Sofwave (ultrasound skin‑lifting)

In a sentence: Sofwave uses focused ultrasound to gently heat the skin’s mid‑dermis (about 1.5 mm deep), kick‑starting new collagen so the brows, under‑chin and neck look subtly lifted and skin looks firmer—without needles or downtime.1

Who it’s best for

  • 20s–30s: prevention and early firmness—keep definition and slow drift.
  • 40s–50s: mild–moderate laxity (soft jawline/early jowls), droopy brows, light neck sag.
  • 60s: mild–moderate laxity when you want a non‑surgical option (may be paired with other treatments for lines/volume).

What it can do

  • Lift: subtle lift of the brows, under‑chin (submental) and neck tissue.2
  • Firm & smooth: improves laxity and fine lines in the treated areas.2
  • All skin tones: designed to treat the dermis while protecting the surface, so it’s suitable across skin types in experienced hands.1

What it can’t do

It won’t duplicate a facelift or remove heavy jowls/neck bands. Think of Sofwave as a subtle lift and firming booster, not a surgical replacement.

Treatment & sessions

  • During: ultrasound pulses are delivered through a handpiece while built‑in cooling protects the surface; no needles. A full face/neck session usually takes ~30–45 minutes.1
  • How many: many people do 1 session; some benefit from 2 sessions for added lift, spaced a few months apart.1
  • When you see it: tightening builds over 4–12 weeks, with studies commonly assessing results at ~3 months.1

Healing time & aftercare

  • Downtime: typically little to none. You might feel warmth or see brief pinkness or mild swelling after treatment.2
  • Comfort: numbing and cooling are used; heat can feel intense over bony areas but settles quickly.
  • Aftercare: simple—gentle skincare and SPF. You can usually return to normal activities the same day.

Safety & skin of colour

Sofwave targets the mid‑dermis (about 0.5–2 mm, centred near 1.5 mm) and spares the surface with integrated cooling, which helps make it suitable across skin tones when used by trained providers.1

Possible side effects (generally uncommon)

  • Temporary tenderness, redness, swelling or bruising.2
  • Rarely, pigment changes or small surface injury (blister/erosion); isolated adverse event reports exist in the FDA MAUDE database.23

Who should avoid or delay (contra‑/precautions)

  • Do not treat over open wounds/lesions, severe cystic acne in the area, or pacemakers/electronic implants in the treatment area.2
  • Use caution / typically not recommended now: pregnancy/breast‑feeding, active infections or skin disease, significant scarring in the area, metal stents/implants in the facial area, recent isotretinoin (within 6 months), treatment directly over dermal fillers.2
  • Always share your medical history and medications; your clinician will advise timing.

Regulatory note (U.S.)

FDA 510(k) summary confirms indications to improve facial lines and wrinkles and to lift the eyebrow, submental and neck tissue, plus cellulite and acne‑scar indications; see the most recent filing.4

Sofwave vs Ultherapy (quick pick)

  • Sofwave: focuses energy in the mid‑dermis (~1.5 mm) for subtle lift + skin quality with minimal downtime.1
  • Ultherapy: can target deeper layers (e.g., 3.0–4.5 mm) and includes ultrasound imaging; often chosen when deeper tightening is desired. (Discuss with your clinician which depth best matches your goals.)5

At‑a‑glance

  • Best for: subtle lifting of brows/under‑chin/neck; early–moderate laxity.
  • Sessions: often 1 (some do 2 for extra lift).
  • Downtime: little to none for most.
  • Results build: over ~3 months; maintenance typically yearly or as advised.

References (open in new tab)

  1. Sofwave Product Brochure (2025): technology, depth (~0.5–2 mm centred ~1.5 mm), studies, minimal downtime
  2. Sofwave — Safety Information: indications, contraindications, precautions, potential adverse events
  3. FDA MAUDE (example adverse event report)
  4. FDA 510(k) K240687 — Sofwave system (2024 summary)
  5. FDA 510(k) K132028 — Ulthera system (indications; imaging)
  6. Sofwave — Before/After gallery

Region notes: Sofwave reports availability in 40+ countries; clinic indications and marketing claims can vary by market.

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