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9010 Sienna Crossing Dr., Ste. 100
Missouri City, TX 77459
(346) 724-4041
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Does Sofwave Work? Results, Evidence & What to Expect

Does Sofwave Work? Results, Evidence & What to Expect

Home | Skin & Wellness | Does Sofwave Work? Results, Evidence & What to Expect

Sofwave is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive device. 

The device uses a technology called SUPERB, or Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam technology. It sends high-intensity ultrasound beams in parallel lines into the skin, reaching around 60 to 70°C.  

Those ultrasound beams create controlled heat and target the mid-layer of your skin at a depth of 0.5 to 2 mm. This triggers your body’s natural healing response, promoting collagen regeneration and long-term skin rejuvenation. Over time, this helps skin become firmer, smoother, and tighter.

Most treatments take around 60 to 90 minutes. There is typically little to no downtime. This makes Sofwave popular among people who want results without surgery.

What Results Can You Expect From Sofwave?

*Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.

*Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.

*Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.

*Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.

Don’t expect magic overnight. 

Results come slowly, which is a good thing because natural collagen takes time to grow. 

Most people see early changes around 4 to 12 weeks. The best results show up between 3 to 8 months after one session. 

Your skin should look firmer, smoother, and more lifted. Sofwave produces subtle, natural-looking results.

Common Sofwave Treatment Areas 

Facial Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Sofwave helps improve facial lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production, resulting in smoother, firmer-looking skin over time.

The ultrasound energy reaches the dermis, which is the deeper layer of the skin where collagen lives. The controlled heat triggers collagen remodeling. As new collagen develops, fine lines become less noticeable and skin texture appears smoother.

Research showed that-

  • 86% of subjects experienced improvement after a single treatment session. 
  • Results were evaluated at the 3-month follow-up.

Areas commonly treated include 

  • Eyebrow
  • Lower Face & jawline
  • Full face
  • Neck wrinkles
  • General facial skin laxity

The improvement is usually gradual. You don’t walk out looking like a different person. Instead, skin slowly becomes tighter as collagen rebuilds.

Eyebrow Lifting

Several people notice their eyebrows slowly dropping with age.

As skin loses elasticity, the brow area can appear heavier. This may make the eyes look more tired than they actually are.

Sofwave can lift them without surgery. The ultrasound energy tightens the skin above and around the eyebrows. This pulls the brow upward slightly.

A study involving 32 subjects highlighted that

  • 100% of subjects showed eyebrow height increase
  • All increases were above 0.5 mm (clinically noticeable level)
  • 81% had a stronger lift on one side
  • The 3-month follow-up confirmed the lift held up over time.

The results are generally subtle and natural-looking. Most people don’t suddenly look different. Instead, they often appear more refreshed and awake.

Under-Chin (Submental) Lifting

What makes the under-chin area go loose? A few things.

Age, fat buildup under the jaw, weight changes, and genetics. All play a role. Even posture, like looking down at phones often, can also slowly stretch this area.

Sofwave targets this area. The ultrasound waves heat deeper tissue under the chin, firm up loose skin, and ensure a cleaner jawline. 

In a study of 35 subjects, the study concluded that

  • The treated area shrank by an average of 89.2 mm²
  • 78% showed significant improvement above the 20 mm² threshold
  • Visible improvement in most cases at 3-month follow-up

Expected benefits-

  • Less sagging under the chin
  • Sharper jawline definition
  • More structured lower face shape

It’s subtle. But enough that your selfie angle stress reduces a bit.

Cellulite On The Thighs and Buttocks

Hate those dimples on your thighs?

Cellulite forms when fat pushes up against the skin while the connective tissue beneath becomes weak. Hormones, genetics, weight changes, and reduced collagen. All contribute. Even thin people can get it. It often shows on thighs and buttocks as a dimpled or “orange peel” look.

Sofwave uses ultrasound energy to heat deeper skin layers at 60-70°C. This triggers collagen rebuilding and tissue tightening.

According to one study with 60 women, experts saw that after 3 months

  • 91% showed visible improvement
  • Cellulite severity improved by 69%
  • Skin laxity improved by 53%

73% of women were happy with their results. The average pain score was 4.3 out of 10.

Results appear gradually over a few months to years, depending on different factors. 

Acne Scar Improvement

Breakouts start when oil, dead skin, and bacteria clog pores. 

Hormones, stress, and genetics can make this worse. When acne heals, the skin sometimes repairs unevenly, leaving dents or scars. That’s where the real problem stays longer than the pimple.

Sofwave may improve the appearance of acne scars. The ultrasound beams go into the mid-dermis and create controlled heat zones. This gently damages the old, scarred collagen. Your body makes new proteins. This helps fade acne scars and fill the dents. 

