Sofwave in Gangnam, Seoul | RESUM Plastic Surgery
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service / Laser-lifting

Sofwave

Sofwave

SOFWAVE

A non-surgical lifting treatment that delivers ultrasound energy to the mid-dermis
to care for skin firmness and fine lines.

Method
About 30 minutes
Anesthesia
Recovery
Topical anesthesia · Daily activities right away
Summary Sofwave is a non-invasive lifting treatment that delivers SUPERB ultrasound to the mid-dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin regeneration, with little surface damage or downtime. It addresses fine lines and skin texture and is performed at RESUM Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul (Apgujeong). Medical Review Medical Review: Won-Suk Kook,Jin-Young Kim
Last updated: 2026-07-21

Why Lisoom

Overview Non-Surgical Ultrasound Lifting That
Precisely Stimulates the Mid-Dermis

Sofwave is a non-surgical lifting device that uses SUPERB™ (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam) ultrasound technology. It precisely delivers ultrasound energy to the mid-dermis (about 1.5 mm) to stimulate collagen and elastin regeneration, and because it does not stimulate the epidermis or subcutaneous fat layer, surface damage tends to be low.

Sofcool™ cooling protects the epidermis, so discomfort and downtime tend to be low, and this FDA-cleared technology refines texture, fine lines and firmness.

DESIGN PRINCIPLE

Methods
How Sofwave Works

Mid-Dermis 1.5 mm SUTURE guide image

SutureMid-Dermis 1.5 mm

It precisely targets only the mid-dermis (about 1.5 mm) without touching the epidermis or the subcutaneous fat layer. Because it addresses texture, fine lines and firmness without damaging the surface, downtime is short and the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation tends to be low. Its key action is stimulating the regeneration of collagen and elastin in the dermis itself.

1.5mm Epidermal Protection Surface Damage ↓
Ultrasound Energy HYBRID guide image

HybridUltrasound Energy

With each shot, high-intensity focused ultrasound (US) energy forms micro thermal coagulation zones in the mid-dermis through 7 beams, inducing collagen contraction and the formation of new collagen and elastin over 4-12 weeks.

Thermage, which also targets the dermis, uses radiofrequency (RF), whereas Sofwave uses ultrasound; this is the key difference. The two devices are sometimes used together in a complementary way.

Ultrasound (US) New Collagen Elastin Regeneration
Cooling System PARTIAL guide image

PartialCooling System

The Sofcool™ cooling system continuously cools the epidermis during the treatment, lowering the risk of burns and reducing discomfort. Because it can be performed with topical anesthesia alone, it can be received without the burden of IV sedation, and downtime such as redness and swelling after the treatment tends to be short.

Sofcool™ Pain ↓ Downtime ↓
Suitable for Thin Skin INCISION guide image

IncisionSuitable for Thin Skin

Because it targets only the mid-dermis and does not stimulate the subcutaneous fat layer, the risk of side effects such as cheek hollowing or sunken cheeks tends to be very low. That it can be applied with little concern even to those with thin skin without fat, a lean face or worries about volume loss is a strength that distinguishes it from other deep-layer lifting treatments.

Cheek Hollowing ↓ Thin Skin Lean Face

OUR PRINCIPLE

Core Values
The Principles RESUM Keeps

Sofwave is a safe option that acts precisely on the mid-dermis. Rather than relying on the specifications of the device itself, RESUM prioritizes an approach in which intensity and the number of shots are adjusted to the patient's skin thickness, texture and degree of sagging.

Right Depth

Right Depth

Precise Depth

Drawing on the fact that the device acts precisely on the mid-dermis at 1.5 mm only, we recommend it for those whose main indications are refining texture, fine lines and firmness. If sagging is at a stage that calls for treatment at the depth of the SMAS, Ultherapy may be more suitable, and in that case we explain other options honestly during the consultation. Even with the same treatment, results are stable when it suits the patient's condition.

Thin Skin Safe

Thin Skin Safe

Protecting Thin Skin

A very low risk of cheek hollowing or sunken cheeks is a feature of Sofwave, but we still set the safe intensity range anew after assessing the patient's skin thickness and fat distribution. For those with a lean face or concerns about volume loss, reducing the burden comes first, and we avoid pushing the intensity.

