Collagen loss leads to skin laxity, sagging, and a less defined facial structure over time. While a facelift is the most effective solution for significant skin laxity, advancements in non-surgical treatments like Ultherapy and Sofwave offer effective ways to tighten and lift the skin without downtime.
Both Ultherapy and Sofwave use ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen, improving skin firmness and elasticity. However, they differ in depth, intensity, patient experience, and results.
While Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, and Sarah Michelle Gellar have recently spotlighted Sofwave, Jennifer Aniston, Christie Brinkley, and Vanessa Williams have long endorsed Ultherapy for its well-established ability to lift and tighten the skin with lasting results.
So, how do these treatments compare? And which skin tightening treatment is the right choice for you?
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How Ultherapy Prime and Sofwave Work
Both treatments are FDA-cleared and non-invasive, designed to stimulate collagen production for firmer, tighter skin. They are ideal for improving skin laxity in areas such as:
- Jawline and jowls
- Forehead and brows
- Neck and under the chin
- Décolletage (chest area)
Additionally, these treatments have been applied to areas such as:
- Arms and above the elbows
- Knees
- Abdomen
Since both are non-surgical, they offer little to no downtime, making them a popular choice for those looking to prevent or correct early signs of aging.
However, the differences between Ultherapy Prime and Sofwave come down to treatment depth, intensity, and long-term results.
Ultherapy vs. Sofwave: Key Differences
| Feature | Ultherapy | Sofwave |
| Technology | Microfocused ultrasound | Parallel beam ultrasound (SUPERB™) |
| Depth of Treatment | 1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm | 1.5mm |
| Targeted Layers | Dermis (all layers) + SMAS (superficial muscle layer, targeted in facelifts) | Only mid-dermis (does not reach SMAS) |
| Primary Effects | Deep lifting + structural tightening | Superficial tightening + collagen boost |
| Discomfort Level | More comfortable | More intense; Numbing recommended |
| Ideal For | Moderate to severe skin laxity needing deep lifting | Mild to moderate laxity and skin texture improvements |
| Results Seen | Gradual improvement visible as early as 3 to 4 weeks; full results at 3-6 months | Initial improvement within weeks, full results at 3 months |
| Downtime | Minimal to none | Minimal to none |
| Longevity of Results | 12-18 months or more | Up to 12 months |
| Celebrity Endorsements | Jennifer Aniston, Christie Brinkley, Vanessa Williams | Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Sarah Michelle Gellar |
Ultherapy Prime: The Gold Standard for Non-Surgical Lifting
Ultherapy Prime – the newest version of Ultherapy and available at our Upper East Side location – is the only FDA-cleared treatment that lifts and tightens the skin at three depths—reaching the SMAS layer, the same foundational layer targeted in a surgical facelift. This makes it the most effective option for deeper lifting without surgery.
Who Is Ultherapy Best For?
- Individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity
- Those looking for structural lifting and long-term collagen stimulation
- Patients seeking gradual improvement with 3–6 months for full collagen remodeling
- Those comfortable with a stronger treatment sensation in exchange for greater results
What to Expect with Ultherapy
- Treatment Time: 60-90 minutes per area
- Sensation: Mild warmth and tingling
- Downtime: Minimal to none.
- Results: Collagen production continues for up to 6 months, with lifting effects lasting 12-18 months
Why Ultherapy Stands Out
Unlike treatments that focus only on the skin’s surface, Ultherapy targets multiple layers of tissue at various depths, including the deeper structural layer (SMAS)—resulting in more significant lifting over time.
Sofwave: A Surface-Level Collagen Boost
Sofwave offers a more superficial approach to skin tightening, delivering ultrasound energy at 1.5mm depth—which means it stimulates collagen but does not reach the deeper structural layers.
Who Is Sofwave Best For?
- Individuals with mild skin laxity or for preventative collagen boosting
- Patients who prefer visible results within weeks
- Individuals focused on improving skin texture rather than deep lifting
What to Expect with Sofwave
- Treatment Time: 30–45 minutes per area
- Sensation: Mild warmth and tingling
- Downtime: Minimal to none—patients return to normal activities immediately
- Results: Noticeable improvement within weeks, full results at 3 months, lasting up to 12 months
Choosing the Best Skin Tightening Treatment
Both Ultherapy and Sofwave offer effective, non-surgical ways to firm and tighten the skin, but the right choice depends on your unique anatomy, degree of laxity, and treatment goals.
- Ultherapy: For deeper lifting and long-term collagen stimulation, Ultherapy remains the gold standard.
- Sofwave: For those seeking a more surface-level collagen boost with minimal downtime, Sofwave may be an option.
- Both! Ultherapy and Sofwave can be combined for optimal results.
A personalized consultation is the best way to determine which treatment will achieve the most natural, long-lasting results for you.
Schedule an Ultherapy ultrasound skin tightening treatment today.
