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Lifting
Sofwave: Who It Suits — Slim Faces, Fine Lines, Little Downtime (2026)
By Dr. IM JUNHYUNG · Updated
- Well matched to fine lines, early laxity, the brow, under the chin and the neck.
- A full face is usually based on 300 shots; 100–200 shots suit smaller areas or a combination plan.
- Discomfort is rated 3 out of 5 after numbing cream; most people go straight back to normal.
- Results build over one to three months and usually last 6–12 months.
- Depth
- 1.5 mm — mid-dermis
- Session
- 30–45 min
- Downtime
- Same day
- Lasts
- 6–12 months — varies
How Sofwave works
The handpiece delivers seven parallel beams at once, heating a wide band of the mid-dermis evenly. Because the depth is fixed, results vary less from operator to operator, and the cooling plate protects the surface — which is why most people can put on make-up and go out the same day.
Who it suits
Sofwave is a good match for fine lines and crepey texture, early softening of the jawline, brow heaviness, and loose skin under the chin and on the neck. It is also our usual choice for slim faces: deep focused ultrasound can take away volume a thin face cannot spare, while Sofwave works above the fat.
It suits short trips too. That is why it sits at the centre of our Before-Flight Lift — little downtime, and fine for a flight the next day.
Who needs something deeper
When the SMAS has dropped — heavy jowls, a deep fold at the jaw — a 1.5 mm device cannot lift it. We say so, and suggest Ultherapy Prime or a combined plan instead. Thin, sun-damaged skin may also need skin-quality work alongside, such as a skin booster.
Shots and planning
A full-face plan is usually based on 300 shots, with the neck or under-chin added separately. 100 or 200 shots suit a smaller area, or a plan that combines Sofwave with another device. As with any lifting device, the plan — area and shots — goes on your record before we start, and the counter is checked with you after.
Aftercare
Redness and warmth usually settle within a few hours to a day. Mild swelling, tenderness or temporary tingling can occur. Skip saunas, hot baths and hard workouts for about a week, and use sunscreen. Most people fly the next day.
FAQ
Is Sofwave the same as Ultherapy?
No. Both are ultrasound, but Sofwave works at a fixed 1.5 mm in the mid-dermis while Ultherapy reaches the SMAS at 4.5 mm with live imaging. Sofwave suits fine lines and early laxity; Ultherapy suits deeper sagging.
How many Sofwave shots for a full face?
Usually based on 300 shots, with the neck added separately. Smaller areas use 100–200 shots.
Can I have Sofwave the day before a flight?
Usually yes — downtime is minimal. Redness normally settles within hours.
Is Sofwave good for a slim face?
Often, because it works above the fat layer and is less likely to take away fullness than deep focused ultrasound.
General information, not medical advice. Your plan is set at an in-person consultation; results vary by individual.
Representative Director of Taut Clinic, Gangnam. Full member of the Korean Aesthetic Surgery & Laser Society (ASLS), the Korean Association for Laser Dermatology and Trichology (KALDAT) and the Korean Society of Filler Medicine. Commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare.
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