Sofwave vs. Ultherapy: What’s the Difference – and Which One Is Worth It?

In aesthetic medicine, we’re always chasing the perfect intersection of lift, tightening, and zero downtime- the treatments that make you look refreshed without looking unnatural. Ultrasound technology has become one of the most trusted ways to non-invasively lift the skin, and two names inevitably come up in that conversation: Sofwave and Ultherapy.

At HausMD we did our research and ultimately chose to bring Sofwave into our practice because it consistently gives our patients beautiful, natural results without the downtime or discomfort other devices are known for. Sofwave is designed to lift areas where most of us start to see changes from aging: the mid-face, smile lines, jowls, submental area (under the chin) and neck. Here’s everything you need to know about this advanced technology.

Understanding Ultrasound Skin Tightening

Ultrasound has become one of the most trusted technologies in aesthetic medicine for collagen remodeling and non-surgical lifting. It works by delivering ultrasound energy into the deep layers of the skin- specifically the mid-dermis- to stimulate collagen and elastin production.

When controlled heat reaches these deeper tissues, it triggers the body’s natural wound-healing response, leading to firmer, tighter, more lifted skin over the months following treatment.

The beauty of ultrasound is that it works beneath the surface without disrupting the outer layer of skin, making it an effective, non-invasive solution for treating loose skin.

What is Sofwave?

Sofwave is the newest generation of ultrasound skin tightening and has become one of the most popular treatments in Manhattan and NYC for patients seeking skin lifting of the face, neck and body.

Sofwave uses SUPERB^TM (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam) technology, which delivers controlled ultrasound energy into the mid-dermis at a consistent depth while also protecting the epidermis with built-in cooling. This approach allows for collagen stimulation with significantly less discomfort and less risk of unintended tissue heating.

The result? A smoother, tighter, more lifted appearance with no downtime.

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy works by delivering ultrasound energy to much deeper layers of tissue- sometimes reaching structures closer to the muscle. While this depth was once considered an advantage, we now understand that collagen production primarily occurs within the dermis, not in the deeper planes Ultherapy often targets. As a result, treating those deeper layers doesn’t necessarily translate to better collagen remodeling, and in some patients it can even feel unnecessarily aggressive.

Sofwave vs. Ultherapy: The Key Differences

While both treatments use ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen and create a firmer, more lifted appearance, they work at different depths and deliver energy in distinct ways – which naturally leads to different patient experiences.

Depth of Treatment

Ultherapy delivers focused ultrasound to deeper foundational layers of tissue, reaching closer to structures below the dermis. Sofwave, on the other hand, concentrates its energy precisely within the mid-dermis, which is the layer responsible for most collagen production. For many patients, treating this specific zone leads to more predictable collagen remodeling and visible tightening.

Energy Delivery

Ultherapy uses a focused, pinpointed ultrasound approach that concentrates energy into smaller, deeper focal points. Sofwave utilizes Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology, allowing for controlled heating across a broader band of the dermis. This creates a uniform, consistent thermal effect designed to stimulate collagen while maintaining patient comfort.

Patient Comfort + Downtime

Since Ultherapy reaches deeper structural layers, some patients describe the treatment as more intense. Sofwave is designed with integrated cooling and more superficial energy placement, creating a smoother, more comfortable experience with no downtime – no redness or swelling afterward.

Why We Chose Sofwave for Our Patients at HausMD

At HausMD, we prioritize treatments that are effective, safe, comfortable and support a natural aesthetic. Our patients are well-informed, busy, and want real results without feeling like they’ve undergone something aggressive. After carefully evaluating both technologies, Sofwave was the clear fit for our practice’s philosophy and for the aesthetic goals of the patients we treat every day.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

If you’re in your 30s-50s and noticing the early signs of skin laxity – not quite ready for surgery but wanting more lift than skincare can provide – you’re most certainly an excellent candidate. Sofwave is also ideal if you want a subtle, natural improvement without downtime interrupting your routine.

• Early jowling
• Mild to moderate skin laxity
• Smile lines
• Softening along the jawline
• Loss of cheek structure
• Crepey skin on the neck
• General loss of firmness

The Future of Facial Tightening Is Here

Whether you’re preparing for a big event or simply wanting to look more lifted and refreshed without downtime, Sofwave offers a sophisticated, modern solution.

At HausMD on the Upper East Side, we specialize in treatments that keep you looking like you. Our Manhattan patients love Sofwave because the results develop gradually, feel natural and blend seamlessly into their lifestyle and aesthetic goals.

If you’re considering skin tightening in NYC, Manhattan, or the Upper East Side, we’d love to help you explore whether Sofwave is a fit for your skin goals.

Schedule your consultation at HausMD and begin your journey to tighter, more lifted skin.

Dr. Rothaus & Courtney Brown PA-C

Plastic Surgeon & Physician Assistant at Haus MD | Website |  View PostsView Bio

Dr. Kenneth Rothaus, a board-certified Manhattan and Westchester plastic surgeon, and Courtney Brown, a board-certified physician assistant, bring extensive surgical training from Yale, Harvard, Weill Cornell, and New York-Presbyterian. Together, they provide comprehensive aesthetic care from surgical procedures to injectables, lasers, and skin treatments, tailoring custom treatment plans to deliver natural, refined results and an exceptional patient experience.

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