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MOHW-designated Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution · 2026
Sofwave Skin Lifting in Gangnam Seoul, Korea
Sofwave uses rows of parallel ultrasound beams aimed at one fixed depth in the middle of the skin. It is often chosen for slimmer faces and fine lines, where deep lifting may not be the main need.
- 2 MD-PhD directors
- 2007 In Gangnam since
- 4 Languages
- 3 mo Free follow-up
In brief
Sofwave Skin Lifting, at a glance
Gangnam Celliting Clinic · 121 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Gangnam Station Exit 12 (4-min walk)
Sofwave is an ultrasound treatment that sends several parallel beams to a fixed depth of about 1.5 mm in the mid-dermis, while a built-in cooling system protects the surface. Because it works within the skin rather than the deeper fat and support layers, it can suit thinner faces and fine lines. Collagen remodelling may continue for around 12 weeks after treatment.
- Technology SUPERB parallel ultrasound beams
- Target depth About 1.5 mm, mid-dermis
- Skin protection Integrated surface cooling
- Typical protocol One to two sessions, per manufacturer
Parallel beams
How do Sofwave's parallel ultrasound beams work?
Sofwave works by firing several ultrasound beams side by side into the mid-dermis at once, creating a row of heated zones at roughly the same depth. The technology is called SUPERB, short for Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam.
The heated zones trigger the skin's repair response, which supports new collagen and elastin over the following weeks. Because the depth is fixed, the treatment stays inside the skin layer, and the cooling plate keeps the surface protected during each pulse.
Who it suits
Who is Sofwave a good fit for?
Sofwave is often a good fit for people whose main concern is skin quality and fine lines rather than heavy sagging, including those with slim faces.
Thinner or slim faces
Treatment stays in the dermis, so there is less concern about affecting deeper fat that gives the face its fullness.
Fine lines and crepiness
Mid-dermal heating may help soften fine lines and improve skin texture over time.
Early laxity
People in the early stages of skin loosening may see firmer-looking skin without deep lifting.
Busy schedules
Minimal downtime makes it easy to fit into a work week or holiday.
For other ways to treat delicate skin, see our guides to thin aging skin and fine lines.
Sofwave vs HIFU
Sofwave or HIFU: how do the two ultrasound approaches compare?
Sofwave and HIFU both use ultrasound, but they target different depths in different ways, so they solve slightly different problems.
| Sofwave | Focused ultrasound (HIFU) | |
|---|---|---|
| Beam pattern | Parallel beams side by side | Focused points |
| Depth | Fixed, about 1.5 mm | Several depths, often up to 4.5 mm |
| Main layer | Mid-dermis | Dermis down to support layer |
| Surface cooling | Built-in | Varies by device |
| Often chosen for | Fine lines, thinner faces | Deeper lifting of jaw and brow |
Neither is better for everyone; some plans use deep HIFU such as Ultherapy and Sofwave on the same face.
After the session
What happens to your skin in the weeks after Sofwave?
After Sofwave, the skin is usually pink for a short time, and the real change develops slowly as collagen remodels over about 12 weeks.
- Day 1: mild redness or warmth, often settling within hours
- First week: possible slight swelling or tenderness
- Weeks 4–12: skin may look smoother and feel firmer
- After 12 weeks: the doctor reviews whether a second session is useful
Is it right for you?
Is Sofwave the right ultrasound option for you?
Often a good fit
- Slim face where you want to keep fullness
- Fine lines and crepey texture are your main worry
- Mild loosening of skin without heavy jowls
- You prefer minimal downtime
Talk to your doctor first
- Heavy laxity that may need deeper lifting
- Recent fillers or threads in the same area
- Implanted devices or metal near the treatment zone
- Pregnancy or active skin infection
- Very high expectations for lift in one session
Suitability is a medical decision made by your doctor after an in-person consultation and review of your health history.
Step by step
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Your Sofwave visit, step by step
Skin assessment
A medical director checks skin thickness and fullness and confirms Sofwave is suitable.
Preparation
The skin is cleansed and topical anesthesia may be applied.
Treatment
The cooled handpiece moves across each zone in rows, with energy adjusted to your comfort.
Follow-up
Written aftercare in your language and a free 3-month follow-up to judge the 12-week change.
Why Celliting
Why patients choose Gangnam Celliting Clinic
01
Pain-managed care
Monitored sleep sedation, AirNox analgesia, the X-injector or local anesthesia, matched to the procedure.
02
Government-designated
Named an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in June 2026.
03
Care after you fly home
Written aftercare in your language, a 24-hour line and a free 3-month follow-up.
For international patients
Fitting Sofwave into time in Seoul
Sofwave is a practical choice for a short stay in Seoul because redness usually fades quickly and no incisions are needed. You could have it on your first or second day and carry on with sightseeing. The main change appears around 12 weeks later, after you are home, so take clear photos beforehand. The clinic is a short walk from Gangnam Station Exit 12, and the team speaks English, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese.
- Message us first Send photos and travel dates on WhatsApp before you fly.
- Doctor-reviewed plan Get a suggested plan in advance, confirmed in person.
- Your language English, 中文, 日本語 and Tiếng Việt support.
- Follow-up at home Free 3-month follow-up and a 24-hour line.
FAQ
Sofwave Skin Lifting: your questions, answered
Reviewed by Dr. Ho-chan Kim, MD, PhD · Updated October 2026
Why is Sofwave often chosen for thinner faces?
Because it treats a fixed mid-dermal depth of about 1.5 mm. It works within the skin rather than the deeper fat layers, which is reassuring for people who worry about their face looking hollow.
How many Sofwave sessions are usually recommended?
The manufacturer states that protocols may involve one to two sessions. The doctor decides based on your skin and goals, usually after reviewing your result at around three months.
How does Sofwave feel during treatment?
Most people feel warmth, tingling or brief discomfort with each pulse. The integrated cooling helps protect the surface and makes the sensation easier to manage. Topical anesthesia may also be used.
Can Sofwave be combined with deeper ultrasound lifting?
It can for some patients. Sofwave treats the mid-dermis, while devices such as Ultherapy reach deeper. The doctor decides if combining them is suitable and safe for you.
Is Sofwave suitable for fine lines around the face?
It may be. Sofwave is designed to improve the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles as well as mild laxity. Suitability depends on where the lines are and what causes them.
Explore more
Related pages in Gangnam, Seoul
Cell by cell
See if Sofwave suits your skin
Send us a photo and your concern on WhatsApp at +82-10-4567-3237, and our doctors will tell you whether Sofwave or another option fits best.
Medical information on this page is provided by Gangnam Celliting Clinic and reviewed by our medical directors. It is not a substitute for an in-person medical consultation. Individual results vary, and all procedures carry potential risks and side effects that your doctor will explain before treatment.
