What are realistic ways to maintain treatment results long-term?

A realistic retreatment schedule is set according to the type of procedure and the individual's rate of collagen loss. This is because the duration of effect varies by procedure, and even for the same procedure, the maintenance period differs based on age and skin condition.

Thermal and HIFU lifting, such as Thermage® FLX or Ultherapy PRIME®, are generally known to maintain their effects for about 1 to 2 years, so adjustments are often made based on your skin condition, typically around once a year. In contrast, skin regeneration and moisturizing boosters like REJURAN® or SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM® have a relatively shorter duration of effect, so repeating them at intervals of several months is common.

One of the most common questions we receive in consultations is, "How often should I get the treatment again?" It is advisable to determine the exact schedule by observing the progress and skin response after the procedure, and a personalized plan is more advantageous for maintenance than a uniform standard.

Lifestyle habits are an important factor that influences how long the effects of a procedure last. This is because how quickly collagen breaks down is greatly affected by daily habits.

Smoking reduces collagen synthesis and promotes its breakdown, so quitting smoking is a representative lifestyle measure that helps with maintenance. Adequate sleep is involved in skin recovery and collagen production; conversely, observational studies have shown that poor sleep quality is associated with signs of aging and delayed barrier recovery. Habits such as sun protection, a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to maintaining a stable collagen environment.

In other words, if the procedure plays the role of "filling" collagen, lifestyle habits determine how long that collagen is preserved. Good habits also help make the retreatment interval more relaxed.

Combining procedures can help maintain results by complementing different layers and mechanisms. If lifting addresses elasticity in the dermis (1 to 3 mm) and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer (about 4.5 mm), then managing procedures that handle texture, moisture, and regeneration in the more superficial layers together makes it easier to maintain overall skin condition stably.

For example, a common combination is managing elasticity with Thermage® FLX or Ultherapy PRIME® while simultaneously managing skin texture with regeneration and moisturizing boosters like REJURAN® or SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®. Since the purpose and target layer of each procedure differ, they can work complementarily without conflicting.

However, combining procedures is not always necessary, and an excessive combination can burden the skin. Which combination and at what intervals to proceed depends on individual skin condition, so it is advisable to plan so that the target layers do not overlap.

Signs that the effects are wearing off often appear as a gradual return to the original state in areas that improved right after the procedure. This is related to the natural decrease of newly generated collagen over time.

Specifically, reference signs may include a feeling of loosening elasticity in the jawline, cheeks, and eye area; makeup not applying as smoothly as before; and changes such as sagging or fine lines becoming noticeable again. However, these changes tend to be gradual rather than sudden, so taking before-and-after photos for comparison can help you assess changes more objectively.

Feeling these signs does not necessarily mean you need an immediate retreatment. It is advisable to determine the next plan by considering your current skin condition and maintenance goals, and we recommend deciding on the timing of retreatment through a consultation with a dermatologist.