Skin tightening is all the rage. After all, the elasticity of our skin is a prime indicator of youth and vitality, so a treatment that restores that quality is going to fly off the shelves (so to speak).
While there are many procedures you can try, Sofwave skin tightening is one that’s growing in popularity for its non-invasive process with no recovery needed. But is there a catch?
How Does Sofwave Skin Tightening Work?
Sofwave uses ultrasound energy to tighten the skin. Sofwave ultrasound differs from the standard ultrasound used for medical imaging. Both use sound waves, but the intensity of the energy output is where they diverge.
The ultrasounds that we’re used to function like a whisper in a cave, calling out quietly and receiving an echo where sound bounces off the walls. Ultrasound for medical imaging delivers imperceptible sounds within the body and translates the ‘echos’ into images of soft tissue.
Ultrasound used for cosmetic purposes is like when an opera singer sustains a high note for long enough that it breaks glass. Cosmetic ultrasound delivers sound energy that’s strong enough to actually manipulate tissue (not just configure an image of it). The sound is also imperceptible (thankfully), but the energy generated rearranges molecules in the skin.
Sofwave delivers sound energy deep within the dermal layer to restructure the collagen that becomes scarce and disorganized as we age. The energy attracts wayward collagen, which realigns itself within the skin. The sound generates heat, which triggers a healing response to increase collagen production.
Organized collagen means smooth and even skin, and more collagen overall means more elasticity.
Before and After Sofwave skin tightening. Images courtesy of Xcite Tech.
Precautions for the Pain: Does Sofwave Skin Tightening Hurt?
As the age-old adage goes: no pain, no gain. Skin tightening is, generally, no exception to this rule… However, Sofwave is actually not so bad. As far as painful beauty treatments go, this option is the lesser of the “desired evils”.
For starters, Sofwave doesn’t involve breaking the skin barrier, like with microneedling or injectables. It stealthily makes its way directly into the dermis. Sofwave also includes an auto-cooling function, Sofcool™, that detects the skin’s temperature and triggers a cooling response for maximum comfort.
At MD Beauty Clinic, we also take precautions to minimize discomfort for patients. If you’re coming in for Sofwave, you’ll get nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation prior to your treatment, and the settings of the device will be continually adjusted according to your pain tolerance.
Any pain that you might feel during your Sofwave treatment is comparable to accidentally touching a hot stove and instinctively raising your hand. The height of the discomfort is akin to that brief moment when you realize the surface is hot, followed by immediate relief upon removing contact. No lasting burning to worry about, just a spontaneous sensation of heat.
How to Support Your Skin After Sofwave
While Sofwave is virtually pain-free—with the right blend of safeguards—it doesn’t hurt to have a little extra TLC in place before and after your treatment. You can pair your skin tightening with some select skincare products for increased support.
Soothe
If you’ve come in for a procedure at our clinic before, you’ll be quite familiar with Miracle 10’s Soothe. It’s a nourishing “neurobalm” that was formulated with post-procedure restoration in mind. Rich with probiotics and hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, Soothe can be applied immediately after Sofwave to optimize comfort.
Restorative HA Serum
A bestseller in our “skin treatment support” category, Hydrinity’s HA serum is derived from the same ingredients found in hospital-grade wound care. Hyaluronic acid is supplemented by dimethicone and glycerin for increased moisture-locking, and this serum contains anti-inflammatories like ginger root extract for accelerated healing.
Alastin Skin Nectar
This product can be used before and after skin tightening for comprehensive care. Alastin’s Skin Nectar is a heavy-duty emollient infused with arnica extract for skin barrier fortification and improved recovery of post-procedure swelling/bruising. While Sofwave doesn’t usually involve any inflammation or redness following treatment, Skin Nectar can be a handy tool for overall skin strength.
Recovery and Results Following Sofwave Skin Tightening
Since Sofwave skin tightening targets the dermis without any direct impact to the epidermis, there is no downtime involved. Unlike with other energy treatments, the skin doesn’t trap heat following the procedure, so you’re safe to resume your usual physical activity as desired.
Because Sofwave does not break the skin barrier, the risk of infection is minimal compared to procedures that create channels or openings in the skin. While it’s always a good idea to take steps to minimize bacteria and virus introduction at the site of your cosmetic procedure, you don’t have to worry about taking extra precautions after Sofwave.
As far as results go, deep restructuring and increased production of collagen take time. You can see your Sofwave results up to 3 months after treatment. You may notice slight improvements in two weeks, but don’t be alarmed if you look the same for months following your procedure—this is typical.
View this post on Instagram
What Can I Expect from Sofwave Skin Tightening?
In conclusion, Sofwave is an excellent choice for patients looking for a skin tightening alternative that doesn’t break the skin. The ultrasound technology is powerful enough to make significant changes to the underlying skin structures while bypassing the epidermis.
With Sofwave’s Sofcool™ technology, adjustable settings, and our additional sedation, your skin tightening appointment will be smooth sailing. The recovery is seamless, and you can supplement it with some great skincare companions.
For more information about what Sofwave could look like for you, use the form below to contact us or book a consultation with one of our providers.
