Sofwave® Skin Tightening

As we age, the skin’s natural collagen and elastin fibres begin to weaken, leading to laxity, fine lines and loss of firmness. Sofwave® is an advanced ultrasound-based technology designed specifically to tighten and lift the skin by stimulating new collagen — without heating or damaging the deeper fat layers that define natural facial contours.

At McKeown Medical, we use Sofwave® as part of our regenerative aesthetic philosophy: working with your skin to rebuild support and resilience rather than simply masking the signs of ageing.

At a glance

Every patient is unique, and during our consultation process, we work with you to develop a bespoke treatment plan based on what you want to achieve.

Treatment time

30-45 minutes

Anaesthetic

Topical anaesthetic cream applied beforehand for comfort

Downtime

Minimal – mild redness or swelling for a few hours

Length of results

12 – 18 months

Pricing

£700 - £3600 depending on areas treated and protocol used

How Does It Work?

Before & 12 weeks after Sofwave® neck treatment

What is Sofwave®?

Sofwave® is a next-generation non-invasive ultrasound treatment that delivers precise energy into the mid-dermis — the layer of skin responsible for collagen and elastin production.

Unlike older ultrasound or radiofrequency technologies that can penetrate too deeply and affect the fat layer beneath the skin, Sofwave®’s energy is confined to the skin itself, where collagen stimulation is most beneficial.

This selective, skin-focused approach makes Sofwave® ideal for patients who:

Want tighter, smoother, firmer skin
Wish to avoid volume loss or fat reduction
Prefer natural, regenerative rejuvenation with minimal downtime

The controlled ultrasound energy creates small zones of thermal injury within the dermis, triggering the body’s natural wound-healing response. Over the following months, new collagen and elastin are produced — firming and lifting the skin from within.

Before & 12 weeks after Sofwave® neck treatment

How Sofwave® differs from other skin-tightening technologies

Many earlier-generation devices — such as certain radiofrequency or HIFU systems — deliver heat deeper into the face, sometimes reaching the fat compartments below the skin. For patients who already have volume loss, this can potentially accentuate hollowing or gauntness.

Sofwave® is different. Its SUPERB™ (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam) technology targets only the mid-dermal layer — sparing the fat and deeper tissues entirely.

That means you can enjoy firmer, lifted skin without compromising natural facial volume or contour.

In short:

Stimulates collagen and elastin in the skin
Does not melt or shrink facial fat
Safe, predictable and consistent outcomes
Suitable for all skin tones

Before & 10 months after Sofwave® neck treatment

The regenerative aesthetic philosophy

At McKeown Medical, we view Sofwave® as part of a broader regenerative aesthetic approach — treatments that prompt your body to repair, rebuild and strengthen itself.

Sofwave® complements other regenerative therapies such as Sculptra® collagen stimulation, and laser resurfacing — creating a layered rejuvenation strategy that enhances both skin quality and structure over time.

Rather than chasing quick fixes, our goal is to help your skin perform better — naturally.

Before and 4 weeks after Sofwave® arm treatment

Sofwave® for arms

Sofwave® can be an excellent option for improving the appearance of the upper arms — an area where many patients notice early skin laxity but wish to avoid surgical procedures.

Since Sofwave® works by stimulation your own collagen and elastin, it is particularly well-suited for tightening and smoothing the delicate skin on the upper arms, where loss of firmness and crepiness often occur with age or weight changes.

Before and 12 weeks after Sofwave® treatment for cellulite

Sofwave® for cellulite

Sofwave® can also be used to improve the appearance of cellulite — a common concern caused by uneven fat distribution and thinning of the skin’s support structure.

By delivering focused ultrasound energy into the mid-dermis, Sofwave® stimulates new collagen and elastin production, helping to thicken and strengthen the skin from within. This regenerative effect can smooth out surface irregularities and create a firmer, more even texture over time.

Before & after Sofwave® neck treatment

The treatment process

Consultation
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation. We’ll assess your facial structure, degree of laxity, skin quality, and discuss whether Sofwave® is the most effective approach for your goals. We will also tell you about additional treatments that may compliment the result or alternative treatment strategies if we think they could be better for you.
Preparation
A topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area to maximise comfort.
Treatment
The Sofwave® handpiece glides across the skin, delivering parallel beams of ultrasound energy to the mid-dermis. Patients may feel brief warmth or tingling as energy is delivered, but discomfort is typically mild and temporary.
Aftercare
Mild redness or swelling can occur but usually subsides within a few hours. There’s no need for downtime — makeup can be applied the same day, and you can return to work or social activities immediately.
Results timeline
- Weeks 0-4: Skin feels tighter and more refreshed
- Months 3-6: Collagen remodelling becomes more visible
- Months 6 + : Optimal lifting and firming effects continue to develop

Rediscover firmer, smoother skin without losing your natural volume

If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to restore firmness and definition — with technology that targets only the skin— Sofwave® could be the perfect solution.

