An honest review of Sofwave, the newest ultrasound-based, non-invasive, collagen-stimulating procedure.&nbsp;

I've tried several non-invasive to semi-invasive treatments before from skin toning lasers, fat-reducing cryolipo, and wrinkle-smoothing botox, but Sofwave is by far the least intimidating for the maximum results. For those wanting to get more serious with skin treatments and co-aging, Sofwave is the "gateway" treatment for you. Here's what to expect, how the treatment goes and feels like, and what I saw after.&nbsp;

I've just turned 30, but even before getting to the big 3-0 I've already been feeling the shift in my skin and body and how they both respond (or not!) to habits that have usually worked for me. I've changed up my skincare to include more eye treatments, serums, and at-home devices, but sometimes, everyone needs a little extra boost. Enter Sofwave&mdash;it's a non-invasive skin and tissue tightening and lifting treatment that uses ultrasound technology that only takes an hour, is a lot less painful than its older sister Ulthera, and has zero downtime.&nbsp;

What the difference with Ulthera?
Sofwave and Ultherapy have the same goals, but Sofwave targets an area that's closer to the surface (the dermis). This area, when targeted, triggers new collagen production which helps rejuvenate and tighten tissue in the area. It works similarly as microneedling wherein the device makes tiny injuries to the area which triggers the body to "heal" and produce collagen. Also, for reference, Sofwave goes up to 1.5mm deep, while Ulthera targets up to 4.5mm. Because of that, Sofwave feels a little less painful than Ulthera, but there still is some discomfort, which we'll get to in a bit.&nbsp;

Who can get Sofwave done?
Anybody who's looking to tighten and lift the facial skin non-invasively can get Sofwave. Those who have gotten other treatments like Ulthera, Botox, fillers, etc., can also get Sofwave as a complimentary procedure&mdash;they don't go against each other, really. They doctors at Aivee say Sofwave is also great on its own especially if you're only getting into noninvasive treatments and/or if you haven't tried anything yet.&nbsp;

So, what's the treatment like?&nbsp;
It begins with a good routine facial with cleaning, steaming, exfoliation, and extraction if needed. Then, numbing cream or EMLA is applied on your face (except the eye and nose area), which is left to soak for about 20-30 minutes. Facial skin is usually thinner so for some people it takes effect a bit faster. Once it's done, they remove it and start applying cold gel to one side of the face and get straight to Sofwave-ing.&nbsp;
The device itself is around an inch width and 2-3 inches in length, and its used like a "point and shoot"&mdash;unlike Ulthera, which requires conditions to almost always be perfect (just the right amount of pressure, gel, skin contact etc.), Sofwave is easier and quicker. The device is pressed gently onto the area beginning at the middle of the cheek, it'll stay there for about 4 seconds, and they'll move on to another part of the cheek. They'll do this about 5-8 times per area, and aside from the cheeks, they target the neck, the jaw, and the forehead. You're done in less than an hour and there's zero downtime, and zero aftercare except I was told not to use my typical toners for the next evening.&nbsp;

Real talk on pain and sensation
Depending on your threshold for pain, I'd place Sofwave at around 6-7, with 10 being the most painful (around the pain level of a brazilian wax, I'd say). Specifically, the sensation is a gradually increasing heat along with a pinching kind of pressure. It's also less of a "pressing down" or heavy kind of force, bur really more like when you pinch hard on a particularly thin and sensitive section of skin between two fingers. In Tagalog, parang tinitiris. The areas where you'll feel most sensation are the neck and jawline as well as the forehead&mdash;according to the doctor, it's because these areas are closer to bone. Overall, it's completely tolerable and a predictable kind of sensation so you can very well breathe through it. Also, if you've been doing other procedures throughout your life&mdash;threading, waxing, lasers&mdash;it'll be easier for you.

Results&nbsp;
Right after Sofwave, I feel totally snatched and plumped. But a couple of days to three days after, I still see the effects if not more. The doctors at Aivee says the results last and gradually improve over a year, so this kind of treatment is great if you can't or don't want to keep going back to maintain your skin quality and tone. Overall,&nbsp;Sofwave is a great procedure for those who are looking to make subtle impactful tightening and lifting, but still prefer non-invasive.&nbsp;

Sofwave&nbsp;starts at P60,000 at The A Institute, BGC, Taguig. Schedule your consultation via 09177283838.

We Tried This New Skin-Tightening Treatment And Here's What Happened

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