Sofwave Sofwave

What Is Sofwave?

Sofwave is a lifting procedure that emits ultrasound energy as multiple parallel beams simultaneously, creating cylindrical thermal coagulation zones in the mid-dermis about 1.5mm below the skin’s surface. The surface is protected by cooling, and because the energy is designed to be delivered with the dermis as its center, collagen and elastin are newly generated during the recovery process.

Sofwave works primarily on the dermis, which supports skin elasticity. This differs in goal from procedures that address deeper tissue sagging, so we check together whether the skin itself has loosened or whether facial tissue has sagged downward. If sagging is severe, other procedures or surgery may be more appropriate.

Who Is It Suitable For?

• Skin that feels weak and loose, as if the air has gone out of it
• Concern about fine lines and reduced skin elasticity together
• Loose skin following a rapid change in weight
• Wanting additional elasticity care after undergoing a facelift
• Areas that are difficult to address with Ultherapy alone, such as marionette lines running from the corners of the mouth to the chin
• Wanting to discuss other elasticity procedures because monopolar radiofrequency treatment is difficult due to an implanted electronic device in the body, etc.

What to Check Before the Procedure

If there is a pacemaker or an implanted electronic device in the treatment area, Sofwave cannot be performed. Even if an implanted device is located elsewhere in the body, the type and location of the device must first be confirmed — the fact that radiofrequency treatment is difficult does not automatically mean Sofwave is suitable.

If you have had a facelift, filler, or thread lifting, please let us know the timing and area treated. We also check for wounds, inflammation, infection, or severe acne in the treatment area, pregnancy/breastfeeding status, and any history of keloids. If volume loss (hollowing) is the main concern, we will also discuss ways to restore volume together.

How Does It Work?

Seven transducers emit ultrasound simultaneously, forming a row of cylindrical thermal coagulation zones about 1mm wide side by side in the mid-dermis. The target temperature is approximately 60–70°C, and the handpiece is designed to cool the surface at the same time to reduce thermal damage to the skin’s surface. However, burns or blistering may rarely occur.

As the tissue recovers, the coagulation zones contract, and in this process fibroblasts are activated, increasing collagen and elastin. Because this regeneration takes place over 1–3 months, the effect appears gradually.

When Does the Effect Begin, and How Long Does It Last?

• Immediately after the procedure: Slight redness and a feeling of tightness, mixed with a swelling response.
• 2–4 weeks: A sense of refined skin texture appears first.
• 1–3 months: This is the period when changes in elasticity and fine lines become noticeable due to collagen regeneration.
• Ongoing maintenance: The effect can last approximately 12 months or longer; additional treatment is decided based on skin condition and response.

How Is the Procedure Carried Out?

• Consultation and design: The layer of sagging (dermis or fascia) and skin thickness are checked, and the treatment area is determined.
• Anesthesia: Topical anesthesia for 20–30 minutes.
• Procedure: The handpiece is applied closely to each area for treatment. A repeated warming sensation occurs; the order of areas treated and any interim rest periods are adjusted according to the Comfort Standard.
• Soothing care: Cooling and soothing care, then discharge home.

Recovery and Precautions

• Same-day redness and mild swelling usually subside within a few hours.
• Avoid saunas, strenuous exercise, and alcohol on the day of the procedure, and continue sun protection.
• Plan an appropriate interval before or after fillers, threads, or strong laser treatments.

Please Contact the Clinic If

• Blistering or oozing occurs
• Sensation feels dull or facial expression feels unnatural
• Redness or pain worsens over several days or more

How WayB Approaches This

• During consultation, we first assess which tissue layer is contributing to sagging. We recommend Sofwave when reduced dermal firmness is the main concern, and consider Ultherapy PRIME first when the concern involves the fascia layer.
• We review your surgical history, weight changes, and areas with prior filler/thread procedures, and determine the treatment area to match your current skin condition.
• We provide consultations and procedures in private rooms, with service available in 4 languages.