Anti-Aging Ultrasound Treatments Get an Upgrade
By now, you've heard me sing the praises of in-office energy-based devices that employ any one of several modalities of cutting-edge science to tighten, firm, and improve the skin. For years, it's pretty much been the same: there's radiofrequency to tighten loose skin (I've done it on my stomach and face); microneedling, and all its add-ons like PRP and radiofrequency (I'm a huge fan of Vivace for this purpose); the gamut of lasers, which I can write a diatribe on, so we'll save that for later, and collagen-stimulating ultrasound which can tighten and firm like no other (I chickened out a few years back when I attempted to try Ultherapy).
Until recently, there was only one player on the ultrasound turf, which is Ultherapy. Yet, all of that is changing with a similar competitor—and some say even better. Enter: Sofwave.
Recently, I got a chance to test out Sofwave, and all I can say is WOW! Yes, there are a lot of similarities between it and Ultherapy, but there are several differences, too.
THE COLLAGEN CONNECTION
As we age, collagen begins to decrease. As early as your 20s, you start to lose one teaspoon of collagen per year. Staying out of the sun, using antioxidants and retinol, and partaking in collagen-stimulating treatments are the best ways of promoting new, healthy collagen to be made.
Discovering ultrasound as an effective collagen-producing method put Ultherapy, and now Sofwave, at the forefront. The science is complicated, but I'm going to break it down and make it super simple: Basically, the ultrasound energy selectively injures the skin to trigger a natural healing response, which in response, produces new collagen. As a result, the thick, healthy, well-supported collagen gives way to tighter, plumper skin for all skin tones and types.
HOW SOFWAVE IS DIFFERENT
Sofwave utilizes ultrasound energy to prompt the creation of new collagen, rejuvenating the skin. But whereas Ultherapy goes deeper and delivers ultrasound to three different layers of the skin, Sofwave sends it to only one depth — 1.5 millimeters — just below the skin's surface. Collagen is most abundant there.
This more controlled delivery creates a more uniform result without causing any damage to the outer layers of skin, the deeper tissues and muscles, and even the fat layer. However, because the single-session treatment is still somewhat intense, it is uncomfortable but not painful. Nonetheless, boney areas are more sensitive than others, so your provider will apply numbing cream to all the treatment areas.
While I'm on the topic of what the treatment feels like, I can attest to it first hand. Each pass generates heat that I could feel building up, and just when I thought I couldn't take it for another millisecond, the sensation completely goes away, and it's on to the next region. The brow bone and temple area were by far the hardest to tolerate and the area above my upper lip. Still, all in all, the entire procedure was manageable (although I would not recommend braving it without numbing cream—NO WAY!). Additionally, a Sofcool cooling component (it measures skin temperature) in the handpiece helps make the treatment more comfortable.
The following day after my treatment, I already saw a difference—and my skin is only continuing t improve. 24 hours after my Sofwave treatment, I noticed a healthy glow and a tightness to my jawline and lower face. If you've been reading my posts for the last few months, you'll know how badly I chase that snatched jawline look, and I'm finally on my way to achieving it. There was also zero downtime, no redness, and absolutely no swelling with the 30-minute procedure, making it a major must-have for busy moms like me.
While Sofwave, which is currently cleared for lifting the eyebrows, the area beneath the chin, and the neck, is better suited for those with minimal to moderate skin laxity, it's excellent for those who want to get ahead of collagen loss. But let's be honest, it will not give the same result as a facelift or even a thread lift. But it will help tighten up the skin and provide a nice contoured appearance.
All I can say is that I'm beyond happy with the results (the full results will surface in about six months since it takes about that long for collagen to rebuild, so stay tuned), and I know I'll be back for a touch-up when I need it.