When it comes to keeping my skin tight and taut, I try anything. Sure, I may only be in my 30s, but taking care of my skin now is the best way to prevent—or at least delay—the signs of aging. Not that there’s anything wrong with fine lines and wrinkles. They’re totally natural (and, let’s be honest, inevitable) — plus, Pharrell thinks they’re cute.
However, I try to keep my skin looking and feeling its best for as long as possible. To do this, I want to use quality skin care products, adopt the right routine for my skin type, and explore the world of in-office antiaging treatments. I’ve already tried radio frequency microneedling and Sculptra on my neck (for a tech neck lift), so when I heard about Softwave, I knew I had to go on a date. To learn more, I turned to experts Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose and Dr. Lorrie Klein.
Meet the expert
- Dr Blair Murphy-Rose is a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center in New York.
- Dr. Lori Klein is its medical director OC Dermatology.
Read on for a full breakdown and honest review of the entire treatment from start to finish.
What is Sofwave?
Sofwave is an FDA approved skin tightening treatment (originally cleared in 2019 to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and in November 2021 to lift above the browbones, under the chin and neck tissue). It’s getting a lot of buzz for a few reasons: It’s non-invasive, there’s little to no pain, there’s zero downtime, and you only need one treatment to see results — as the pros say.
“It’s not often that I get my hands on a device that blows me up,” Dr Murphy-Rose said.
The face and neck, including the jawline and around the eyes, are the most popular areas Sofwave treats, noted Dr. Murphy-Rose. However, he says that you can apply to almost any area where you are bothered by looseness and relaxation.
“I have also treated many parts of the body, including the arms, abdomen, hands, thighs and above the knee,” added Dr Murphy-Rose.
Who is it for?
“All skin types and ages are candidates, but patients 60 and younger will do best,” Dr. Klein said.
If you’re someone like me, in your 20s or 30s, Dr. Klein explained that it works as a preventative measure to stave off the signs of aging. He suggested that those in their 40s or 50s “with mild to moderate skin and soft tissue laxity are also good candidates.”
How does it work
The in-office treatment is a form of ultrasound technology that generates heat beneath the surface of your skin to naturally create new collagen. “With high-frequency ultrasound, the goal is to cause the tissue to clot,” explained Dr. Murphy-Rose.
Coagulation in the skin can be considered a temporary injury.
“This temporary injury leads to tissue contraction (aka bringing the fibers closer together) and then a strong stimulation of collagen and elastin production that peaks in about three to six months,” added Dr Murphy-Rose .
Sofwave vs. Ulthera
High intensity focused ultrasound technology is not new. It has been in the beauty space for over a decade, to begin with Ulthera in 2009. However, technology has improved since then.
“Sofwave has significant advantages over Ulthera; it is much more comfortable, faster and safer with a reduced risk of side effects,” said Dr Murphy-Rose.
It’s also good to note that Sofwave targets tissue in the mid-dermis (about 1.5mm deep), while Ultherapy goes deeper (up to 4.5mm).
“[With Sofwave] we don’t have that increased risk of destroying the desired facial fat or causing muscle and nerve injury in the deeper tissue,” added Dr. Murphy-Rose. Serious side effects, such as atrophy, swelling, and subsequent shrinkage of soft tissues, have been known to occur with Ulthera.
What to expect
With prevention in mind, I went to Dr. Klein in Laguna Niguel to try the lunch process. I was asked to come an hour early so that numbing cream could be applied to my face and neck. “Like most energy-based aesthetic treatments that achieve significant results, there is a degree of discomfort, and the numbness makes the treatment much more comfortable,” explained Dr. Klein.
Once the numbing cream was removed, ultrasound gel was applied to give the skin a little slip. Dr. Klein used the handheld device to make two passes over my face and neck. Each pulse lasts six seconds and beeps when finished.
In terms of pain and discomfort, for the most part, it felt like nothing. However, there were a few spots where I felt a wave of pain that lasted about two seconds—Dr. Klein referred to them as “spicy” spots. For me, it was my chin and forehead, but sensitive areas vary from person to person and some people feel nothing. Overall, I’d say the pain was a six out of 10, but only at those rare moments along those tender areas.
Also, when professionals suggest there is no downtime, they mean it. Immediately after the treatment, my skin was barely red and felt immediately tight, but that’s probably because the numbing cream hadn’t completely worn off yet. I definitely had that dewy look after the treatment, which Dr. Murphy-Rose calls a “Sofwave glow.”
Results
“Peak collagen and elastin stimulation occurs between three to six months, and the best results can be expected around six to eight months later,” said Dr Murphy-Rose.
That said, both doctors have noticed that some patients start to see a difference in as little as a week to a month.
For me, it’s been a little over a month since I had the treatment and overall my skin feels tighter. I’m already starting to see a slight lift around my eyebrows and in the area under my chin.
The cost
The only downside I see to this treatment is its high price. Treatments range from about $3,500 to $4,500, depending on factors such as practice and location. For example, at OC Dermatology, where I went, it cost $2,500 for a full face treatment, plus $1,000 to add the neck. Brow lifts alone cost $750.
Also, keep in mind that Dr. Klein recommended a second treatment three to four months after the first, and then once a year to maintain it.
The Ultimate Takeaway
I’m still waiting to see my full results after six months to make a final decision, but so far, so good. I’m admittedly a snob about anti-aging treatments and I’m glad I did. If money wasn’t an obstacle, I would definitely do it again.
Frequent questions
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Can you combine Sofwave with other treatments?
“Sofwave works well as a stand-alone procedure,” confirmed Dr Murphy-Rose. However, this does not mean that it replaces all rejuvenation treatments. “Depending on the desired cosmetic result, combinations with other cosmetic procedures can yield optimal results,” continued Dr. Murphy. “We particularly like to administer Botox treatments before Sofwave and fillers afterwards,” said Dr. Klein before adding that light-based treatments — like facial photography — are another popular treatment you can do before or after.
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Is Sofwave safe?
Yes, Sofwave is a non-invasive procedure with virtually no downtime. Side effects may include dry, swollen and/or irritated skin for a few days after treatment.
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Does Sofwave work for all skin tones?
Yes, Sofwave can be used on all skin tones, including darker ones.
The Splurge is our recurring column dedicated to expensive beauty products that are worth it. This week, why are we considering getting a second round of Sofwave despite the $3500 price tag.
