Lines and wrinkles5 min readUpdated
Sofwave: What It Treats, How Long Results Last and Whether It Hurts
How Sofwave ultrasound skin tightening works, what it is FDA-cleared to treat, crow's feet, what a session feels like, results timing and how long they last, how it compares with other treatments and the cost in Carlsbad.
How we write and check our articles
If you only read one thing
Sofwave is a non-invasive ultrasound treatment that heats the mid-dermis, about 1.5 mm deep, to stimulate new collagen and elastin. It is FDA-cleared to improve facial lines and wrinkles and to lift the brows, under the chin and the neck. Most people need one 30 to 45 minute session with little downtime. Results build over about 12 weeks and typically last around a year.
- Sofwave uses ultrasound, not a laser, to heat the mid-dermis about 1.5 mm deep and rebuild collagen.
- It is FDA-cleared for facial lines and wrinkles and for lifting the brows, under the chin and the neck.
- Most people need one session of 30 to 45 minutes, with numbing cream beforehand.
- There is little or no downtime; redness usually fades within hours.
- Results build over about 12 weeks and typically last around a year.
- It is suitable for all skin tones.
On this page 11 sections
Sofwave is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses ultrasound energy to stimulate new collagen. It is FDA-cleared to improve facial lines and wrinkles and to lift the eyebrows, the area under the chin and the neck. Most people need just one session, there is little or no downtime, and results build gradually over about three months.
This guide explains how Sofwave works, what it treats (including crow’s feet), what a session feels like, how long results last, how it compares with other tightening treatments, and what it costs at our Carlsbad studio.
How Sofwave works
Sofwave is an ultrasound device, not a laser. Its SUPERB technology sends parallel beams of ultrasound energy through the skin to heat the middle layer of the skin (the mid-dermis), about 1.5 millimeters deep, where collagen and elastin are made. A built-in cooling system protects the surface of the skin while the energy is delivered.
The heat creates tiny, controlled zones of injury that trigger the skin’s natural repair process. Over the following weeks and months, the skin builds new collagen and elastin, so it becomes firmer and smoother and fine lines soften. Because the energy works below the skin’s pigment, Sofwave is suitable for all skin tones.
What Sofwave treats
- Fine lines and wrinklesAcross the face, including crow’s feet and forehead lines. FDA-cleared.
- Brow liftTightening the skin of the forehead can lift the brows slightly and open up the eyes. FDA-cleared.
- Jawline and under the chinFirms lax skin under the chin and along the jaw. FDA-cleared for lifting submental tissue.
- NeckTightens crepey or loose neck skin. FDA-cleared for lifting lax neck tissue.
- Overall skin qualityFirmer, smoother skin with better texture as collagen builds.
Sofwave for crow’s feet
Crow’s feet have two causes: the squinting muscle that creases the skin, and thinning skin that holds the creases. Sofwave treats the skin part, building collagen so the lines are softer even when you are not smiling. Botox treats the muscle part, relaxing the squint. For crow’s feet, the best results usually come from both: Sofwave for the skin, and Botox every few months for movement. See our guide to Botox areas for crow’s feet Botox.
Does Sofwave hurt?
Most people feel warmth and mild to moderate discomfort, like quick pulses of heat, during treatment. We apply numbing cream for 45 to 60 minutes beforehand, and the built-in cooling also helps. Treatment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes for the face. Many people find it more comfortable than older ultrasound tightening treatments, which work at deeper levels.
Recovery and side effects
There is little or no downtime. Most people go straight back to their day, often with makeup on. Afterwards you may notice:
- Redness and warmth, usually fading within a few hours
- Mild swelling or tenderness for a day or two
- Occasionally, small red marks or temporary tingling, which settle on their own
Tell us beforehand if you get cold sores, are pregnant, have metal implants or devices in the treatment area, or have an active skin infection. Do not stop any prescribed medicine without asking your prescriber.
When will I see results, and how long do they last?
Sofwave results timeline
- Building
- Full result
- Top up
Some people notice a subtle glow soon after treatment, but the real change comes as collagen rebuilds over about 12 weeks. In the manufacturer’s multi-center study, most patients were rated as improved or much improved 12 weeks after a single treatment. Results typically last around a year. Because your skin keeps aging, many people book a maintenance session once a year.
Who is a good candidate?
Sofwave suits people with mild to moderate skin laxity, fine lines and early jowling who want a gradual, natural-looking improvement without needles or downtime. It is not a substitute for a facelift when there is a lot of loose skin, and it does not replace lost volume; filler or Sculptra do that.
Sofwave vs other skin tightening treatments
| Treatment | How it works | Downtime |
|---|---|---|
| Sofwave | Ultrasound heats the mid-dermis to rebuild collagen | Little or none |
| Morpheus8 | Microneedles deliver radiofrequency heat; also improves texture and scars | A few days of redness and small marks |
| SkinTyte | Broadband infrared light heats the skin to firm it over a series | None |
| PDO thread lift | Dissolvable threads physically lift tissue | A few days of swelling and bruising |
For a detailed comparison with Ultherapy and Morpheus8, see Morpheus8 vs Ultherapy vs Sofwave.
How much does Sofwave cost?
Forehead and eyes
Price$1,000
VIP members$850
Full face
Price$2,500
VIP members$2,125
Face and neck
Price$3,500
VIP members$2,975
Lower face and neck is $3,000. Ask about financing on treatments of $2,000 or more.
Sofwave in Carlsbad
At your consultation we look at your skin, discuss what you would like to improve, and recommend whether Sofwave, another tightening treatment or a combination will give you the best result. See our Sofwave in Carlsbad page, or book a consultation at our South Carlsbad studio on El Camino Real.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sofwave?
A non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses parallel beams of ultrasound to heat the mid-dermis and stimulate new collagen and elastin, firming skin and softening lines.
What does Sofwave treat?
It is FDA-cleared to improve facial lines and wrinkles and to lift the eyebrows, the area under the chin and the neck. It also improves overall skin firmness.
Does Sofwave hurt?
Most people feel warmth and mild to moderate discomfort. Numbing cream for 45 to 60 minutes beforehand and the built-in cooling keep it manageable.
How long does Sofwave last?
Results typically last around a year. Many people have a maintenance session once a year because the skin keeps aging.
When will I see Sofwave results?
Results build gradually as collagen forms, with the full result at about 12 weeks after a single treatment.
Is there downtime after Sofwave?
Little or none. Redness usually fades within a few hours, and mild swelling or tenderness can last a day or two.
Does Sofwave work on crow's feet?
Yes, it softens crow's feet by building collagen in the skin. Combining it with Botox, which relaxes the squinting muscle, usually gives the best result.
How much does Sofwave cost?
At Glow Theory Sofwave is $2,500 for the full face and $3,500 for the face and neck.
Sources
Insiyah Darugar
Insiyah Darugar, MSN, FNP is the founder and CEO of Glow Theory Aesthetic & Dermatology Studio in Carlsbad. She brings more than 15 years of hands-on experience in dermatology and aesthetics and completed the Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Fellowship at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, a…
