Lifting effects last from 6 months to 2 years; we will explain the differences clearly depending on the procedure.

Analysis of Effects Based on Actual Data

• Time of Effect Onset: 2 weeks to 3 months
• Duration: 6 months to 24 months
• Collagen Regeneration Rate: Up to 47%

“No effect after 3 months” — 70% of this complaint is a misunderstanding

The most frequent complaint heard in the clinic is, “It has been a month since the procedure, but there is no change.” However, the key to the lifting effect is not immediate onset.

High-frequency and ultrasonic lifting works on the principle of contracting collagen in the dermal layer to 65-70°C while simultaneously inducing the synthesis of new collagen by fibroblasts. The tightening effect appears within 2 weeks, but true volume and elasticity develop gradually between 8 and 12 weeks. According to a 2019 announcement by the Korean Dermatological Association, the time to peak effect after Ulthera treatment was measured at an average of 90 days, while for Thermage it was 60 days. Re-evaluation before 3 months is premature. Conversely, since the physical support structure of thread lifting (PDO threads) operates immediately, changes in contour are observed right after the procedure. However, the durability of the threads themselves is limited to 6 to 8 months. Key Points for Judging Effect: The standard is 3 months for radiofrequency/ultrasound and 2 weeks for thread lifting. Hasty re-procedures increase the risk of overcorrection.

• Collagen regeneration rate: 20% at 4 weeks post-procedure, 47% at 8 weeks, peak at 12 weeks (J Cosmet Dermatol, 2021)
• Ulthera effect onset: Average 90 days (Korean Dermatological Association, 2019)
• Thread lifting immediate effect: Immediately after procedure ~ 2 weeks

Duration by procedure — Actual differences in numbers

The duration of lifting procedures is determined by the depth of energy delivery and the tissue response mechanism. While a simple comparison is not possible, a range can be presented based on clinical reporting standards.

Thermage FLX delivers radiofrequency energy from the lower dermis to the upper subcutaneous fat layer (approx. 4.3 mm), and the effect is reported to last 12-18 months according to FDA approval standards. Numerous domestic studies have also confirmed an average retention rate of 15 months. Ulthera focuses ultrasound energy down to the SMAS layer (4.5 mm), providing a strong structural lifting effect. Clinical data frequently report durations of 18 to 24 months, with the greatest individual variation observed. Thread lifting results vary from 6 to 18 months depending on the PDO/PLLA/PCL material.

PDO threads last 6-8 months, PLLA cog threads 12-15 months, and PCL threads up to 18 months, but support decreases rapidly after thread absorption.

InMode FX/FormA targets the shallow layer (1-3mm) with microneedle radiofrequency; while the elasticity improvement effect is relatively short at 6-9 months, it has a short downtime, making repeated procedures easy.

Clinical duration is not the 'point when the effect completely disappears,' but the 'time when re-treatment is recommended.' The actual duration of satisfaction may feel 2-4 months shorter than indicated.

Procedure Name	Target Depth	Average Duration	Onset of Effect
Thermage FLX	4.3mm (Dermis to Subcutaneous)	12-18 months	After 2 months
Ulthera	4.5mm (SMAS layer)	18-24 months	3 months After
PDO Thread Lifting	Subcutaneous Tissue	6-8 Months	Immediate
PLLA Cog Threads	Subcutaneous Tissue	12-15 Months	Immediate + 3 Months
InMode FX	1-3mm (Dermis)	6-9 Months	2-4 Weeks

3 Variables That Determine Effectiveness — More Important Than the Procedure Method

Even with the same Ultherapy, re-treatment after 6 months There is a difference between individuals and those who maintain the results for two years. This difference stems from the 'bio-responsiveness' rather than the procedure itself. First is age. In the late 20s to early 30s, the rate of collagen synthesis is approximately 1.8 times faster than in those in their 40s, and the amount of new collagen produced is, on average, 30% higher when the same energy is input. After the age of 40, the duration of the effect shortens by an average of 20-30%. Second is skin condition. Skin with advanced photoaging (Fitzpatrick classification types III-IV) has a lower density of elastic fibers in the dermis, causing the response to slow down even with the same thermal energy. Smokers have an average duration that is 4 months shorter than non-smokers. Third is the treatment energy setting. For Ulthera, 300-600 lines are the standard for a single treatment, but high-density irradiation of 500 lines or more extends the duration of the effect by an average of 6 months. However, excessive energy increases the risk of nerve damage. Caution: The simplistic logic that "shooting strong energy makes it last longer" is dangerous. Exceeding the appropriate dosage has resulted in reported cases of burns, pigmentation, and facial nerve damage.

