Do You Need Skinvive Again Every Six Months?

Skinvive does not have to be repeated every six months. We distinguish the duration of improvement observed in a study from the retreatment interval an individual may need. A finding that improvement lasted six months does not, by itself, set the date for another treatment.

What does “lasts six months” actually mean?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 2023 approval overview, a clinical trial involving 209 participants found that improvement in cheek skin smoothness lasted at least six months. The outcome assessed was cheek skin smoothness, not every skin concern across the entire face. It is not a guarantee that everyone will experience improvement for the same length of time.

Six months is also not a point when the effect necessarily disappears. The observation reported in the U.S. approval materials and an individual repeat-treatment plan are separate considerations.

Touch-ups and repeat treatments are different

The directions for use published by the FDA with the same approval materials state that a touch-up was performed approximately 30 days after the initial injection if needed. Participants in the treatment group were offered the option of repeat treatment six months after their last treatment.

Saying that a single treatment lasts six months for everyone overlooks the study’s provision for touch-ups. Equally, an optional repeat-treatment opportunity in a study cannot be turned into a mandatory schedule for every patient.

What to review before another treatment

To prepare for a discussion with a healthcare professional, make a note of:

• The date of your previous treatment.
• Whether you had a touch-up and when it took place.
• Any swelling, bruising, lumps, or other reactions that remain.

The same FDA-published directions for use advise postponing treatment when there is inflammation or infection at the treatment site until it is controlled.

They also list contraindications: severe allergies involving anaphylaxis, a history of multiple severe allergies, and allergies to lidocaine or gram-positive bacterial proteins. These should be discussed before treatment.

When to seek immediate medical attention

The FDA-published directions for use warn that, although rare, injection into a blood vessel can cause serious complications, including vision impairment and skin necrosis (tissue death).

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur during or shortly after treatment:

• Vision changes.
• Skin turning white.
• Unusual pain.

The next treatment should be a decision based on your current skin condition and previous reactions, discussed with a healthcare professional, rather than an automatic appointment at the six-month mark.