Sofwave is an anti-aging device that helps treat skin laxity by using high-intensity parallel beam ultrasound (US) to improve the appearance of wrinkles and tighten the skin. ⁽¹⁾ It utilizes an applicator that emits microfocused ultrasound to the dermis to heat the area and produce controlled damage. It is equipped with a cooling effect that keeps the epidermis from overheating, leading to optimal results. Providers use Sofwave’s noninvasive technology to rejuvenate and reduce sagging in the face, neck, arms, and throughout the body and butt! It can also temporarily eliminate the appearance of cellulite.

Weight loss has been such a hot topic with the use of GLP medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. The secondary effect of this rapid weight has been Ozempic face, Ozempic butt, and Ozempic body. Many of our patients are young, with mild to moderate skin laxity after their weight loss, and want a non-surgical option, like Sofwave, to help tighten their skin.

The talented staff of experienced medical professionals at Austin Plastic Surgeon are dedicated to serving patients in Austin, TX, and the surrounding area. They offer a wide range of surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures to rejuvenate and tighten the skin.

To schedule a consultation in Austin or West Lake Hills, please call us at (512) 309-5879. You may reach our San Antonio office by calling (726) 215-7071. We hope to hear from you soon.

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What is Sofwave?

Sofwave is a noninvasive treatment that targets the internal dermis with points of coagulation without breaking the skin. It uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) technology to heat the layers of the skin, initiating cellular regeneration from deep within.

There are three main layers of tissue that make up the skin: ⁽¹⁾

Sofwave targets the dermis, only causing damage to one of the internal layers of the skin. The device implements a patented cooling system to keep the epidermis at a lower temperature as the ultrasound passes through it. The device pulses, delivering high-intensity energy in 7 parallel beams. These beams of energy extend cylindrical, 3-dimensional thermal zones into the mid-dermis. This creates an even distribution of ultrasonic energy into the skin, causing controlled damage and inducing collagen production. ⁽²⁾

Sofwave corrects skin sagging by projecting the parallel beams into the skin at a depth of exactly 1.5mm. The temporary injury causes the tissues to coagulate and contract, bringing the fibers closer together. Although this leads to an increase in collagen and elastin fiber regeneration, the process can take 3 to 6 months to completely produce the full effect of the treatment. After treatments using Sofwave technology, patients experience smoother, tighter skin with little risk of experiencing complications. ⁽²⁾

At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we typically perform Sofwave to lift the eyebrows, tighten skin underneath the chin, and reduce jowling. The device is FDA-cleared to tighten and rejuvenate the skin along the bottom third of the face and arms. It is also capable of treating textural issues, such as cellulite of the thighs and buttocks and atrophic acne scarring.

Benefits of Sofwave Skin Tightening

Sofwave is a non-invasive, quick, and comfortable cosmetic treatment. It provides impressive tightening and revitalization without breaking the skin’s outer barrier. Patients often return for repeated treatments to achieve optimal tightening and remodeling. It is safe and effective and is commonly combined with other aesthetic procedures to further improve a patient’s complexion.

This treatment can:

Ideal Sofwave Candidates

Because Sofwave treatments are non-invasive, they are suitable for most patients of all skin types and tones. Candidates typically have mild to moderate facial sagging, minimal jowling, and fine lines or wrinkles that they wish to remedy. To qualify for treatment, patients should be in good health with no active skin conditions that may negatively impact results. It is also important to have reasonable expectations before receiving treatments.

Sofwave After Weight Loss

Sofwave has been an incredible treatment for our patients who have lost weight using one of the GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Moujaro, Zepbound, and Wegovy. These semaglutide and tirzepatide medications have been extremely effective in weight loss, however, some of our patients have seen the effect of skin laxity in their neck, abdomen, butt, and legs. Sofwave’s unique technology that has minimal downtime has been an extremely effective treatment for our patients on their weight loss journey. It is important to address skin laxity early on your weight loss journey. Patients must also remember while Sofwave is a single treatment; if patients continue to lose weight, they may need more than one treatment to achieve the results they desire.

The interesting phenomenon that we have seen in our office is that we have more young patients coming to the office for skin tightening as a result of the weight loss trend with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide medications. These younger patients are highly responsive to energy devices because of their youthful skin quality. We often have patients who do not want to “overdo it” at a young age, but they want to look as fabulous as they feel during their weight loss journey and Sofwave is often an incredible option to help them tighten their skin in a variety of places during this process!

