I’ve tried Ulthera and Shurink,

so what makes Sofwave different?

If you’ve ever had a lifting treatment

and start looking into your next procedure,

Sofwave often catches your eye.

Comments like, "They say this time is a bit different,"

and "Aren’t they all basically the same?"

come up together, which can be really confusing.

Let me give you the short answer.

Sofwave is also in the same ultrasound category,

but the depth and shape of the energy delivery are different.

Rather than asking simply, "Which is better?"

the faster way is to first sort out

"What kind of change do I want?"

It’s shallower, but it delivers more evenly

Ulthera and Shurink deliver energy in dot-like spots

down to the SMAS* layer, about 4.5 mm below the epidermis.

This is the way they work.

They are strong for improving deeper sagging,

but the pain and recovery burden can be greater.

Sofwave targets the shallower mid-to-upper dermis,

about 1.5 mm deep, and heats it simultaneously

with seven parallel beams using the SUPERB method.

Because it forms a 3D column shape rather than dots,

there are fewer gaps between treatment points.

As a result, it tends to deliver better improvements

in skin texture, fine lines, and mild sagging.

The procedure itself is much easier

If pain from Ulthera or Shurink made you

hesitate to get another treatment,

Sofwave is less of a burden.

Most people say it’s tolerable

even with only numbing cream,

and the procedure usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

Downtime is also short, so light makeup

and going out are possible the same day.

If swelling remains, it usually settles

within 1 to 3 days.

Bruising is uncommon, and compared with deeper procedures,

the risk of side effects sometimes seen with nerve stimulation

is relatively low.

Results come slowly,

and it’s a treatment to think of over 1–2 years

Because it works by stimulating collagen remodeling,

the effect doesn’t appear all at once.

Usually, the first change is felt subtly after 1 to 2 weeks,

and it becomes clearer gradually over 3 to 6 months.

The maintenance period is usually around 1 year,

and in people with good skin quality, it can last up to 2 years.

However, it is not a treatment that lifts

deep SMAS sagging all at once.

If the line below the cheekbone is heavily sagging,

it makes sense to compare it with Ulthera-type treatments

or design the plan together.

In practice, the safest choice is to decide after consulting

with a doctor who has directly examined your skin condition

and the depth of sagging.

Frequently asked questions

Q. I recently had Ulthera,

can I get Sofwave right away?

A. Usually, we recommend leaving

at least 4 to 6 weeks between procedures.

If heat accumulates in the same area,

recovery may slow down,

so it’s best to make sure you mention your previous treatment history.

Q. Can I see results with just one session?

A. You can see changes after one session,

but if your goal is broader improvement in skin texture,

a booster session after 1 to 2 months may be recommended.

Q. It’s more expensive than Shurink,

is it worth it?

A. Satisfaction is generally high for improving

shallow lines and fine wrinkles.

However, for deep SMAS sagging, another option like Ulthera

may be more suitable.

Also read

• Shurink vs Ulthera Prime, lifting selection criteria to save your hard-earned money

• Ulthera 300-shot effect, should you only treat the cheekbones? [Seoul National University specialist]

• Ulthera for the cheekbones: do you need to treat the whole face for it to work?