墨白 “Is it enough to have South Korea’s DO face treatment once a year?” There is no standard answer to this question, because the frequency of maintenance required varies greatly depending on the specific treatment and the individual’s skin condition. Some treatments need to be repeated every six months, while others can actually be spaced out for a year or even longer. This article focuses on common DO face treatments, clarifying the duration of their effects and the recommended frequency of treatments, so that you can make more informed decisions before scheduling your procedures.
Why is the phrase “once a year” so commonly used?
Many people say that going to South Korea for HIFU treatments “once a year is enough.” There is some truth to this statement—since certain anti-aging procedures (such as HIFU and Thermage) do recommend annual treatments to maintain their effectiveness. However, this is only the recommended frequency for such anti-aging treatments and does not apply to all types of facial enhancements.
In fact, the “DO faces” achieved through Dermatology treatments in South Korea fall into three main categories: injectable procedures, photothermal treatments, and thread-based therapies. The duration of each treatment varies significantly, ranging from 3 months to over 2 years. Treating these procedures as if they all required to be done once a year may result in premature loss of effects or unnecessary repeated treatments.
Duration of effect and recommended frequency for various types of DO face treatments
Injections
Filler injections (chin, nose bridge, Apple Zone): The effects last for 6 to 18 months; lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid types generally retain their effect for around 3 to 6 months. When it is necessary to repeat the treatment, you can simply return for another session without having to follow a fixed schedule.
Botulinum toxin injections (for wrinkle reduction and face slimming): The effects last for 4 to 6 months. For face slimming, it is generally recommended to receive the injections every six months in the initial phase; after achieving the desired results, the interval can be extended. People with a larger Masseter muscle or who habitually grind their teeth may need to have the injections more frequently. The cost ranges from approximately 100,000 Korean won onwards.
PDRN salmon injection: Treatment is usually carried out in a course of 3 to 5 sessions, with each session spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. Whether to continue with further treatments after completing a course depends on the results achieved; it’s not a one-time annual procedure. The cost ranges from approximately 150,000 Korean won per session.
Juvelook Collagen: It is recommended to undergo 3 to 4 initial treatments, followed by maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months. The cost starts from approximately 300,000 Korean won.
Optoelectronic devices
Thermage: The effects last for 1 to 2 years, and it is recommended to undergo a maintenance treatment once a year. This is one of the main reasons why the treatment is often described as “once a year.” The cost ranges from approximately 3 million Korean won onwards for a full face treatment.
HIFU/Ulthera: The effects last for 12 to 18 months, and it is recommended to undergo the treatment once every 1 to 1.5 years. Similar to Thermage, it is considered an annual maintenance treatment. The cost ranges from approximately 400,000 Korean won upwards.
Ultra-Pico laser treatment (for whitening and freckle removal): It is initially recommended to undergo the treatment every 4 to 6 weeks, for a total of 3 to 5 sessions; thereafter, during the maintenance phase, one session every 3 to 6 months is sufficient. The cost for each session ranges from approximately 150,000 Korean won onwards.
Wires and cables
PDO Thread Lifting: The effects last for 1 to 2 years, and it is generally recommended to have a follow-up treatment every 12 to 18 months. Even after the threads are absorbed, the Collagen that is stimulated to be produced will continue to remain for some time, so there is no need to rush into having another treatment too soon. The cost starts from approximately 500,000 Korean won.
How is the frequency determined? Here are some practical criteria for making this decision.
Rather than setting a fixed schedule, a more practical approach is to determine when additional treatments are needed based on the following factors:
- My immediate impression in front of the mirror: When the effect fades to an extent that I’m not satisfied with, it’s time to get it corrected again.
- Doctors recommend: After each treatment, it’s more reliable to ask the doctor “how long until the next appointment” than to estimate it yourself.
- Project characteristics: For filling effects, the fading is quite noticeable; for maintenance effects (such as Thermage), the changes are gradual and the fading process is not so obvious.
- Individual metabolic rate: People with a faster metabolism tend to see their Filler dissipate more quickly, so it may be necessary to reduce the interval between applications.
How to make an appointment at South Korea’s DO Face BeautsGO
Are you unsure how often you should undergo these treatments? The best way is to consult a Dermatology specialist in South Korea who can assess the appropriate frequency based on the condition of your skin. By booking a consultation with a South Korean Dermatology clinic through BeautsGO, you can preview the details of each clinic’s services and user reviews on the app before making an appointment. During the consultation, Chinese-speaking customer service will be available to assist you, so language is not a concern. Simply enter “DO face” or the specific treatment you are interested in (such as Thermage, HIFU, or PDRN) in the search bar to find the relevant clinics.
👉 Book a consultation for South Korea’s “DO face” treatment through BeautsGO →
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What treatments should I consider for the first time when going to South Korea for cosmetic procedures?
It is recommended to start based on your specific needs. If you want to improve the quality of your skin, consider hyaluronic acid injections or PDRN; if you wish to adjust your facial contours, you may want to explore Filler injections; for anti-aging and Lifting effects, Thermage or HIFU could be suitable options. There is no need to undergo all these treatments at once; it is more important to seek professional advice and follow the doctor’s recommendations after a thorough evaluation.
Q: Does botulinum toxin injection really need to be done every six months?
Not necessarily. In the initial stages of using botulinum toxin for facial slimming, it may take 2 to 3 treatments to achieve the desired results. After that, the interval between treatments can be extended depending on the effectiveness of the treatment. For some people, once the results become stable, having a treatment once a year is sufficient to maintain them.
Q: Is it necessary to get the treatment repeated once the effects fade away?
It’s not mandatory. When the effects subside, the skin simply returns to its original state; there’s no need to rush and get additional treatments. You can decide when to proceed based on your budget and lifestyle, so there’s no reason to worry.
