The popularity of non-surgical treatments can be attributed to an increasing interest in procedures that support the natural look and cause minimal downtime.
Emface® and Sofwave™ are recent favorites, offering subtle but impressive rejuvenation with next-generation technologies.
Our article explains the differences between Emface and Sofwave, so you know which treatment can better help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
What Is Emface?
Emface is a cosmetic treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to enhance collagen and elastin production and deliver a more youthful appearance. The treatment’s unique feature is that it stimulates muscle activity, toning facial muscles and strengthening the skin’s support structure.
Besides the aesthetic function, Emface is used in medicine to relieve the symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, such as teeth grinding, jaw pain, and muscle spasms.
What Is Sofwave?
Sofwave is an advanced ultrasound treatment that gently stimulates collagen and elastin regeneration, providing a smoother and firmer complexion. Its defining features focus on safety, combining precise delivery of ultrasound energy to the optimal depth within the mid-dermis with an integrated cooling mechanism that protects the skin’s surface.
What Are the Differences Between Emface and Sofwave?
Emface and Sofwave provide similar results using different technologies and procedures. The following table summarizes the two treatments’ key differences and similarities.
| Emface | Sofwave | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Radiofrequency energy with muscle stimulation. | Ultrasound energy. |
| Benefits | Toned facial muscles. Enhanced collagen and elastin. Reduced sagging. No downtime. Suitable for all skin types. | Enhanced collagen and elastin. Smoother skin. Reduced sagging. No downtime. Suitable for all skin types. |
| Results | Lifted and contoured skin with fewer wrinkles. | Firmer, smoother skin and fewer wrinkles. |
| Side Effects | Brief redness, warmth, mild swelling. | Mild redness, swelling, tenderness. |
| Aftercare | Avoiding sources of heat and potent skin care for 24 hours. | Avoiding sources of heat and potent skin care for 24 hours. |
| Cost | $700 - $1,500 per session. | $1,500 - $4,500 per treatment. |
Emface vs. Sofwave Technology
The key difference between Emface and Sofwave is in the technologies used.
Emface
Emface uses radiofrequency energy with unique High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation (HIFES™) technology. The treatment’s primary focus is toning of the facial muscles to produce the desired skin-tightening effect. RF energy also gently heats dermal layers, revitalizing collagen and elastin to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and restore elasticity.
Sofwave
Sofwave uses advanced Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology (SUPERB™) to heat the mid-dermis at a precise depth of 1.5 mm, where collagen and elastin fibers are produced. The ultrasound energy passes through the epidermis without causing damage to the superficial layers. By stimulating increased production of the primary skin-building proteins, Sofwave smooths and tightens the skin.
Emface vs. Sofwave Benefits
Emface and Sofwave are versatile treatments offering multiple benefits.
Emface
The treatment provides the following benefits:
- Stimulates muscle activity to support facial structure and contour the features.
- Addresses aging signs on the forehead, cheeks, under the eyes, along the jawline, and under the chin.
- Also has a medical function, relieving TMJ symptoms.
- No-needle, non-invasive procedure without bruising or downtime.
- Suitable for all skin types and tones.
- Short, comfortable 20-minute sessions.
Sofwave
The benefits include:
- Gently heats the mid-dermis to enhance collagen and elastin production.
- Decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Lifts and tones sagging skin in the brow area and lower face.
- Minimizes acne scarring.
- Reduces the appearance of cellulite.
- No-needle, non-invasive procedure without downtime.
- Suitable for all skin types and tones.
- Convenient 30–45-minute sessions.
- Many patients require only one treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Emface and Sofwave?
Emface and Sofwave patients need to have realistic expectations about the treatments’ outcome. As non-surgical procedures, they can’t correct advanced aging signs, such as severe skin laxity.
Emface and Sofwave are ideal for healthy adult patients with mild to moderate loss of elasticity, excess skin, and wrinkles.
Emface
Emface is more suitable for patients who experience sagging skin due to weakening muscles and loss of muscle tone. The treatment strengthens the muscles, subtly tightening and contouring facial features.
Sofwave
Sofwave is a better choice for patients whose aging signs are caused by collagen decline. Increased collagen production helps lift and firm the skin over time.
What to Expect During Emface and Sofwave?
Patients find Emface and Sofwave convenient, as they are quick, no-downtime procedures that can be performed during a lunch break. Here’s what to expect during the sessions.
Emface
The provider disinfects the patient’s skin and applies special applicators on the forehead, cheeks, and lower face. The pads are connected to the Emface machine, which delivers radiofrequency energy and HIFES through the applicators, warming the skin and stimulating muscle contractions. Patients feel warmth and a pulsating sensation, but no pain.
