Is Sofwave safe? What are the side effects? And can it cause nerve damage?

Sofwave Skin Lifting, Kent and London

Sofwave has quickly become one of the most talked-about non-surgical treatments for skin tightening, particularly for the face, neck, and jawline. Using advanced ultrasound technology, it stimulates collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, helping to lift and firm with no downtime. But with any new treatment that promises impressive results, it’s natural to have questions about its safety. Patients often ask: is Sofwave safe, what side effects should I expect, and can it cause nerve damage? Let’s break it down.

How Sofwave works

Sofwave uses synchronous ultrasound parallel beam technology to deliver energy precisely into the mid-dermis, the layer of skin responsible for collagen and elastin production. This energy creates controlled thermal injury zones, which trigger the skin’s natural healing response. The body responds by producing new collagen and elastin fibres, leading to tighter, firmer, and smoother skin over time.

Unlike older ultrasound technologies, Sofwave is designed to target a specific depth in the skin without going deeper into fat, muscle, or nerves. This is one of the reasons it is considered both safe and effective for facial rejuvenation and skin tightening.

Is Sofwave safe?

Yes. Sofwave is FDA-cleared and CE-marked, which means it has undergone rigorous testing for both safety and efficacy. Clinical trials have shown that it is a safe treatment for skin tightening across different skin types and tones, with no reported cases of permanent damage to nerves, muscles, or surrounding tissues.

Another reason Sofwave is considered safe is that it does not rely on extreme heat or invasive techniques. The energy is delivered in a highly controlled way and is combined with an integrated cooling system to protect the upper layers of the skin, reducing the risk of burns or injury.

When performed by a trained and qualified practitioner, Sofwave is a very safe procedure.

What are the side effects of Sofwave?

Sofwave is generally well tolerated, and most patients are able to return to their normal routines immediately after treatment. However, like all aesthetic procedures, there can be some mild and temporary side effects.

The most common side effect is redness in the treated area, which usually resolves within a few hours. Some patients may also experience mild swelling, tenderness, or warmth, but these effects tend to settle within a day or two.

Importantly, Sofwave does not carry the same risk of fat loss or bruising that has been reported with some other energy-based skin tightening devices. Its design focuses specifically on the dermis, avoiding the deeper structures that could cause unwanted side effects.

Can Sofwave cause nerve damage?

This is one of the most frequent concerns patients have, especially when they hear the term “ultrasound energy” being used on the face. The answer is no: Sofwave does not cause nerve damage.

The technology has been carefully designed to target only the mid-dermis at a depth of approximately 1.5 millimetres. Nerves and muscles lie much deeper beneath the skin, well beyond the reach of Sofwave’s ultrasound energy. This means there is no realistic risk of nerve injury when the treatment is performed correctly.

It is worth noting that any treatment can carry risks if performed by an unqualified practitioner, but in trained hands Sofwave is considered exceptionally safe.

Why choose Sofwave?

Sofwave offers a unique combination of safety, minimal downtime, and proven results. Unlike more invasive options, it does not require needles, anaesthesia, or recovery time. Patients often notice a firmer, fresher appearance within weeks, with improvements continuing to build for up to three months as new collagen develops.

Because the results are subtle and natural, Sofwave is an ideal choice for those who want to refresh their appearance without obvious signs of having had treatment.

Sofwave is one of the safest non-surgical skin tightening treatments available today. Side effects are generally mild and short-lived, with no evidence to suggest that it causes nerve damage or long-term complications. For patients looking to address sagging skin, soft jowls, or a loss of firmness, it offers an excellent solution backed by science and clinical research.

If you are considering Sofwave and would like to find out whether it is right for your skin, booking a consultation is the best first step. Together, we can assess your concerns and create a tailored treatment plan designed to give you natural, long-lasting results. Click here to enquire or to arrange a consultation with our expert London or Kent team.