Sofwave
Sofwave is a next generation skin wrinkle tratment that is non-invasive with no down-time. This ultrasound based technology utilizes a high frequency, Intense Ultrasound Beam to induce collagen production within the skin. Sofwave is unique in that it uses the Intense Ultrasound Beam technology in order to penetrate the skin and promote collagen contraction/production within the skin. This ultrasound wave completely bypasses the most superficial part of the skin (epidermis), so that there is no downtime to the procedure. During the Sofwave procedure, the device cools the surface of the skin. This has two benefits: 1) it protects the epidermis from any heat injury and 2) it minimizes discomfort/pain. The Sofwave technology achieves a precise tightening effect within the skin dermis, while preventing any damage to the surrounding skin and/or the underlying structures. This device is commonly used in patients looking for a no downtime improvement in the fine lines and wrinkles of their face and neck.
Goal
To reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles of your face, neck, and/or décolletage.
The Procedure
We start off by applying a powerful numbing cream to the areas which are being treated. Once the numbing cream has taken effect, the Sofwave device will be brought in to treat the target areas of the face, neck, chest, or around the mouth (peri-oral).
Anesthesia
Sofwave is a non-invasive procedure performed using topical numbing cream. The Sofwave device itself has a cooling surface tip, which provides additional anesthesia to your skin during the procedure.
Length Of Time
The amount of time varies based upon the individual and the coverage area. It can take anywhere between 20 minutes to 1 hour.
After Procedure
Most patients will drive themselves back and forth from the procedure.
Recovery
There is no real downtime from the procedure. No bruising and no pain. The majority of patients have no visible signs of the procedure immediately after completion. Some may experience mild redness to the skin and rarely there can be some bumpiness of the skin which represents swelling. If this does occur it will go away in a few hours to a few days.
What is Sofwave?
Sofwave belongs to a category of energy based devices which use ultrasound waves to deliver energy into the skin or surrounding areas in order to create a tightening effect. The Sofwave technology specifically targets the mid portion of the skin, where the collagen is located. This stimulates collagen production and contraction. This results in a tightening effect within the skin.
How is Sofwave different from other skin tightening devices?
Sofwave uses an Intense Ultrasound Beam technology, which is a proprietary technology unique to Sofwave. This technology creates multiple 3-Dimensional cylindrical shaped thermal zones within the mid portion (dermis)of the skin. This portion of the skin is where the collagen resides. These thermal zones result in a collagen building and tightening effect which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
During the procedure, the device will simultaneously cool the skin as it is treating the skin. This enhances both the comfort of the procedure and the safety profile of the device by keeping the top layer of the skin safe.
How does Sofwave work to tighten the skin?
The Sofwave ultasound beam creates a cylindrical shaped thermal zone that runs parallel to the skin at about 1.5 mm depth within the skin (see diagram above). This thermal zone results in a very precise heating effect within the mid-dermis. This effect induces your body to create a “healing” response. New collagen and skin tightening is produced over the next 6 weeks to 3 months.
Does Sofwave hurt?
There is minimal discomfort associated with the procedure. Some areas may be more sensitive than others and it will depend on how much energy we will need to use to get the best results. In order to reduce the discomfort in those area, we use a topical numbing cream prior to the procedure. The cooling device at the tip of the ultrasound transducer helps reduce discomfort as well. Most patients tolerate this very easily.
There is no pain after the procedure, making this a true no downtime procedure.
How many Sofwave treatments will I need?
Only one Sofwave treatment is required to achieve results.
When will I see my Sofwave results?
Results can first be noticed within the first 4-6 weeks. It may take several months to see the final results from the treatment as your body builds collagen over time.
Is Sofwave a replacement for a Facelift or a Mini-Facelift?
A facelift specifically targets the hanging jowels and the hanging neck. Sofwave is a less invasive treatment to tighten the fine lines and wrinkles of the face and neck. There is currently no non-surgical equivalent to a facelift. However, some people may think that they need a facelift when they may benefit from less invasive treatments such as Sofwave.
Am I a good candidate for Sofwave?
If you are looking for a no downtime alternative for skin tightening of the face, neck, and chest then Sofwave may be for you. As always, it is highly recommended that you come in for an in-person consultation to determine what treatment would be best for you.
Sofwave Photos
Sofwave for the Face and Neck
Goals: This woman in her 60’s wanted to improve and maintain her neck and jawline firmness. She is seen her 2 months after Sofwave treatment of her face and neck.
Sofwave for the Face and Brows
Goals: This woman in her 50’s wanted to improve the firmness of her skin and lift her brows. She is seen her 2 months after Sofwave treatment of her face and brows. Improvement is seen in the periorbital region as the eyes appear more open.
Dr. Jacob D Steiger MD is the first doctor in South Florida to perform the SofWave treatment for tightening the skin of the face, neck and chest / Décolletage. Our Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center offers the most advanced equipment available in aesthetic medicine today. Patients come to our office from Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Ft Lauderdale, Miami, Weston and all over the country to have SofWave performed in our state of the art facility.
