Wondering which non-invasive treatment is better for skin tightening, Sofwave™ or Ultherapy?
Both use ultrasound energy to stimulate new collagen and address skin laxity, but Sofwave™ offers a newer, more controlled, and much more comfortable treatment experience. Sofwave™ at our Chicago practice uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) technology to precisely heat the mid-dermis (around 1.5 mm) for smoothing fine lines and tightening skin laxity, with minimal downtime.
On the other hand, Ultherapy, which first became available in 2009, delivers microfocused ultrasound with real-time imaging to treat underlying layers (including SMAS at 3.0–4.5 mm). While patients of this therapy report positive outcomes, downsides include significant discomfort, as well as rare risks of nerve damage, facial fat loss, and hollowed or aged appearances if performed incorrectly. At this depth, risks should be considered and discussed with your healthcare provider.
At the Whole Beauty® Institute, we offer Sofwave™ as an ultrasound therapy, as we believe it represents a more advanced and patient-focused approach to non-invasive skin tightening, offering superior technology and a more streamlined treatment experience.
The Benefits of Sofwave™
We often recommend Sofwave™ for mild or early to moderate skin laxity, softening fine lines of the brows, cheeks, jawline, and neck. Treatments are typically well tolerated thanks to integrated cooling, and visits are efficient, so most people are back to normal right away. You may notice a subtle, refreshed feel early, with firmer texture building over 3–4 months as collagen forms. Sofwave™ pairs nicely with a comprehensive plan that may include skincare, neuromodulators, or fillers, depending on your goals.
Is Sofwave™ Right for Your Skin Laxity?
Sofwave™ offers several advantages, particularly for patients seeking effective skin tightening with a more comfortable, convenient treatment experience. Sofwave™ is designed to deliver energy at a mid-dermal depth, targeting the tissue where collagen remodeling can help improve skin laxity and firmness. Treatment is typically quick, with sessions taking about 60-90 minutes, and requires little to no downtime, allowing most patients to return to their normal activities right away.
Sofwave™ is also designed with built-in cooling technology to help improve patient comfort during treatment. For patients who want noticeable skin tightening without surgery, lengthy treatment sessions, or significant recovery, Sofwave™ can be an appealing alternative to Ultherapy. Additionally, Sofwave™ can be combined with other therapies to maximize results.
During a personalized consultation, we’ll review your skin quality, the degree of laxity, treatment history, and preferences around comfort and downtime. We highly recommend Sofwave™ for smoother texture and a comfortable experience. This treatment does not replace surgery for advanced laxity, but it can meaningfully refresh contours when expectations are aligned.
Ready to explore Sofwave™ in Chicago or Winnetka with our team?
Call 312-751-2112 (Chicago) or 847-446-7562 (Winnetka) to schedule a personalized consultation with John Q. Cook, MD, at Whole Beauty® Institute.