Ultrasound Skin Tightening
Sofwave at Delight Dermatology
Dermal-Focused Ultrasound Tightening
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. SangYoul Yun
AAD International Fellow
IFAAD
- Duration
- 30-45 min
- Sessions
- 1 (repeat every 6-12 months)
- Downtime
- Minimal
Sofwave Treatment in Seoul
Sofwave is a non-invasive ultrasound treatment that delivers controlled energy into the mid-dermis to support collagen remodeling. It is designed to improve skin firmness, fine wrinkles, and mild laxity while keeping downtime minimal.
- Duration
- 30–45 min
- Sessions
- Many patients start with 1 session
- Downtime
- Minimal
- Peak Result
- Around 3 months
Results Over Time
Sofwave delivers ultrasound energy into the mid-dermis, supporting gradual collagen remodeling and improvement in skin firmness over time.
01Same day
Temporary redness, warmth, or mild swelling may occur. Most patients can return to daily activities shortly after treatment.
021 Week
Temporary reactions usually settle, while subtle firmness or tightness may begin to be felt.
034–8 Weeks
Skin firmness, elasticity, and fine wrinkles may gradually begin to show noticeable improvement.
043 Months
Lifting and tightening results become easier to evaluate as collagen remodeling continues.
056–12 Months
Results may be maintained over time, with follow-up treatment considered depending on individual skin condition and response.
Images are AI-generated for illustrative purposes only.
Sofwave Device & Technology
Dermal-focused ultrasound technology designed to support gradual skin tightening and collagen remodeling.
Non-Invasive Ultrasound
A non-invasive ultrasound system designed for dermal-focused skin tightening and lifting support.
SUPERB™ Technology
Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam technology delivers controlled ultrasound energy to the targeted dermal layer.
Sofcool™ Cooling
Integrated cooling helps protect the skin surface and improve comfort during treatment.
Regulatory Status
FDA 510(k) cleared: K211483 (15 Nov 2021), 21 CFR 878.4590, product code OHV. The cleared indications cover improvement of facial lines and wrinkles, lifting the eyebrow, and lifting lax submental and neck tissue in adults aged 22 and older. A 510(k) is a finding of substantial equivalence to a predicate device, not a guarantee of an individual result. A dermatologist decides whether your concern falls inside that scope.
Technology
How Sofwave delivers ultrasound
Parallel ultrasound beams work with integrated surface cooling.
Parallel ultrasound
Seven transducers deliver parallel ultrasound beams.
Choose a feature to explore the illustration.
Seven transducers deliver parallel ultrasound beams.
The thermal effect is centered at approximately 1.5 mm within the dermis.
Sofcool cools the skin surface during energy delivery.
This illustrates the device mechanism, not an individual treatment plan or a predicted result.
Treatment Process
01Consultation & Assessment
Skin quality and laxity goals are reviewed in consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, who also confirms whether the concern falls inside the cleared indication.
02Personalized Treatment Design
The dermatologist determines whether tightening should be the first priority or combined with other care, and maps the treatment zones.
03Sofwave Treatment
The treatment plan is explained with recovery expectations before the procedure begins. SUPERB parallel ultrasound is then delivered to the mid-dermis with integrated surface cooling.
04Aftercare & Follow-Up
Follow-up planning is discussed based on maintenance goals and a long-term plan; re-treatment is generally considered every 6–12 months and set by the dermatologist.
Treatment Results
Clinical photographs from combined treatment plans: the first set also included Ultherapy and Sculptra, and the second also included Elravie RE2O. They therefore do not isolate the effect of Sofwave alone. Individual results vary with skin condition, age, and treatment plan.
Recovery & Care
First 24 hours
Avoid rubbing, scrubbing, or exfoliating the treated area. Avoid saunas, hot baths, intense exercise, alcohol, and excessive heat.
Days 1–3
Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. Avoid retinoids, strong acids, scrubs, facial massage, and other irritating skincare.
Week 1
Continue sunscreen and barrier care, and avoid strong lasers, waxing, or additional peels. Contact the clinic if a reaction is marked, worsening, or unexpected.
Ongoing care
Maintain daily sunscreen, hydration, and gentle skincare. Resume active skincare gradually as your skin recovers or as directed by your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Is Sofwave FDA-cleared?
Yes. Sofwave is FDA-cleared for the improvement of facial lines and wrinkles, for lifting the eyebrow, and for lifting lax submental (under-chin) and neck tissue. This differs from Korean HIFU devices that hold MFDS and CE clearance but not FDA clearance.
Q.How is Sofwave different from HIFU like Ultherapy?
