You'll likely need to remove the cylinder, to clean the residue off the yoke barrel so it spins freely, way more than removing the sideplate, in a year. That's going to depend on what model revolver to have & what loads/powder you shoot & how much you shoot.

I really think the sideplate should be removed initially when you receive the gun for inspection/lube. Factory guns often have little lube & occasionally metal debris still inside. Again, depending on what & how much/often you shoot will dictate when you need to open it back up again, maybe just once a year.

I like to use Rem-Oil spray to flush the innards out with if you're not doing a complete disassembly. I use a light synthetic grease like Super Lube sparingly then.

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