What Is the Sofwave Program? What It Treats, Explained by a Dermatologist — SUPERB Ultrasound Tightening at the Dermis and How It Differs from Ulthera and Thermage
Choosing between the Sofwave program and the Ulthera Prime program? Read more: Ulthera Prime vs. Sofwave: How They Differ and Which to Choose
Sofwave is a non-surgical skin-tightening and wrinkle-reduction device that uses an ultrasound technology called SUPERB (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam). Its key feature is that it delivers 7 parallel energy beams per pulse into the mid-dermis at a depth of approximately 1.5 millimeters, generating heat of around 65–70°C to stimulate new collagen and elastin, with a surface cooling system that protects the upper skin layer.
Pricing and Appointments
THB 175 – 300 per pulse
The more pulses, the lower the price per pulse, depending on the treatment area and the number of pulses assessed by the doctor
Assessed by a dermatologist first, every time • Brand-new handpiece unboxed in front of you • 0% installment for up to 10 months
What a dermatologist wants you to understand first is that Sofwave works at the dermis, and does not reach the facial support layer (SMAS) the way HIFU devices such as Ulthera do. Its strength therefore lies in improving skin quality, tightening skin and reducing fine lines comfortably, rather than "lifting" deeply sagging facial structures. Understanding this helps you choose a device that matches your actual concern. This article explains how Sofwave works, what it can do, who it suits, and how it differs from Ulthera and Thermage.
How Does Sofwave Work?
The principle of Sofwave is to use ultrasound energy to create focused heat within the dermis, stimulating the skin's own repair process:
Delivers 7 parallel energy beams horizontally per pulse, covering a wide skin area evenly
Reaches a single depth of approximately 1.5 millimeters (mid-dermis), the layer where skin produces collagen and elastin, creating heat points of around 65–70°C to stimulate new collagen
A surface cooling system works simultaneously to help protect the upper skin layer and reduce the sensation of heat
Because the energy is delivered to a single dermal depth with a cooling system, many people find it less painful and more comfortable than technologies that reach the SMAS layer, and the procedure does not take long. Results develop gradually as new collagen forms.
What Can Sofwave Do?
Sofwave focuses on skin quality and tightening at the dermal level, covering:
Reducing fine to moderate wrinkles, especially around the eyes, forehead and shallow nasolabial folds
Lifting the brows and tightening under the chin and neck, helping the facial contour look smoother
Making skin smoother and firmer, improving overall skin quality
Helping with certain types of acne scars through collagen stimulation in the dermis
Tightening skin on certain body areas such as the upper arms, abdomen, knees or thighs (with a body handpiece)
What you should understand is that Sofwave focuses on "skin work" and tightening at the dermal level. It is not a deep structural lift like a facelift. People with significant deep facial sagging may need technologies that reach deeper, or a combination of approaches. Your doctor will assess you to match your actual concern.
How Is Sofwave Different from Ulthera (HIFU) and Thermage (RF)?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer is "different energy types, working at different layers":
Sofwave (SUPERB ultrasound) — ultrasound energy delivered to the dermis at 1.5 mm, focusing on improving skin quality, tightening skin and reducing wrinkles; comfortable with less pain
Ulthera / Ultherapy (HIFU / MFU-V) — focused ultrasound reaching down to the SMAS layer (1.5–4.5 mm), focusing on "lifting" deep structures; suited to sagging of the facial structure
Thermage / RF devices (e.g. XTherma, Oligio) — use radiofrequency (RF) to deliver heat broadly throughout the dermis, focusing on skin tightening and firmness
Put simply, Ulthera stands out for "lifting" deep structures, while Sofwave and RF stand out for "skin work" and tightening at shallower layers. No single device is best for everyone. Many people who have both structural sagging and a lack of skin firmness often see better results when combining several technologies according to a plan designed by the doctor. The right device therefore comes from an assessment of your skin characteristics and degree of sagging, not from trends.
Who Is Sofwave Suitable For?
It is suitable for people who have been assessed by a doctor and found to:
Be starting to have fine to moderate wrinkles, or mild to moderate skin laxity
Want to improve skin quality to be smoother and firmer without much pain and with minimal recovery time
Want preventive skin care (maintenance) from the first signs of sagging
Have certain types of acne scars that would benefit from collagen stimulation alongside other treatment plans
On the other hand, people with severe laxity and a large amount of excess skin may see limited results from Sofwave, and a surgical facelift or deeper-reaching technologies may be more appropriate.
