Introducing Sofwave™: A Dermatologist’s Approach to Skin Laxity, Lifting, and Collagen Rebuilding
There is a particular moment many patients describe in consultation. They gently pull the skin at their jawline or temples and ask: Can you help me look a little more like this?
Not dramatically different. Not overdone. Just firmer, more lifted, and more like themselves.
This is one of the most common concerns we see in cosmetic dermatology: skin that still looks healthy, but has started to lose some of its firmness, definition, and structural support.
Historically, this has been difficult to address well without surgery, injectables, or treatments that involve more visible recovery. That gap is part of why we chose to add Sofwave™ to Interior Dermatology Centre.
Sofwave is a non-invasive ultrasound treatment designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improve the appearance of skin laxity, and support a firmer, more lifted-looking result without disrupting the skin’s surface.
At IDC, we do not add devices simply because they are trending. We add them when the science is compelling, the mechanism makes sense, and the treatment fills a genuine gap for our patients.
What Sofwave™ Is and How It Works
Sofwave is an FDA-cleared and Health Canada-cleared ultrasound-based treatment that uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam technology to deliver energy into the mid-dermis — the structural layer of the skin involved in firmness, elasticity, and support.
Unlike treatments that work primarily at the surface of the skin, Sofwave delivers ultrasound energy at a depth of 1.5 mm. This creates a controlled thermal effect within the dermis, stimulating the body’s natural collagen-remodeling response without creating open channels in the skin and without resurfacing the skin’s surface.
Over time, this collagen and elastin response may lead to visible improvement in skin firmness, mild lifting, and overall skin quality.
Clinical research has demonstrated measurable increases in collagen and elastin following Sofwave treatment. Patient outcomes vary depending on skin quality, degree of laxity, age, treatment area, and the overall treatment plan.
Because Sofwave uses ultrasound rather than light-based energy, it is safe for all skin types and tones. It also does not create the same sun-sensitivity considerations associated with many laser-based treatments, making it a treatment that can be performed year-round.
BEFORE SOFWAVE
AFTER SOFWAVE
What Sofwave™ Can Treat
Sofwave is commonly used for patients experiencing early to moderate skin laxity, loss of firmness, and changes in definition.
It may be used to treat:
Face
Jawline
Neck
Under-chin laxity
Brow position, including the “wow brow” lifting technique
Fine lines and wrinkles
Décolletage
Upper arms
Abdomen
Above the knees
Thighs and buttocks, including improvement in the appearance of cellulite
Acne scarring, where collagen remodeling may help improve the appearance of textural irregularity
Other selected areas depending on anatomy, skin quality, and treatment goals
This range of treatment areas is one of the reasons Sofwave is such a valuable addition to IDC. It gives us another non-invasive option for concerns that are often difficult to address without surgery, injectables, resurfacing, or more intensive recovery.
Sofwave is not intended to replace surgery, and it will not create the same result as a facelift, neck lift, arm lift, or body-contouring surgery. It is best suited for patients who want a non-invasive collagen-stimulating option and who have realistic expectations about gradual, natural-looking improvement.
During consultation, we assess whether Sofwave is appropriate on its own or whether it would be better combined with other treatments.
The Treatment Experience
A typical Sofwave treatment session for the face and neck takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, although timing depends on the areas being treated.
No topical numbing cream is required prior to treatment. During treatment, patients typically feel warmth, pressure, or brief pulses of heat as the ultrasound energy is delivered.
Many patients tolerate Sofwave very well, but some may find certain areas more intense or uncomfortable than others. Sensation can vary from person to person and from area to area during the same appointment.
The sensation is temporary and occurs only while the energy is being delivered. Once the pulse is complete, any discomfort usually passes quickly.
There is no surface disruption, no peeling, and no required recovery period. Some patients may experience temporary redness, mild swelling, tenderness, or sensitivity, but these effects are usually short-lived.
Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
BEFORE SOFWAVE
AFTER SOFWAVE
When Results Appear
Sofwave works by stimulating a biological process. This means results develop gradually rather than appearing all at once.
Some patients notice early firmness or subtle improvement within the first few weeks. More visible collagen-related improvement typically develops over the following months, with results continuing to evolve over approximately three to ten months.
We often recommend follow-up photographs around the three-month mark to assess early response and compare changes objectively.
For some patients, one treatment may be enough to produce a noticeable improvement. Others, particularly those with more laxity or more advanced structural change, may benefit from a second treatment or a longer-term treatment plan.
How Sofwave™ Fits Within a Treatment Plan
Sofwave is not the only treatment that stimulates collagen. RF microneedling, HALO, erbium resurfacing, CO₂ resurfacing, and other energy-based treatments can also create collagen remodeling, depending on the device, settings, depth, and treatment goal.
What makes Sofwave different is how it delivers that stimulation. Sofwave uses ultrasound energy to target the mid-dermis without needles, without laser resurfacing, and without disrupting the skin’s surface.