Honest Limits

Honest Limits

Explaining Its Reach

Deep sagging or changes at the SMAS level that are difficult to address with Sofwave alone are explained honestly during the consultation. It is suitable for refining dermal texture and fine lines, but if contour lifting is needed, Ultherapy or facelift surgery may be a better fit, and whether they can be performed together is also assessed during the consultation.

POINT 03 Features

Sofwave Features

How It Acts on the Mid-Dermis at 1.5 mm

How It Acts on the Mid-Dermis at 1.5 mm

With SUPERB™ ultrasound technology, Sofwave acts precisely on the mid-dermis only (about 1.5 mm). With each shot, multiple beams form micro thermal coagulation zones in the mid-dermis, inducing collagen contraction and the formation of new collagen and elastin over 4-12 weeks. Because the epidermis and subcutaneous fat layer are left untouched, the risk of surface damage and hyperpigmentation tends to be low. Precisely targets only the mid-dermis at about 1.5 mm · Delivers SUPERB™ parallel ultrasound beams · Induces collagen and elastin regeneration · Protects the surface by sparing the epidermis and subcutaneous fat layer

Cooling and Suitability for Thin Skin

Cooling and Suitability for Thin Skin

The Sofcool™ cooling system continuously cools the epidermis during the treatment, lowering the risk of burns and reducing discomfort. It can be performed with topical anesthesia alone, and downtime tends to be short. Because it targets only the mid-dermis and does not stimulate the subcutaneous fat layer, the risk of cheek hollowing or sunken cheeks tends to be low, so it is also gentle on thin skin with little fat. Pain and burn risk ↓ with Sofcool™ cooling · Mainly topical anesthesia, short downtime · Low risk of cheek hollowing · Can be applied to lean faces and thin skin

POINT 04 Sofwave vs. Ultherapy vs. Thermage

How Does Sofwave Differ from Ultherapy and Thermage?

First, it differs from Ultherapy in the depth at which it acts.

First, it differs from Ultherapy
in the depth at which it acts.

Both devices are ultrasound-based, but Ultherapy reaches the depth of the SMAS (about 4.5 mm), which gives it strengths in contour lifting and refining a double chin. Sofwave differs in that it acts on the mid-dermis (about 1.5 mm) and is geared toward refining texture, pores, fine lines and firmness.

Second, it differs from Thermage in the type of energy used.

Second, it differs from Thermage
in the type of energy used.

Both devices treat the dermis, but Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) while Sofwave uses ultrasound (US). Because the pattern of results and the skin conditions each suits differ, the device that fits the patient's condition is decided during the consultation.

Third, it tends to be gentle even on thin skin.

Third, it tends to be gentle
even on thin skin.

Because it precisely targets only the mid-dermis and does not stimulate the subcutaneous fat layer, the risk of cheek hollowing or sunken cheeks tends to be low. It can be applied even to thin skin with little fat or a lean face, but the safe intensity and number of shots are set during the consultation according to the patient's condition.

NOTICE

Precautions
Aftercare & Precautions

N · 01 Sofwave is a non-surgical option that delivers ultrasound to the mid-dermis (about 1.5 mm) to refine texture, fine lines and firmness.
N · 02 When sagging at the depth of the SMAS is pronounced, another treatment may be more suitable than mid-dermal ultrasound, and we explain this during the consultation.
N · 03 Sofwave treatment is not recommended during pregnancy.
N · 04 It is not applied to areas with active skin infection or severe inflammation.
N · 05 Although Sofcool cooling protects the epidermis, please avoid strong stimulation such as saunas and Korean dry saunas (jjimjilbang) for 1 week after the treatment.
N · 06 Please take sufficient care with sun protection during the 4-12 weeks in which new collagen and elastin form.
N · 07 The number of shots and the results may vary with each person's skin thickness and texture, so please consult Dr. Jin-Young Kim, Director, before the treatment.

