Sofwave: Where Does It Fit Among Non-Surgical Lifting Options?

A non-focused ultrasound that works at the Dermis level — not the SMAS Layer. Here's a closer look at which stage of sagging it's best suited for, given its lighter Pain and Downtime profile.

When you start researching Lifting procedures, names like Ultherapy, Thermage, and InMode tend to come up right away — and somewhere in the mix, you'll often spot Sofwave. You may have heard of it, but questions like "Is it some kind of ultrasound?" or "How is it different from Ultherapy?" are completely understandable.

The short answer. Sofwave is a non-surgical Lifting procedure that delivers non-focused ultrasound* to the Dermis at a depth of approximately 1.5mm using parallel beams, stimulating Collagen regeneration. Clinical research has reported improvements in brow, jawline, and neck contours. Because it works differently from procedures like Ultherapy that penetrate all the way to the SMAS Layer, knowing which patients are the right fit makes the decision much easier. This content was prepared by Beautystone Clinic.

Non-focused ultrasound: Unlike focused ultrasound, which concentrates energy at a single point, this method delivers heat evenly to a consistent depth beneath the skin's surface using parallel beams.

It Targets the Dermis at a Depth of 1.5mm

The most defining characteristic of Sofwave is its working depth. It creates uniform thermal points at approximately 1.5mm within the Dermis to stimulate Collagen and elastin regeneration. Unlike Ultherapy, which reaches deeper into the SMAS Layer, Sofwave focuses on refining contours from within the Dermis itself.

This difference in depth also affects who it's best suited for. In early-to-mid stages of sagging — where skin thickness and Elasticity are beginning to diminish — working at the dermal level tends to deliver natural-looking results. On the other hand, if sagging has already progressed to the SMAS Layer, combining it with a procedure that targets that deeper layer will generally yield better outcomes than Sofwave alone.

It Targets the Dermis at a Depth of 1.5mm

Pain and Downtime Are Relatively Mild

Because non-focused ultrasound doesn't concentrate energy at a single point, many patients find the Pain during the procedure noticeably lighter compared to SMAS-targeting procedures. The clinical research referenced above reported an average Pain score in the mid-5 range out of 10 — and most patients find it even more comfortable with topical anesthesia.

Downtime is also on the shorter side. Mild redness and a slight tingling sensation typically subside within a few hours after the procedure, and most patients return to makeup and daily activities the same day or the following day. That said, Calming care and diligent Sunscreen application are recommended for a few days to support a smooth recovery.

Results Gradually Develop Over 8–12 Weeks

Since Sofwave works by stimulating Collagen regeneration, visible changes right after the procedure are minimal. The clinical study noted that noticeable improvements in contour were observed at the 3- and 6-month marks. Many patients begin noticing their jawline and facial contours becoming more defined sometime between 8 and 12 weeks.

Duration varies from person to person, but results from a single session typically last around 6 to 12 months. A natural approach is to assess the outcome from the first session before deciding whether and when a follow-up procedure is needed. Patients who go in with realistic expectations — open to the possibility of touch-up sessions — tend to report higher overall satisfaction.

Results Gradually Develop Over 8–12 Weeks

Combining It With Other Lifting Procedures Is Also an Option

As mentioned, Sofwave targets the Dermis at 1.5mm, so patients who also need SMAS-level work can pair it with another procedure. For example, one approach is to address the SMAS Layer with Ultherapy first, then follow up 4–6 weeks later with Sofwave to refine the dermal contours. Rather than receiving both procedures on the same day, it's generally safer to allow time to observe how the contour evolves before deciding on the next step.

Combining Sofwave with Radiofrequency (RF)-based procedures like Thermage is also possible, but since these procedures differ in their working depths and result timelines, patients who take them one at a time — evaluating results before moving on — tend to achieve more predictable outcomes.

Combining It With Other Lifting Procedures Is Also an Option

Two Things to Clarify Before Your Consultation

When you come in for a consultation, bring both front-facing and side-profile photos of yourself. Visually assessing whether the sagging is at the dermal level or has progressed to the SMAS Layer helps clarify which procedure is the right fit. It's difficult to gauge the depth of sagging from a mirror alone.

The second thing to consider is your skin's thickness and Collagen recovery rate. Patients who typically recover quickly from procedures may see results sooner than average, while those with slower recovery or reduced Collagen regeneration capacity may need a bit more time. This article is intended as general information only — the right procedure choice for your specific skin condition should be determined by a physician who has personally evaluated you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I expect to see results after just one Sofwave session?

A. It varies by individual, but in most cases, contour improvements gradually develop over 8–12 weeks following a single session. Since noticeable changes tend to emerge slowly over time rather than immediately, we recommend comparing photos at the 3-month mark rather than trying to evaluate results within the first month.

Q. Should I get Ultherapy or Sofwave first?

A. It depends on the depth of your sagging. If it has progressed to the SMAS Layer, addressing that first tends to be the better approach. For early-to-mid stage sagging focused at the dermal level, many patients see natural-looking results with Sofwave alone. Please discuss with your physician during the consultation to assess the depth of your sagging and make the right call together.

Q. When can I resume normal activities after the procedure?

A. Outside of some mild redness and slight Swelling on the day of the procedure, Downtime is generally minimal. Makeup is typically fine from the next day, and we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and sauna for approximately 24–48 hours as a precaution.