How is the order decided when having several skin treatments together?
The combination and order of treatments differ for each procedure and are decided at consultation based on your priorities and schedule.
Comparing Treatments · Q45
Comparing Treatments · Q43
Lifting or skin booster first: go by your top concern
Question: Should I get lifting or a skin booster first?
Short answer
There is no fixed order for whether to have lifting or a skin booster first; it is decided at consultation based on the concern you most want to address and your schedule. Lifting devices mainly target laxity of the skin and soft tissue, while skin boosters target skin changes such as dullness, dryness and loss of firmness. Both can cause temporary reactions that vary between individuals, so the plan also takes recovery time into account.
Key points
- No fixed order; it is set by the priority of your concerns
- Lifting targets laxity; boosters target texture and dryness
- CELITA advice: booster 1 month before an event, soothe week before
- Combination and order differ by treatment; set at consultation
- Both can cause temporary swelling or redness; results vary
Is there a set order for lifting and skin boosters?
There is no set order that applies to everyone; the combination and order differ by treatment, so the plan is reviewed at consultation.
At CELITA Clinic, after the intake consultation, the Director assesses you one-on-one and plans the treatment. Ranking 2-3 concerns and sharing them at this point makes the plan more accurate.
Which treatment comes first can differ depending on whether sagging bothers you most or whether dry, dull skin texture bothers you more.
| Item | Lifting devices | Skin boosters |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Improving laxity of skin and soft tissue | Improving dullness, dryness and loss of firmness |
| Method | Ultrasound, radiofrequency or microwave energy | Injectables such as HA, PN and PDLLA |
| Common reactions | Redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness | Bumps, redness, swelling, needle marks |
| Timing before an event (CELITA Clinic advice) | Contouring treatments 3 months before | 1 month before |
How do the purposes of the two treatments differ?
Lifting devices are mainly used for laxity of the skin and soft tissue, while skin boosters are used to improve signs of skin aging such as dullness, dryness and loss of firmness.
Focused ultrasound (HIFU) is described as creating thermal coagulation points at a specific depth beneath the skin, contracting collagen fibers and stimulating new collagen production. The literature explains that it suits mild to moderate laxity and that surgery should be considered for severe laxity.
Skin boosters are injectables made from various materials, including hyaluronic acid (HA), polynucleotide (PN) and biodegradable polymers such as PDLLA. Properties and post-treatment reactions differ by material.
How should I plan if I have an event coming up?
When there is an event such as a wedding, CELITA Clinic advises having contouring treatments 3 months before and a skin booster 1 month before, with only soothing care in the final week.
Lifting results often appear over time. For example, the Ultherapy manufacturer explains that final results appear over 2-3 months, and the Thermage manufacturer explains that improvement occurs over 2-6 months.
For people who find repeat visits difficult, such as overseas visitors, sharing your departure date at consultation allows the treatment to be adjusted with it in mind.
How does recovery differ?
With skin boosters, temporary bumps at the injection sites are common, while with lifting devices, reactions such as redness, swelling and tenderness are common; all vary between individuals.
According to CELITA Clinic's guidance, temporary bumps after a skin booster settle within 1-3 days, and you should not scratch even if it itches. Serious complications such as vascular injury have also rarely been reported with skin boosters.
A HIFU meta-analysis reported redness, edema, bruising and tenderness as common adverse reactions, generally mild to moderate. After treatment, you are advised to avoid alcohol, smoking, saunas, swimming and strenuous exercise for 1 week.
FAQ
Can I have both treatments on the same day?
Whether they can be done on the same day depends on the type of treatment, your skin condition and schedule, and is decided at consultation. At CELITA Clinic, consultation, numbing and treatment together usually take 1-2 hours.
How is the type of skin booster chosen?
CELITA Clinic offers several products, including Rejuran Healer, Juvelook and Olidia, and the choice is made at consultation based on your skin condition and goals. Post-treatment reactions and intervals differ by material.
What should I prepare before the consultation?
It helps to note your 2-3 main concerns, important upcoming events, any medications you take and your previous treatments. If you have a departure date, share that too.
Important
This article is general medical information, not a diagnosis or treatment. Results, recovery time and side effects vary with each person's skin, and whether a treatment suits you is decided after consultation with a doctor. If you notice unusual symptoms, contact the clinic that treated you right away.
Sources
All questions in Comparing Treatments
- Q40. What is the difference between Ultherapy and Thermage?
- Q41. What is the difference between HIFU lifting and RF lifting?
- Q42. Onda or Shurink: which lifting treatment suits me?
- Q43. Should I get lifting or a skin booster first?
- Q44. How should I choose a lifting treatment for my age?
- Q45. How is the order decided when having several skin treatments together?