Ultherapy vs Sofwave – Which is right for you?
The facial aesthetics market is flourishing, with injectable treatments such as Botox now accounting for nine out of 10 procedures. But while impactful ‘tweakments’ dominated 2021, it’s clear that the focus is rapidly expanding to include a new generation of non-invasive skin tightening treatments that can yield results as impressive as their surgical counterparts – and faster.
While Ultherapy has previously led the way in modern-day skin tightening, there’s a new kid on the block – Sofwave – and its technology promises some pretty impressive results. Both treatments aim to generate new, tighter and firmer skin, but how exactly do they work? What results can you expect to achieve? And what’s the difference between them?
If you’re exploring non-surgical skin tightening options for the first time and are wondering which treatment is most suitable for you, this is everything you need to know.
What is Sofwave?
Sofwave is an FDA-cleared device that uses unique Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology to lift, sculpt and tighten skin on the face and neck, working from the inside out for long-lasting results with minimal downtime. Whilst it’s an Ultrasound-based device, it does differ significantly from other ultrasound devices on the market. Because it uses parallel beam technology, it’s not using focused ultrasound, which heats the skin in tiny hotspots, but it’s heating the tissue to the optimal temperature for protein denaturation within the deeper layers of the skin.
How does it work?
The Sofwave device uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology, which heats the tissue at the right depth and temperature to rejuvenate and stimulate collagen and elastin fibres to improve the skin’s overall appearance. This process will tighten and lift the skin whilst smoothing lines and wrinkles. When performed as a full-face treatment, this will give you a smoother, more youthful, tighter complexion and enhance the skin’s overall appearance.
In addition to brow lifting, Sofwave can also improve the upper face, lower face, and neck. Sofwave is a suitable and safe treatment for all skin types.
What results should I expect?
The result will start to be visible about one week after the procedure, and improvement will continue up to about three months. Since the procedure stimulates collagen production, how long the results last depends on the individual. The treatment produces new collagen on the inside, but the individual’s ageing process and lifestyle dictate how long that translates into visible results on the outside.
What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is an FDA-cleared device that tightens and lifts the neck, jowls, and improves lines and wrinkles. It’s a non-surgical, micro-focused ultrasound device that stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin deep within the skin. It allows for treatment at comparable levels to those at which a surgeon would operate if they were performing a facelift. This starts a process that will eventually stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin – the ‘building blocks’ of our skin. By targeting them, Ultherapy results in a gradual but effective lifting and tightening effect.
What is the difference between the two devices, and which is right for me?
Sofwave and Ultherapy use very similar technologies, so, is there really much difference between the two?
Ultherapy is a great device that has been on the market for many years now and has an excellent track record. Unlike every other Ultrasound-based skin tightening device in the UK that uses focused ultrasound, Sofwave uses Parallel Beam Technology which allows it to treat a wider area rather than simply targeting hotspots. Devices like Ultherapy use high-focused ultrasound, which penetrates the deeper layers of the face, and this comes with a small risk of fat loss and neuropraxia (nerve injury).
Sofwave, on the other hand, works more superficially within the skin, but it’s FDA-cleared for lifting and tightening of the eyebrow and submentum. This means that it’s proven to be safe and effective, to the same level as Ultherapy. But because it works within the skin, the lift is incredible – 3-4mm on the eyebrow on average – but without the risk of deeper, structural changes that can happen with other devices. As a result, this device can be used from the top of the forehead right down to the bottom of the neck, including over areas where there are nerves and glands without any risk of causing damage.
Who is a good candidate for non-surgical skin tightening?
Men and women from their thirties onwards who have mild to moderate skin laxity are usually good candidates. Signs that it would be a promising treatment option for you include loose skin under the neck and under the chin or lines and wrinkles on the chest. While it’s not a substitute for a surgical facelift, Sofwave appeals to patients who want to achieve a lifting effect without surgery – or any other damage to the surface of the skin.
To find out more about Sofwave, click here to book a consultation with one of our expert practitioners.
Enjoyed this? Sign up to our mailing list for weekly tips, tricks and skinspiration from our medical director, Dr Sophie Shotter.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
