Ultherapy Prime vs. Sofwave:
A Head-to-Head Lift Comparison
Aging Happens — But Sagging Doesn’t Have to Stay
As we age, skin naturally starts to loosen and lose its snap-back. You might notice sagging, wrinkles, or less definition around the jawline, neck, or brow area.
Collagen and elastin decline over time, causing the skin to lose firmness and elasticity. These changes are normal — but they’re completely treatable with the right non-invasive tools.
Today’s technology makes it possible to tighten, lift, and refresh your skin without surgery. Two of the most talked-about options are Ultherapy and Sofwave.
Both use ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen and improve skin firmness — but they aren’t the same.
In this side-by-side comparison, we’ll cover how each works, where they differ, and why Soulshine Aesthetics offers Ultherapy Prime for lasting results.
Comparative information is based on publicly available clinical data, manufacturer websites, and peer-reviewed studies as of 2025. This post reflects our professional understanding and experience with Ultherapy Prime at Soulshine Aesthetics.
Ultherapy® vs. Sofwave™ — Same Energy Source, Different Depths of Impact
Both Ultherapy® and Sofwave™ use ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen and tighten skin — but Ultherapy uses microfocused ultrasound with real-time visualization (MFU-V), allowing treatment at multiple, precise tissue depths.
Sofwave™ delivers parallel beam ultrasound (SUPERB™ technology) to the mid-dermis at approximately 1.5 mm, stimulating new collagen and elastin to smooth fine lines and improve mild laxity.
Ultherapy®, on the other hand, also treats that dermal layer but can reach deeper — down to the SMAS layer (4.5 mm)— the same fibromuscular structure targeted during a surgical facelift. This ability to deliver focused thermal energy at multiple levels (1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.5 mm) produces a more pronounced lifting and tightening effect over time.
So while Sofwave effectively addresses surface laxity and early collagen loss, Ultherapy offers both dermal remodeling and deeper structural lift, making it a more comprehensive approach for long-term tightening and prevention.
(Sources: ultherapy.com, sofwave.com)
Ultherapy Treats More Depths—with More Precision
Unlike Sofwave, which treats only one shallow layer (1.5 mm), Ultherapy delivers ultrasound energy at three targeted depths: 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.5 mm. That means it can smooth surface-level lines and lift deeper layers of tissue in a single treatment.
Ultherapy is also the only skin-tightening device that uses real-time imaging during treatment. This allows your provider to see exactly where the energy is going—avoiding sensitive areas like bone and blood vessels while delivering safe, customized results based on your anatomy.
More depths. More precision. More confidence in your results.
Ultherapy® vs. Sofwave™: Key Differences
| Feature | Ultherapy | Sofwave | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) treats multiple layers of tissue, including the deeper structural planes. | Parallel beam ultrasound (SUPERB™) targets the mid-dermis to boost collagen and elastin. | |
| Depth of Treatment | 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm — reaches down to the SMAS layer for a deeper lift and tighter contour. | 1.5 mm — targets the mid-dermis for fine lines and mild laxity. | |
| Targets Deep Sagging | 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.5 mm — reaches down to the SMAS layer for deeper lift and structural tightening. | Designed for surface tightening and early laxity. | |
| Treats Surface Laxity | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | |
| FDA-Cleared Areas | Lift of the neck, under-chin, and brow, plus improvement of lines and wrinkles on the chest (décolletage). | Lift of the eyebrow and under-chin areas, improvement in the appearance of the neck, and reduction of fine facial lines and wrinkles. | |
| Real-Time Imaging | ✅ Yes — built-in ultrasound visualization enables customized energy placement. | ❌ No — delivers energy to a fixed depth. | |
| Ideal For | Mild to moderate laxity, lower face and jawline contouring, neck lift goals, and long-term collagen maintenance. | Early laxity, fine lines, or maintenance. | |
| Comfort | Mild to moderate; most patients report 3–6/10 discomfort depending on area and depth. Improved tolerance with Ultherapy Prime and topical numbing or Pro-Nox. | Mild to moderate; average pain scores 4–6/10 in studies. Generally well tolerated with topical anesthetic. | |
| Results Timeline | Gradual lift develops over 3–6 months as new collagen forms. | Visible smoothing appears within 12 weeks post-treatment. | |
| Longevity of Results | Results typically last up to 2 years with continued collagen remodeling. | Results generally last around 1 year, depending on skin quality and follow-up care. | |
| Treatment Flexibility | ✅ Customizable depth and energy settings with live imaging for precise, individualized treatment. |
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| Proven Track Record | Over 15 years of clinical use, 2.3 million+ treatments performed worldwide, 50+ published studies, and winner of NewBeauty’s “Best Non-Surgical Skin Tightener” for 12 consecutive years (2013–2025). | Introduced in 2020 with peer-reviewed studies demonstrating collagen remodeling and wrinkle reduction; recognized with multiple industry innovation awards for its non-invasive technology. |
References
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Fabi SG, et al. Dermatologic Surgery. 2022;48(3):305–312. (“A multicenter study of microfocused ultrasound with visualization for facial and neck lifting.”)
