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Sofwave Skin Tightening: What You Can Expect Without Surgery

Dr. Johnny Franco

Sofwave skin tightening is a treatment that uses ultrasound energy to tighten loose skin, leaving you with a more toned and sculpted look.

The skin is the largest organ, as it covers the entire external surface of the body. (1) Each day, our skin is exposed to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can affect its appearance. These factors can wear on the skin, causing it to lose its elasticity. Sofwave offers a non-surgical way to address laxity, allowing you to achieve a more vibrant and youthful look.

We are excited to offer Sofwave skin tightening at Austin Plastic Surgeon. To start working with our team, please fill out our online consultation form or give us a call:

About Sofwave Skin Tightening

Sofwave skin tightening utilizes Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) technology to send ultrasound energy into the dermis. (2) This stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, two key proteins that maintain the health, tightness, and appearance of your skin. At Austin Plastic Surgeon, our team can use Sofwave to address several concerns around the body, including the face, neck, jawline, arms, thighs, and buttocks.

Sofwave is unique in that it specifically targets the dermis, which allows the technology to help tighten the skin precisely while preserving fat. This also allows for more complex stacking procedures where multiple modalities can be combined in one treatment for enhanced results.

Benefits of Sofwave Skin Tightening

There are numerous benefits to tightening your skin with Sofwave, including:

  • Non-Surgical Nature: You can achieve comprehensive results without the extensive recovery time, scarring, or use of general anesthesia.
  • Smoother Skin: This treatment can help you attain tighter, smoother skin by addressing any areas of looseness or laxity.
  • Collagen-Stimulating: This treatment can promote collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin, three key components that help maintain healthy skin. (3)
  • Customized Solutions: Your specialist will tailor your treatment according to your skin type, tone, and concerns.
  • Versatile Application: Our team can perform this treatment on several areas of the body. Sofwave is used on the face, neck, abdomen, arms, butt, and legs.
  • High Safety Profile: Sofwave is safe for all skin types and tones, and it does not damage or pierce the skin. (3)
  • Improved Definition: By tightening loose skin, you can highlight the natural contours of your body.
  • Softened Signs of Aging: Sofwave can soften wrinkles, creases, and folds, allowing you to restore a more refreshed and youthful appearance.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for Sofwave skin tightening if you are interested in addressing mild to moderate skin laxity. This treatment is safe for all skin types and tones, making most patients eligible. To qualify, you should be in good general health and have realistic expectations for your results. Your specialist will determine whether Sofwave skin tightening is right for you during your consultation after they assess your medical history and skin quality.

Ozempic Face, Ozempic Butt, and Ozempic legs are some of the most common reasons people seek Sofwave treatments. At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we work with our patients to prevent or minimize the effects of rapid weight loss on the body. The sooner patients can work on their skin health with treatments such as Sofwave, the less effect the rapid weight loss will have on their skin.

Modern trends in aesthetics have also increased the demand for treatments such as Sofwave, as patients no longer want to look overfilled. By treating the skin health, we can maintain that youthful appearance without causing an overdone or overfilled look. Many of our patients will address the skin laxity with treatments such as Sofwave and then do targeted enhancement with injectables or skin rejuvenation, with biostimulants such as Sculptra.

Personal Consultation

A personal consultation is a great opportunity to learn more about what Sofwave skin tightening is and how it can help you achieve your goals. During this appointment, your specialist will meet with you one-on-one to learn more about your personal goals, medical history, and concerns. They will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your skin’s quality and condition. Your specialist will use the details shared throughout this conversation to determine whether Sofwave is suitable for you and create your treatment plan.

They will then tailor certain aspects of your treatment according to your skin type, tone, and concerns, and they may also recommend pairing additional treatments to enhance your results. To schedule this consultation and receive your customized treatment plan, please contact us online. Alternatively, you may call the office closest to you:

Preparation

Your specialist will give you a set of preparation instructions to help you prepare for your treatment. You may need to modify your skincare routine to avoid using any harsh or irritating skincare products. These include creams or cleansers that may contain retinoids, retinols, vitamin C, stronger acids, or physical exfoliants. You should also keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using moisturizer in your treatment areas.

Procedure

Our specialists perform each Sofwave treatment in our office. The duration of your treatment will vary depending on the size of the treatment area, but you can expect your appointment to last between 60 and 90 minutes, as we have most patients numbed prior to treatment to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for them.

Your specialist will apply an ultrasound gel to protect your skin before passing a handheld device over the treatment area. The device will emit ultrasound waves in a specific pattern to evenly address each area of concern. They will use the device at 5-second intervals, passing over specific areas multiple times for further enhancement. After evenly addressing the treatment area, they will apply a light serum or ointment to soothe your skin.

