Body Sofwavein Gangnam, Seoul
Body Sofwave firms areas of body skin laxity — commonly the upper arms — using mid-dermis ultrasound at about 1.5 mm. Parallel ultrasound beams prompt collagen renewal so the skin may feel firmer, while integrated cooling protects the surface. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we decide the areas after assessing your skin; a session usually takes about 30–45 minutes with little downtime. (Results vary by individual.)
Who it’s for
- Mild skin laxity on the upper arms
- Crepey skin on body areas decided at consultation
- People who want to firm body skin without surgery
- Anyone who prefers little downtime for body areas
Body Sofwave addresses skin firmness, not fat volume or weight — it is not a fat-reduction treatment. Whether it suits you is confirmed during consultation.
How it works
Parallel ultrasound beams warm the mid-dermis of the body area at about 1.5 mm, creating fractional zones that prompt collagen renewal over the following weeks so the skin may firm. Integrated cooling protects the surface. Sofwave is cleared by the US FDA for improving the appearance of skin laxity on the upper arms and, on a short-term basis, the appearance of cellulite.
THE MECHANISM, STEP BY STEP
01Parallel beams to the mid-dermis
Sofwave sends parallel ultrasound beams to a controlled depth of about 1.5 mm — the mid-dermis — rather than the deeper SMAS layer.
02Fractional zones of warmth
The beams create small, evenly spaced zones of warmth in the dermis, leaving surrounding tissue to support renewal.
03The surface stays cooled
An integrated cooling mechanism keeps the skin surface protected and more comfortable while the dermis is warmed.
04Firmness, not fat
Sofwave prompts collagen and elastin renewal to firm body skin over the following weeks; it addresses skin quality, not fat volume or weight.
Treatment areas
- Upper arms
- Laxity along the back of the arms.
- Above knees / elbows
- Fine crepey skin over the joints.
- Other body areas
- Decided at consultation.
What the procedure is like
- 1Consultation and assessment of the body area
- 2Cleansing and mapping of the treatment zone
- 3Ultrasound delivery with surface cooling
- 4Soothing and aftercare guidance
Time: A body session takes about 30–45 minutes.
Recovery & aftercare
- Little to no downtime; most people return to daily activities the same day.
- Temporary redness or mild swelling in the treated area may occur.
- Use sun protection on exposed areas and follow the aftercare guidance we provide.
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
DAY 0 Treatment day
Warmth as the ultrasound is delivered across the body area, eased by the integrated cooling; afterwards mild redness that usually settles within hours. Most people return to daily activities the same day.
DAY 1-3 Settling
Any redness or mild swelling in the treated area generally eases. Normal activity and skincare can usually resume as advised.
WEEK 2-6 Early change
Some people notice the body skin feeling a little firmer. This varies from person to person.
6-12 WEEKS Collagen renewal
As new collagen and elastin form, a gradual firmness in the treated area becomes more noticeable for many people. This is typically when results are assessed. (Results vary by individual.)
~6 MONTHS Review
Your doctor reviews the outcome and, if appropriate, discusses whether to repeat treatment for that area.
Sessions & results
A single session per area is common, with changes appearing gradually over about 6–12 weeks as collagen renews. Whether to repeat is decided at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
How it compares
On the body, several energy treatments address different things — skin firmness versus fat. They are not interchangeable, and the right choice depends on your goal.
| Comparison | Sofwave | Thermage FLX | ONDA Lifting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Ultrasound (SUMS parallel beams) | Monopolar radiofrequency | Microwave (Coolwaves) |
| Main target | Skin firmness in the mid-dermis | Skin tightening across the dermis | Selective targeting of deeper fat |
| Often chosen for | Crepey or lax body skin | Overall skin tightening | Localized fat with some laxity |
| Sensation | Warmth with integrated cooling | Warm heating cycles with cooling | Deep warmth over the area |
| Downtime | Little to none | Little to none | Little to none |
Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
Safety & considerations
Possible reactions
- Temporary redness or a flushed feeling
- Mild swelling or tenderness in the treated area for a short time
- Occasionally small areas of bruising
- Rarely, temporary changes in skin sensation that typically settle
When to take extra care
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding — let us know at consultation
- Active skin infection, inflammation or open lesions in the treatment area
- Implanted electrical devices, or metal implants in the area — tell your doctor
- Recent fillers, threads or other energy treatments in the area — tell your doctor so timing can be planned
- A history of keloid or difficulty with wound healing
Body Sofwave addresses skin firmness, not fat volume or weight, and it does not suit every degree of laxity. Whether it is right for you is confirmed during consultation. Effects and downtime vary by individual, and side effects may occur.
Your care at QD Clinic
Performed by a board-certified doctor
Your treatment is performed and medically reviewed by a board-certified doctor, not delegated unsupervised.
Mid-dermis approach with cooling
Sofwave works in the mid-dermis at about 1.5 mm with integrated surface cooling — an approach chosen to firm body skin rather than reduce fat.
Care in your language
Consultation in English, with 中文 and 日本語 support arranged on request — including questions before you travel.
A short walk from Gangnam Station
Central Seoul location with guidance from the airport and nearby hotels, and hours shown in KST.
Pricing
Pricing depends on the area treated. Please consult us for a personalized quote.
Frequently asked questions
The upper arms are a common area; other areas are decided at consultation. Sofwave is FDA-cleared for improving the appearance of skin laxity on the upper arms.
No. It addresses skin firmness, not fat volume or weight. If fat is your main concern, we discuss other options at consultation.
Most people feel warmth eased by the built-in cooling. Comfort options are discussed at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
Changes appear gradually over about 6–12 weeks as collagen renews. (Results vary by individual.)
Little to none. Temporary redness may occur and usually settles quickly.
Yes. Our doctors consult in English directly, and 中文 / 日本語 can be arranged in advance. Tell us your language on WhatsApp before your visit.
Often considered together
Treatments that are sometimes planned alongside this one, decided at consultation.
+Body ONDA Lifting
If localized fat rather than skin laxity is the main concern, ONDA uses microwave energy to target deeper fat — a different aim from skin firmness. Sequencing is decided by your doctor.
+Body Thermage FLX
Radiofrequency tightening heats the dermis broadly and can also be considered for body skin firmness — which approach suits you is decided at consultation.
For international patients
Consultation in English / 中文 / 日本語 · WhatsApp · WeChat · KakaoTalk · a 4-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon / Nonhyeon Station (hours in KST) · card payment.
For International PatientsMedically reviewed by Dr. Sahyeok Hong, board-certified plastic surgeon and Director of QD Clinic.