At Self London, we are increasingly approached by patients looking for subtle, effective ways to lift and firm the face without injectables or invasive procedures. These are individuals who value natural results, minimal downtime, and long-term skin health. For them, Sofwave has become a quiet hero: a non-surgical ultrasound-based treatment that stimulates new collagen and elastin, helping restore definition to the lower face, jawline, neck, and brow — all without the need for needles, surgery, or extended recovery.
This is not the kind of treatment that trends on social media with dramatic before-and-afters. Sofwave works differently; its appeal lies in precisely that. It offers discreet, gradual improvement that looks and feels like you, just fresher.
How does Sofwave work?
Sofwave uses a series of parallel ultrasound beams to heat the mid-dermis at a precise depth of 1.5mm — enough to stimulate fibroblasts and initiate collagen and elastin production, but shallow enough to avoid deeper structures like fat pads. This depth-specific targeting is one of the reasons Sofwave is seen as a safer alternative to some older technologies.
Treatments are performed using a handpiece with integrated contact cooling, which protects the epidermis while delivering heat energy to the deeper layers. Over the weeks and months following treatment, your body naturally rebuilds collagen and elastin, improving firmness, reducing skin laxity, and enhancing facial contours.
What makes Sofwave different from other technologies?
Many patients have heard of other skin-tightening devices, but few understand how significantly they differ in mechanism and effect. Older ultrasound-based treatments typically rely on micro-focused energy delivered deeper into the tissue, which in some cases may cause unintended fat loss — particularly in leaner faces. Radiofrequency microneedling devices, while useful for texture and superficial concerns, tend to require significant downtime, carry more pigmentary risk in darker skin types, and are often unsuitable for those with busy lifestyles.
Sofwave avoids these issues by delivering its energy in a controlled, uniform, parallel-beam pattern at a consistent mid-dermal depth. It is non-invasive, requires no recovery time, and is suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types. At Self London, we see consistent, reliable results — particularly in the lower face, neck, and periorbital region.
Who is Sofwave for?
We most commonly recommend Sofwave to men and women in their late 20s through to their 60s who are starting to notice signs of ageing — including loss of jawline definition, softening of the mid-face (eg, jowls and nasolabial folds), and mild to moderate sagging of the brows or neck.
It is also an excellent choice for:
- Patients seeking a natural-looking alternative to injectables or surgery
- Individuals on GLP-1 agonist weight loss medications (such as semaglutide), which can contribute to facial fat loss and early skin laxity
- Endurance athletes — including marathon runners and triathletes — who tend to develop laxity earlier due to lower facial fat
- Those looking to prevent, not just reverse, signs of ageing
What to expect from treatment
Sofwave is a relatively comfortable treatment, though patients benefit from topical anaesthetic applied beforehand. During the procedure, a warm sensation is felt at each pulse as the ultrasound energy is delivered. Each pulse lasts approximately four to five seconds.
A full-face and neck session takes around 45 to 60 minutes. There is no bruising, swelling, or peeling. Patients can return immediately to work, exercise, or social engagements — making this a true “lunchtime lift.”
Results and longevity
Improvements from Sofwave typically begin to appear around 8 weeks, with continued gains over the following 12 to 16 weeks as new collagen and elastin form. Patients often report a lifted brow, firmer jawline, improved definition in the lower face, or smoother neck contour.
Most individuals require only one session annually. In some cases — particularly where there is more pronounced laxity or a desire for enhanced results — a second treatment may be recommended after six to nine months.
FDA clearances
Sofwave is FDA-cleared for:
- Brow lifting
- Submental (under-chin) lifting
- Neck lifting
- Reduction of facial fine lines and wrinkles
- Improvement in short-term appearance of cellulite
Why choose Self London for Sofwave?
Although many clinics now offer Sofwave, outcomes can vary widely depending on technique, settings, and clinical judgement. At Self London, our treatment protocol has been developed in-house and refined through real-world experience. We use a higher number of pulses and treat more comprehensively than standard protocols — while preserving patient safety and comfort.
In some cases, we combine Sofwave with complementary procedures for enhanced results. For example, around the eyes, it pairs well with laser coring to support deeper skin remodelling and brow elevation. In the neck, we may use targeted rejuvenation techniques to further improve skin texture and firmness.
Is Sofwave a replacement for surgery?
Sofwave is not a surgical facelift — and should not be compared as such. However, it offers an excellent alternative for patients in the earlier stages of ageing who are not ready for surgery or wish to delay more invasive interventions. It is also an ideal maintenance treatment for those who have previously had surgical lifting and want to preserve their results.
Final thoughts
Sofwave represents the next evolution of intelligent aesthetics: subtle, science-backed, and designed for patients who value quality over hype. At Self London, we see it as a foundational treatment for long-term skin health and facial harmony — especially for those committed to prevention and natural refinement.
If you are starting to notice the early signs of ageing or simply want to maintain what you have, book a consultation to find out whether Sofwave is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sofwave at Self London
How long does a treatment take?
A full-face and neck Sofwave session takes approximately 45 minutes. This includes preparation time, application of topical anaesthetic, and the treatment itself.
Is there any downtime?
No. You may return to work, the gym, or social activities immediately after treatment. The skin may appear slightly pink for a few hours, but there is no peeling, bruising, or disruption to your daily routine.
Is Sofwave painful?
The treatment creates a warm sensation in the skin during each pulse, which is well tolerated. At Self London, we apply topical anaesthetic beforehand and create a calm, comfortable environment to ensure the experience is as smooth as possible.
When will I see results?
Most patients begin to see early improvement from about 8 weeks post-treatment, with continued benefits developing over the next three to four months as new collagen and elastin are formed.
How long do the results last?
Typically, one session per year is sufficient for maintenance. Some patients choose to return for a second treatment at six to nine months for enhanced results, particularly in areas of greater laxity.
Can Sofwave be combined with other treatments?
Yes. At Self London, we often combine Sofwave with treatments such as laser coring (particularly around the eyes), fractional laser, or advanced skin boosters. This allows for a layered, personalised approach to facial rejuvenation.
Is Sofwave suitable for all skin types?
Yes. Because Sofwave delivers ultrasound energy below the skin’s surface, it is safe and effective across all Fitzpatrick skin types, including deeper tones.
Am I a good candidate if I am using weight loss medications like Ozempic®?
Yes. Patients on GLP-1 agonists (e.g. semaglutide, liraglutide) often experience accelerated facial fat loss, which can contribute to skin laxity. Sofwave can help maintain facial structure and slow down the visible signs of volume loss.
Can it help endurance athletes who are losing facial fat?
Absolutely. Runners, cyclists, and triathletes often experience early facial thinning. Sofwave offers a non-invasive way to maintain definition and support the skin without adding volume.
Is it a replacement for a facelift?
No — Sofwave is not a surgical substitute. However, it is an excellent alternative for those in their 30s to 50s seeking to delay more invasive procedures, or as maintenance after surgery to preserve results.
Why does Sofwave vary from clinic to clinic?
While the device is the same, results depend heavily on the protocol used — including energy levels, number of pulses, and clinical judgement. At Self London, our founder-developed protocol delivers more comprehensive coverage and optimised outcomes tailored to the individual.
