The cosmetic industry is constantly evolving and developing treatments that outperform previous procedures in terms of safety and effectiveness. Sofwave has received significant attention since its FDA approval in 2019 due to its versatility, anti-aging potential, and minimal risk of complications.

This article explores the advantages of using Sofwave therapy for the face, explains how it works, and answers the frequently asked questions about the procedure.

Sofwave for the face

What Is the Sofwave Face Treatment?

Sofwave is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that uses a unique ultrasound technology to rejuvenate the face. It smooths facial fine lines and wrinkles, lifts hooded eyelids, tightens sagging skin, decreases redness and hyperpigmentation, and improves tone and texture.

Unlike laser resurfacing and chemical peels, Sofwave is safe for all skin tones, including darker complexions, which are more vulnerable to burns.  

How Does the Sofwave Face Treatment Work?

Sofwave heats the mid-dermis, the skin layer where most collagen and elastin fibers are synthesized. The device increases collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, restoring the skin’s building blocks that give it structure, firmness, resilience, and contribute to a youthful appearance.

Sofwave is designed to heat only the mid-dermis to a depth of 1,5 mm without affecting the skin’s surface and surrounding tissues. The device also includes an integrated cooling mechanism, Sofcool, which further enhances the treatment’s safety and minimizes the risk of skin damage.

What Does Sofwave Do to Your Face?

Sofwave addresses facial skin aging signs caused by collagen and elastin decline. It provides multiple cosmetic benefits.

Improves Skin Laxity

By strengthening existing collagen fibers and stimulating the synthesis of new collagen and elastin, Sofwave visibly lifts sagging skin. It tightens commonly affected facial areas, such as the loose submental area (under the chin), jowls, and brows.

Corrects Hooded Eyelids

Sagging brows weigh down the eyelids, causing a worn-out, aged expression. Sofwave lifts the eyebrows and eyelids, opening the eye area. The results are not as dramatic as those of a surgical eyelift, but they provide a naturally refreshed and rejuvenated look.


Note: Learn how Botox can help with droopy eyelids.


Decreases Fine Lines and Wrinkles

As more collagen and elastin are produced, these structural proteins restore the skin’s resilience and elasticity, reducing the appearance of existing wrinkles and delaying the formation of new ones. The skin gradually becomes smoother and tighter, with fewer wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, and in the lower face.

Reduced Acne Scars

Sofwave has recently received FDA approval for the treatment of acne scars. By building more collagen and improving overall skin texture, Sofwave smooths mild to moderate acne scarring, often caused by inadequate treatment of atrophic acne. For deeper scars, Sofwave is combined with other scar-focused procedures, such as subcision, microneedling, and laser.

Safe for Darker Skin Tones

Sofwave is suitable for most skin tones and textures, including darker complexions. It precisely targets the mid-dermis without affecting melanin and leaving the surface area intact. This reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared to other collagen-boosting procedures. The device’s cooling mechanism also eliminates the risk of burns.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Sofwave?

Ideal Sofwave patients

Most healthy adults can undergo Sofwave for the face. The treatment is suitable for patients across various age groups, from those experiencing early signs of aging (in the mid-20s) to people with mature skin and more pronounced wrinkles and laxity.

Sofwave is typically recommended for patients with the following cosmetic concerns:

  • Mild to moderate wrinkles
  • Mild to moderate skin laxity
  • Sagging eyebrows
  • Hooded eyelids
  • Loose jowls
  • Sagging skin under the chin

The satisfaction rate is higher among patients with realistic expectations who are interested in natural-looking results.

How to Prepare for the Sofwave Face Treatment?

Sofwave doesn’t require any special preparation. During the initial consultation, the medical provider evaluates the patient’s skin to determine if Sofwave is an adequate cosmetic solution and explains the details of the treatment.

Patients are generally advised not to wear makeup or jewelry on the day of treatment and to have a light meal before leaving home.

What to Expect During the Sofwave Face Treatment?

Sofwave procedure

The medical provider first disinfects the patient’s skin and applies a numbing cream to ensure the patient doesn’t feel any pain during the procedure.

The provider sets appropriate settings on the Sofwave device, including temperature, energy level, and pulse duration, and starts the session. The device is placed on the patient’s skin for several seconds, during which heat is delivered in pulses into the mid-dermis. Patients report feeling hot for a few seconds. The sensation subsides as the provider moves the device to the next area, and the cycle repeats.

Sofwave for the face lasts 30-45 minutes.

Sofwave Face Treatment Results

As a collagen-stimulating treatment, Sofwave provides gradual results. Some patients report a noticeably firmer and refreshed look after only one week, but the improvement in skin tone and texture typically continues for twelve weeks.

Most patients need only one treatment to experience desired results. For more severe aging signs or acne scars, patients may need one or two additional sessions.

Providers recommend maintenance treatments every 6-12 months to extend Sofwave’s rejuvenating effects.

Does the Sofwave Face Treatment Require Special Aftercare?

Another advantage of the Sofwave face treatment over Botox, fillers, and other popular treatments is that it doesn’t require special aftercare. Patients can enjoy most of their usual activities, including exercise and wearing makeup.

Some skin professionals advise staying away from sources of high heat, such as saunas, hot yoga, and hot showers, for 24 hours. They also recommend skipping harsh skin care that day, including products with retinol and vitamin C.

Sofwave Face Side Effects

Sofwave is safe and milder than many popular cosmetic treatments. Because it doesn’t use needles, chemicals, and high heat, adverse effects are rare.

The manufacturer lists the following potential side effects:

  • Pain
  • Tenderness
  • Pigmentation changes
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising

Most side effects are mild and resolve within several hours.

Should Anyone Avoid the Sofwave Face Treatment?

Though safe for most people, Sofwave is not recommended for those with the following conditions:

  • Pregnancy or lactation
  • Open wounds or lesions in the target area
  • Cystic acne in the target area
  • Metal implants in the facial area
  • History of drug or alcohol abuse
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Recently injected dermal filler in the target location
  • Taking certain medications (e.g., psychiatric drugs, retinoids, anti-coagulants, etc.)

Sofwave Face FAQ

These final pieces of information regarding Sofwave’s safety and cost can help you decide whether the treatment is right for you.

Is Sofwave Face Treatment Safe?

Sofwave is safer than many other collagen-stimulating treatments because it delivers heat 1,5 mm into the mid-dermis without affecting the surface skin layers. Its precise delivery, controlled heat, and integrated cooling mechanism minimize the risk of skin damage and make the treatment generally well-tolerated.

Does Sofwave Melt Fat on the Face?

Sofwave doesn’t have any effect on facial fat. Fat cells are located in deeper skin layers where Sofwave’s ultrasound energy doesn’t reach.

How Much Does Sofwave for the Face Cost?

At Vibrant Skin Bar, the Sofwave Full Face treatment costs $3,000. Many patients choose to include the neck as well. The combined face and neck treatment costs $3,500.

The total cost of the Sofwave treatment depends on the patient’s skin type, cosmetic goals, and the medical provider’s expertise and location.

Conclusion

Sofwave is an innovative treatment that relies on cutting-edge ultrasound technology to deliver natural-looking rejuvenation. It is tailored for all skin types and designed to transform the skin gently but effectively.

Contact our seasoned cosmetic professionals to help you on your journey to a more youthful, lifted, vibrant skin.