There’s certainly no shortage of in-office skin-tightening treatments, but collagen-stimulating Sofwave continues to stand out as a top contender. Even Kim Kardashian has called it “the best machine out there for lifting and collagen production.” And she’s not the only one who’s a fan.
In a recent survey of more than 400 NewBeauty readers,* we asked about their experiences with popular energy-based facial treatments. Among the respondents, 31 percent reported undergoing a skin-tightening or lifting treatment using an energy-based device, and of those, 13 percent had tried Sofwave.
What Is Sofwave?
Sofwave is a noninvasive ultrasound-based treatment that stimulates collagen and elastin for firmer, more lifted skin. By heating the dermis at an optimal temperature, it jumpstarts a natural healing response, reducing wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, acne scars and even cellulite. Collagen regeneration can take up to 12 weeks, so patients can expect ongoing improvement for three months after a treatment. With no downtime, it’s gaining popularity among those seeking a quick yet effective tightening treatment.
What Readers Say About Sofwave
NewBeauty readers shared their experiences with Sofwave, with many noting its tightening benefits and minimal downtime.
For some, results became noticeable within weeks. A 36-year-old said, “I noticed subtle changes in my jawline about a month after the treatment. I cannot tolerate pain meds, so I went without, and it was quite painful. I would do it again as I want to prevent the need for surgical procedures in the future.”
Thrilled with the outcome, a 38-year-old said, “Loved it! Great tightening and lifting benefits.” A 35-year-old echoed the sentiment, simply saying, “Loved the results.”
Some readers experienced gradual improvements over time. A 55-year-old shared, “It’s been slow to see results, but so far I’m seeing improvements every week. I didn’t think it was painful, and there was no downtime.” Similarly, a 56-year-old who recently had the procedure noted, “It’s too soon for me to see results, but the procedure felt like a brief sting that disappeared quickly.”
For those who felt discomfort, it was generally manageable, and the lack of recovery time was a major plus. A 46-year-old explained, “There were a couple of really painful spots on my face during treatment, but for the most part, it didn’t hurt. There was zero downtime, which I loved, and even though they said I wouldn’t notice any difference immediately, I saw a little tightening. Around six months, my face is much tighter than before I had it done. The only problem is—it’s very expensive.”
The Bottom Line
It’s clear Sofwave is emerging as a go-to treatment for those seeking firmer, more lifted skin without downtime. While it’s a promising option for noninvasive skin rejuvenation, potential patients should weigh the benefits against the investment and consult a board-certified provider to determine if it’s the right fit for their skin goals.
*Source: BeautyEngine Advanced Research, 2025