This gives Sofwave a unique role in a treatment plan. It can support firmness and mild lifting with minimal to no downtime, and because it is not light-based, it can be used across all skin types and seasons without the same pigment or sun-sensitivity considerations that apply to many laser treatments.
That does not make Sofwave “better” than RF microneedling, HALO, or resurfacing lasers. It means it solves a different problem.
For example:
BBL may be used to address pigment, redness, and sun damage.
HALO may be used to improve texture, tone, sun damage, and resurfacing concerns.
RF microneedling may be used for collagen remodeling, texture, pores, scars, and firmness.
Erbium or CO₂ resurfacing may be used when more significant resurfacing or skin-quality change is needed.
Neuromodulators may soften expression-related lines.
Dermal fillers may restore volume in carefully selected patients.
Sofwave may support firmness, mild lifting, and collagen rebuilding without needles, surface disruption, or meaningful downtime.
At IDC, the goal is not to position one device as superior to every other option. The goal is to understand what is changing in the skin and choose the treatment, or combination of treatments, that best matches the patient’s anatomy, goals, recovery tolerance, and skin type.
Sofwave™ and Weight Loss or GLP-1 Medications
We are seeing more patients who are experiencing facial and body changes related to significant weight loss, including patients using GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide, Ozempic®, and Wegovy®.
Weight loss can offer significant health benefits, but changes in volume and body composition may also make skin laxity more noticeable. This can happen in the face, neck, abdomen, arms, thighs, and other areas where collagen and elastin support are important to skin structure.
In these cases, collagen-stimulating treatments like Sofwave may be considered as part of a broader skin health and laxity plan.
This does not mean every patient on a GLP-1 medication needs Sofwave. Timing and suitability depend on the patient’s weight trajectory, skin quality, treatment goals, medical history, and degree of laxity.
For some patients, Sofwave may be discussed early in the weight-loss journey to support collagen and elastin during a period of structural change. For others, it may be more appropriate once weight has stabilized. This is assessed individually during consultation.
Is Sofwave™ Right for You?
Sofwave may be appropriate for adults noticing early to moderate changes in skin firmness, laxity, or definition.
It may be a good option for patients who:
Want a non-invasive treatment
Are not ready for surgery
Prefer minimal to no downtime
Want gradual, natural-looking improvement
Are looking to support collagen, elastin, and skin structure
Want a treatment that can be performed year-round
Are looking for treatment options for the face, neck, jawline, brow, décolletage, arms, abdomen, knees, or other selected areas
Sofwave may not be appropriate for patients with certain implanted electronic devices, active infection or inflammation in the treatment area, open or compromised skin, or other medical considerations. Suitability is always determined through consultation.
Why We Added Sofwave™ to IDC
We added Sofwave because it addresses a concern we hear every week: patients want firmer, more lifted-looking skin, but they do not always want surgery, injectables, or significant downtime.
Sofwave gives us another way to approach skin laxity and collagen rebuilding in a manner that is non-invasive, evidence-informed, and compatible with a wide range of treatment plans.
It also aligns with how we think about cosmetic dermatology at IDC. We are not trying to make patients look different. We are trying to help patients understand what is changing in their skin and choose treatments that support their goals in a thoughtful, medically guided way.
Sofwave is not a miracle treatment, and it is not for everyone. But for the right patient, it can be a meaningful tool for improving firmness, supporting collagen and elastin, and achieving a subtle, natural-looking lift over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Sofwave™ treatments will I need?
Many patients start with one treatment and assess their results over the following months. Some patients are happy with one session, while others may benefit from a second treatment depending on the degree of laxity, age, skin quality, treatment area, and goals.
For patients with more noticeable laxity, a series of treatments may be discussed. This is determined during consultation.
When will I see results?
Sofwave results develop gradually. Some patients notice early firmness within a few weeks, but the more meaningful collagen-related improvement typically develops over the following months.
Results can continue to improve over approximately three to ten months as collagen and elastin remodeling progresses.
Because collagen rebuilding takes time, results are not immediate. Follow-up photographs around the three-month mark can help assess early response.
Is Sofwave™ painful?
Sofwave is generally well tolerated, but the sensation can vary.
Patients usually describe the feeling as warmth, pressure, or brief pulses of heat while the ultrasound energy is being delivered. Some patients may find certain areas more intense or uncomfortable, while others tolerate the treatment very easily.
The sensation is temporary and typically passes quickly once each pulse is complete. No topical numbing cream is required, and most patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Is there downtime after Sofwave™?
There is minimal to no downtime for most patients. Sofwave does not disrupt the skin’s surface, so there is no peeling, crusting, or wound care required.
Some patients may experience temporary redness, mild swelling, tenderness, or sensitivity, but these effects are usually short-lived. Most patients return to normal activities immediately.
Can Sofwave™ be done in the summer?
