Looking for Skin Tightening in Philadelphia? Here’s What to Know About Sofwave
At Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery in Philadelphia, one of the most common questions we hear is: “What’s the best non-invasive treatment for skin tightening?”
The truth is, not all skin tightening technologies are created equal.
In today’s aesthetic landscape, many treatments promise firmer skin with no downtime. But results can vary significantly depending on how the technology works, where it targets, and how it’s applied.
That’s why we believe in helping patients understand not just what a treatment is—but how to evaluate what actually works.
What Is Sofwave, and How Does It Work?
Sofwave is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive ultrasound treatment designed to improve skin laxity and reduce wrinkles.
At Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery, we use Sofwave to deliver controlled ultrasound energy into the mid-dermis, where it creates precise heat at a targeted depth. This stimulates the body’s natural healing response, leading to new collagen and elastin production over time.
Sofwave uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB™) technology to deliver energy precisely to the mid-dermis at a depth of approximately 1.5mm, generating controlled heat in the range of 150–158°F — the thermal threshold required for collagen remodeling. Integrated real-time cooling protects the skin surface throughout the treatment.
The result:
- Firmer, tighter skin
- Improved skin quality
- No needles or surgery
Most treatments take about 30–45 minutes, with little to no downtime.
Why Treatment Depth Matters for Skin Tightening Results
Different technologies deliver energy at different depths, with varying levels of control.
We evaluate:
- Depth of treatment
- Precision of energy delivery
- Tissue selectivity
Sofwave targets the mid-dermal layer without impacting deeper structures like fat.
Sofwave vs. Other Skin Tightening Treatments: A Comparison
- Radiofrequency (RF): Results vary based on technique
- Laser-based skin tightening: Surface-level focus, less consistent deeper collagen impact
- Microneedling with RF: Multiple sessions and downtime
Sofwave, on the other hand:
- Targets optimal dermal layer
- Offers uniform energy delivery
- Requires no downtime
- Gets consistent results
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you identify with the following:
- Mild to moderate skin laxity
- Early aging signs
- Want no downtime
Common Areas Treated with Sofwave at Our Medspa
Sofwave can be used to treat a range of areas on the face and body, including:
- Face – overall skin tightening and texture improvement
- Brow – non-surgical brow lifting
- Periorbital area – fine lines around the eyes
- Cheeks and midface – improved contour and firmness
- Jawline – definition and early jowl improvement
- Neck – skin laxity and “tech neck” lines
- Submental area- under-chin laxity
- Décolleté – chest skin quality and fine lines
A consultation with our providers will confirm which areas are appropriate based on your anatomy and goals.
What to Expect
Here is what a typical Sofwave appointment looks like:
Step 1 – Consultation
We review your skin goals, anatomy, and medical history to confirm Sofwave is appropriate and to identify the areas to treat.
Step 2 – Preparation
A thin layer of ultrasound gel is applied to the treatment area. No numbing cream is required for most patients.
Step 3 – Treatment
The Sofwave handpiece is moved across the skin, delivering synchronized ultrasound beams to the mid-dermis. Integrated cooling protects the surface in real time. Treatment takes approximately 30–45 minutes.
Step 4 – Immediately after
Mild redness may appear and typically resolves within a few hours.
Patients return to normal activities the same day.
Step 5 – Results over time
Collagen remodeling begins internally. Most patients notice visible improvement starting at 6–12 weeks, with peak results at 3–6 months.
What patients typically report:
- Firmer, tighter skin in treated areas
- Smoother skin texture and improved tone
- Subtle lifting of the brow, cheek or jawline
- Gradual improvement that looks natural, not abrupt
Why Technology Selection Matters
We choose Sofwave because it is backed by the strongest clinical evidence available in non-invasive skin tightening:
- 40+ peer-reviewed publications on safety and efficacy
- Biopsy-confirmed 68% increase in collagen after a single treatment (Wat et al., Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2022)
- Biopsy-confirmed 33% increase in elastin after a single treatment (Wat et al., 2022)
- 667,000+ treatments performed with no reported fat atrophy events
- FDA-cleared for facial and neck lifting, wrinkle reduction and improvement of submental laxity
Our practice is led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. R. Brannon Claytor, and clinical evidence guides every technology decision we make.