"Is it true that Thermage should be done once a year?"
This is a frequently asked question during consultations.
It's not entirely incorrect. However, that number is not a rule, but rather a value derived from an average.
Therefore, for some individuals, the interval may be shorter, and for others, it may be longer.
Please take just one minute to read this.
Where Does the "One Year" Come From?
Thermage uses radiofrequency heat to stimulate the dermis, inducing the creation of new collagen.
There are two timeframes involved in this process.
| Phase | Description | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | The period during which collagen is created after stimulation | Several months |
| Maintenance | The period during which the created collagen is sustained | Several months |
Combining these two phases generally results in approximately one year.
In other words, one year is not a rule dictating "when you must receive the treatment," but rather the average time when both processes are completed.
This is Why it Varies From Person to Person
Even with the same treatment, the cycle can vary depending on the following:
- Age and baseline collagen status
- The extent of sagging
- Whether there have been weight changes
- Sun exposure and smoking
- Which dermal layer was targeted in previous treatments
If your aging process is relatively fast, you might already see a return to your previous state while waiting a year. Conversely, if you maintain well, extending beyond a year may not be an issue.
(※ The effectiveness and response may vary depending on the individual's skin condition, and the suitability of the treatment is determined through consultation with medical staff.)
Will More Frequent Treatments Lead to Better Results?
We do not recommend it.
If heat is applied again while collagen generation is still in progress, it doesn't add to the effect; instead, it can compound the recovery burden.
Furthermore, the dermal response has its limits, so repeating treatments at short intervals does not necessarily lead to cumulative effects.
The decision to shorten the treatment cycle should be based on evidence that "this person's regression rate is fast," rather than "to get better results faster."
How to Determine the Next Treatment Time
It is determined by your condition, not by the calendar.
During a consultation, we check the following:
- How much a specific area has regressed compared to before and after the previous treatment
- Whether it's sagging or volume loss
- Whether to treat the same area again or move to a different area
The third point is particularly important. Even for the same person, the rate of regression can differ by area. Therefore, it may be better to divide the areas and stagger the timing rather than repeating the entire treatment at once.
The approach of increasing the number of shots is discussed separately in Thermage 600 Shots: Is More Always Better?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is once a year the correct interval for Thermage?
It is a value derived from the average of the collagen generation and maintenance periods. It may be shortened or lengthened depending on the rate of aging and the degree of sagging.
Does more frequent treatment lead to cumulative effects?
If stimulation is applied again while collagen generation is in progress, it may compound the recovery burden, and repeating treatments at short intervals does not necessarily lead to cumulative effects.
If a year has passed and my skin still looks good, can I postpone the treatment?
If maintenance is good, it may be acceptable to postpone the treatment. It is better to judge based on your condition rather than the calendar.
Can the timing be divided by area?
Since the rate of regression varies by area, it may be better to divide the areas and stagger the timing rather than repeating the entire treatment at once.
What precautions should be taken before and after the procedure?
It is advisable to avoid saunas or strong stimulation for a few days after the procedure. Sun protection and weight management also affect the maintenance period.
Recovery and Downtime: Course of Thermal Energy Treatment
On the day of the treatment, you may experience warmth and redness, which generally subside within one to two days.
Returning to daily activities is generally possible, but it is advisable to postpone saunas and strenuous exercise for a few days.
Changes in elasticity appear over several weeks afterward, so it is not advisable to judge the results immediately after the treatment.
How is the Cost Determined?
The cost is not determined by the number of shots alone.
It varies depending on whether it's a full face or partial treatment, whether genuine tips are used, and how the shots are distributed.
Pre-treatment diagnosis and inclusion of post-treatment care also influence the cost.
For an accurate cost, it is best to provide guidance after a consultation to assess your skin condition.
Visit and Consultation Information
O.N Clinic is conveniently located near Gangnam Station, making it easily accessible by subway.
If you have any questions before your visit, you can easily inquire via Chat with us now. Through a consultation, you can discuss the timing and areas for your next treatment, and schedule your appointment.
It is more accurate to determine the treatment interval after reviewing your progress during an in-person consultation.
Author: Dr. Oh Seung-Min (Representative Director of O.N Clinic, graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine, Academic Committee Chairman of the Korean Laser Dermatology and Hair Society). For more details on his background, please refer to Meet Our Medical Team. First published 2026-08-07 / Last reviewed 2026-08-15
This article is for general informational purposes only, and suitable treatments and results may vary depending on individual conditions.