In one study, among 14 patients who were treated 

  • All showed improvement in scar depth and texture
  • No serious side effects
  • Follow-up to 8 months

What to Expect During a Sofwave Treatment

Before the Procedure

  • Consultation: A doctor will examine your skin, and they will review your medical history. This is to make sure you’re a good fit. 
  • Pre-medication: You may take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) 30 minutes before your appointment. This will help make the treatment more tolerable. 

During the Session

  • Typical treatment duration: The whole thing takes 30 to 90 minutes. It depends on how many areas you’re treating and the severity of laxity. A full face is faster than a full face and neck.
  • What the treatment feels like: The technician applies a clear, cool ultrasound gel to your skin. Next, they press the handheld device against your skin. The energy pulses in. You’ll feel a warming or tingling sensation. Some spots (like the jawline or forehead) might feel a slight zap. There is a brief discomfort.
  • Comfort and pain expectations: The device has Sofcool cooling technology. This protects the outer layer of your skin. 

After the Procedure

Recovery process: Most people have zero issues. You might see mild redness or slight swelling. That is just your skin saying, “Hello, it’s working!” This will resolve quickly.

Returning to normal activities: You can go back to your day immediately. But use SPF 30+ sunscreen. Stay hydrated. Avoid saunas and harsh skincare products for about 48 hours.

When Will You See Results?

Sofwave results do not show up instantly. Skin needs time to rebuild collagen.

Short-Term Changes

  • Slight tightening may appear right afterwards
  • A mild glow or firmness can be noticed

Long-Term Collagen Development

  • Visible results start in 4-12 weeks
  • Best results appear in 3-8 months
  • Collagen continues to rebuild gradually

Factors That Affect The Result Duration

  • Age
  • Skin condition
  • Number of sessions
  • Body’s healing response

Who’s a Good & Bad Candidate for Sofwave?

Ideal CandidateUnsuitable Candidate
People with mild to moderate skin laxityPeople with very advanced, severe skin sagging
Adults wanting a non-surgical liftThose with active infections or rashes on the treatment area
Patients with fine lines and wrinklesPregnant or breastfeeding women
People who can wait 3-8 months for full resultsPeople with electronic implants (like pacemakers) near the area to be treated
Those with realistic expectations (not looking for a facelift)Anyone looking for more dramatic or instant changes to their skin

Situations Where Expectations Should Be Realistic

Sofwave is not a replacement for surgical lifting.

Be realistic when:

  • Skin sagging is advanced
  • Deep structural changes are needed
  • Large fat removal is expected

Some cases may need:

  • Surgical facelift
  • Liposuction
  • Combination treatments

Goals should match the skin condition. That gives better satisfaction overall.

Benefits and Limitations of Sofwave

Key Advantages

  • Non-invasive procedure
  • No recovery time needed
  • Treats face, neck, body, and scars
  • FDA-cleared safety profile
  • Natural-looking results

Potential Limitations

  • Results take weeks to appear
  • Effects vary between individuals
  • Maintenance may be needed later
  • Not for severe sagging cases

Book Your Sofwave® Consultation in Missouri City, TX

Not sure if Sofwave® is right for you?

That’s what the consultation is for.

The Derm Project offers Sofwave® skin tightening in Missouri City. We also welcome patients from Sugar Land, Houston, Sienna, Stafford, and nearby areas.

During your consultation, we will look at your skin, talk about your goals, and explain what kind of results you can realistically expect. We will also help you decide whether Sofwave® is suitable for your face, neck, under-chin area, or body.

Call us at (346) 724-4041 or click the BOOK NOW button to schedule your consultation.

BOOK NOW

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many Sofwave sessions do most people need?

Most people need 2 sessions for the best results. Some with deeper skin laxity or cellulite may need 2 or more sessions.  Sessions are spaced at 2-8 week intervals.

What happens if I stop maintenance sessions?

Skin continues aging naturally. You won’t lose existing collagen faster than before treatment. However, results will slowly fade over 12-18 months back to your baseline.

Can Sofwave be combined with other treatments?

Yes, but not on the same day. Doctors often combine it with fillers or skin boosters later. Sofwave works on collagen rebuilding, while fillers add volume. Timing is usually spaced to avoid skin overload or irritation. But talk to a dermatologist before anything. 

How long do Sofwave results last?

Results typically last 12 to 18 months. Maintenance varies by age and skin health. A single touch-up session once a year helps sustain firmness without starting over.

Reviewed by
Analysa Gallegos, MD
Analysa Gallegos, MD

Founder & Medical Director · The Derm Project

Dr. Gallegos is a board-certified physician and founder of The Derm Project, a physician-led medical aesthetics clinic in Missouri City, TX. With years of clinical experience, she specializes in evidence-based, inclusive skin and wellness care for women at every stage of life.


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