Treatment review: Sofwave full-face

Published 01st Aug 2024 by Michelle Duffield

Editorial assistant Michelle Duffield visits Dr Saleena Zimiri at the Skin Doctors Clinic to try the Sofwave full-face treatment.

The Lowdown

The Sofwave skin tightening treatment is a non-invasive procedure that works to enhance collagen production in your skin. This treatment tightens and lifts sagging skin, minimises wrinkles, and improves overall skin texture. Approved by the FDA, Sofwave therapy is a safe method to rejuvenate your skin in one session. The Sofcool cooling system gives this device a high safety rating, as it shields the skin's outer layer while allowing ultrasound energy to penetrate the dermis.

The Experience

This was my first time trying the Sofwave treatment. Despite not having many wrinkles at the ripe age of 22, the benefits of a Sofwave treatment range from tightening skin, increasing collagen production, and improving overall skin texture. As Dr Zimiri confirmed, anyone can benefit from this treatment.

I was greeted by the lovely team at The Skin Doctors Clinic and was set up in a treatment room for a consultation with Dr Zimiri to discuss any allergies or problem areas I wanted to target.

The first step, after having my face cleansed and make-up removed, was the application of a numbing cream. Since the procedure has a slight sting, the numbing cream is part of the treatment. It was left on for 20 minutes before the process began.

The procedure involves a device that emits high-intensity fractional ultrasound energy, which stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin. This is what helps elevate the eyebrows, firm any loose skin under the chin and neck, smooth out deep lines and wrinkles, and reduce the visibility of acne scars.

Contrary to its name, this treatment packs a bit of a punch. Sofwave delivers a six to seven-second pulse to your skin. The heat builds slowly, so it doesn’t hurt the entire time, making it very manageable, and toward the end of the pulse, you will feel a warm sensation, and just when it begins to feel a bit uncomfortable, the pulse is over, and the handpiece is moved to a new area.

The sessions are relatively brief, usually lasting between 30 to 45 minutes. To my surprise, there is no recovery time, which is one of the best aspects of this treatment. I was initially sceptical; as the treatment had a bit of a bite, I expected to be red and swollen for at least the rest of the day. However, after an hour, all signs of skin irritation had completely subsided, and by that afternoon my skin was dewy with no redness.

The Verdict

Immediate results left my face feeling significantly tighter. I left the clinic with my eyebrows sitting a little higher and my jawline much more pronounced. Dr Zimiri advised that results would continue to improve gradually over the coming months as new collagen forms, providing continuous improvement. A month after my treatment, some of my friends did a double take when they saw me, noting that something was different but “couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was”. This makes it an ideal treatment for those seeking natural, long-lasting results to improve skin elasticity and firmness without surgery or extensive downtime.

Michelle Duffield

Michelle Duffield

Published 01st Aug 2024

Michelle is the editorial assistant to Aesthetic Medicine magazine.

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