The neck often shows signs of aging before the face. Crepey texture, horizontal lines, and softness below the jaw can appear years before other signs. Sofwave tightens the area with ultrasound energy without surgery or downtime. Here is how the treatment works, what it feels like, and what it costs.
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Yes, Sofwave is FDA-cleared to lift loose skin under the chin and along the neck, and to improve fine lines and wrinkles. Clinical studies showed noticeable lifting under the chin, where many people first notice sagging.
Your neck skin is challenging for most skincare products. It is thinner than facial skin, has fewer oil glands, and less support underneath. The neck also folds many times a day – when you look at your phone, read, or check traffic. Over time, these repeated movements create horizontal lines and tech neck wrinkles.
Sofwave delivers parallel beams of ultrasound energy to the mid-dermis, about 1.5 mm below the surface, where collagen and elastin are produced. The heat triggers the body’s natural healing response, prompting fibroblasts to produce new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
Meanwhile, the integrated Sofcool™ cooling system protects the skin’s surface by keeping the outer layers cool throughout the treatment.
Sofwave suits healthy adults with early-to-moderate neck changes. Providers recommend it for:
Pronounced skin excess or heavy vertical banding may require a surgical neck lift or combination plan. The device does not dissolve fat because fat cells lie deeper than the energy reaches.
Consult your provider to determine the best plan for your neck concern.
Note: Learn about alternative treatments for the neck, Sculptra and Botox.
Sofwave improves both the shape and surface of the neck, with no downtime.
By strengthening existing collagen fibers and prompting the production of new ones, Sofwave tightens loose tissue beneath the jaw. The result is a cleaner angle between the chin and neck, the change most patients notice in side-view photos.
As the dermis thickens and regains elasticity, shallow creases become less pronounced. Deeper lines will not vanish, but they usually look noticeably smoother. Many patients pair Sofwave with a neurotoxin injection when muscle activity contributes to the lines.
Neck skin that looks thin and papery tends to gain body as collagen rebuilds. Patients often describe a plumper, more even surface that reflects light better. Redness and uneven tone may also improve.
Sofwave uses no needles or incisions and doesn’t cause peeling. Most people return to daily activities immediately after treatment. It is also gentler than laser resurfacing, which often leaves the neck red and sensitive for several days.
Preparation is minimal. A consultation comes first, where the provider examines your skin, discusses your goals, and reviews your medical history. Share every medication you take, any recent filler near the treatment area, and any history of metal implants in the neck area.
On the day of your appointment, arrive with clean skin and skip lotions, serums, and self-tanner on the neck. Remove necklaces and other jewelry. Men should shave the area beforehand. Having a light meal before the treatment helps, as does wearing a loose-collared top that is easy to take off.
The provider cleanses the skin and, if needed, applies a topical numbing cream. A layer of ultrasound gel goes on next. The provider adjusts the energy and pulse settings, then places the handpiece against the skin and delivers heat in short pulses, working across the neck in a systematic grid.
Most patients rate the discomfort as mild to moderate. Each pulse feels like a brief wave of warmth, sometimes with a quick snap, and the sensation fades as the handpiece moves on. The neck is more sensitive near the jawline and the center of the throat, so providers often lower the energy in those spots.
If anything feels too intense, providers can change the settings immediately.
A neck-only session generally takes 20 to 30 minutes. Adding the face extends the appointment to around an hour. No recovery period is needed, so you can walk out and resume your daily activities. Slight pinkness may linger for an hour or two.
Results appear gradually with the appearance of new collagen. Some people see a slight tightening in the first week or two. The biggest changes in lift, texture, and lines usually show up around twelve weeks and can keep improving for a few more months.
Most people need just one session. If you have more advanced laxity or crepiness, you might benefit from a second treatment. Your provider will let you know after your first results are clear whether you need a second session.
Results typically last 6 to 12 months, with some lasting longer. Use daily sunscreen and book an annual maintenance treatment to prolong results.
Note: Learn more about how long Sofwave results last.
Sofwave is well tolerated, and complications are rare. Most side effects are mild and temporary:
Sofwave is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation and should be avoided over open wounds, active cystic acne, areas with metal implants, or shortly after filler injections in the same area. Patients with bleeding disorders or those taking certain medications, including anticoagulants and retinoids, should discuss risks with their provider first.
One of Sofwave’s biggest advantages is that there is no recovery. You can exercise, wear makeup, and return to normal routines the same day.
A few simple tips will help you get the best from the treatment.
Over the next few weeks, small posture changes can also protect the results. Raising your phone to eye level reduces the repeated folding that creates horizontal lines.
Sofwave pricing at VIBRANT Skin Bar starts at $1,200. You can treat your face and neck together for $3,500 in a session that takes about 90 minutes.
Consultations are complimentary, so you can get an exact quote before committing.
Sofwave offers a non-surgical way to address the first signs of neck aging, from crepey texture to early looseness under the chin. It uses controlled ultrasound heat, requires no recovery time, and suits a wide range of skin tones. Results develop over about three months and can last up to a year or more.
Contact the VIBRANT Skin Bar team to find out whether Sofwave fits your goals. Learn more about how Sofwave compares to HIFU, Morpheus8, and Thermage.
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