Yes. Because Sofwave uses ultrasound energy rather than light-based energy, it does not create the same sun-sensitivity concerns associated with many laser treatments.
This makes Sofwave a treatment that can be performed year-round, including during the summer months.
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is still recommended as part of any skin health plan.
Is Sofwave™ safe for all skin types?
Yes. Sofwave is considered safe for all skin types and tones.
Because it uses ultrasound energy rather than light-based energy, it is not limited by the same pigment-related considerations that apply to some lasers and light-based treatments.
Is Sofwave™ a facelift?
No. Sofwave is not a facelift and does not replace surgical lifting.
A facelift or neck lift can reposition deeper tissues and remove excess skin. Sofwave works non-invasively by stimulating collagen and elastin in the mid-dermis. The result is more gradual and more subtle than surgery.
For patients with mild to moderate laxity who are not ready for surgery, Sofwave may be a good non-invasive option. For patients with more advanced laxity, surgery may still be the more appropriate treatment.
What areas can Sofwave™ treat?
Sofwave can treat a wide range of face and body concerns.
Common treatment areas include the face, jawline, neck, under-chin area, brow, décolletage, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and above the knees.
It may also be used to improve the appearance of cellulite and acne scarring, depending on the patient, treatment area, and goals.
Treatment suitability is assessed individually during consultation.
What is the “wow brow” treatment?
The “wow brow” is a Sofwave treatment approach focused on lifting and supporting the brow area.
As collagen and elastin remodeling develops, some patients notice a more open, refreshed appearance around the upper face. Results are gradual and depend on the patient’s anatomy, skin quality, and degree of brow laxity.
Can Sofwave™ help with cellulite?
Sofwave has research and FDA clearance supporting short-term improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
It does not remove cellulite permanently, and it does not cut or release the fibrous bands that contribute to cellulite dimpling. Instead, Sofwave works by stimulating collagen and improving skin thickness and structural support, which may help soften the appearance of cellulite in appropriate patients.
Cellulite treatment plans are assessed individually.
Can Sofwave™ help with acne scarring?
Sofwave has research and FDA clearance supporting treatment of acne scars.
For acne scarring, the goal is not to erase scars completely, but to stimulate collagen remodeling that may improve the appearance of textural irregularity over time. Depending on the type and severity of acne scarring, Sofwave may be used alone or as part of a broader treatment plan.
Some patients may still benefit more from other treatments, such as laser resurfacing, RF microneedling, or combination therapy.
How does Sofwave™ differ from RF microneedling or HALO?
Sofwave, RF microneedling, HALO, erbium resurfacing, and CO₂ resurfacing can all stimulate collagen remodeling, but they do so in different ways.
Sofwave uses ultrasound energy to target the mid-dermis without needles, without laser resurfacing, and without disrupting the skin’s surface. This allows it to support firmness and mild lifting with minimal to no downtime.
RF microneedling uses tiny needles and radiofrequency heat to stimulate collagen remodeling within the skin. It can be helpful for texture, pores, scars, and firmness, but it involves needle-based treatment and some visible recovery.
HALO is a fractional laser treatment that addresses tone, texture, sun damage, and resurfacing concerns, with more visible recovery than Sofwave.
Because Sofwave is not light-based and does not resurface the skin, it is less limited by skin colour, tanning, or seasonality than many laser treatments.
These treatments are not interchangeable. They work differently and may be combined or sequenced depending on the patient’s goals, skin type, treatment area, and recovery tolerance.
Can Sofwave™ be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Sofwave can often be combined with treatments such as neuromodulators, BBL, HALO, RF microneedling, and carefully selected injectables.
The best approach depends on what we are treating: laxity, volume loss, pigmentation, redness, texture, wrinkles, acne scarring, or cellulite.
During consultation, we determine whether Sofwave should be used alone or as part of a broader treatment plan.
Who is not a good candidate for Sofwave™?
Sofwave may not be appropriate for patients with certain implanted electronic devices, active infection or inflammation in the treatment area, open wounds, compromised skin, or other medical considerations.
Patients with more advanced laxity may also be better suited to surgical consultation if their goal is a more dramatic lift.
A consultation is the best way to determine whether Sofwave is appropriate for your skin, goals, and medical history.
Book a Consultation
If you are noticing changes in skin firmness, definition, laxity, cellulite appearance, or acne scarring and want to understand whether Sofwave is appropriate for you, a consultation is the right place to start.
At Interior Dermatology Centre, your treatment plan begins with a dermatologist-led assessment and a clear discussion of your goals, options, and expected results.
Contact Interior Dermatology Centre to book a consultation.
Meet Dr. Dianne Burrows, MD, FRCPC
Dr. Burrows is the Founder and Medical Director of Interior Dermatology Centre in Kelowna, BC.
A board-certified dermatologist, Clinical Instructor in UBC’s Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, and active clinical investigator, she brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
