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From Forma to Sculptra, I’ve tested my fair share of in-office facial treatments promising to lift, tighten, contour, and, well, defy gravity. While I’ve seen subtle improvements in skin laxity from some of these modalities—especially from Sculptra, the biostimulatory injectable—none delivered the kind of visible lift I got from Sofwave, a non-invasive ultrasound treatment that stimulates collagen and elastin production without downtime, damage to the skin barrier, or affecting fat pads or nerves.
Touted as a non-surgical facelift alternative, Sofwave has garnered buzz for its ability to lift sagging skin and help patients achieve that coveted “snatched” effect—which was my exact goal. Bonus: it works both preventively and correctively, making it a great needle-free option whether you’re 30 or 60. Before undergoing the treatment, I spoke with Austin-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Johnny Franco to get the lowdown on the treatment.
What Is Sofwave?
“Sofwave is an in-office, non-invasive ultrasound treatment that stimulates the body’s natural production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid using SUPERB™ Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology,” explains Dr. Franco.
In simpler terms: the ultrasound energy delivers heat into the mid-dermis—the layer of skin where collagen is formed—creating a controlled injury that triggers the body to produce more collagen while tightening existing fibers. The result? Firmer, lifted, glowier skin.
Sofwave also helps smooth fine lines, reduce cellulite, and even improve acne scars—all while being safe for every skin tone and type, including sensitive. “One of its biggest perks is that there’s basically zero downtime,” Dr. Franco says. “Most patients can return to normal activities immediately.” Unlike injectables and lasers, I was able to work out, wear makeup, and go out to dinner the evening of my treatment.
What Does Sofwave Treat?
Although Sofwave is still relatively new (it launched in 2015), it already boasts several FDA clearances. It’s approved to:
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Lift the brow
- Tighten sagging skin under the chin and jawline
- Improve laxity in the neck and upper arms
- Minimize the appearance of cellulite
Interestingly, Dr. Franco also notes that patients who have experienced rapid weight loss on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy often see impressive results in loose skin after just one Sofwave session.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
This isn’t an instant-gratification kind of treatment, but the results are 100 percent worth the weight. “Most people begin to notice results around four to six weeks post-treatment as collagen begins to rebuild,” says Dr. Franco. “Improvements continue for up to three months as the body’s natural collagen production ramps up.”
Personally, I started noticing a more lifted lower face about one month in, with continued definition over the next several weeks.
The best part? One session can be enough. “Many patients see great results with a single treatment,” Dr. Franco says. “Some may choose a second session after six months for added lift or maintenance.”
Does It Hurt?
Sofwave has a bit of a rep for being spicy, but with the right prep, it’s very manageable.
Before the treatment, my provider applied a generous layer of numbing cream, which I sat with for about 40 minutes. This made a big difference—the pain felt like a brief zap of heat, similar to a curling iron graze, but less intense.
That said, I did feel sharper sensations in more sensitive spots like around my mouth and brows. Still, the zaps are super quick, and the whole thing lasted about 30 minutes (not counting the numbing cream wait time).
Some providers (including mine) may also offer Nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas) to help with pain, but for me, just the numbing cream was enough.
How Much Does it Cost?
Prices vary depending on where you live and how many areas you’re treating, but expect to pay $1,500 to $3,500 for a full face treatment, and between $500 to $1,200 for a targeted treatment like a brown lift. While that’s a hefty price tag, many people (myself included) find the one-and-done nature of Sofwave to be well worth it compared to multi-session treatments.
Final Takeaway
I would recommend Sofwave to just about anyone looking for a non-invasive lifting treatment—especially those who would prefer to avoid other modalities like surgical procedures and injectables. Honestly, I wish that I had known about Sofwave before my wedding.
My main goal going in was to target the lower face and early signs of jowling for a more sculpted look—but the unexpected brow lift was just as impressive, if not more so, than what I usually get from my go-to neurotoxin injections (including when I got the ‘Nefertiti Lift’). It’s been about eight weeks since the treatment, and while I noticed more defined cheekbones, a snatched jawline, and lifted brows within the first two weeks, the past month has brought even more noticeable, gradual improvement. No, Sofwave isn’t exactly budget-friendly—but considering you typically only need one (maybe two) sessions to see real results, the investment feels well worth it.
Not ready to undergo the ultrasound treatment? See below for a few of my favorite topical lifting formulas.