Sofwave uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) energy delivered to the mid-dermis at about 1.5 mm, with integrated surface cooling, rather than the deeper SMAS-focused approach of devices like Ultherapy. Both stimulate new collagen; your dermatologist will advise which suits your skin and goals.
Q.How many Sofwave sessions do I need?
A single session is typical, with re-treatment generally considered every 6-12 months, adjusted to your skin by the dermatologist.
Q.Does Sofwave hurt?
Published trials measured it rather than describing it. Mean pain immediately after treatment was 5.6 on a 0–10 scale in one Sofwave study (Gold 2023, 15 subjects) and 6.64 in another at the 1.5 mm depth (Hongcharu 2023, 36 subjects). Both sets of authors call that tolerable, and reported adverse events were limited to transient redness or mild swelling, but a mean near 6 is moderate, not mild, and integrated cooling reduces surface heat rather than removing the sensation. Comfort options are discussed at consultation.
Q.How much does Sofwave cost in Seoul?
At Delight Dermatology, Sofwave is priced around ₩2,000,000–2,200,000 per session. The exact total is confirmed at consultation based on the treatment area and your plan.
References6
The clinical claims on this page (device specs, efficacy timelines, safety profile) are supported by the primary sources below. Each citation links to the original paper or regulatory record.
- [1]Evaluating the Use of High-Intensity Non-Focused Ultrasound Treatment to Improve Skin Laxity and Facial Wrinkles in Asian Patients. Lasers Surg Med (Chung MMH et al.): 42 Asian patients, single treatment: 83.3% submental/neck laxity improvement at 3 months, with eyebrow elevation and wrinkle improvement sustained up to 9 months (2026).
- [2]Synchronous Parallel Ultrasound Induces Long-Term Extracellular Matrix Remodeling of Human Skin. Dermatol Surg (Carruthers J et al.): histology to 10 months: dermal neocollagenesis, neoelastogenesis, and GAG production with parallel fiber realignment (2025).
- [3]Efficacy and safety of high-intensity, high-frequency, non-focused ultrasound parallel beams for facial skin laxity. J Cosmet Dermatol (Gold MH, Biron J): 15 subjects, two sessions: mean pain 5.6 on a 0-10 visual analog scale measured immediately after treatment. The authors call this tolerable; the number is the reason this site does not describe Sofwave as low-discomfort. (2023).
- [4]The efficacy and safety of the high-intensity parallel beam ultrasound device at the depth of 1.5 mm for skin tightening. J Cosmet Dermatol (Hongcharu W, Boonchoo K, Gold MH): 36 participants: mean pain 6.64 on a 0-10 scale immediately after treatment at the 1.5 mm depth, with no adverse events reported. Gold co-authored both Sofwave pain studies as a manufacturer-affiliated investigator. (2023).
- [5]Early Experience With Ultherapy Prime in Asia Pacific: A Pilot Case Series. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open (Lim J, Siew TW, Xu Y): 30 Asian patients, single Ultherapy Prime session: mean pain 4.50. Cited only so the Sofwave figures have a nearby comparator; the two are separate studies in different populations and no head-to-head trial exists. (2025).
- [6]The Efficacy and Safety of Synchronous Parallel Ultrasound for the Clinical Improvement of Cellulite Using a High-Density Handpiece. J Cosmet Dermatol (Gold MH et al.): 60 subjects: Global Aesthetic Improvement in 91% of treated body areas, cellulite severity improved 69% (2025).
Notice
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Active skin infection or open wound in the treatment area
- Implanted electrical or metallic devices in the treatment zone
- Keloid or hypertrophic scarring history (relative, requires review)
- Active inflammatory skin condition in the treatment area (relative)
Session summary & comparison
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 30-45 min |
| Sessions | 1 (repeat every 6-12 months) |
| Downtime | Minimal |
| Peak result | ~3 months |
Dedicated in-depth resource site operated by Delight Dermatology: sofwave-seoul.com
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Evidence & comparison guides
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Optional decision guides
- Interactive routeFit a dermatologist visit into your itineraryCompare a day trip, overnight visit, or longer stay by travel buffer and typical visible recovery.Open the trip planner →
- Comparison guideSofwave vs Ultherapy Seoul | FDA-Cleared Ultrasound Lifting ComparedSofwave vs Ultherapy: two FDA-cleared ultrasound lifting options compared by depth, evidence, downtime and session, with where Korean HIFU (Shurink) and Thermage fit.
Notice: Individual results may vary depending on skin condition, treatment history, and recovery factors. All treatment plans are determined through individual consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. The information on this page is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice or guarantee specific outcomes.
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