Sofwave has developed specialized treatment protocols that we utilize at Austin Plastic Surgeon called Treat to Total Energy. The benefit of these specialized protocols is that every patient gets the necessary energy delivered to the treatment area to maximize their results!

Sofwave may also be combined with other treatments such as AVAVA or Sculptra to further enhance the results from the treatment. Some of our patients who have been on their weight loss journey need more aggressive treatments to obtain the results they desire. The precision of energy delivered by Sofwave allows it to be combined with other treatments safely and effectively.

Recovery

One of the many benefits of Sofwave is that it requires little to no downtime, allowing you to return to your routine immediately. You may experience some redness or tenderness around the treated areas after your appointment, but these effects are temporary and will dissipate rather quickly. Your specialist will provide any additional recovery instructions after your treatment.

Results

You will be able to experience immediate improvements in the appearance and tightness of your skin, but the full results of your Sofwave treatment will continue to develop as your collagen levels increase. This process may take up to 6 months to complete.

The results of Sofwave skin tightening are long-lasting, with many of our patients experiencing their effects for up to two years. To prolong the effects of your treatment, we recommend wearing sunscreen when leaving the house and taking care of your skin.

It is important to remember that as long as you are on your weight loss journey, you will need to do serial Sofwave treatments to maintain your skin health. Once you have reached your goal weight, your provider will help guide you on the next steps of your treatment plan. As a general rule, the more weight you lose, the more treatments you will need.

Cost of Sofwave Skin Tightening in Austin and San Antonio

The cost of your personalized Sofwave treatment will vary depending on the details of your treatment plan. During your consultation, your specialist will work with you to establish a solution that meets each of your goals, then provide a comprehensive cost estimate. We additionally offer financing for those interested.

To learn more about our pricing, please contact us online or call the office most convenient for you:

FAQ

What regions of the body can Sofwave address?

Sofwave can address several regions of the body, including the face, neck, thighs, arms, abdomen, buttocks, and more.

How long will the results of my Sofwave treatment last?

The results of Sofwave are long-lasting, with many of our patients experiencing their results for up to two years. After this point, occasional maintenance appointments can maintain the effects of the treatment.

Will my Sofwave treatment be painful?

Sofwave is a well-tolerated treatment, with many of our patients describing Sofwave skin tightening as a warm sensation.

Is Sofwave safe for darker skin tones?

Our specialist can safely and effectively perform Sofwave skin tightening on darker skin tones.

Can I combine my Sofwave skin tightening treatment with another skin rejuvenation treatment?

Yes, your specialist may combine your skin tightening treatment with another to achieve more comprehensive results or address several concerns at once. For further information and personalized recommendations, please schedule a consultation with our team.

How long does a Sofwave treatment session take?

This depends on the area and the number of areas you are addressing! In most cases, you can expect your Sofwave treatment session to take about 60 to 90 minutes. Smaller areas will take less time to address, while larger areas require more time.

Is there any downtime after Sofwave treatment?

Sofwave is associated with very little to no downtime! Most patients are able to return to their daily activities right after their appointment ends. It is normal and expected to experience some slight redness or swelling, but patients can expect these to resolve quickly.

When will I start to see results from Sofwave?

Results with this treatment are typically considered to be gradual. As collagen production increases over time, results will continue to improve. Patients often see great results after about 8 to 12 weeks. Some patients opt to undergo multiple treatments for optimal results.

How many Sofwave treatments will I need?

Some patients choose to undergo one Sofwave treatment and achieve the results they want. Meanwhile, other patients see better results with multiple treatment sessions. During your personal consultation, your specialist can recommend how many sessions would be most effective for you and your goals.

Is Sofwave effective for Ozempic Face?

Yes, Sofwave is a great treatment for Ozempic face and can also be used in a preventive manner to minimize the effects of weight loss on your face, butt, and legs.

Who is a good candidate for Sofwave treatment?

Sofwave is a great treatment for patients who have mild to moderate skin laxity and want to soften signs of aging. Patients with more severe skin ptosis may benefit more from a skin removal procedure. Meeting with a specialist can help you determine what treatment is best for you.

References

  1. Yousef H, Alhajj M, Sharma S. Anatomy, Skin (Integument), Epidermis. PubMed. Published June 8, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470464/
  2. 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. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16098
  3. Enhance Your Practice with SofwaveTM. Sofwave. Published January 18, 2026. Accessed January 23, 2026. https://sofwave.com/providers