Sofwave delivers ultrasound energy to the dermis at about 1.5mm to stimulate collagen and elastin, aiming to firm and tighten the skin itself. Because it reaches the dermis without breaking the skin surface, downtime is relatively short and a natural lifting effect can be expected. At our clinic we typically recommend it for concerns such as:

• Neck wrinkles
• Perioral drape wrinkles
• Sagging along the jawline
• Marionette lines
• Loss of firmness in the cheeks
• Fine lines and lack of skin firmness

Rather than firming alone, we may combine Sofwave with Re2O (deep repair) or CellREDM (skin-quality care) — treating from deep to surface based on our Skin Architecture approach. Suitability varies by individual and is decided at consultation.

It works by heating the dermis with ultrasound to prompt collagen and elastin remodeling. Many people notice firmer skin and a tighter jawline, though the degree of effect varies with the individual, the area and expectations. We confirm suitability at consultation.

Some feel tightening right away, but because collagen remodeling is gradual, most people notice change over roughly one to three months. Individual results vary.

A common guide is around six months to a year, though this varies with age, skin condition and lifestyle. Periodic maintenance may be recommended to preserve results.

Some people see a change in firmness after a single session. For more stable results, a series spaced over time may be designed. We advise at consultation.

It depends on your concern and skin condition. We often start with one session to review the response, then suggest maintenance about once or twice a year if needed. The plan is individualized.

We suggest it for early sagging or loss of firmness, for those who want minimal downtime, and for fine lines on the neck and around the mouth. Suitability varies and is assessed at consultation.

HIFU focuses ultrasound at points to reach deeper layers. Sofwave uses parallel beams to heat the dermis at about 1.5mm as a volume. Because the target layers and goals differ, we think in terms of choosing or combining — not ranking.

Ultherapy is a type of HIFU that targets deeper layers. Sofwave differs in that it concentrates heat within the dermis at about 1.5mm. The target layer and purpose differ, so we choose based on skin condition.

Thermage heats the skin broadly with radiofrequency (RF); Sofwave heats the dermis in a localized way with ultrasound. The heating mechanism and range differ, so we choose or combine by purpose.

A thread lift physically lifts tissue; Sofwave rebuilds dermal collagen for firmness — different goals. The right choice depends on the degree of sagging and your wishes, and the two can also be combined. Please discuss at consultation.

Depending on skin condition, it may be offered to help maintain skin quality and firmness after surgery. Timing and suitability are judged at consultation, so please share your surgical history.

Neck wrinkles are one of Sofwave’s intended targets (it is approved in Japan for improvement of facial and neck wrinkles). We suggest it for horizontal lines and loss of firmness. Results vary by individual.

Perioral drape wrinkles — folds that drape outside the mouth corners — are an area we focus on. We design around Sofwave to firm the dermis, combining other treatments as needed.

We may suggest it for loss of firmness along marionette lines. Whether the cause is skin sagging or the underlying support structure changes the best approach, which we assess at consultation.

Many people find the jawline looks more defined as the dermis firms. The degree varies with how much sagging is present, and we may suggest combining treatments.

It can help when the appearance is due to skin laxity, but when fat is the main cause, another approach may suit better. We advise based on the cause at consultation.

Sofwave is designed to heat within the dermis, so its effect on subcutaneous fat is considered relatively small. For slimmer faces, energy or treatment areas may need adjusting. We design while checking your wishes and facial structure.

Because the surface is not broken, downtime is relatively short. Temporary redness, swelling or warmth can occur, usually settling within a few hours to a few days.

Heating the dermis can cause warmth or discomfort, though this varies by person. We use topical anesthesia and cooling as needed to reduce the burden.

It is not required, but topical anesthesia is available for those concerned about discomfort, and cooling is used during treatment.

Mainly temporary redness, swelling, warmth or mild pain. Bruising can occur rarely. Please consult us about any symptoms that concern you.

The FDA is a US government agency that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of devices. Sofwave has US FDA clearances for facial wrinkles and lifting, among others. In Japan, the approved indication is improvement of facial and neck wrinkles (approval no. 30700BZX00082000).

Depending on skin condition, they may be combined on the same day. Re2O targets deep repair while Sofwave firms the dermis — different layers — so we assess compatibility at consultation.

Combining with CellREDM, which targets skin quality, allows an approach to both firmness and texture. The need varies by skin condition and is proposed at consultation.

Profhilo adds hydration and firmness while Sofwave tightens the dermis — different goals — so a combination may be proposed. Timing and order are adjusted at consultation.

We may propose combining with Juvelook to build a foundation of skin quality and firmness. Suitability and intervals are judged at consultation.

As the goals differ, they may be done on the same day. Toxin for expression muscles and dermal tightening combine easily, adjusted by area.

Volumizing hyaluronic acid and firming Sofwave may be proposed together. Order and timing are designed while checking the result.

In most cases, makeup is fine the same day. If redness is noticeable, we suggest waiting until it settles. We advise individually by condition.

Because strong circulation can bring on redness or swelling, we suggest avoiding vigorous exercise and alcohol on the treatment day. Details are given afterward.

It is safer to avoid heat-intensive activities (sauna, long baths) on the day. The guide for the following days varies by condition, and we advise accordingly.

Because layered heat stimulation adds up, we suggest spacing out other heat-based treatments. The right timing varies by treatment, so please discuss at consultation.