PROCEDURE DATA

Summary
Treatment Overview

Procedure

Treatment Overview

Treatment time
About 30-45 minutes
Anesthesia
Numbing cream
Daily activities
Daily activities right after treatment
Duration
About 12 months

FOR WHOM

Candidates

Consider a Consultation If

05 Recommended Cases

01 Those whose main concerns are refining texture, fine lines and pores and restoring dermal firmness
02 Those with thin skin with little fat or a lean face who are worried about cheek hollowing
03 Those who prefer a dermis-targeted ultrasound treatment with less discomfort and downtime
04 Those who want to complement Thermage or Ultherapy and address both dermal texture and the stability of results
05 Those who want to begin stable maintenance on a regular touch-up cycle of 6 months to 1 year
Jin-Young Kim · M.D. - RESUM Plastic Surgery Clinic

Doctor's Note

Sofwave is a device that treats only the mid-dermis at 1.5 mm, precisely, without touching the epidermis. Its energy type differs from that of Thermage, which also targets the dermis, and the layer it acts on differs from that of Ultherapy, which works at the depth of the SMAS. The suitable device depends on which result is given priority, and adjusting intensity and the number of shots to the patient's skin thickness and texture is what shapes the result.

Jin-Young Kim · M.D.

Dr. Jin-Young Kim, Director

PROCEDURE FLOW

Process
Treatment Process

01

PHASE I

Texture Diagnosis

We examine skin thickness, texture and the depth of sagging to assess whether mid-dermal ultrasound is suitable at this stage.

CONSULT

02

PHASE II

Shot Planning

We identify areas of concern such as texture, fine lines and pores, and plan the number of shots and intensity for the mid-dermis at about 1.5 mm.

DESIGN

03

PHASE III

Cooled Treatment

Under topical anesthesia, SUPERB parallel-beam ultrasound is delivered to the mid-dermis while Sofcool cooling protects the epidermis.

PROCEDURE

04

PHASE IV

Regeneration Guidance

We explain the immediate tightening, the changes from collagen and elastin regeneration over 4-12 weeks, and the timing of touch-up treatments.

STEP

FREQUENTLY ASKED

FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled the questions patients ask most often before a consultation.

Sofwave is a non-surgical lifting treatment that precisely delivers SUPERB™ ultrasound energy to the mid-dermis (about 1.5 mm) to stimulate collagen and elastin regeneration. Because it targets only the mid-dermis and leaves the epidermis and subcutaneous fat layer untouched, it can refine skin texture, fine lines and firmness without damaging the surface. With the built-in Sofcool™ cooling system, discomfort tends to be low.
With each shot, high-intensity focused ultrasound energy forms micro thermal coagulation zones in the mid-dermis through 7 beams, inducing collagen contraction and the formation of new collagen and elastin over 4-12 weeks. Because Sofcool™ cooling protects the epidermis at the same time, the risk of burns tends to be low, and the treatment can be performed with topical anesthesia alone.
An immediate tightening is felt right after the treatment, and the result then improves as new collagen and elastin form over 4-12 weeks. The timing varies with each patient's skin condition and healing capacity, and the result gradually stabilizes over 2-3 months.
Downtime is short, so you can return to daily activities right after the treatment. There may be some redness and slight swelling, but in most cases it can be covered with makeup and tends not to interfere much with social activities.
As a normal recovery response, slight redness and mild swelling may occur for 1-2 days and settle naturally. Because only the mid-dermis is targeted and Sofcool™ cooling protects the epidermis, the risk of burns, hyperpigmentation or cheek hollowing tends to be low. Following the recommended care right after the treatment supports a stable recovery.
The cost varies with the treatment area (full face / partial), the number of shots, and whether it is combined with other treatments. The exact cost is provided after the consultation, based on the patient's skin condition.

RESUM Plastic Surgery Clinic Location

#601, 6F, 842 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

6F #601, 599-4 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

HOURS

Weekdays
10:00 ~ 20:00
Saturday
10:00 ~ 17:00
Lunch Break
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

(No lunch break on weekends and public holidays) *Dr. Won-Suk Kook is not available on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month.

Parking Information Parking is available in the building. 1 hour of free parking

Subway 5-minute walk from Exit 3 of Apgujeong Station on Line 3 (right next to the 14-story CGV building at Exit 3)

RESUM Plastic Surgery Clinic CEO Won-Suk Kook Business No. 733-11-02929 Phone 02-3445-7770