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Green JB, et al. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2021;23(6):301–308. (“Evaluation of safety and efficacy of Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB™) technology for wrinkle reduction.”)
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NewBeauty Magazine. “Best Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Treatment,” 2013–2025 Awards.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Device Summaries for Ultherapy® (K141219) and Sofwave™ (K192665).
What to Expect During Treatment
Ultherapy®
Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy to reach precise layers of the skin—those same layers a surgeon would target in a facelift—without any incisions or downtime. Treatment time depends on the area but usually takes 30–90 minutes for the face, neck, or chest.
You’ll feel quick pulses of warmth as the energy stimulates collagen deep below the surface. We offer topical numbing and Pro-Nox™ for comfort, and most people find the treatment very tolerable.
You can go right back to your day afterward. Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness are possible but short-lived. Results build gradually as your body produces new collagen, with the best changes appearing around 3–6 months.
Sofwave™
Sofwave uses patented SUPERB™ ultrasound technology to deliver energy evenly within the mid-dermis (about 1.5 mm deep). Each pulse creates a controlled heat response that wakes up your collagen—think of it as a gentle reboot for firmness and elasticity.
A full-face treatment takes about 30–45 minutes. You’ll feel brief pulses of heat followed by immediate cooling, and while it can be intense for a few seconds, most people tolerate it well without any numbing.
There’s no downtime—skin may look pink or feel warm for a few hours. Collagen remodeling continues for several months, with results typically visible by 12 weeks and improving for up to 6 months.
When Will You See Results?
Ultherapy®
Results develop gradually as your body rebuilds collagen in the months following treatment. Most people start to notice subtle lifting and firming around 3 months, with full results typically visible by 6 months.
Because collagen continues to age naturally, maintenance treatments are often recommended every 18–24 months to keep results up.
While no treatment can stop the aging process, Ultherapy helps slow it down by strengthening skin from within for a naturally lifted, refreshed appearance.
Sofwave™
Results appear gradually as collagen and elastin production increases. In clinical studies, visible improvements were noted around 12 weeks after treatment, continuing to improve for up to 6 months.
A single session can provide noticeable tightening for many, though some patients may choose a second treatment for enhanced results—especially in areas of moderate laxity.
Results can last around a year, depending on individual skin quality, age, and lifestyle factors.
Cost + Maintenance
Ultherapy® (Available at Soulshine Aesthetics)
At Soulshine Aesthetics, Ultherapy Prime pricing starts at $500 and varies based on the area and degree of lift:
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Brow Lift: $500
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Upper Face (Brow + Eyes): $900
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Mini Lift (Chin + Jawline): $1,200
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Full Face, Neck & Chest: Up to $3,500
Most clients need just one treatment every 18–24 months to maintain results, depending on collagen response and overall skin health.
💡 Learn more about what’s included in each treatment on our Ultherapy page.
Sofwave™ (For Comparison Only — Not Offered at Soulshine)
While we don’t offer Sofwave at Soulshine, it’s another ultrasound-based skin tightening option.
Pricing varies by provider and treatment area, but most practices in the Charleston area publicly list Sofwave treatments starting around $2,000, with full-face or face-and-neck sessions typically ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 per session.
Most providers recommend maintenance every 6–12 months for best results.
Pricing and treatment availability may vary by provider and location. Ultherapy Prime pricing reflects current rates at Soulshine Aesthetics. Sofwave pricing is based on publicly listed ranges from aesthetic practices in the Charleston area and is shared for educational comparison only.
The Bottom Line
Both Ultherapy® Prime and Sofwave™ are FDA-cleared, non-invasive skin tightening treatments that use ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen and improve firmness. But they don’t deliver the same depth, precision, or longevity.
At Soulshine Aesthetics, we’ve chosen Ultherapy Prime for a reason. It treats multiple layers of skin—including the same deep layer targeted in surgery—while using real-time ultrasound imaging for added safety and precision. It’s customizable, backed by over a decade of clinical data, and delivers a natural lift that evolves gradually and lasts.
If you’re looking for a collagen-stimulating treatment that fits your skin, your age, and your long-term goals, Ultherapy remains the gold standard—and the confident choice for lasting, natural results.
👉 Schedule your Ultherapy Prime consultation to create your custom lift plan—effective, natural, and completely your own.
This information is provided for educational purposes to help you understand your options. Ultherapy® and Sofwave™ are registered trademarks of their respective companies. Soulshine Aesthetics is not affiliated with or endorsed by these manufacturers.
