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Sofwave vs Ultherapy: Which Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Treatment Is Best for You?

  • 5 min read

Guide:

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished for a little lift—without the downtime of surgery—you’re not alone. More and more women and men are skipping the scalpel in favor of modern, non-invasive skin tightening options.

Topping our list? Sofwave and Ultherapy—a pair of ultrasound therapies that stimulate collagen and gently firm the skin. Both FDA-approved, both effective, and both increasingly popular among adults 30 and older.

But how exactly do they work — how can you tell which one is right for you?

Let’s get into it.

What Is Sofwave—and How Will You Feel After It?

Sofwave is an innovative skin tightening treatment that uses ultrasound energy to gently heat the mid-dermis, the layer of skin responsible for collagen production.

Here’s the magic: it delivers this heat using SUPERB™ technology (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam), but keeps your skin’s surface protected and comfortable with a built-in cooling system known as SofCool™.

The treatment takes about 30 to 45 minutes, with no needles, no downtime, and minimal discomfort. Most patients describe it as a warm, tingling sensation—not painful, just active.

What does Sofwave help with?

  • Mild to moderate skin laxity
  • Fine lines around the brows, neck, jawline, and cheeks
  • Early signs of aging—think prevention, not repair

And yes—it’s safe for all skin tones, including darker skin types

What Is Ultherapy—and Why Do Some Patients Prefer It?

Ultherapy has been around longer, and for good reason. It uses micro-focused ultrasound to target multiple skin depths—reaching down as far as the SMAS layer (the same one a surgeon lifts during a facelift).

This means you’re getting a deeper, more structural lift over time. Unlike Sofwave, Ultherapy also uses real-time imaging, so your provider can see exactly where they’re delivering energy.

That precision can translate to more dramatic results—especially if you have moderate sagging or looser skin around the neck and jaw.

What can Ultherapy improve?

  • Drooping brows
  • Neck and under-chin laxity
  • Lines on the chest or décolletage

Treatment can last up to 90 minutes, and it’s a little more intense comfort-wise—but still completely non-surgical

Sofwave vs Ultherapy: What’s the Real Difference?

Let’s lay it out simply:

FeatureSofwaveUltherapy
Depth1.5 mmUp to 4.5 mm
ComfortSofter, more tolerableCan be more intense
Best ForEarly aging, skin textureStructural lifting
Skin TonesAll—including darkerAll, but deeper heat means caution for darker tones
DowntimeNoneMild redness or tenderness
Session Length30–45 mins60–90 mins
Results PeakAround 12 weeks3–6 months

Who’s a Better Candidate for Each?

Both treatments are excellent—just for different needs.

You might prefer Sofwave if you:

  • Want a gentle refresh without pain or downtime
  • Have early signs of laxity (think: tired-looking jawline, mild droop)
  • Want a “preventive” option that doesn’t overcorrect
  • Have a darker skin tone or a low pain threshold

Ultherapy might be better if you:

  • Want a stronger, deeper lift
  • Don’t mind some temporary discomfort for long-term payoff
  • Have more pronounced sagging in your lower face or neck
  • Have used fillers or Botox and want to add lifting into the mix

What Results Can You Expect—And When?

Here’s the deal: both treatments stimulate your own collagen, so results aren’t overnight—but they are gradual, natural, and long-lasting.

  • Sofwave: Some people feel a bit lifted right away, but full results take up to 12 weeks. It’s subtle but noticeable—the kind of improvement that makes people say, “You look really rested lately.”
  • Ultherapy: You’ll likely see more defined lifting in 2 to 6 months, especially along the neck and jaw. Think of it as a slow-building result that pays off over time.

And neither will leave you looking overdone or “pulled.” That’s the beauty of using your skin’s own collagen response.

What About Cost?

In New Jersey, here’s what you can expect:

  • Sofwave: Around $2,000 to $3,500, depending on the area treated
  • Ultherapy: Around $2,500 to $4,500, especially for larger zones like the full face and neck

Keep in mind: both are typically one-time treatments with results lasting up to a year or more. So while the upfront cost may feel steep, the value stretches across many months.

Pro tip? Consultation is key. A skilled provider will tell you honestly whether you need one treatment, a combo approach, or something different altogether.

So… Which One Should You Choose?

That depends on what you’re looking for. If your goal is early prevention, comfort, or a quick refresh before an event, Sofwave may be the better fit.

If you’re dealing with deeper laxity and want a longer-lasting lift, Ultherapy could be your solution.

Still unsure? That’s what we’re here for.

Book Your Complimentary Consultation at HerSpace MedSpa

Located in Little Silver, NJ, HerSpace specializes in advanced skin treatments that feel like self-care—not surgery. We’ll guide you through your options, help you understand your skin, and find the right path forward—one that matches your goals, your timeline, and your comfort level.

Schedule your Sofwave consult now

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