SofwaveTM is an innovative technology in noninvasive skin tightening devices that delivers ultrasound energy to superficial layers of the skin. Starting in our mid-20s, collagen and elastin start to break down, causing changes to our skin. Sofwave revitalizes the skin through stimulation of new collagen. This technology can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as provide lifting to the eyebrow, submental area, and neck. Sofwave’s technology is clinically proven and received FDA clearance for the improvement of facial lines and wrinkles followed by additional indications for noninvasive lifting of the eyebrows and lax tissue under the chin and neck.
Sofwave treatments are performed in the office without anesthesia or sedation. Prior to treatment, numbing cream is applied to the skin for 30-45 minutes as the procedure causes a “prickly” sensation. Treatments take 30-45 minutes, depending on the area treated. While some patients undergo only a single treatment, a series of treatments can provide best results. There is minimal downtime after treatment, but your skin may be pink or red for the remainder of the day. You may also experience some swelling that is typically mild and resolves quickly. As the collagen regeneration process takes time, patients can expect to see ongoing improvements during the 3 months following their treatment.
Ideal candidates for Sofwave have relatively thin skin with mild to moderate laxity and appropriate treatment expectations (there is no such thing as a nonsurgical facelift!). As with all noninvasive skin tightening treatments, any skin color, including darker skin tones, may be safely treated. There are no limitations with sun exposure, so Sofwave and other noninvasive skin tightening procedures such as Thermage® and Ultherapy® may be performed all year long.
Dr. Biesman and his team have been performing noninvasive skin tightening treatments since this technology was introduced in 2002. We are fortunate to have many loyal patients over the past twenty years, and those who combine regular, noninvasive skin tightening treatments with other procedures such as injections, lasers, and medical grade skincare, maintain a more youthful appearance than their peers who do not who undergo noninvasive skin tightening treatments as part of their rejuvenation plan.
Our office offers three modalities for noninvasive skin tightening: Thermage, Ultherapy, and Sofwave. What is the difference and which is best for you? First, all three technologies have undergone rigorous testing and have appropriate FDA indications. Dr. Biesman and his team performed clinical trials with all three devices. Additionally, Dr. Biesman developed the Thermage eyelid treatment from the laboratory (which started as a drawing on a napkin during lunch!) to the completion of testing on patients. While Sofwave is the latest technology, all three technologies have withstood the test of time for both safety and efficacy. When it comes to deciding which technology to recommend, Dr. Biesman typically recommends Ultherapy for patients with more skin laxity, jowling, or thicker skin. We find that Thermage is often best for patients with relatively thin skin on the face or eyelids, and that Sofwave is optimal for patients in between these two relative extremes. Based on years of experience, Dr. Biesman believes that noninvasive skin tightening has valuable antiaging effects that can benefit all patients as part of a customized facial rejuvenation plan.