Book a consultation at McKeown Medical to explore how this advanced ultrasound treatment can lift, tighten and revitalise your skin as part of a bespoke, regenerative care plan.

Book your consultation

Before & after Sofwave® eye treatment

Who is Sofwave® suitable for?

Sofwave® is ideal for individuals who:

Notice early to moderate skin laxity on the face, jawline or neck
Want firmer, smoother skin without injectables or surgery
Prefer a treatment that preserves fat volume while improving skin tone
Have previously had fillers and wish to maintain volume while tightening the overlying skin
Are looking for a low-downtime, evidence-based rejuvenation treatment

It can also be an excellent maintenance therapy after facelift surgery or filler treatments to prolong and enhance results.

Pricing

The price of the treatment depends on the area you are having treated and the intensity of the treatment. The standard treatment protocol involves delivering enough pulses to treat around 20% of the skins surface area. There is evidence that having more intense treatments, targeting up to 40% of the surface area, gives even greater results.

See full Sofwave® pricing

Full face & neck

From £2,600

Face

From £1,800

Neck

From £1,800

Lower face & neck

From £1,800

Brow

From £700

Full face & neck

From £2,600

Face

From £1,800

Neck

From £1,800

Lower face & neck

From £1,800

Brow

From £700

Before & after Sofwave® facial treatment

Why choose McKeown Medical for Sofwave®?

At McKeown Medical, our treatments are carefully selected for their safety, scientific evidence, and natural outcomes. With decades of combined expertise across aesthetic medicine, plastic surgery and regenerative therapies, our team ensures that every Sofwave® treatment is:

Scientifically sound and medically led
Tailored to your unique anatomy
Delivered in a luxurious, controlled clinical environment
Integrated with a long-term skin health plan for enduring results

What results can I expect?

Before & 8 weeks after Sofwave® arm treatment

What results can I expect?

Results appear gradually as collagen renews. Most patients see improvement from around 8 weeks, with continued tightening and smoothing over 3 – 6 months.

Clinical studies show measurable lifting of the eyebrows, jawline and neck, as well as overall improvement in skin firmness and elasticity — with results lasting up to 18 months after a single treatment.

For optimal outcomes, some patients benefit from an annual maintenance session.

Before & 12 weeks after Sofwave® cellulite treatment

Common Questions

Will Sofwave® make my face look thinner?

No. Sofwave®’s energy is confined to the skin layer and does not affect the fat beneath, so it won’t cause fat loss or hollowness.

Is it painful?

Most patients tolerate the treatment well. We apply a topical anaesthetic and use integrated skin cooling for comfort.

Can I combine Sofwave® with fillers or other treatments?

Yes — we often combine Sofwave® with Sculptra® or hyaluronic acid fillers for a comprehensive rejuvenation approach, addressing both skin firmness and volume. If you need more improvement to the surface and texture of the skin, then you can combine treatment with lasers like BBL or Halo.

How soon will I see results?

Some notice subtle tightening within a few weeks, but full results typically develop over 3 – 6 months as new collagen forms.

Is there any downtime?

No significant downtime — most people resume normal activities straight away. Mild redness or swelling may occur but settles quickly.

Your Expert Team

Founder

Dr Darren McKeown

Our founder, Dr Darren McKeown, is renowned for his expertise and artistry with dermal fillers. As a peer-reviewed medical author, he is passionate about treatments that stand up to scientific scrutiny. Above all, Dr McKeown believes in a global approach; delivering flawless results – and rejuvenation that lasts.

Meet Dr Darren McKeown

Medical Director

Dr Rhona Cameron

Dr Rhona Cameron is a skilled injector who has been extensively trained in Dr McKeown’s signature intuitive technique. Her treatments blend advanced facial optimisation with powerful, energy-based devices – such as lasers, BBL and radio frequency – energising the appearance and enhancing skin health. approach; delivering flawless results – and rejuvenation that lasts.

Meet Dr Rhona Cameron

1 / 2

2 / 2