What criteria are used to determine prevention of recurrence and maintenance after acne has subsided?

Hello. I am a 30-year-old woman concerned about acne and enlarged pores. While preparing for my consultation, I became curious about how maintenance care to prevent recurrence differs, not just in the steps of managing breakouts, but also once the inflammation has subsided. I am asking not to share a review of a specific treatment experience, but rather to confirm the specific details I would like to discuss during the consultation.

I would like to know if, even if the surface redness of the acne has subsided but small comedones remain, this is still considered the treatment phase, or if the transition to the maintenance phase is made by also considering the number of new ones and the intervals between occurrences. What criteria should I be guided by to avoid suddenly stopping treatment just because it looks good?

I am also curious about how the roles of home care and clinic visits are distinguished when maintenance is deemed necessary. I would also like to hear the criteria for contacting the clinic first rather than arbitrarily changing usage frequency when dryness or stinging occurs, as well as the criteria for rescheduling a follow-up appointment when acne worsens.

Should pores be evaluated separately from whether acne recurs? I would like to know if it is possible to determine maintenance goals and the timing for the next progress check by examining the skin in person, rather than judging based on a single attached photo. I offer my sincere gratitude.