The Sofwave guide
Sofwave in Seoul: how the device works and what the evidence shows
Sofwave is a non-invasive skin-tightening device built on SUPERB (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam) technology and made by Sofwave Medical Ltd. Seven transducers fire together, delivering high-frequency, non-focused ultrasound to a fixed depth of about 1.5 mm in the mid-dermis, while contact cooling protects the surface. The US FDA cleared the system for eyebrow, submental and neck lifting on 15 November 2021 under K211483.
Medically reviewed by a Korean Board-Certified Dermatologist · Last reviewed · Editorially updated- Depth
- At a target treatment depth of about 1.5 mm, in the mid-dermis, with thermal zones spanning roughly 0.5 to 2 mm.
- Sessions
- The number of sessions depends on the treatment area and plan. The upper-arm study in K233104 used two sessions, 1–3 weeks apart. Ask your clinician to explain the proposed schedule and when your response will be assessed.
- Recovery
- Most people resume usual activity the same day and there is no dressing or scheduled recovery. Mild redness or tenderness on pressure may persist for a day or two.
FAQ
How long does a Sofwave session take?
Published reports describe sessions of roughly 30 to 60 minutes depending on how many areas are treated. That is the treatment itself; allow additional time for check-in, consultation and topical anesthetic.
When will I see a result?
Early tightness may reflect transient tissue responses, including thermal contraction and swelling. Assess sustained improvement over subsequent months. The measurable change develops over weeks to months as new collagen forms; studies found significant change at one and three months, with the two-to-three-month visit the meaningful assessment point.
How long do the results last?
Some clinical studies followed outcomes for six months; an acne-scar case series followed patients for up to eight months. A separate biopsy study documented tissue remodeling for up to ten months.
Sofwave in one paragraph
Sofwave is a non-invasive ultrasound device made by Sofwave Medical Ltd. Microfocused ultrasound concentrates energy into small points at selectable depths. Sofwave’s seven synchronized, non-focused ultrasound beams create separate cylindrical thermal zones in the dermis, centered approximately 1.5 mm deep. The published clinical reports place the frequency at 10–12 MHz and the treated zone at roughly 60–70 °C, which is the range associated with controlled collagen denaturation and the wound-healing response that follows. The epidermis is protected by contact cooling and a real-time skin-temperature monitor rather than by aiming the energy around it. Full device parameters are on the What is Sofwave page.
How to choose a Sofwave clinic in Seoul
When comparing Sofwave clinics in Seoul, check the treating clinician, device, written quote and follow-up arrangements.
- Who will assess and treat you? Confirm the clinician's role and specialist credentials. See Delight Dermatology Clinic’s credential information.
- Which device and treatment areas are proposed? Ask for the exact device name, confirmation of its authenticity and the planned areas. The Sofwave device guide and Sofwave vs Ultherapy comparison explain the equipment differences to discuss.
- What does the written quote cover? Confirm the treatment areas, whether the amount is per session, and which consultation, comfort or follow-up services are included or charged separately. See Sofwave prices in Seoul.
- How will you communicate before and after the visit? Confirm language support for your appointment and how to contact the clinic after returning home. The international-patient information at Delight Dermatology covers visit preparation and consultation fees.
What a consultation looks like
International patients can start with a general enquiry and no photograph. If you choose a photo-based preliminary review, you may optionally share a no-makeup front and side photograph and relevant prior treatment history. That can support an initial discussion, but the in-person examination is what confirms candidacy, the treatment areas, the pulse count and the final plan. Allow roughly 30 to 60 minutes for the treatment itself, depending on how many areas are included.
Where Sofwave fits, and where it does not
Sofwave suits mild to moderate laxity and textural change in people who want a non-invasive, low-downtime treatment and are willing to wait months for the result to develop. Session schedules depend on the indication and protocol; the FDA K233104 upper-arm study used two sessions 1–3 weeks apart. It does not substitute for a surgical lift when laxity is advanced, it does not remove fat, and it does not erase deep static folds. Where the laxity is deeper than the mid-dermis, microfocused ultrasound or a surgical consultation may be more suitable. See the comparison page and the candidacy guide for screening criteria.
Published references
- Hongcharu W, Boonchoo K, 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. PubMed · doi:10.1111/jocd.15672
- Gold MH, Biron J. Efficacy and safety of high-intensity, high-frequency, non-focused ultrasound parallel beams for facial skin laxity. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2024;23(1):117–123. PubMed · doi:10.1111/jocd.16098
- Liao D, Prasad A, Bloom JD. Use of ultrasound in face and neck rejuvenation. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2026 (online ahead of print). PubMed · doi:10.1055/a-2854-6601