Sofwave

Sofwave at Midland Skin Birmingham

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Sofwave submental and neck left – before and after

What is Sofwave?

Sofwave is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that takes 45 minutes to treat the entire face, and 90 minutes to treat the face and neck. It utilises patented, powerful Synchronised ultrasound parallel beam (SUPERB) technology to treat the skin, encouraging collagen & elastin production to improve skin health and appearance.

It’s not a laser, it’s not radiofrequency and it’s not HIFU.

It’s truly in a league of its own – and the perfect treatment to supercharge the results we can achieve alongside Midland Skin’s suite of advanced lasers and dermatology treatments.

Sofwave neck lift – before and after

Sofwave FDA approvals

Sofwave has 7 FDA approvals – meaning it’s safe & effective, as well as clinically proven to do what it says it does:

• Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face (Sofwave is FDA approved for this)
• Lifts the brow, as well as the submental (under chin area) and neck (Sofwave is FDA approved for this)
• Improves the appearance of acne scarring (Sofwave is FDA-approved for this)
• Improves upper arm laxity (the only device to have FDA clearance for the upper arms)
• Please allow 1.5 hours for a full face treatment to include time for anaesthetic, and 2.5 hours for a full face and neck to allow time for anaesthetic.

Sofwave before and after showing global enhancement of skin quality with submental, jawline and neck lift

Sofwave at a glance

This non-invasive treatment harnesses your own skin’s ability to regenerate and produce more collagen and elastin.  These are the benefits we find with Sofwave:

• Tightens and lifts skin
• Improves skin quality
• No downtime (aside from a little redness at the most, which will quickly subside)
• No aftercare required
• One treatment is normally enough to deliver long-lasting results
• No needles
• Suitable for all ages, genders, skin types & colours
• Suitable all year-round whether you have a tan or not
• The results get better in time, with the best results seen around 3 months post-treatment

Sofwave heats the dermis 1.5mm below the skin surface

How does Sofwave work?

During treatment, Sofwave’s ultrasound energy precisely passes through the skin’s surface, heating the mid-dermal tissue at just the right depth (1.5mm) and temperature of 60-70 degrees centigrade to rejuvenate collagen fibres and kickstart elastin production. The device’s integrated cooling SofCool™ mechanism further protects the uppermost skin layer from heating.

The impacted treatment zones stimulate a healing response, called neocollagenesis, which increases and regenerates collagen in the skin; leading to the reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and a marked improvement in skin quality.

Biopsy before and after Sofwave shows more elastin and collagen

Biopsy analysis has shown that Sofwave treatment increases three vital components in the skin:

• Collagen – there is increased collagen, so the skin is firmer, and the collagen is more orderly like it is in you
• Elastin – Elastin is the only protein in the skin that allows the skin to stretch and shrink back. Once we hit puberty, our bodies become very weak at generating new elastin and our elastin fibres become damaged and less functional. As elastin levels decline, the skin appears more lax and starts to sag. Smile lines deepen and loose their tautness. Many treatments can help increase Collagen in the skin but increasing elastin is much more challenging – and this makes Sofwave unique in being able to achieve this.
• Hyaluronic acid – Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin and makes it plumper

Sofwave before and after – brow, submental and neck lift, and general improvement in skin quality

What is the evidence that Sofwave works?

At Midland Skin we are all about offering treatments that are based on solid scientific evidence. Several pivotal studies show that Sofwave is both effective and safe. These are the findings across the studies carried out on Sofwave.

• Wrinkles and facial lines – 86% of treated individuals show a 1 or more point reduction in the Fitzpatrick Elastosis Score
• Eyebrow lift – 80% show an eyebrow lift, according to the Physicians Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale
• Neck and submental lift – 84.5% show an eyebrow lift, according to the Physians Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale
• Acne scars – 97% of individuals saw a degree of improvement in their acne scars. An average improvement in acne scar severity on the Physicians Global Assessment of 1.05±0.53. The improvement reflects a reduction of 46% from the baseline. 88% of individuals said they were highly satisfied with their results.

