Softwave VS Ultherapy: Which One Is Best For You? – Beautiful With Brains

Last Updated on July 11, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

If you’ve started noticing your skin isn’t quite as firm as it used to be, you’ve probably come across Sofwave and Ultherapy. They’re two non-surgical skin tightening treatments touted as popular alternatives to a facelift without the downtime. At first glance, they seem to promise the same results, which makes choosing between them confusing. Is one more effective than the other? Does one hurt less? Which lasts longer? And, which is better suited to your skin concerns? In this guide, we’ll compare Sofwave vs Ultherapy side by side, looking at how they work, their benefits, treatment experience, recovery time, results, and who each treatment is best for, so you can make an informed decision and pick the one that’ll give you the most natural-looking results: 

Are Sofwave Or Ultherapy Valid Alternatives To A Surgical Facelift?

I hate to break it to you, but neither Sofwave nor Ultherapy is a replacement for a surgical facelift. I’m not saying this to put you off having them. And I know you sort of knew it. Because why would Kris Jenner go under the knife when one of these treatments would don instead? Here’s the difference quickly. A facelift physically lifts and repositions skin tissue. Software and Ultherapy encourage your skin to improve itself by stimulating collagen production instead. So if you’re expected to get out of your dermatologist office looking 10 years younger, you’ll be disappointed. If, instead, you expect firmer skin, better definition, and a smoother texture, read on.

Related: Exilis VS Ultherapy: Which One Is Best For Skin Tightening?

What Are The Key Differences Between Sofwave And Ultherapy?

At first glance, Sofwave and Ultherapy sound almost identical. They both use ultrasound technology. They both promise tighter skin. They both stimulate collagen. So what’s actually different? It all comes down to how deep they work beneath your skin – and that changes the kind of results you can realistically expect.

Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound energy that can reach deeper layers of the skin, including areas close to the SMAS layer (the superficial muscular aponeurotic system). This is the same layer surgeons tighten during a facelift, which is why Ultherapy is often talked about as a an effective non-surgical alternative. If you’re starting to notice things like jowls, a less defined jawline or looser skin around the neck this is for you. 

Sofwave has a different job. Instead of going as deep as possible, it concentrates its energy into the mid-dermis (around 1.5mm beneath the skin). Here, it can trigger new collagen to improve skin elasticity, firmness, and smoothness. That makes it a popular choice for people whose skin doesn’t necessarily sag, but just doesn’t look as fresh or as firm as it used to.

What Does The Research Actually Say?

Here at Beautiful with Brains, we take a look past the before-and-after photos and marketing claims to find out what really works. Ultherapy has been around longer, so it has a much bigger body of research behind it. One study of 103 people treated with Ultherapy found improvements in lower-face laxity, including areas like the jawline, cheeks and under the chin.  The catch? While promising, the study was small, so the results may not be the same for everyone. Other studies on micro-focused ultrasound have also looked at what happens inside the skin after treatment. The theory is that controlled ultrasound energy creates tiny areas of heat injury, which trigger the skin’s natural repair response. Over time, this can stimulate collagen production.

But what about Sofwave treatments? Sofwave is newer. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, just that we have less data and what we have is promising. Research on Sofwave’s SUPERB™ technology has shown improvements in wrinkles, skin laxity and overall skin quality, with studies looking at both visible results and changes happening inside the skin.

The Question You Should Ask: Do You Need Lifting Or Tightening?

I know I threw a lot of science at you, so here’s a quick and simple way to choose the right treatment plan for you. A lot of people say they want “lifting”, but what they often mean is different things.

Some people mean:

• “My face looks tired.”
• “My skin does not feel as firm.”
• “I want to soften fine lines.”
• “My skin just doesn’t have the same glow.”

Those concerns are more about skin quality and early signs of aging. Sofwave is the right choice because it focuses on stimulating collagen to improve firmness, texture and fine lines.

Others mean:

• “My jawline is disappearing.”
• “My cheeks are dropping.”
• “I’m noticing sagging around my lower face.”

You’re dealing more with skin laxity. This is where Ultherapy may have an advantage because it targets deeper tissue layers.

What About Pain And Side Effects?

Both Sofwave and Ultherapy are non-invasive skin-tightening treatments, so there’s no surgery, no incisions, and usually no recovery time. Most people can return to normal daily activities afterwards. But that does not mean they’re painless *sighs*

Ultherapy is often more intense (and yes, even painful!) because the treatment works at deeper levels. You can expect sensations like heat, tingling, or sharp pulses during an Ultherapy session. Some people tolerate this easily. Others find it uncomfortable. Sofwave is gentler and less painful. Said that, everyone’s experience is different, and comfort depends on factors like pain tolerance, the treatment area, and the settings used. Possible side effects from BOTH treatments can include:

• mild redness
• swelling
• tenderness
• temporary numbness
• sensitivity around the treatment area
• minimal discomfort

Related: Does Ultherapy Hurt?

How Long Do Sofwave And Ultherapy Results Last?

One thing that surprises a lot of people about ultrasound treatments? Results don’t show up straight away. It makes sense when you think these are non-invasive procedures that just trigger collagen production and your body’s natural repair process. Basically, the heat tells your skin: “We need to rebuild here.” And that takes time.

With Ultherapy, results usually start becoming noticeable after a couple of months. And then, your skin texture keeps getting better as collagen production keeps going up. Studies have reported improvements that can still be seen 12 months after treatment, although results vary from person to person. What about Software results? Sofwave skin tightening works in a similar way by stimulating collagen in the mid-dermis, but because it is a newer treatment, we do not have the same amount of long-term research showing exactly how long results last. If long-lasting results is what you’re after, I’d opt for Ultherapy for now.

So how long will your results actually stick around? That depends on things like:

• your age
• how much collagen your skin naturally produces
• sun exposure
• smoking
• your skincare routine
• how quickly your skin ages

The important thing to remember is that these treatments can slow down visible signs of ageing, but they cannot freeze time. Your skin will continue to age after treatment, which is why some people choose maintenance sessions to keep their results looking their best. A single treatment won’t fix everything overnight.

Softwave VS Ultherapy: Which Non-Invasive Treatment Should You Choose?

After looking at the science, the answer is not that Sofwave or Ultherapy is the winner. They are effective treatments for different concerns. Ultherapy currently has the stronger research background and may be the preferred option for people who want to address sagging, particularly around areas like the lower face and neck. Sofwave may be a great option for people who want to improve firmness, fine lines, and overall skin quality, especially when their concerns are less about sagging and more about looking refreshed. Before booking, ask yourself:

• What actually bothers me when I look in the mirror?
• Is it texture?
• Fine lines?
• Loss of firmness?
• A softer jawline?
• A tired appearance?

The right treatment option is the one that answers YOUR specific skin concern, not the one with the biggest promises. Because when it comes to your face, the goal is not to look different. The goal is to look like yourself, just a little more refreshed.