If you search for it, there are many explanations saying \u201cUltherapy is for deep lifting\u201d and \u201cSofwave is for fine wrinkles.\u201d However, real faces are not divided that neatly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The jawline may be sagging while the skin is thin with many fine wrinkles, or the facial contour may not be significantly sagging while the skin hangs loosely and appears to have lost elasticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, when I get asked in the clinic, \u201cWhich of the two is better?\u201d, rather than comparing the names of the equipment first, What is the first problem that needs to be solved on your face right now<\/strong>See.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a broad category, both are lifting devices that use ultrasonic energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the method of delivering energy and the main target depth are different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sofwave uses SUPERB\u2122 technology to deliver seven parallel ultrasound beams, creating thermal stimulation in the dermis centered at a depth of about 1.5mm beneath the skin. Official domestic Sofwave materials also describe it as a medical device that helps improve facial wrinkles by delivering energy to a depth of 1.5mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, Ultherapy Prime can create thermal coagulation points at different depths of 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm using micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V). At 4.5mm, it can target deep tissues including the SMAS layer, and a key feature is that depths are selected while verifying subdermal structures through real-time imaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To put it simply,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sofwave focuses more on skin elasticity and wrinkles, whereas Ultherapy focuses on addressing sagging from the skin down to the deep supporting tissues.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, in actual procedures, since the 1.5mm zones of the two devices partially overlap, simply concluding your choice with \u201cSofwave is shallow and Ulthera is deep\u201d is not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not necessarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This question comes up quite often during consultations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo you think I need Ultherapy because my face looks like it's sagging these days?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you look closely at the face, it's not that the jawline itself has collapsed. When the skin becomes thin and loses elasticity, causing the face to appear generally blurred<\/strong>There is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In cases like this, simply stimulating the deep tissues does not necessarily increase satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conversely, if the lower cheeks look heavier when looking straight into the mirror and the jawline has dropped compared to before, or if skin sagging is noticeable from the side profile, it is necessary to examine the condition of the deeper tissues as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultherapy Prime has the advantage of being able to target different depths\u20141.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mm\u2014depending on the condition of the skin and tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words \u201cRather than following the formula \u201dface sagging equals Ultherapy,\" it's about first looking at which layer's changes are creating the current facial impression.<\/strong>That's right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can consider Sofwave in situations like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What catches your eye in the mirror before your jawline when you wash your face after washing your face<\/p>\n\n\n\n than a deep sag decrease in skin's elasticity itself<\/strong>may be a more important issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sofwave delivers parallel ultrasound energy to the mid-dermis, centered at a depth of approximately 1.5 mm, aiming to improve wrinkles and skin elasticity. Clinical studies have also evaluated facial wrinkle improvement, and changes have been reported in lower facial wrinkles such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on these characteristics, VIVTONE's existing Sofwave column also explains cases suitable for fine wrinkles and decreased skin elasticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pain is a question that is never left out when comparing the two procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it is not good to simply distinguish them like \u201cSofwave doesn't hurt and Ultherapy hurts.\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sofwave may also cause a warm or stinging sensation while energy is being delivered, and Ultherapy can also produce varying levels of stimulation depending on the area, depth, and energy settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In particular, Ultherapy Prime features the ability to deliver energy to the required depth while checking the subsurface skin structure in real-time video. Actual pain is also affected by the treatment area, tissue thickness, and energy settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So rather than choosing equipment based on pain alone First, deciding on the desired effects and skin condition, and then taking into account the discomfort you are willing to endure.<\/strong>This is realistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also many such questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the way Just because it's deep doesn't necessarily mean it's better.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In treatment, it is important to deliver the required energy to the targeted layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, simply repeating treatments only on the deeper layers of a face that suffers from a loss of skin elasticity and fine wrinkles does not automatically solve the skin's surface concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conversely, if deep tissue sagging is evident and you only continue to manage the elasticity of the skin's surface, the face contour may not change as much as desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is precisely why Ultherapy Prime can use multiple depths. Because skin and tissue thickness vary from person to person, the necessary layer must be selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Softwave is no exception either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since it is a device that focuses on a specific depth of approximately 1.5mm, whether skin problems of that depth match my concerns<\/strong>is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to nasolabial folds, it is particularly difficult to make a decision based solely on the name of the device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reason they look like they have a hard life loss of skin elasticity and surface wrinkles<\/strong>closer to, or sagging of the cheeks or changes in the midface structure<\/strong>because the approach may vary depending on which one is larger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sofwave can approach the treatment by improving dermal elasticity and wrinkles, whereas Ultherapy can evaluate sagging by including deeper layers. In fact, a Sofwave study also reported an improvement in the volume of nasolabial fold depressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So if you care about your destiny, rather than asking, \u201cWhat is better for my destiny?\u201d \u201cWhether my nasolabial folds are due to large skin wrinkles or deepened by cheek sagging,\u201d<\/strong>Checking that comes first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This part is also covered in detail in a separately written Vivtone column.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vivtone.kr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\ub144-9\uc6d4-10\uc77c-\uc624\ud6c4-12_42_19-769x1024.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAre Sofwave and Ultherapy the same ultrasound lifting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vivtone.kr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tci00780000547-1024x1024.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIs sagging skin always an indication for Ultherapy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conversely, if you are more concerned about skin elasticity and fine lines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vivtone.kr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tai00100003331-861x1024.webp\"){kind=spacer}
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDo Softwave and Ulthera differ in pain as well?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIsn't Ulthera more effective because it goes deeper?\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vivtone.kr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/06_\uc815\uba74\ud3ec\uc988_\ub124\uc774\ube44\uc2a4\ud06c\ub7fd.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to nasolabial folds (smile lines), which is better, Sofwave or Ultherapy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vivtone.kr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tip115s18120095-1-1024x683.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vivtone.kr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/01_\ud658\uc790\uc0c1\ub2f4_\ud654\uc774\ud2b8\uac00\uc6b4.webp\")
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