Full Face Sofwavein Gangnam, Seoul
Full Face Sofwave treats fine lines and mild laxity across the whole face using ultrasound directed to the mid-dermis at around 1.5 mm. Parallel ultrasound beams create fractional zones of warmth that prompt collagen renewal, while integrated cooling helps protect the skin surface. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we map the cheeks, lower face and brow after assessing your skin; a session usually takes about 30–45 minutes with little downtime. (Results vary by individual.)
Who it’s for
- Fine lines and early laxity across more than one facial area
- People who want overall skin quality rather than a single spot
- Those who prefer a mid-dermis ultrasound approach with little downtime
- Anyone looking to complement a deeper lifting plan
Sofwave works in the mid-dermis; for deeper laxity a different approach may suit better. The right plan is decided at consultation.
How it works
Sofwave delivers parallel ultrasound beams to the mid-dermis at a controlled depth of about 1.5 mm, creating fractional zones of warmth that stimulate the skin’s collagen and elastin renewal over the following weeks. A built-in cooling mechanism helps keep the surface comfortable and protected. Sofwave is cleared by the US FDA for improving the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles and for lifting the eyebrow, submental (under-chin) and neck tissue.
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.
04Collagen and elastin renew
The warmth prompts the skin’s own collagen and elastin renewal over the following weeks, so changes are gradual rather than immediate.
Treatment areas
- Cheeks & mid-face
- Fine lines and early softening.
- Lower face & jawline
- Mild laxity along the jaw.
- Brow
- A subtle lift where the brow has descended.
- Perioral area
- Fine lines around the mouth.
What the procedure is like
- 1Consultation and skin assessment
- 2Cleansing and mapping of facial zones
- 3Ultrasound delivery with surface cooling
- 4Soothing and aftercare guidance
Time: A full-face 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 across the treated zones may occur.
- Use sun protection 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 mapped zones, 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 across the face generally eases. Makeup and normal skincare can usually resume as advised.
WEEK 2-6 Early change
Some people notice the skin feeling a little smoother or firmer across the cheeks and lower face. This varies from person to person.
6-12 WEEKS Collagen renewal
As new collagen and elastin form, a gradual firmness and finer texture across the face become 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 a further session suits your skin.
Sessions & results
Many people have a single session, with changes appearing gradually over about 6–12 weeks as collagen renews. Your plan is decided at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
How it compares
These are all non-invasive, energy-based lifting treatments — but they use different energy and reach different depths, so they suit different goals.
| Comparison | Sofwave | Ultherapy PRIME | Thermage FLX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Ultrasound (SUMS parallel beams) | Focused ultrasound (imaging-guided) | Monopolar radiofrequency |
| Main depth | Mid-dermis (~1.5 mm) | Up to ~4.5 mm — reaches the SMAS | Broad heating of the dermis |
| Often chosen for | Fine lines and early laxity | Deeper lift; jawline and neck laxity | Overall tightening and contour |
| Sensation | Warmth with integrated cooling | Brief warmth at each point | Warm heating cycles with cooling |
| 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 treated areas 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 — tell your doctor so timing can be planned
- A history of keloid or difficulty with wound healing
Sofwave works in the mid-dermis and does not suit every degree of laxity; for deeper descent a different approach may be more appropriate. 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 for fine lines and early laxity.
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 zones covered. Please consult us for a personalized quote.
Frequently asked questions
A full-face plan typically maps the cheeks, lower face and jawline, the brow and the area around the mouth. The exact zones are decided at consultation.
Both use ultrasound but at different depths — Sofwave works in the mid-dermis at about 1.5 mm, Ultherapy PRIME reaches deeper including the SMAS. The right choice depends on your skin.
Most people feel warmth during treatment, 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 the same day.
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.
+Full Face Ultherapy PRIME
If deeper laxity is the concern, focused ultrasound reaches the SMAS — a deeper layer than Sofwave — and can be considered instead of or alongside it. Decided at consultation.
+Full Face Thermage FLX
Radiofrequency tightening heats the dermis broadly and addresses a different aspect of firmness — sequencing is decided by your doctor.
+Botulinum toxin
For dynamic lines from muscle movement (forehead, frown, crow’s feet), often planned alongside lifting for a balanced result.
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.