When will I see results?

Immediate results can be seen as soon as 1 week following the treatment. However, the collagen and elastin regeneration process can sometimes take up to 12 weeks, so patients should expect to see ongoing improvements; with best results typically seen around 3-6 months post-treatment.

Sofwave showing improvements around the eyes and brow lift. Before and after

How long do results last?

Results are long-lasting, typically lasting anywhere between 9-18 months. Most individuals may benefit from periodic maintenance treatments, every 12-18 months as the ageing process progresses, to extend their results and optimise their skin health.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients see noticeable improvements after a single Sofwave session. This initial treatment can provide significant benefits in skin lifting, improvement of lines and overall improvement in skin quality.

If there are any specific areas of concern, then some patients will require a second treatment in 8 weeks to treat these problem areas for further correction.

Patients with acne scars require a minimum of three treatments 8 weeks apart.

Before and after Sofwave showing submental and neck lift, with improved jaw line definition.

Will I need maintenance treatments?

To maintain and enhance their results, some patients may benefit from maintenance treatments every 12 to 18 months; helping sustain the benefits of the treatment as the natural ageing process continues.

The most frequent maintenance treatments can be done is once every 6 months.

How do I prepare for a Sofwave appointment?

Having a Sofwave treatment is pretty straightforward. Here are some tips:

• You can have a light meal before treatment.
• You should arrive to the Clinic at your appointment time and make up free.
• Men should be cleanly shaven.
• Bring headphones and your favourite playlist if you’d like to listen to music while you wait or during the procedure.
• We’ll review your medical history, allergies, medications, and explain the treatment, benefits, risks and alternatives before we begin.

What happens during my Sofwave appointment?

Your practitioner will cleanse your skin, before applying numbing cream to the area to be treated which is left on the skin for 60 minutes before treatment is started. The Sofwave treatment itself takes 45 minutes to the face, and 90 minutes to the face and neck, after which we’ll cleanse your skin before talking you through aftercare and what to expect.

Sofwave before and after – showing brow lift and reduced lines and wrinkles

How does Sofwave treatment feel?

The treatment is generally well-tolerated by patients, with mild to moderate discomfort reported during the procedure. The Sofwave device includes a cooling mechanism to enhance patient comfort – and we also use numbing cream to further improve your experience. We will also offer you paracetamol before your treatment to help with the comfort.

How will I look after Sofwave treatment?

Sofwave has little to no aftercare post-procedure. You may notice a little redness and mild swelling post-treatment, but these will quickly subside.

What are the downtime and side effects from Sofwave?

Patients can get right back to normal life quickly following treatment. You may notice a little redness and mild swelling post-treatment; but these will quickly subside. Avoid potent skincare ingredients, saunas, exercise and makeup for 24 hours post-treatment.

Rare side effects can include irritation reactions from numbing cream, and very rarely scabbing, crusting or oozing may occur.

As with any medical treatment, there are some individuals for whom the treatment may not work as well or may not work at all. A guarantee of any particular outcome is not provided with Sofwave treatment.

Sofwave arm laxity treatment – before and after.

Sofwave for acne scars

Sofwave can be a very helpful treatment for certain types of acne scars. It is always carried out as part of a treatment plan which may include other acne scarring treatments such as subcision. Instances where Sofwave helps acne scarring include:

• Rolling scars
• Atrophic scars with laxity
• The simultaneous presence of acne scarring as well as skin ageing

Acne scar treatment with Sofwave (no other treatments have been used)- before and after

Studies of acne scar treatment with Aviclear have shown high patient satisfaction. 97% of individuals saw a degree of improvement in their acne scars. An average improvement in acne scar severity on the Physicians Global Assessment of 1.05±0.53. The improvement reflects a reduction of 46% from the baseline. 88% of individuals said they were highly satisfied with their results.

