Quick answer: Ultherapy and Sofwave both use ultrasound to build collagen, but at different depths. Ultherapy reaches the deep SMAS layer and is better for lifting sagging skin. Sofwave works in the middle of the skin at about 1.5 mm and is better for fine lines, texture and mild tightening, with very little downtime.
Key takeaways
- Ultherapy treats several depths, down to about 4.5 mm, including the SMAS support layer.
- Sofwave treats one depth, about 1.5 mm, in the middle layer of the skin.
- Ultherapy is the stronger choice for jowls, a loose jawline and neck sagging.
- Sofwave is a good choice for fine lines, crepey skin and early laxity.
- Sofwave has built-in cooling, so many people find it more comfortable.
What is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a micro-focused ultrasound treatment made by Merz Aesthetics. A live ultrasound image lets the doctor see the skin, fat and muscle layers and place energy at 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm. The deepest line reaches the SMAS, the layer that holds up the face. As the body repairs these heated points, new collagen forms and the face lifts gradually over two to three months. Results usually last about a year.
What is Sofwave?
Sofwave is an ultrasound device made by Sofwave Medical. It uses seven parallel beams of ultrasound, called SUPERB technology, to heat a thin band of tissue at about 1.5 mm in the middle of the skin. A cooling system protects the surface during treatment. Sofwave has FDA clearance to improve facial fine lines and wrinkles and to lift the eyebrow, the skin under the chin and the neck.
Because Sofwave stays in the skin layer, it focuses on skin quality: fine lines, crepey texture and mild looseness. It does not reach the deep SMAS layer, so it gives a softer lift than Ultherapy.
How do Ultherapy and Sofwave compare?
- Depth: Ultherapy 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm; Sofwave about 1.5 mm.
- Main target: Ultherapy the SMAS and skin; Sofwave the middle skin layer.
- Best for: Ultherapy for sagging and lifting; Sofwave for fine lines, texture and mild tightening.
- Live imaging: Ultherapy yes; Sofwave no, but it has built-in cooling.
- Comfort: Ultherapy can feel strong over bone; Sofwave usually feels warmer but milder.
- Treatment time: Ultherapy 60 to 90 minutes for the face and neck; Sofwave about 30 to 45 minutes.
- How long results last: both build over about three months and often last around a year.
Which is better for sagging skin?
For jowls, a soft jawline, a heavy lower face or a loose neck, Ultherapy is usually the better choice. It works at the deeper support layer as well as the skin, which gives a more noticeable lift. Many people in their 40s and 50s choose Ultherapy for this reason.
Which is better for fine lines and skin texture?
If your main concern is fine lines around the eyes and mouth, crepey cheeks or skin that looks less firm, Sofwave is a strong option. It tightens the skin itself and smooths texture. It also suits people with thin faces who do not want deep energy, and people in their 30s who want early prevention.
Can you combine Ultherapy and Sofwave?
Yes. Because they work at different depths, the two can complement each other. Some doctors use Ultherapy for the deep lift and Sofwave for the skin surface, either on the same day or a few weeks apart. Your doctor will plan the order and energy based on your skin thickness and goals.
What is the downtime?
Downtime is low for both. After Sofwave, mild redness usually fades within a few hours. After Ultherapy, you may have redness, swelling or tenderness along the jaw for a few days, and occasional small bruises. Most visitors go sightseeing the same day and can fly home the next day.
Is it safe?
Both devices are FDA cleared and widely used. Rare risks include small burns, temporary numbness or tenderness. With Ultherapy, careful depth planning matters on thin faces. With Sofwave, cooling helps protect the surface of the skin. An experienced doctor and a genuine device lower these risks.
How to choose between them
Korea treated about 2.01 million foreign patients in 2025, and around 63% came for dermatology, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Many of these visitors ask about lifting. A simple rule: choose Ultherapy if your main concern is sagging, and Sofwave if it is fine lines and skin quality. If you have both, a combined plan may give the most balanced result. A face assessment helps the doctor decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sofwave a type of HIFU?
Sofwave uses ultrasound, like HIFU, but with parallel beams at one skin depth and built-in cooling, so it works differently from classic HIFU.
Which one hurts less?
Most people find Sofwave more comfortable because of the cooling. Numbing cream helps with both.
When will I see results?
Some tightening may show soon after, but the main results build over about three months.
Can I have Sofwave in my 20s or 30s?
Yes. Sofwave is often used for early prevention and fine lines in younger skin.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea – 2025 foreign patient statistics (press release, 2026).
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration – 510(k) premarket notification database (Ulthera System; Sofwave).
- Sofwave Medical – Sofwave SUPERB technology information.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified physician before any treatment.
