At Wessex Skin Clinic, one of the most common concerns I see in patients is skin laxity. It often begins subtly — softening along the jawline, heaviness around the lower face, creasing at the neck, or drooping brows that make us look more tired than we feel.

As an aesthetic doctor, my goal is always to achieve natural, regenerative results without overtreatment. One technology that has genuinely impressed me in this regard is Sofwave.

Understanding Skin Ageing

From our late twenties onwards, collagen production declines by approximately 1% per year. Collagen and elastin are the structural proteins responsible for firmness and elasticity. As these diminish, we begin to see:

  • Laxity along the jawline
  • Jowl formation
  • Neck creping
  • Brow descent
  • Softening of the mid-face
  • Fine lines becoming etched

Traditionally, treatment options sat at two extremes: topical skincare with limited lifting capability, or surgical facelift procedures. What many patients want is something in between — clinically effective, but without surgery or prolonged downtime.

What Is Sofwave?

Sofwave is an ultrasound technology designed to stimulate new collagen production in the mid-dermis. It delivers precisely controlled ultrasound energy at a specific depth (1.5mm), where collagen fibres are most responsive.

Unlike older ultrasound systems, Sofwave’s unique Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB™) technology ensures uniform heating across the treatment zone, maximising collagen stimulation while protecting the surface of the skin.

In clinical practice, this means:

✔ Visible lifting and tightening
✔ Improvement in fine lines and wrinkles
✔ Minimal downtime
✔ Safe treatment for all skin types
✔ Comfortable procedure compared to older devices

Why I Offer Sofwave at Wessex Skin Clinic

When I choose a device for clinic, I look for:

  • Strong clinical evidence
  • Safety across diverse skin types
  • Predictable, natural results
  • Patient comfort
  • Minimal risk profile

Sofwave aligns with these standards. It is FDA-cleared for lifting the eyebrow, submental area (under the chin), and neck, as well as improving fine lines and wrinkles.

Importantly, it does not rely on damaging the skin surface. Instead, it stimulates the body’s own regenerative response.

As an aesthetic doctor, I prefer treatments that work with your biology rather than against it.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate?

In my experience, Sofwave is particularly effective for:

  • Patients in their 30s to 60s noticing early to moderate laxity
  • Those not ready for surgical intervention
  • Patients seeking subtle, natural lifting
  • Individuals wanting preventative collagen stimulation
  • Those with busy lifestyles who cannot accommodate downtime

It is not a replacement for surgery in cases of significant excess skin — but for the right patient, it can delay or even avoid the need for surgical procedures.

What Results Can You Expect?

One of the most important conversations I have with patients is around expectations.

Sofwave delivers gradual improvement. Collagen remodelling takes time, so results typically develop over 8–12 weeks following treatment, with continued improvement beyond this.

Patients often report:

  • A sharper jawline
  • Improved neck firmness
  • Subtle brow lift
  • Smoother skin texture
  • A fresher, less heavy appearance

The result should never look “done.” It should look like you — just subtly lifted and more refined.

Treatment Experience

The procedure itself takes approximately 30–45 minutes depending on the area treated.

A topical anaesthetic is applied beforehand for comfort. During treatment, patients feel brief pulses of warmth as the ultrasound energy is delivered. Most tolerate it very well.

Afterwards, there may be mild redness for a few hours, but there is typically no visible downtime. Patients often return to work or social commitments the same day.

Combining Sofwave With Other Treatments

In aesthetic medicine, synergy is key.

At Wessex Skin Clinic, I sometimes combine Sofwave with:

  • Injectable treatments for structural support
  • Medical-grade skincare
  • Targeted skin resurfacing

By addressing skin quality, volume, and laxity together, we achieve balanced, harmonious results.

Final Thoughts

In my professional opinion, Sofwave represents a significant advancement in non-surgical skin tightening. It offers meaningful collagen stimulation without the recovery time or risk associated with more invasive procedures.

The key to success lies in correct patient selection, honest expectations, and a personalised treatment plan.

If you are beginning to notice skin laxity and want a clinically proven, non-surgical option with minimal disruption to your life, Sofwave may be an excellent choice.

As always, a thorough consultation is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual anatomy and goals.

Reviewed and approved by Dr Catherine Fairris