Expert advice: 8 ways to prolong your tweakment results

When you are investing your time and money into the tweakment of your dreams, you want it to last as long as possible. While it depends a little on the treatment you’ve selected, there are steps you can take to get the most bang for your buck in terms of long-term results. Here are eight ways that can help, with expert comment from award-winning cosmetic doctor Dr Christine Or… 

What influences how long your tweakments results can last?

1. The tweakment you choose 

The first important point to bear in mind is that some tweakments simply last longer than others! Here are some average timelines, according to Dr Christine:

Toxin injections – three to five months: “The toxin blocks chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle so that the muscle stays in its resting state for a period of eight to 12 weeks on average.”

Dermal filler – six to 24 months: “How long dermal fillers typically last depends on several factors, such as the type of filler used, the individual’s metabolism, and the area of the face treated. This is because at some point they are either absorbed by the body or broken down by enzymes.”

Polynucleotides – six months: “Polynucleotides do not arrest the ageing process; therefore, a maintenance treatment is recommended every six months, although the longevity of treatment does vary between individuals.”

Skin moisture boosters – six months: “The results of Profhilo and other moisture boosters usually last around 6 months. This is because the hyaluronic acid injected stimulates collagen and elastin production, which continues even after the HA itself has been metabolised. While the HA remains in the skin for about 28 days, the boosted collagen and elastin production contributes to longer-lasting effects.”

Chemical peels – one month to years: “The longevity of chemical peel results varies significantly based on the peel’s depth and individual factors. Light peels offer results lasting 1-2 months, while medium peels can last 6 months to a year, and deep peels can last for years.”

Advanced facials – a few weeks to several months: The duration of advanced facials varies depending on the specific treatment, and individual factors like age and lifestyle. Microneedling results for example can be seen for weeks after the treatment as the skin continues to heal and regenerate.

2. How quickly you initially see results 

We probably all are a little impatient to see results but don’t forget that sometimes more superficial treatments are the ones that give you benefits quickly… but they are also less long-lasting. For example, any treatment that works by stimulating your body’s own collagen production such as polynucleotides, or laser treatments that work deeper within the skin, may require some patience to see results, but you can enjoy the benefits for relatively longer.

3. The placement

Where you’re having the treatment can influence longevity too – especially around the eyes and mouth, where results can be a little more fleeting. This is important to bear in mind because addressing concerns in these areas is common, but is likely to require more maintenance.

Dr Christine explains why: “areas with more movement, like the lips and around the mouth, tend to metabolise fillers faster than less mobile areas, and for skin boosters, areas with thinner skin like the under-eye area, may experience results that last a shorter duration compared to areas with thicker skin like the cheeks.” Equally, “muscles like those in the forehead or around the eyes tend to have more frequent and intense contractions, which can lead to a faster breakdown of Botox and a shorter duration of results compared to areas with less muscle movement.”

4. Your commitment to aftercare 

Unfortunately, good results aren’t only accomplished inside the clinic – you need to play your own part afterwards, so don’t ignore the aftercare booklet or email your practitioner gives to you!

“Following guidelines from your practitioner —such as avoiding rubbing the treated area, not applying makeup straight away, and skipping strenuous exercise and excessive heat — helps minimise side effects like swelling, bruising, and redness, while also reducing the risk of complications such as infection or filler migration,” affirms Dr Christine. “Key maintenance steps include protecting the skin from sun damage, staying hydrated, maintaining good nutrition, and using non-harsh skincare to support healing and hydration. A consistent aftercare routine not only promotes smoother recovery but also helps preserve a youthful appearance, while neglecting it can shorten the effects and increase risks like irritation, prolonged redness, or scarring.”

5. Your genetics and lifestyle

We also can’t escape the fact that our genetics and lifestyle can influence treatment longevity. In particular, we might not like it, but it is common sense that “younger individuals may experience longer-lasting effects from their treatments due to their skin’s faster regeneration and collagen production compared to more mature skin,” explains Dr Christine.

Equally, “lifestyle choices like sun exposure, smoking, and diet play a crucial role in how long treatment results last, by diminishing overall skin health and collagen production,” she continues. “Sun exposure in particular is a major contributor to skin ageing and can diminish the effects of any facial treatment, while having a high metabolism, such as if you exercise a lot, can cause both toxin and filler products to break down more quickly, potentially shortening their duration.”

6. Managing expectations

Your perception of how long your results should last can play a role too – after all, disappointment that a tweakment didn’t last forever can sometimes cloud your judgement on how ‘good’ it was. That’s where a really good consultation comes in – helping you manage your expectations on what the treatment can achieve, while giving a great source of tips and tricks for prolonging those results.

“Before I treat any of my patients, I always undertake a thorough consultation and assessment of their skin concerns and desired results,” explains Dr Christine. “After carefully listening to their concerns and goals, I always give an honest and realistic view of what they should expect post-treatment in terms of results, longevity and any side effects.”

7. Going for your top-ups

Those follow-up treatments your practitioner suggests? They probably aren’t just a chance for your doctor to get more of your money, we promise! In fact, many tweakments – especially lasers and skin boosters – work cumulatively and by stimulating your own body’s youthful processes. That means that with each treatment your results get better and last longer, which is why you will be recommended a course of treatments and be directed to come back in for maintenance top-ups.

8. Choosing the right practitioner

Finally, as well as keeping you safe and increasing the overall quality of your results, selecting the right practitioner can ensure you get the tailored advice you need to prolong your treatment benefits – so that’s all the more reason to choose a really good one! (Our practitioner guide can help).

“All treatments can be significantly impacted by the skill of the practitioner,” concludes Dr Christine. “From placement of the dermal filler to the correct aftercare advice and product recommendations, these can all impact effectiveness and longevity.”

Want to find out more about the latest tweakments to transform your skin? Head to our tweakment pages to find out more.