A clear advantage of Sofwave treatment is that there is no downtime and the treatment can be carried out on all skin types without risks of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which can be a limiting factor with certain laser treatments.

We offer other treatments at Midland Skin for the improvement of acne scarring with which Sofwave may be combined, including:

• CO2 Laser resurfacing
• Erbium laser resurfacing
• Halo laser resurfacing
• Laser genesis
• Q Switched laser resurfacing
• Subcision
• TCA Cross
• Punch excision
• Biostimulators and fillers
• Vascular lasers for redness
• Pigment lasers for pigmentation

Acne scar treatment with Sofwave

What are the advantages of Sofwave?

• Sofwave is non-invasive, has zero downtime and is extremely safe and precise in its ability to target collagen fibres in the mid-dermis. Darker skin types are more susceptible to side effects from certain lasers but ultrasound is safe and effective regardless of the patient’s skin type.
• Minimal downtime: Patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately after treatment, as there is little to no downtime involved
• Visible improvements: The vast majority of patients see noticeable improvements in skin firmness, texture and overall appearance after just one treatment session
• Safe and FDA-cleared: Sofwave has 7 FDA clearances and is safe and effective in clinical studies for treating fine lines and wrinkles
• Minimal discomfort: The treatment is generally well-tolerated by patients, with only mild to moderate discomfort reported during the procedure. The device also includes a cooling mechanism to enhance patient comfort – and we also use numbing cream to further improve your experience
• Precise & targeted: Sofwave technology allows for targeted treatment of specific areas, such as the face, neck and décolletage
• Stimulates collagen, and uniquely elastin too, for long-lasting effects: Sofwave’s ultrasound beams stimulate the production of new collagen and new elastin, leading to gradual and natural-looking improvements over time.
• – Suitable for all skin types: Sofwave can be used on all skin types and tones, making it a versatile and inclusive option for a wide range of patients
• Quick and convenient: A typical Sofwave session takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the areas treated.
• Can be combined with other treatments: Sofwave can be combined with other non-invasive treatments, such as Botox or fillers, to enhance overall results and address multiple skin concerns. It can also complement and help to maintain the results from prior surgical procedures; such as face and brow lifts
• Equally it is a great option for those who want to avoid injectables and harness their skin’s own ability to regenerate.

Does Sofwave replace the need for surgery?

Sofwave is a highly effective non-invasive treatment for skin tightening and lifting, but it does not entirely replace the need for surgery, especially in cases of significant skin laxity or more advanced ageing concerns.

Sofwave is a fantastic option for individuals:

• Who have mild to moderate skin sagging and wrinkles
• Who are showing signs of ageing – Sofwave is effective in treating early signs of ageing, such as fine lines and minor wrinkles, by stimulating collagen production
• Who are seeking preventative treatment – Sofwave is great as a preventative measure to delay the onset of more significant ageing changes.

Surgery may be preferred for individuals:

• Who have severe skin laxity: Individuals with significant skin sagging or more advanced signs of ageing may require surgical procedures such as a facelift or neck lift to achieve their desired results.
• Who are seeking a more dramatic, immediate result
• Who are looking for a longer-lasting outcome

Instead of replacing the need for surgery, Sofwave can be used in conjunction with surgical procedures to enhance and maintain results. For example, patients might undergo Sofwave treatments to maintain the results of a facelift or to address areas not fully corrected by surgery.

Non-invasive treatments like Sofwave can also serve as maintenance treatments between surgical procedures, helping to prolong the effects of surgery and delay the need for further surgical interventions.

Sofwave before and after neck lift treatment

What should I do next?

Contact us here to arrange a consultation where you can discuss your needs with a Consultant Dermatologist on the specialist register, who’ll be able to discuss whether Sofwave is a suitable treatment for you, and any other bespoke skin recommendations for you to get the best possible results. Our fees can be reviewed here.

Author Details

Author: Dr Sajjad Rajpar

Date last reviewed: 1 July 2024

Conflict of interest and disclaimer