11 Sep A Soft Touch for Aging Reversal: All About Sofwave
What if you could turn back the clock from the inside out? That’s the goal behind multiple emerging technologies, including Sofwave which is now available at RefinedMD. It’s a treatment that uses ultrasound energy to kick-start elastin and collagen production below the skin’s surface. These are the natural building blocks of youth, but we produce less of these as we age. They are structural proteins, with collagen in charge of skin being lifted and firm while elastin gives it that suppleness and stretch. Put together, collagen and elastin are why we have vibrant skin when we’re young—but something starts to change in our mid-20s. Production of both go into decline and thus the early signs of aging appear, such as fine lines and sagging.
Sofwave is definitely not the first form of collagen induction therapy out there, but it is one of the few that requires no downtime. The procedure uses seven parallel beams that go right past the top layer of skin and into the mid-dermal area. This is where you’ll find elastin and collagen production. Bypassing the top layer (which other methods, such as microneedling, does not do), allows you to avoid the redness, swelling, and other temporary unwanted side effects associated with other forms of collagen induction therapy.
Sofwave also isn’t the first ultrasound technology to be on the market, but it is by far the most sophisticated. It is more effective than other kinds of ultrasound technologies and it features a fixed depth. This means it’s exclusively targeting the dermal area where you find collagen and elastin production, bypassing other areas that don’t need to be targeted. Right now, Sofwave is approved to treat the entire face, and has been shown to be especially helpful on the brows and jawline, as well as the chest, neck, and body. When used on the body, it is also an effective tool in lessening the appearance of cellulite.
The Waiting Game
There is one thing Sofwave has in common with other ultrasound energy devices: results are not immediate. Collagen induction takes time, no matter how it happens. Even when we’re children, collagen and elastin are constantly forming, so you’re not seeing “immediate” youthfulness. Most people start seeing results after one month of their treatment, with full results in about 3 – 6 months. Sofwave is a one and done treatment, but it is recommended that you undergo maintenance sessions every year. This makes it easy to fit into your schedule.
So, what exactly does a rush of collagen and elastin do? Mostly, these proteins tackle sagging and wrinkles. You’ll find that your skin is lifted, tightened, and that fine lines are “filled in” and smoothed. This is because we have layers in our skin, which include areas of collagen and elastin, and as we age these layers stop laying so flat and harden up. This can present as wrinkles, but a rush of collagen and elastin can remodel this. Sofwave can be an effective treatment for those with mild to moderate signs of aging who want to avoid or delay more aggressive treatments like surgery.
Two of the most popular areas for Sofwave treatment are the jawline and brows because these sites can be so difficult to treat with other non-invasive measures. The brows start to sag as we age, but Sofwave can give the appearance of a brow lift with the results of this 15-minute treatment. This is a common request for those in their 30s. For clients in their 40s and 50s, the lower face and jawline really starts to sag, and Sofwave can easily target that area. It should be noted that while Sofwave is non-invasive and has no downtime, it can have moments of discomfort (which a numbing agent can help with). Sofwave is often described as feeling like hot pulses or even a hot stone massage.
What to Expect with Sofwave
When you arrive, a numbing agent is applied for 45 minutes. The area is then cleansed and the handheld device is passed over the treatment site by your provider. This passing is done in zones depending on your customized plan. Some areas are more sensitive than others, such as the forehead and around the eyes where there is little fat. Most Sofwave appointments take under one hour with little to no lingering side effects, such as temporary redness. Finally, a topical is applied (including sunscreen) so you can get right back to your day.
Are you interested in learning more about Sofwave or other non-invasive treatments? Contact RefinedMD to schedule your consultation or simply fill out the online contact form today.