The session takes 20 minutes. Patients typically need four sessions spaced one week apart.
Sofwave
The provider disinfects the patient’s skin and may apply a numbing cream to reduce pain and discomfort. They use a hand-held device to send quick pulses of ultrasound energy into the skin, heating the mid-dermis. Patients often experience brief sensations of heat and discomfort with each pulse, which quickly subside before the next one.
A typical Sofwave treatment session lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size and number of areas being treated.
What Are the Results of Emface and Sofwave?
Emface and Sofwave provide similar results. Because they stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, the skin becomes firmer and smoother over time, with fewer wrinkles. Emface also tones the muscles, contouring and tightening facial features.
Both treatments provide gradual results. Patients notice an improvement in their skin’s tone and texture over time, as collagen regenerates. Subtle changes occur within the first few weeks, and full results are typically seen within three months.
Emface usually requires four treatments spaced one week apart. Sofwave requires one or two treatments.
The results last up to one year, with maintenance treatments available to extend the smooth, lifted look.
Emface vs. Sofwave Side Effects
Emface and Sofwave are FDA-approved, well-tolerated, and cause minimal side effects that typically resolve within a few hours. Common side effects include:
- Warmth
- Mild redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising (rare)
Emface vs. Sofwave Aftercare
Emface and Sofwave require no downtime and patients can resume their regular activities right after the treatment, including workouts. Cosmetic professionals only advise patients to avoid sources of high heat (e.g., saunas, hot showers) and intensive skin care for 24 hours.
Maintain the usual skin hygiene with gentle cleansers and always use sunscreen outdoors.
Should Anyone Avoid Emface and Sofwave?
Emface and Sofwave are generally well tolerated and safe for most healthy adults. However, patients with the following conditions may need to avoid the procedures.
Emface
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Scar tissue in the treatment area
- Active infections, severe cysts, or open wounds in the treatment area
- Bleeding disorders
- Neurological or muscle disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- Electronic or metal implants
- Recent dermal filler or Botox treatments (in the previous two weeks)
- Using anticoagulants
Sofwave
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Scar tissue in the treatment area
- Active infections, severe cysts, or open wounds in the treatment area
- Electronic or metal implants
- Recent dermal filler or Botox treatments (in the previous two weeks)
- Using anticoagulants or anti-platelet medication
- Recent use of isotretinoin (acne medication)
Discuss your health condition and the medications you are taking with your medical provider to assess your eligibility for the treatment.
Emface vs. Sofwave FAQ
The following FAQ section includes final pieces of information that you’ll want to know if you are interested in trying Emface or Sofwave.
Emface vs. Sofwave Cost
The cost of both treatments depends on the medical provider’s expertise, geographic location, and the patient’s aesthetic goals.
Emface
The average cost of a single Emface session is $700 – $1,500. Most patients require four sessions and providers offer packages in the range of $3,000 – $6,000. Sometimes they offer discounts and seasonal promotions, which can significantly lower the price.
Sofwave
The cost of Sofwave ranges between $1,500 and $4,500, depending on the medical provider’s experience, location, and the treatment area.
Vibrant Skin Bar offers two treatments:
- Sofwave Full Face - $3,000
- Sofwave Face and Neck - $3,500
What Is Better, Sofwave or Emface?
Neither treatment is universally better. Emface and Sofwave provide similar results using different technologies with advanced safety features. Providers suggest one or the other, depending on the patient’s unique skin concern and the severity of the symptoms.
For skin concerns caused by collagen loss, such as sagging skin and more pronounced wrinkles. Sofwave is the better choice. It focuses on stimulating collagen and elastin fibers at the ideal depth where they are produced.
For contour loss and sagging skin due to weak muscles, providers recommend Emface because of its effective muscle stimulation.
Can Emface and Sofwave Be Combined?
Medical providers sometimes recommend pairing Emface and Sofwave for a more comprehensive approach and superior anti-aging results, especially to patients with more pronounced laxity and wrinkling.
Together, these treatments improve muscle tone and the skin’s support structure, while boosting collagen, minimizing wrinkles, and firming the skin.
Conclusion
Emface and Sofwave are advanced non-surgical treatments for loose skin, wrinkles, and other aging signs. Their winning features are minimally invasive procedures, a high safety profile, and natural rejuvenating effects.
Contact your trusted cosmetic professional for an evaluation of your skin concern and a unique approach to reaching your desired goals.
