Clinically proven to rebuild collagen, tighten skin and improve fine-lines.
What is Sofwave?
Sofwave is a collagen treatment technology available since 2022, non-invasive Ultrasound technology that is clinically proven and aimed at non-invasive skin tightening and rebuilding collagen. It is FDA-approved for non-invasive skin tightening and for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles.
How does Sofwave work?
Sofwave is a non invasive skin tightening treatment device which uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam SUPERB™ Technology. Using this technology, Sofwave generates heat at the precise depth of 1.5mm in the mid-dermis, to stimulate a healing response at that precise depth and stimulates collagen production. The heat energy also immediately causes contraction of the skin, leading to the reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
It is clinically proven and is FDA-approved for non-invasive skin tightening and for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sofwave’s high-frequency ultrasound beams travel through the skin layer and create an array of volumetric cylindrical shaped (3D) thermal zones, resulting in targeted tissue heating and generation of new collagen. This method of generating strong energy ensures that results are consistent and more significant in producing collagen.
The temperature under the skin, in the mid-dermis layer, reaches up to 60-70 degrees Celsius during a Sofwave treatment, but the integrated cooling mechanism in the handpiece protects the epidermis (top layer of the skin) and assists in focusing the effect in the mid-dermis. This enables Sofwave to generate strong energy while ensuring that the procedure is still comfortable.
Am I suitable for Sofwave Treatment in Singapore?
People with the following concerns can benefit from Sofwave treatment:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Mild to moderate skin laxity (“Sagging skin”)
- Loose skin at the brows, submental tissue and neck
- Looking to improve skin elasticity and firmness
- Looking for a non-invasive procedure for skin tightening
Benefits of getting Sofwave in Singapore
- Clinically proven technology
- FDA cleared
- Safe and Effective
- Non-invasive
- Fast treatment
- Can be used on all skin types
What conditions can it treat?
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Mild to moderate skin laxity (“Sagging skin”)
- Loose skin at the brows, submental tissue and neck
- Looking to improve skin elasticity and firmness
- Looking for a non-invasive procedure for skin tightening
Why choose Sofwave?
- Benefits of getting Sofwave
- Clinically proven technology
- FDA cleared
- Safe and Effective
- Non-invasive
- Fast treatment
- Can be used on all skin types
How is Sofwave different from other treatments?
Sofwave is often compared to other non-invasive skin tightening devices, most commonly, various brands of High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) machines or Ultherapy. Here is a quick summary of similarities and differences between the two!
Sofwave | Ultherapy / HIFU | |
|---|---|---|
FDA Approved | Yes | Yes |
Unique point | Focuses energy on a depth of 1.5mm under the skin: The layer for skin tightening and collagen stimulation. Superb effects on fine lines and wrinkles on the surface of the skin. | Able to penetrate up to 4.5mm under the skin, with real-time visualization. Able to target deep structures under the skin (such as the SMAS muscle - to stimulate a skin lifting effect) |
Safety/Pain Level | Non-invasive; very tolerable, topical anaesthesia option offered | Non-invasive; tolerable, topical anaesthesia option offered |
Downtime | Little to no downtime | Little to no downtime |
Results | Show in 1-3 months | Show in 2-3 months |
The terms “skin tightening” and “skin lifting” are used interchangeably often, and sound alike, but they are different.
For example, with Sofwave, which prizes itself on skin tightening, the skin will feel tighter and firmer after treatment, especially for those with skin laxity issues. This tightening of the skin results in less wrinkles and fine lines. This tightening effect may also give one a slight appearance of a “lifted” face, but one must note this “lifting” comes from the skin and not from the lifting that is obtained from lifting of the underlying facial muscles and tissues.
HIFUs and Ultherapy, on the other hand, pride themselves for being able to lift the face “from within”. Often, this refers to the face they can reach depths of up to 4.5mm under the skin, hence targeting the SMAS muscle - this muscle is one of the muscles targeted by Plastic Surgeons performing a surgical facelift! By being able to target the SMAS muscle without the use of any scalpels or incisions, HIFUs and Ultherapy are able to give the appearance of a “lifted” face, especially for the lower face, jowls and jawline areas.
However, since this lifting targets the deeper layers of the skin, the effects on fine lines and wrinkles on the surface of the skin may not be as prominent as that achieved with a Sofwave treatment.
Over the years, many different machines and technology have proven their worth; it is probably difficult to say there is one “best” machine. The key is a proper assessment of an individual’s unique facial structure and needs, and thereafter formulating the best plan for each individual. Often, this involves the use of more than one device or technology. At Freia Medical, we have both Sofwave and Ultherapy in our line-up of essential non-invasive skin tightening and lifting devices.
What to Expect?
Treatment duration is 30 to 45 minutes. There is minimal discomfort with Sofwave.
There may be some redness of the skin post procedure, but it usually goes away within the day. You can return to your normal activities immediately after the procedure.
- Doctor's consultation
- Cleansing of area to be treated
- Application of numbing cream
- Treatment
- Post-procedure recovery cream
FAQs
There will be some visible tightening of the skin immediately post procedure. However, the full results continue to develop over several months as new collagen fibers form and tighten the skin.
Most patients achieve good results with just one Sofwave treatment session. However, depending on individual skin laxity and desired outcomes, some patients may benefit from additional treatment sessions spaced several months apart to further enhance results. This treatment is usually repeated on a yearly basis for maintenance of a youthful look.
Compared to other ultrasound treatments, Sofwave heats up the skin to a higher temperature at a specific level of 1.5mm, which is better for skin tightening. There are also more areas of the face we can treat, as the depth of heating is more superficial. There is significantly less discomfort as compared to other ultrasound treatments.
Other energy-based devices may be combined with this treatment to optimize non-invasive skin firming and lifting. Injectables, such as botulinum toxins, dermal fillers and biostimulators, may be used as complementary treatments as well to further personalize and enhance one's natural features for a full-face rejuvenation.
Following Sofwave treatment, patients may experience mild redness, swelling, or tenderness in the treated area, which typically resolves within a few days. It's essential to avoid alcohol and direct sun exposure and apply sunscreen regularly to protect the skin during the healing process. Patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.
-Common Side effects - Swelling, Bruising, Redness, Numbness, Tingling sensation
-Uncommon side effects - Nerve injury, Burns, Scarring.
It's important to note that the vast majority of patients experience minimal side effects or complications with Sofwave, and any adverse effects are typically mild and transient. However, as with any medical procedure, there are inherent risks involved, and it's essential to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider before undergoing treatment.