Introducing Sofwave: FDA-Cleared Ultrasound Lifting at Delight Dermatology
From 30 June 2026, Delight Dermatology offers Sofwave — an FDA-cleared SUPERB ultrasound device that lifts at the mid-dermis. What it treats, how it compares to Ultherapy, and the evidence.
From Tuesday, 30 June 2026, Delight Dermatology offers Sofwave — an FDA-cleared ultrasound lifting device that adds a precise, mid-dermal option to our non-surgical lifting menu alongside Ultherapy and Thermage.
What Sofwave is
Sofwave (SofWave Medical) uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) technology. Rather than reaching the deep SMAS layer like Ultherapy, Sofwave concentrates energy in the mid-dermis at about 1.5 mm, with integrated cooling that protects the skin surface. The controlled dermal heating stimulates new collagen and elastin — the framework that keeps skin firm and smooth.
Why the FDA clearance matters
Sofwave is FDA-cleared for improving facial lines and wrinkles, lifting the eyebrow, and lifting lax submental (under-chin) and neck tissue. That places it alongside Ultherapy and Thermage in our FDA-cleared lifting line-up. Many ultrasound lifting devices marketed in Korea hold MFDS and CE clearance but not FDA clearance; choosing an FDA-cleared device is one way we keep the evidence bar high.
What Sofwave treats
- Fine lines and early skin laxity
- Neck and under-chin (submental) laxity and wrinkles
- Eyebrow heaviness and upper-face refinement
- Overall skin firmness and quality, including body areas
A single session is typical, with re-treatment generally considered every 6–12 months. Most patients have minimal downtime — transient redness or mild swelling that settles quickly.
How it compares to Ultherapy
Sofwave and Ultherapy are complementary, not competing. Sofwave works in the mid-dermis (~1.5 mm) and suits skin quality, fine lines and early laxity; Ultherapy reaches the deeper SMAS (up to 4.5 mm) for structural lifting of the jowls and jawline. The right choice depends on your skin and your goals — which is exactly what the consultation is for. We compare them in detail in our Sofwave vs Ultherapy guide.
| Feature | Sofwave | Ultherapy |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | SUPERB parallel ultrasound | Microfocused ultrasound (MFU-V) |
| Main depth | Mid-dermis (about 1.5 mm) | SMAS (up to 4.5 mm) |
| FDA-cleared | Yes | Yes |
| Sessions | Single session | Single session |
| Best suited to | Fine lines, skin quality, early laxity, neck | Deeper structural lift, jowls, jawline |
The evidence
In a single-treatment study of 42 Asian patients, Sofwave produced 83.3% improvement in submental and neck laxity at three months, with eyebrow elevation and wrinkle improvement sustained up to nine months (Chung et al., 2026, PMID 42226470). Histological work shows long-term dermal collagen and elastin remodelling after SUPERB ultrasound (Carruthers et al., 2025, PMID 41405933).
Booking
Sofwave consultations open from 30 June 2026. See the Sofwave procedure page for full details, or book a consultation to find out whether Sofwave, Ultherapy or a combination best suits your skin.
Notice: The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment plans are determined through personal consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. Results may vary.
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