Lifting Comparison
Sofwave vs Ultherapy — two FDA-cleared ultrasound lifting options compared by depth, evidence, downtime and session, with where Korean HIFU (Shurink) and Thermage fit.
Your Journey
Sofwave vs Ultherapy — two FDA-cleared ultrasound lifting options compared by depth, evidence, downtime and session, with where Korean HIFU (Shurink) and Thermage fit.
Sofwave and Ultherapy are both FDA-cleared ultrasound lifting devices — but they work at different depths. Sofwave delivers Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) energy to the mid-dermis (about 1.5 mm), while Ultherapy (microfocused ultrasound, MFU-V) reaches deeper to the SMAS layer (up to 4.5 mm). In practice, Sofwave suits skin quality, fine lines and early laxity in a single short session; Ultherapy suits deeper, structural lifting of the jowls and jawline. Both are offered at Delight Dermatology and selected by examination, not by marketing.
Korean HIFU devices such as Ultraformer MPT (branded Shurink) work at similar SMAS depths to Ultherapy but hold MFDS and CE clearance rather than FDA clearance. Thermage is a different category — radiofrequency, not ultrasound.
FAQ
Neither is universally better — they work at different depths. Sofwave targets the mid-dermis (about 1.5 mm) and suits fine lines, skin quality and early laxity in a single short session; Ultherapy reaches the deeper SMAS (up to 4.5 mm) and suits structural lifting of the jowls and jawline. Both are FDA-cleared, and the right choice is decided by examination.
Both Sofwave and Ultherapy are FDA-cleared. Sofwave is cleared for facial lines and wrinkles, eyebrow lift, and lifting of submental and neck tissue; Ultherapy is cleared for brow, submental and lateral neck, and décolletage. Korean HIFU devices such as Ultraformer MPT (Shurink) hold MFDS and CE marking but not FDA clearance.
No. Sofwave uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) energy at the mid-dermis and is FDA-cleared, while Korean HIFU devices such as Ultraformer MPT (Shurink) deliver micropulsed HIFU to the deeper SMAS and hold MFDS and CE clearance rather than FDA clearance.
Results build gradually as new collagen forms over roughly two to three months. For Sofwave, improvement has been reported sustained up to about nine months in clinical study, with re-treatment generally considered every 6–12 months; Ultherapy results typically last around 12–18 months. Individual results vary with skin and lifestyle.
Both are generally well tolerated with topical comfort measures. Sofwave uses integrated cooling and a parallel-beam design to keep discomfort low; Ultherapy can feel more intense at the deeper 4.5 mm setting over bone. Comfort options are discussed at consultation.
Related Procedures
If you need more detail about treatment approach, recovery, or suitability, continue into these procedure pages.
FDA-Cleared Ultrasound · SofWave
Sofwave (SUPERB ultrasound) in Seoul — FDA-cleared mid-dermis lifting for facial lines, eyebrow, neck, and skin laxity. Single session, minimal downtime.
Non-surgical Lifting
Ultherapy Prime in Gangnam by a board-certified dermatologist. FDA-cleared non-surgical lifting for jawline, neck, and brow — same-day treatment available.
Solta Medical · AccuREP Technology
Thermage FLX in Gangnam, Seoul. AccuREP real-time feedback, Comfort Pulse, board-certified dermatologist. Over two decades of clinical evidence.