Private Consultation in Austin

During a private consultation at Austin Plastic Surgeon’s medspa, your provider will meet with you to discuss Sofwave treatment. They will inquire about your cosmetic concerns and the condition of your skin before performing a comprehensive examination of the treatment area. They will then ask about your medical history and whether you have received anti-aging treatment previously. This will help them create your treatment plan. At the end of this consultation, a member of our staff will assist you in scheduling your next appointment.

The consultation will provide plenty of time to ask questions about the procedure and to explore your treatment options aside from Sofwave.

Preparation

Before your Sofwave treatment, keep your skincare routine simple. Avoid using new or harsh creams or cleansers on your skin. This includes products that contain vitamin C, retinoids, and exfoliators that may cause external damage to the epidermis. On the day of your appointment, drink plenty of water and eat a nutritious meal before you arrive. Though Sofwave causes very little discomfort, it is still important to be comfortable and prepared. Please arrive one hour early for your treatment if you choose to use topical numbing to further combat any possible discomfort.

Sofwave Treatment Process

To start your Sofwave procedure, your provider will apply ultrasound gel to protect the skin. They will then slowly pass the ultrasonic device over the skin at 5-second intervals. They follow a specific pattern to evenly target certain areas of concern. They may make more than one pass with the Sofwave device along specific treatment areas to focus more energy there. Each treatment takes around 45 to 60 minutes to complete, depending on the size of the area and the condition of your skin.

Recovery & Results

There is no recovery or downtime associated with Sofwave treatments. Most patients experience some redness for an hour or two after their appointment. This dissipates quickly, allowing you to go about your day as usual. You will be free to apply makeup and other cosmetics directly after since the treatment does not puncture the skin.

Patients can often see skin improvement right after their Sofwave treatment. Comprehensive results will not be visible until the collagen in the skin builds up, a process that takes 3 to 6 months to complete. You should wear sunscreen at all times to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. This will maintain your results and prevent new signs of aging from developing.

Complementary Treatments

Dermaplaning

To exfoliate the skin, our staff typically implements dermaplaning within a patient’s skin rejuvenation plan. This treatment removes dead skin cells and “peach fuzz” using precise strokes with a medical instrument. We cleanse the skin to prepare the area, then take a sharp tool to scrape the outermost layer of dead skin from the face. This effectively smooths the skin and brightens a patient’s complexion in a safe and non-invasive way. Dermaplaning is an alternative to harsher treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels, making it an optimal choice for those with sensitive skin.

LED Light Therapy

Also called phototherapy, LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes certain hues of light to treat many skin conditions. We use red LEDs to promote collagen production and treat sun damage, whereas blue LED light can eradicate blemishes and clogged pores. We examine your skin closely to determine which hue will be best to revitalize your skin. Since phototherapy is non-damaging to the skin barrier, we often perform this treatment in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures.

Weight Loss

We offer revolutionary weight loss medications Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, providing you with effective means to manage your unhealthy cravings and feel more satiated. You may know Semaglutide by the names Ozempic and Wegovy, while Tirzepatide is often available as Mounjaro. Both of these medications work by increasing insulin production which optimally regulates blood sugar levels, slows digestion, and stimulates satiation within the brain. Both involve once-weekly injections and monthly visits to our office for dosage adjustments.

Many of our patients use Sofwave to lift sagging areas of skin that were once more volumized before losing weight with these injections, making it an ideal treatment against the aesthetic consequences of “Ozempic face” and “Ozempic butt”.

Avéli Cellulite Treatment

Avéli involves a minimally invasive treatment in which your surgeon will make a tiny incision in the thigh or buttock area and insert the Avéli device just under the skin. Using a guiding light that glows through the skin, they will be able to perform the procedure within the correct layer of tissue and release connective tissues called fibrous septae, targeting the root cause of the dimpled appearance of cellulite. The skin will then retract back and create a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing texture along the thighs and/or buttocks. You will require little to no downtime since it is a relatively simple procedure that surgeons can perform using only local anesthesia.

Cost of Sofwave Treatment in Austin

The staff members at Austin Plastic Surgeon’s medspa create personalized treatment plans for individual patients, leading to different total costs. Your provider explains your estimated price during your consultation. If you are still curious about non-invasive treatments offered at our three locations, read our blog for more options and information.

To schedule your appointment today, please fill out this contact form or call us at:

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References

1. Yousef H, Alhajj M, Sharma S. Anatomy, Skin (Integument), Epidermis. PubMed. Published November 14, 2022. Accessed May 29, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470464/
2. Wichai Hongcharu, Kanjana Boonchoo, Gold MH. The efficacy and safety of the high‐intensity parallel beam ultrasound device at the depth of 1.5 mm for skin tightening. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;22(5):1488-1494. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15672