Who Should Be Cautious or Inform the Doctor Before Treatment
For your safety, please inform your doctor before treatment if you have any of the following:
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
An infection, inflamed rash or wound in the treatment area — this should be treated and healed first
Implanted devices or skin lesions in the treatment area
A recent procedure in the same area, such as fillers — allow an interval and consult your doctor
A condition that slows wound healing or causes heat sensitivity — this should be assessed individually by a doctor
Does Sofwave Hurt? How Long Is the Recovery?
In general, Sofwave is considered a procedure that is easier to tolerate and more comfortable than deeper-reaching technologies, because the energy is delivered to a single dermal depth with the help of a cooling system. You may feel rhythmic warmth during the treatment.
After treatment:
You may have slight redness or warmth of the skin at first, which usually resolves on its own within a few hours to a day
In general, you can return to daily activities immediately; it is considered a procedure with virtually no downtime
You should moisturize your skin and apply sunscreen as advised by your doctor
How Soon Does Sofwave Show Results, and How Long Do They Last?
Immediately after treatment: you may feel slightly tighter
2–3 months: results become more visible as new collagen gradually forms; skin becomes smoother and firmer
Duration: results usually last about 6–12 months or longer, depending on age, skin condition and aftercare. Because skin continues to age, periodic repeat treatments are usually needed to maintain results
In most cases, only 1 session per treatment cycle is needed, but your doctor may adjust the plan according to each person's skin condition.
How Much Does Sofwave Cost?
Pricing is based on the number of pulses assessed by the dermatologist after examination. The more pulses, the lower the price per pulse, as shown in the table below.
Number of pulses | THB per pulse |
1–299 pulses | 300 |
300–599 pulses | 250 |
600–899 pulses | 225 |
900–1,199 pulses | 200 |
1,200 pulses | 175 |
Payment and Booking
0% installment via credit card for up to 10 months
THB 1,000 booking deposit, deducted from the treatment fee on the day of the procedure
Consulted the doctor and decided not to proceed? Full deposit refund
Reschedule up to 2 times, with at least 1 day's notice
Verify the Genuine Device Yourself
A brand-new handpiece box is opened in front of you
Watch the on-screen pulse counter during treatment
Supervising physician: Dr. Patara Voravutinon, Dermatologist, Medical License No. 54323
Frequently Asked Questions About Sofwave
What is Sofwave?
Sofwave is a non-surgical skin-tightening and wrinkle-reduction device that uses SUPERB ultrasound technology, delivering 7 parallel energy beams into the dermis at approximately 1.5 millimeters to stimulate collagen and elastin, with a cooling system that protects the upper skin layer.
What can Sofwave do?
It helps reduce fine to moderate wrinkles, lift the brows and tighten under the chin and neck, make skin smoother and firmer, help with certain types of acne scars, and tighten skin on certain body areas, focusing on skin work and tightening at the dermal level.
How is Sofwave different from Ulthera?
Sofwave works at the dermis at approximately 1.5 mm, focusing on skin work and tightening at shallower layers, and is comfortable with less pain. Ulthera is a HIFU device that reaches the SMAS layer, focusing on "lifting" deep structures. Each suits different concerns, and some patients can combine them.
How is Sofwave different from Thermage?
Sofwave uses ultrasound, while Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) to deliver heat broadly throughout the dermis. Both focus on tightening and improving skin quality rather than lifting deep structures. The right device depends on your skin characteristics and should be assessed by a doctor.
Does Sofwave hurt? How long is the recovery?
Most people find it easy to tolerate and more comfortable than deeper-reaching technologies, because the energy is delivered to a single dermal depth with a cooling system. After treatment there may be slight redness that resolves on its own within a few hours. You can return to daily activities immediately, with virtually no downtime.
How soon does Sofwave show results, and how long do they last?
Results become more visible in about 2–3 months as new collagen forms, and usually last about 6–12 months or longer, depending on skin condition and aftercare. Periodic repeat treatments are therefore usually done to maintain results.
Article by Dr. Patara Voravutinon (Dr. Pat), MD, Dermatologist (Medical License No. 54323) · Last reviewed 31 July 2026
The information in this article is for general understanding only and does not replace examination, assessment and treatment planning by a doctor. Results of ultrasound skin tightening depend on skin characteristics and are individual. Please consult a dermatologist for an assessment before treatment.
Results vary by individual · Siam Dermatology Specialist Skin Clinic, clinic license no. 11102000969 · Advertising approval ฆสพ.สป. 138/2569
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