectable that works at the level of your facial fat cells, the deep structural layer that changes most significantly as we age. As those fat cells degenerate, your face loses its natural scaffolding. Volume disappears from the mid-face. Contours flatten. The lower face begins to drop.
Traditional injectables address the surface of that problem. Structura addresses the source. It is the only product on the market designed to regenerate superficial facial fat cells, restoring the structural foundation of a naturally lifted, well-defined face.
How Structura Works
Structural regeneration at the fat cell level. Your face is supported by a layered system of bone, muscle, fat, and skin. The fat layer, specifically the superficial fat compartments of the mid-face, is what gives your face its natural shape, lift, and definition. As those fat cells age, they stop functioning normally. They shrink, lose their lipid-producing activity, and the structural support they provide disappears. This is not simple volume loss. It is a cellular process, and it is what drives the hollowing, heaviness, and contour change that makes a face look older.
Using a fine cannula, it is injected into the superficial fat layer at precise anatomical points. The patented NAHYCO hyaluronic acid complex then stimulates dormant fat cells to resume normal function, producing the structural signals of younger, healthier tissue. The result builds gradually over six to twelve weeks: visible lift, improved mid-face definition, and more balanced facial proportion, without the volume addition or widening associated with conventional filler.
How Is Structura Different From Dermal Filler?
When filler is injected, it physically occupies space in the tissue, creating volume where there was none. It is placed, it sits, and the result is visible almost immediately. For the right concern in the right area, that is exactly what is needed. But filler does not change the behaviour of your facial fat cells. It does not address the structural degeneration that caused the change in the first place. It works on top of the problem, not at the source of it.
Structura works differently. Rather than adding a substance to fill a gap, it is injected into the superficial fat layer and stimulates the fat cells already present to function as they did in younger tissue. Those cells resume normal activity, producing the lipids and structural signals that support a naturally lifted, well-defined face. The result is not volume added from outside. It is structure restored from within. This also means Structura does not carry the risk of widening the face or creating the heavy, overfilled appearance that concerns many patients about conventional filler. Because it works with your existing facial architecture rather than adding to it, the outcome looks like your face at its best, not a different face. To learn more about the differences, you can read our post on Filler vs Structura here.
Who is Structura Best for?
Facial ageing is not uniform. Before recommending Structura, your injector assesses your individual facial structure to identify your dominant ageing pattern. Most patients fall into one of two categories: 'sinkers' or 'saggers'.
A sinker is characterised by fat cell depletion and volume loss in the mid-face. The face appears hollowed, drawn in, or gaunt. Signs include:
- Hollowed cheeks or sunken temples
- Visible bone structure or deep under-eye hollows
- Gaunt or aged appearance without significant laxity
- Volume loss associated with weight change or genetics
Structura supports the mid-face laterally, restoring the fat compartments that have depleted.
A sagger is characterised by downward displacement of fat tissue. The face appears heavier in the lower portion with developing jowls. Signs include:
- Heaviness or drooping in the lower face
- Jowl formation or deepening nasolabial area
- Square or bottom-heavy facial proportion
- Skin laxity with downward tissue descent
Structura provides vertical and horizontal lift to counteract the gravitational descent of fat pads.
Many patients present with elements of both. All treatment plans are tailored to your individual assessment.
What to Expect: Treatment and Timeline
Before any treatment begins, your injector will meet with you for a consultation to assess your facial structure, discuss your ageing profile, and confirm your suitability for Structura.
The treatment itself takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. A topical anaesthetic is applied beforehand to minimise discomfort. You will notice small raised bumps at the injection sites immediately after treatment. These are temporary and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Most patients return to their normal routine the following day, though it is sensible to avoid vigorous exercise and heat exposure for the first 48 hours.
A standard course requires two treatments spaced a minimum of four weeks apart. Structura does not produce an immediate visible result. The product works gradually at the fat cell level, and most patients begin to notice a meaningful change at around the four to six week mark following the first session. Full results are assessed approximately six weeks after the second treatment, at which point your injector will review your outcome and discuss next steps.
To maintain your result, an annual top-up treatment is recommended. Some patients prefer to return every six months, particularly in the earlier years of treatment. Your injector will advise on the right maintenance schedule for you at your review appointment.
Common Questions About Structura
Is Structura a dermal filler?
How is Structura different from Sculptra?
How many treatments do I need?
When will I see results?
How long do results last?
Book Your Structura Appointment
PROFHILO® STRUCTURA [4.5% – 22.5 mg (H-HA) + 22.5 mg (L-HA)/1 ml Hyaluronic acid sodium salt and 4.5% – 45 mg (H-HA) + 45 mg (L-HA)/2 ml Hyaluronic acid sodium salt], injection gel in a single use sterile prefilled syringe. It is indicated for adults of both sexes for corrective / filling action of natural or induced skin depressions. PROFHILO® STRUCTURA has risks and benefits.
Ask your healthcare professional if PROFHILO® STRUCTURA is right for you and to explain the possible side effects. WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS: Do not use PROFHILO® STRUCTURA in case of known hypersensitivity or allergies to the components of the product. Do not use it in pregnant or breast-feeding women, in patients with autoimmune diseases. Do not inject intravascularly, into the muscles or tendons, or for breast enlargement.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: PROFHILO® STRUCTURA must not be used in conjunction with treatments such as laser resurfacing and medium-deep peeling. Tell your doctor if any side effects concern you.ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU ARE GIVEN.
