Optimal Maintenance Schedule for LDM Treatments

Finding your ideal rhythm

Most people do well with an initial build phase of one session every week for three to four weeks, followed by maintenance once every three to four weeks. If your skin barrier is fragile, stretch maintenance to every four to six weeks. If your main goals are oil control or calming redness, consider a light touch top up every two to three weeks during humid months, then return to every four weeks. Always personalise this with your clinician after a proper assessment.

Why maintenance matters with LDM

LDM works gently with skin biology. Rather than forcing a dramatic change, it helps calm inflammation, balance moisture, and support the extracellular matrix. Those benefits are cumulative and tend to plateau if sessions are too far apart. A simple, steady rhythm keeps results stable without overdoing it. Think of it as a gym for your skin: consistent, sensible repetition beats occasional marathons.

The goldilocks rhythm by concern

Dehydrated or reactive skin

• Build phase: one session weekly for three to four weeks to stabilise barrier function and reduce surface tightness.

• Maintain: every three to four weeks. If you are prone to sensitivity, aim for every four to six weeks to avoid overstimulation.

Early fine lines and texture

• Build phase: one session weekly for four weeks.

• Maintain: every three to four weeks. If you miss a month, do two sessions two weeks apart to re settle before returning to your usual pace.

Congestion and oil balance

• Build phase: one session weekly for three weeks.

• Maintain: every two to three weeks in peak humidity, then every four weeks once sebum is better controlled.

Post procedure recovery support

• If your doctor plans LDM as part of a staged plan after procedures that permit it, spacing is crucial. A common pattern is a gentle LDM session one to two weeks after minor procedures when the clinician confirms it is appropriate, then continues every three to four weeks. Always follow medical advice for timing and suitability.

Key principle: more is not always better. The aim is to reduce inflammatory noise and nudge repair, not to chase daily changes.

A practical calendar you can follow

• Weeks 1 to 4
  One session each week. Log your skin comfort, makeup wear, and any flare triggers in a simple diary.

• Weeks 5 to 16
  One session every three to four weeks. If you travel or experience a stressful period that worsens your skin, a shorter interval of two to three weeks can be helpful for a cycle or two.

• Months 4 and beyond
  Keep it every three to four weeks for steady results. If your skin is very stable, moving every five to six weeks is reasonable, provided your clinician agrees.

Preparing for special occasions

• Ten to twelve weeks before an event
  Begin or refresh the build phase. Three weekly sessions set your baseline.

• Four to six weeks before
  One maintenance session. Adjust home care to avoid new activities.

• Seven to ten days before
  A light, calming session if recommended by your clinician. Avoid trying anything new.

This timeline helps make up sit better, reduces surface roughness, and keeps redness in check without last minute surprises.

How LDM fits with other clinic technologies

LDM is frequently used as the calming, supportive piece in a comprehensive plan. As examples:

• With focused ultrasound skin tightening
  Schedule LDM two to three weeks before for barrier prep, and one session two to three weeks after for comfort and hydration, if your doctor advises it is suitable. For a deeper look at this technology, see benefits of HIFU face lift.

• With hydration facials
  Alternate on different weeks to avoid doing too much in one sitting. Aim for LDM at week one, hydration focused care at week two, then return to LDM. You can also explore the science behind hydration facials for a deeper understanding.

The unifying idea is to keep skin calm so that each modality can do its job without friction. If you want to understand the devices many clinics use, see this primer on medical technologies used in clinic.

What to expect at your maintenance reviews

A thorough review is not about selling more sessions. It is about listening to your lived experience and adjusting the plan. Expect the clinician to check:

• Barrier signals such as tightness after cleansing, shine patterns across the T zone, and any new sensitivity.

• Lifestyle changes like air travel, shift work, a new skincare active, or a change of climate.

• Photos under consistent lighting to track texture and redness trends over time.

From there, your calendar might be nudged forward or back. If everything is quiet and balanced, sessions can be spaced out. If stress or lifestyle has stirred things, your clinician may suggest a closer interval for one or two cycles, then step back again.

Home care between sessions

• Keep cleansing gentle and avoid harsh scrubs or tools.

• Layer light hydration with humectants and ceramides.

• Use daily sunscreen and reapply outdoors.

• Introduce activities slowly and only when your barrier is steady.

• Log flare patterns so your clinician can adjust timings.

For collagen support, see benefits of LDM for collagen support.

Your first plan vs real life

There is a difference between the perfect schedule and the schedule you can live with. Missed a month because life happened. You do not need to start over. Book two sessions two weeks apart, then return to your usual cadence. If your skin is very calm, you may prefer steady four week spacing year round with small shifts during the most humid periods. The plan should fit you, not the other way round.

Safety, suitability and realistic expectations

LDM is designed as a gentle, well tolerated clinic procedure for many skin types. Suitability, timing, and frequency must always be personalised after a consultation with a registered medical practitioner. We avoid showing before and after results because each person responds differently and such comparisons can create unrealistic expectations. Instead, we emphasise that outcomes depend on your baseline skin condition, medical history, and lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an active skin infection, let your doctor know so they can advise the safest timing for you.

Placing this guide in your LDM journey

To better understand how these maintenance schedules fit into a complete treatment plan, you can explore our detailed overview on LDM Triple Treatment. This connects the practical scheduling advice here with the full picture of what happens in the clinic and how sessions are structured.

A sample year plan you can screenshot

• January to March
  Weekly for three to four weeks, then once at week three or four.

• April to June
  Every three to four weeks. If outdoor activities increase, add one interim session.

• July to September
  Humidity and travel can spike congestion. Consider one cycle at two to three weeks, then return to three to four weeks.

• October to December
  Events season. Plan your countdown as above with a gentle top up seven to ten days before key dates if advised by your doctor.

When to pause or reschedule

• New rashes, active cold sores, or broken skin.

• Recent sunburn.

• New medications or medical diagnoses.

• Feeling unwell.

Your clinician will guide you on the safest timing to resume.

Quick answers to common questions

Can I do LDM more than once a week
It is seldom necessary. The goal is steady regulation, not constant stimulation. Your clinician may recommend a closer pair of sessions in selected situations, but that is the exception, not the rule.

Will maintenance be forever
Skin is a living organ that responds to age, stress, and climate. Maintenance is an ongoing nudge to keep things steady. Frequency can be reduced during very stable periods.

Can I pair it with exfoliating acids at home
Yes, but go slow. Introduce new activities only when your barrier is calm. If in doubt, pause strong home activities for three to five days around a session.

Can this replace sunscreen or retinoids
No. LDM is an in clinic procedure. Daily habits still matter most.

Taking the next step

If you feel your skin thrives with calm, consistent care and you want a maintenance plan that fits your life, book a consultation with our medical team. We will assess your skin, discuss goals, and map a schedule that is realistic and kind to your barrier. No rush and no pressure, just a clear plan.