As we age, our skin thins and becomes less elastic and firm. Collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and other structural components diminish over time. However, controlled minor injury to the skin can reverse these changes by causing a healing response that stimulates these structures to increase. Sofwave can reverse some of these signs of aging by stimulating the skin with high frequency sound waves (ultrasound).
Dr. Goldman and his team espouse a holistic approach to skin care and aging. This approach includes minimizing sun exposure, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy diet. Incorporating medical-grade skincare products, under the guidance of a skilled aesthetician, can further enhance skin health and appearance. As patients notice signs of aging, Sofwave can boost the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and medical grade skin care regimen without surgery.
Sofwave is a non-invasive, nonsurgical skin rejuvenation treatment designed to address signs of aging by stimulating the production of collagen, elastin, and other skin elements. Sofwave improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles, and enhances overall skin appearance.
Sofwave uses high-frequency focused ultrasound technology to target the deeper layers of the skin without affecting the surface, heating and mildly injuring the skin, stimulating a healing response. Collagen, elastin, and other structures increase, improving the firmness and elasticity of the skin, improving texture and appearance.
Before Sofwave treatment, you will have an initial consultation with our team. This consultation allows us to review your medical history, including any prior skin treatments, discuss your goals, examine your skin and the areas of concern, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. We will evaluate if you are a good candidate for this technology and, if so, explain how Sofwave can help you achieve your desired results and fit into a holistic treatment plan to rejuvenate you.
Sofwave is performed as an office procedure. For most patients, we apply a topical numbing cream to your skin for 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure to help reduce discomfort. Some patients also use Pronox, an inhaled nitrous oxide (laughing gas) mixture, or a mild oral sedative like Xanax. Oral narcotics can also be used during the procedure, but are not needed afterwards. Most patients drive themselves to and from the appointment (as long as they use no sedation or narcotics).
During the treatment, the Sofwave handpiece emits sound waves directly onto the skin’s surface. There are no needles involved—just the application of sound waves. The treatment typically lasts between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated. Mild swelling and sensitivity may occur. Most patients return to their daily activities the same or next day with no post-procedure limitations.
Sofwave and Ultherapy® are both non-invasive skin tightening treatments that use ultrasound, but they use different technology to deliver the sound waves to the skin. Sofwave utilizes high-frequency focused ultrasound waves to target and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin's mid-layer, while Ultherapy® uses micro-focused ultrasound to penetrate deeper into the tissue.
The treatments are similar, but Sofwave has more ability to improve surface texture, tends to show results sooner, and may be more effective. No large head-to-head study exists comparing results of the two devices.
Sofwave and Ultherapy® produce similar levels of discomfort, although some patients report less with Sofwave. Sofwave does have shorter treatment times than Ultherapy®. Ultherapy® involves a deeper level of tissue penetration, which theoretically may risk subcutaneous fat resorption.
Dr. Goldman’s team has extensive experiments with nonsurgical skin tightening, including these devices. We have transitioned from Ultherapy® to
Sofwave and feel it is more effective and well tolerated than Ultherapy®.
Sofwave is suitable for all skin types, but we may premeditate darker skin types with topical hydroquinone for a month or more to minimize the risk of pigmentary change. During your consultation, Dr. Goldman’s highly experienced team will evaluate your skin and discuss whether Sofwave is the right treatment for your holistic skin rejuvenation regimen.
Sofwave is typically a single treatment, not a series. However, many patients repeat the treatment over time as aging proceeds. Timing of subsequent treatments varies greatly based on individual preference and response to treatment, but many patients repeat after about 2 years.
Our holistic treatment philosophy at Beachwood Plastic Surgery, Westlake Plastic Surgery & SpaSurge emphasizes ongoing healthy living and skin care and appropriate treatments, like Sofwave to maintain a naturally youthful appearance. We value ongoing follow-up and communication with our patients to continually evaluate and adjust your treatment plan, to optimize your results.
Sofwave can be performed alone or in combination with other non-surgical or surgical treatments. Most patients who feel the need to address signs of dermal aging will benefit from a comprehensive approach tailored to your needs and goals.
Medical-grade skin care, botulinum toxin, and injectable fillers are commonly used as part of a comprehensive non-surgical treatment regimen. Surgical treatments can also be used in conjunction with skin tightening, but Sofwave is more commonly used for patients with early signs of aging.
Dr. Goldman and his team do not believe in cookie-cutter plastic surgery. We tailor your care to your goals and physical characteristics. We discuss and explain treatment options. We believe in personalized care and long-term relationships with our patients.
Sofwave uses ultrasound, which has been used for decades in sundry medical technologies. Sofwave has an exceptional safety profile with no known cases of major side effects. Some patient have reported minor effects like transient numbness. Mild redness, swelling, or skin sensitivity are common and typically resolve within a few days.
Fortunately for those of us who are getting older, there are many nonsurgical and surgical treatment options available to address signs of aging. This can be confusing, but Dr. Goldman’s team has the experience, knowledge, and dedication to help you clarify which options are best for you. Feel free to contact us today to see how Sofwave might fit into your treatment plan.
