When it comes to staving off the physical effects of aging, I am in the camp that I will eventually have a face lift, which at my age could be a few years away. However, until then I am always on the lookout for non-invasive aesthetic treatments (typically energy-based) that delay the need for me to go under the knife. One of the trendiest non-invasive treatments made a household name by the Kardashians is Sofwave, a skin tightening treatment that utilizes ultrasound to lift the skin on the face and body.
While I haven’t had this treatment, which has been around since 2016 yet, with all the buzz it’s been garnering I wanted to learn more about it from the people who make the device, those who use it in their aesthetic practices, and those who are familiar with Sofwave’s technology but use something akin to it in their practice. Equally as important, I wanted to see if the “Kardashian effect” (a term dubbed for the uptick in an aesthetic procedure after they tout it on their social channels) converts to real clients for aesthetic business owners.
What Is Sofwave?
James Bartholomeusz, Chief Innovation Officer for Sofwave explains to me over email that what makes their technology unique is that unlike other skin-lifting technologies such as micro-focused (MFU) or high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) devices, Sofwave, a trademarked name, utilizes a proprietary high-frequency, non-focused ultrasound technology known as SUPERB (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam).
“SUPERB™ delivers energy precisely into the mid-dermis—bypassing deeper structures like nerves and fat—which maximizes safety and eliminates unnecessary tissue damage,” continues Bartholomeusz. “Most importantly, this focused delivery stimulates the volumetric production of collagen and elastin, the key building blocks for skin firmness and elasticity.” The results, he shares are a “a powerful regeneration response in the area of highest fibroblast activity, producing natural-looking, consistent results.”
Currently, Sofwave has 7 FDA clearances including lifting the eyebrows, neck, and submental. improving facial lines and wrinkles, lifting lax skin on the upper arms, improving the appearance of cellulite, and treating acne scars.
“Our newest clearance for arm laxity treatments has been a huge hit, especially with GLP 1 patients,” shares Bartholomeusz. Results are typically seen after one treatment. Although Bartholomeusz adds that in some instances a second treatment may be necessary depending on the desired results depending on the age, skin conditions, and treatment goals of the patient. “Clinical studies and FDA clearance support that results can last up to 12 months or more following a single treatment. As the skin continues to remodel over time, patients experience progressive improvements in skin firmness, texture, and lift, with a natural-looking outcome and high patient satisfaction.”
“Sofwave is one of our top three requested services,” shares Adriana Martino, co-founder of Skinney Medspa, a multi-location aesthetic practice she founded alongside of her twin sister Marisa Martino—both of which are licensed estheticians who provide treatments. “We were one of the first adopters of the technology. So many companies come to us with their devices. If we don’t love it, we say no thank you to the company. With Sofwave, as soon as we saw the results, we knew we wanted it for our practices.”
What kind of results can be expected?
To date, Skinney Medspa has performed Softwave 240 treatments since they started offering the treatment back about a year ago “It is great for post baby skin sagging,” Martino tells me on a call. “We like to do Morpheus8 for crepey skin followed by Sofwave, which goes deeper into the skin.” The practice also performs the treatment regularly on the stomach and the back of the arms, also known as bat wings. “The neck is also a highly requested treatment area in addition to what we call a non-invasive brow lift that helps lift tired, sagging eyes look more youthful.”
Leading Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Nassif, MD, FACS tells me over email that he uses Sofwave in his practice because the non-invasive ultrasound treatment naturally stimulates collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. “We use it to improve fine lines and wrinkles, and to lift the eyebrows, submental (chin), and neck areas. It’s also FDA-cleared for the short-term improvement of cellulite, to treat acne scars, and improve skin laxity on the upper arms. You might say it’s a multi-tasking treatment device.”
As for results, Nassif explains to me that many of his patients are seeing results even after one 30–45-minute treatment with results continuing to improve for up to 12 weeks. Nassif does note that some patients may need another treatment to achieve their desired results and then can switch to annual maintenance.
“It’s an excellent option for patients who aren’t quite ready to do something more invasive, and I love that it integrates seamlessly with both surgical and non-surgical treatments. I often pair it with my Nassif MD clinical skincare line. Think of it as the perfect complement to a facelift—an ideal annual tune-up to help maintain a refreshed, youthful look. Patients love it because there is no lost-time after treatment, and they can immediately resume daily activities without anyone knowing they had an in-office treatment.”
How does Sofwave differ from Ultherapy?
With other skin tightening ultrasound-based technologies on the market, I wanted to get another perspective on how Sofwave differs from other ultrasound technologies. I reached out New York City-based Dr. Jennifer Levine, a double-board certified plastic surgeon who is familiar with Sofwave’s technology but has been using Ultherapy for almost ten years and has performed roughly 1000 treatments with the device.
“Both technologies utilize ultrasound technology that causes a thermocoagulation point that stimulates the body to naturally produce collagen and elastin in the treatment area,” Levine tells me over a call. “What I like about Ultherapy is that the device allows the practitioner to visualize the tissue being treated and at customizable depths. Sofwave treats the skin at a depth of 1.5mm, whereas with Ultherapy you can treat areas such as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (this area located in the cheek region of the face plays an important role and facial expression, overall structure in the shape of the face, and provides a framework for the skin) at 3-4mm in depth, which is why Ultherapy utilizes visualization technology—so the practitioner can see what they are doing.”
In the end, Levine tells me that both devices work. But if your skin needs deeper skin tightening in certain areas, then Ultherapy may yield better results.
Is the Kardashian Effect Real?
When I ask if the “Kardashian Effect” has provided a boost in Nassif’s business he responds, “We haven’t seen an uptick yet, but I imagine the Kardashian effect will be incredibly impactful in driving brand awareness and elevating visibility among a wider digital audience.” In contrast, Martino tells me that Kim Kardashian raving about this treatment has increased sales dramatically. She tells me, “Year-to date sales have increased by %70 when average sales grow typically %20 annually. We can attribute the increase in demand to the Kardashian’s popularity.”
This is definitely an aesthetic treatment that’s on my radar. And like many other people, I can thank the Kardashians for placing it there.
