Comparing Nonsurgical Skin Tightening Options: Is Sofwave Right for You?

For years, our patients have asked for ways to address skin laxity without surgery. In response to the surging interest in nonsurgical skin tightening, we’ve seen a marketplace flooded with devices promising to turn back the clock without downtime.

At Resurrect Skin MD, we know that not all devices are created equal. Some deliver on their promises while others fall short, and what works wonderfully for one patient might not be the best choice for another.

After evaluating countless devices over his 30-year career, Dr. Burns has found Sofwave to be the most effective nonsurgical skin tightening treatment yet. We’re proud to offer the best aesthetic technologies in the world at Resurrect Skin MD, and we don’t take it lightly when we say Sofwave is currently the best in its category.

How Nonsurgical Skin Tightening Technologies Work

Our skin contains networks of collagen and elastin fibers that give it structure and elasticity. These proteins are abundant in youth, which is why young skin bounces back easily and maintains its shape. 

But as we get older, our production of these proteins slows down and the existing fibers deteriorate. This allows the effects of gravity, sun damage and time to show more clearly on our faces.

Nonsurgical skin tightening technologies work by stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin. This process, called neocollagenesis, helps restore some of the structure and elasticity your skin has lost.

The most critical difference between nonsurgical skin tightening devices is how they achieve this goal.

Sofwave: the New Gold Standard

Sofwave is a state-of-the-art skin tightening system powered by ultrasound energy. The device’s proprietary Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology (SUPERB) technology delivers energy to the precise depth of 1.5mm in the mid-dermis — exactly where our collagen-producing cells reside.

The energy heats the mid-dermis to 60 to 70°C. This temperature range is high enough to stimulate collagen growth but low enough to prevent damage to the surrounding tissues. Treatments are well tolerated, and in most cases, our patients see some immediate improvement in their skin. The collagen remodeling continues for months after the appointment.

Sofwave is FDA-cleared for lifting the eyebrows, neck, jawline and under the chin. It can also be used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in the face, chest, abdomen and extremities. We have found it to be not only effective, but also more comfortable, convenient and consistent than its competitors.

Sofwave vs. Other Skin Tightening Technologies

Is Sofwave the best choice to bring your Skin to Life™? If you’re concerned with drooping brows, sagging skin under your chin, loss of jawline definition or skin laxity in your neck, here’s why we think the answer could be yes.

Sofwave vs. Ultherapy 

Ultherapy is one of the biggest names in nonsurgical skin tightening. Like Sofwave, Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production. Having used both, Dr. Burns believes Sofwave is the superior treatment for several reasons:

  • Treatment Depth: Ultherapy can deliver energy at various depths from 1.5mm to 4.5mm. While this might sound advantageous, treating at deeper levels can lead to more discomfort and less predictable results. Sofwave delivers energy at a consistent 1.5mm depth. 
  • Treatment Time: A facial treatment with Ultherapy usually requires 60-90 minutes. The same treatment with Sofwave typically takes just 30-45 minutes.
  • Patient Comfort: Ultherapy often requires pain management strategies to make the treatment tolerable. Sofwave has an integrated cooling system that makes the treatment more comfortable and protects the skin’s surface.
  • Recovery & Side Effects: Neither treatment requires downtime. However, Ultherapy patients tend to experience more noticeable and persistent side effects, such as swelling and bruising. Sofwave patients generally see only mild, temporary redness that resolves within hours.
  • Results: Both technologies can improve skin firmness, but we’ve found Sofwave delivers its results more comfortably and consistently. Its excellent safety profile and reliable outcomes are backed by robust clinical studies and the experiences of our patients.

Sofwave vs. Radiofrequency Treatments

Radiofrequency (RF) technology has been used for skin tightening since the early 2000s. Just like when we use ultrasound devices, the goal of these treatments is to use heat to trigger the production of new collagen and elastin. Ultrasound devices generate heat with sound waves; radiofrequency devices do it with a type of electromagnetic energy.

Thermage and Forma are two of the most well-known devices in the radiofrequency skin tightening category. Both are noninvasive treatments, like Sofwave, with no required downtime and lasting results.

So, why do we prefer Sofwave at RSMD?

Radiofrequency treatments tend to target the superficial skin layers. This can be effective for early signs of aging, but It may not provide enough improvement for patients with more noticeable skin laxity. 

Sofwave’s ability to deliver energy at the optimal 1.5mm depth allows it to address mild to moderate skin laxity more effectively. Most patients see meaningful improvement after just one session, and the tightening and lifting effects are stronger.

Sofwave vs. Radiofrequency Microneedling

There are also systems that combine radiofrequency technology with microneedling, like Profound, Secret RF, Morpheus8 and Genius. These devices stimulate collagen production and address surface-level concerns such as uneven skin texture, pigmentation, acne scars and enlarged pores.

There’s a lot to love about these treatments. Our Genius system is a versatile problem-solver that addresses a variety of aesthetic concerns (including skin laxity) on all skin tones. We’ve achieved many beautiful results with both microneedling and RF microneedling.

However, if skin laxity is your primary concern, Sofwave may be a better fit. The system’s focused ultrasound energy can treat more advanced skin laxity and produce more dramatic results in fewer sessions.

Sofwave vs. Laser Treatments

Lasers are a specialty here at Resurrect Skin MD. We think they’re one of the most versatile technologies in the world — but that doesn’t mean they’re good for everything. Dr. Burns, who is internationally renowned for his expertise in laser technology, strongly advises against using lasers for skin tightening. 

The problem lies in how lasers work. To achieve a meaningful tightening effect with a laser, you need to generate enough heat to cause significant tissue damage. As Dr. Burns explains, “If you get to the point that a laser is tightening your skin, it’s causing a burn. A burn is a terrible injury. You don’t want a burn, so you don’t want to push lasers to tighten skin.”

Lasers excel at rejuvenating and resurfacing the skin. But when it comes to skin tightening, devices specifically designed for that purpose, like Sofwave, are more effective and much safer.

Start Your Skin Tightening Journey at Resurrect Skin MD

Our expert team, led by Dr. Burns, has evaluated countless technologies to ensure we offer only the most effective, scientifically proven solutions. We’re confident Sofwave currently provides the best combination of results, comfort and convenience for most patients seeking nonsurgical skin tightening.

To schedule your Dallas Sofwave consultation, contact us or call 219-754-6865 to speak to a member of the RSMD team.