• Difference in collagen synthesis rate between 20s vs. 40s: Approximately 1.8 times (Int J Cosmet Sci, 2020)
• Duration of effect in smokers: Average 4 months shorter compared to non-smokers
• Extension of effect with Ulthera high-density irradiation (500 lines or more): Average 6 months

Office worker in 20s vs. housewife in 50s — Effect scenarios by case

29-year-old female, Ulthera 300-line treatment for jawline improvement: 10% contour improvement after 2 weeks, maximum effect (25% improvement) after 8 weeks, re-treatment recommended after maintaining effect for up to 18 months. Downtime 2-3 days. 42-year-old female, 900 shots of Thermage treatment for general sagging improvement: 15% improvement in elasticity after 4 weeks, maximum effect after 12 weeks (30% improvement), review for re-treatment after 12-14 months. Almost no downtime. 53-year-old female, 10 strands of PLLA cog thread treatment for intensive nasolabial fold improvement: Immediate contour change, additional collagen-stimulating effect after 3 months (20% improvement), re-treatment after 12 months. Downtime 5-7 days. In each case, the timing for re-treatment is determined based on the '70% satisfaction point' rather than 'loss of effect'. If it is too late, it reverts to the initial state, requiring high-intensity treatment again.

Tip Treatment combinations vary depending on age, purpose, and budget. Find the optimal combination for your case, select a clinic, and find a place where you can receive 1:1 consultation on K-Dia.

Maximizing Effects — The 4 weeks after the procedure are critical.

Post-procedure care determines 20-30% of the duration of the effects. In particular, the 4 weeks immediately following the procedure are the initial stage of collagen remodeling; failure to manage care during this period results in achieving only half of the maximum effect.

First 2 weeks: The area irradiated with heat energy is in a state of micro-inflammation. Exposure to high-intensity ultraviolet rays (UV-A) activates melanin, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation threefold. Reapplying SPF 50+ sunscreen every 2 hours is essential.

3-4 weeks: New collagen synthesis begins in earnest.

During this period, a high-protein diet (at least 1.2g per kg of body weight per day) and Vitamin C supplementation (500mg per day) increase fibroblast activity by 15%. Weeks 6-12: The peak effect stage. Exfoliating ingredients such as retinol and AHA should be resumed after 8 weeks, but the concentration should start at half the level before the procedure. Abstinence from alcohol is recommended for 4 weeks, and smoking for 8 weeks. Alcohol prolongs edema by dilating blood vessels, and nicotine directly inhibits collagen synthesis. Key Point: Sun protection and protein intake for 4 weeks after the procedure are not 'optional' but 'essential'. If care is neglected during this period, the duration of the effect is shortened by an average of 4-6 months.

• Risk of hyperpigmentation upon UV exposure after procedure: 3-fold increase
• Fibroblast activity with high-protein diet + Vitamin C supplementation: 15% increase
• Duration of effect shortened if care is neglected: average 4-6 months

Retreatment Timing — When is the best time?

If you miss the timing for a re-treatment, you will need ‘reconstruction’ rather than ‘maintenance,’ doubling the cost and downtime. Conversely, re-treatment too early leads to tissue overload.

Thermage: Re-evaluate 12 months after the first treatment; if the effect drops below 60%, re-treatment between 14 and 16 months. Re-treatment within 6 months is not recommended due to the risk of heat accumulation.

Ulthera: Re-evaluate after 18 months; re-treatment between 20 and 22 months is the standard. While some clinics recommend a 12-month re-treatment, this is an excessive frequency according to FDA guidelines. Thread Lifting: Re-treatment is possible after 6 months for PDO and 12 months for PLLA. To avoid complications from double insertion, the procedure must be performed after confirming the presence of residual threads via ultrasound. The 2023 Ministry of Food and Drug Safety guidelines recommend a minimum interval of 12 months for repeated high-intensity lifting (Ulthera/Thermage) on the same area. This standard takes into account the recovery cycle of the dermis layer. Caution: "Re-treatment before the effects wear off" is a marketing tactic. Repeated procedures without tissue recovery carry a risk of dermal fibrosis and hypertrophic scarring.

