Question 1

Are non-surgical procedures effective even in older age?

Accepted Answer

Even at an older age, if there is remaining elasticity in the skin, improvement can be expected with non-surgical procedures. HIFU Lifting (Ultherapy PRIME®) or radiofrequency (Thermage® FLX, Alltite) lifting works by delivering thermal energy to the dermis and SMAS layer, contracting existing collagen and stimulating new collagen production, so the skin's regenerative capacity is more important than age itself. However, skin collagen decreases by about 1% each year after adulthood, and as you age, the rate of production and response is known to be slower compared to younger individuals. Therefore, for those in their 60s and older, setting realistic goals—such as slowing the progression of sagging and refining facial contours—rather than aiming to "turn back the clock," can help increase satisfaction. The degree of effect varies greatly depending on individual skin thickness, remaining elasticity, and lifestyle habits, so a pre-procedure assessment of your skin condition is necessary.

Question 2

Are there limits to what procedures alone can do for deep wrinkles?

Accepted Answer

Deep, fixed wrinkles and severe sagging may have limitations when treated with non-surgical procedures alone. Radiofrequency and ultrasound lifting are suitable for mild to moderate loss of elasticity, and in cases of severe skin laxity, it may be difficult to achieve sufficient results with a single procedure.

Rather than trying to fill deep wrinkles with lifting alone, a combined approach can be helpful: if volume loss is also present, collagen-stimulating injections (such as Sculptra) or dermal fillers can restore sunken areas, while lifting can shape the overall contour. The table below shows general directions based on the degree of sagging.

Degree of sagging	General direction
Mild	Improvement expected with lifting alone
Moderate	Lifting + volume/booster combination
Severe	Consider combination procedures or surgical consultation

Question 3

When should thread lifting or facelift surgery be considered?

Accepted Answer

When skin sagging is severe and the effects of non-surgical procedures are limited, thread lifting or facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) may be considered. Thread lifting physically pulls the tissue upward, which can provide more immediate contour changes than energy-based procedures, but it may not be suitable for very severe sagging. Surgical facelift corrects by tightening down to the muscle layer, offering greater correction and longer-lasting results, but it typically requires 2 to 4 weeks for swelling and bruising to subside, and there are considerations such as scarring. Determining which method is appropriate requires a comprehensive assessment of the degree of sagging, skin condition, and overall health.

Question 4

What procedures are safe for thin skin?

Accepted Answer

For thinner skin, procedures that allow adjustable stimulation intensity and support dermal regeneration are relatively more suitable. Since skin in those over 60 tends to be thinner and more prone to dryness, it is important to customize the depth and energy output individually rather than applying strong thermal procedures aggressively. From the perspective of promoting collagen and regeneration, regenerative boosters like REJURAN® and collagen-stimulating methods that gradually fill dermal volume can help improve skin texture and elasticity in thin skin. When combining with lifting, lowering the intensity and dividing the treatment into multiple sessions based on skin thickness is advantageous for safety. Post-procedure reactions and downtime also vary greatly between individuals, so a process of checking skin condition and determining intensity in advance is necessary.

Question 5

What is a reasonable approach to maintenance?

Accepted Answer

For those in their 60s and older, a stepwise approach of dividing multiple procedures rather than doing everything intensely at once is less taxing. Given the slower skin regeneration rate, allowing a recovery period of (1) weeks or more between procedures to check the response and plan the next step can benefit both safety and satisfaction. Combining lifting to refine contours with regenerative boosters and basic care such as moisturizing and sun protection can help maintain improvements longer. Above all, setting realistic goals together is important, so we recommend determining the priorities and intensity suitable for your skin through a consultation.

Can people in their 60s and older expect improvement with procedures?

Can non-surgical treatments still be effective at an older age?

Do deep wrinkles have limits that treatment alone can't overcome?

When should thread lifting or surgical lifting be considered?

What treatments are safe for thin skin?

What is a sustainable approach to skin care?

References