Procedure	Re-evaluation timing	Recommended timing for re-procedure	Minimum interval
Thermage	12 months	14-16 months	12 months
Ulthera	18 months	20-22 months	12 months
PDO Thread	6 months	6-7 months	6 months
PLLA Thread	12 months	12-14 months	10 months

Comparison of 3 Energy-Based Lifting Procedures

Thermage FLX [Radio Frequency]

• Target: Dermis to Subcutaneous Fat 4.3mm
• Duration: 12-18 months
• Onset of Effect: 2 months
• Downtime: Almost none
• Pain: Moderate (anesthetic cream recommended)

Strength in improving elasticity over large areas. Easy to repeat procedures.

Ulthera [Ultrasound]

• Target: SMAS layer 4.5mm
• Duration: 18-24 months
• Onset of effect: 3 months
• Downtime: 1-3 days
• Pain: High (Consider sedation)

Maximum structural lifting effect. Large individual differences and high cost.

PLLA Cog Threads [Thread Lifting]

• Target: Subcutaneous tissue
• Duration: 12-15 months
• Onset of effect: Immediate + 3 months
• Downtime: 5-7 days
• Pain: Low (local anesthesia)

Immediate contour change. Management of swelling and bruising is necessary.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception A single lifting procedure lasts for 5 years

Truth There is no data showing that any non-surgical lifting procedure lasts for 5 years. The longest duration approved by the FDA is 24 months for Ulthera, after which the effects gradually diminish. Claims of being 'semi-permanent' are a violation of the Medical Advertising Act.

Misconception The more expensive the procedure, the longer it necessarily lasts

Truth Price reflects the cost of the equipment and the difficulty level, not directly proportional to the duration. Although Ulthera is more expensive than Thermage, there are 30% of cases where satisfaction with Thermage is higher depending on the individual. Choosing the right option for your skin condition and purpose is the priority.

Absolutely Forbidden After Procedure

• High-intensity UV exposure within 4 weeks after procedure (beach, golf, etc.) — 3 times higher risk of hyperpigmentation
• Drinking alcohol on the day of the procedure and within 2 weeks Excessive alcohol consumption — Prolongs swelling and enlarges bruising Strong pressure or massage on the treatment site (within 4 weeks) — May damage the energy delivery layer Repeated high-intensity lifting on the same area within 6 months — Risk of tissue overload and nerve damage Impatient additional procedures performed after only 2 weeks of evaluating results — Risk of overcorrection and asymmetry

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply makeup after the procedure?

Radiofrequency and ultrasound lifting are possible from the evening of the same day. For thread lifting, makeup is recommended after exposing the thread insertion site to air for at least 24 hours. However, for the first week, a light base is preferred over high-coverage products.

Is a refund possible if there is no effect?

There is no concept of 'expecting results' for medical procedures. However, if equipment malfunction or clear procedural negligence is proven, relief is available through the Consumer Dispute Mediation Committee. It is important to receive sufficient guidance on the timing of effect onset and individual differences before signing a contract. Do people in their 20s get lifting procedures? While preventative procedures are on the rise, it is not essential for those in their 20s as natural collagen production is active. If you have a specific goal, such as improving the jawline or correcting asymmetry, it is recommended to start with low-intensity procedures (such as InMode). Do men see the same results? Men have skin that is on average 25% thicker and secretes more sebum, resulting in different energy delivery efficiency. With the same procedure, the onset of effects is delayed by 1-2 weeks, and the duration is similar or slightly shorter. It is advantageous to choose a clinic that has protocols specifically for men. Should I avoid the procedure if I am planning to get pregnant? Procedures are contraindicated during pregnancy. If you are planning to get the procedure, it is recommended to complete the treatment at least 6 months in advance. Hormonal changes during pregnancy alter collagen metabolism, making it difficult to predict effectiveness, and there is a lack of data on fetal safety.

Can I treat multiple areas at once?

It is possible to treat the entire face (forehead + cheeks + jawline) in a single session; however, excessive total energy carries a risk of nerve damage and prolonged swelling. It is generally recommended to treat up to 2-3 areas, and for more than that, split treatment at intervals of 2-4 weeks is safer.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. You must consult a specialist before the procedure. Effectiveness and side effects may vary depending on individual skin condition, age, and health status, and all figures are based on average clinical data.

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