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2026 · 9 min read

Does Sofwave tighten the face and neck without surgery?

Sofwave can improve mild facial and neck skin laxity without surgery. See how ultrasound treatment works, when results appear, what recovery involves, and Montreal prices.

Medical illustration of a Sofwave applicator treating a woman's lower face, with a skin cross-section showing ultrasound energy reaching the dermis.

Key facts

  • Sofwave delivers ultrasound energy to the mid-dermis at approximately 1.5 mm beneath the skin's surface.
  • A full-face Sofwave session typically takes 30–45 minutes, depending on the treatment plan.
  • Sofwave results generally develop over approximately 12 weeks as collagen remodeling progresses.

Sofwave can help tighten mildly lax skin on the face and neck without surgery. A treatment typically takes 30–45 minutes, with visible improvements developing over approximately 12 weeks as the skin remodels collagen.

It is generally best suited to adults with mild to moderate skin laxity who want gradual, natural-looking improvement rather than the dramatic changes of a surgical facelift.

What is Sofwave, and how does it tighten skin?

Sofwave is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that uses ultrasound energy to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles and loose skin.

Unlike a surgical facelift, Sofwave does not involve incisions, stitches or removing excess skin. Instead, it delivers ultrasound energy into the dermis, the layer of skin where collagen and elastin provide structural support.

Its technology, called SUPERB™ (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam), creates controlled zones of heat within the skin. This stimulates a biological repair response that supports collagen remodeling.

Sofwave targets approximately 1.5 mm beneath the skin's surface. Its integrated SofCool™ cooling system helps protect the outer skin layer during energy delivery.

Collagen is one of the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm. As we age, changes in collagen and elastin contribute to wrinkles and skin laxity.

By stimulating collagen remodeling, Sofwave can gradually improve the skin's firmness and appearance without changing the natural movement of facial muscles.

Patients interested in this technology can explore our Sofwave skin tightening treatment in Montreal.

Health Canada lists Sofwave as a licensed Class III medical device under licence number 105760. The device also has supporting published clinical research.

Can Sofwave tighten the jawline, double chin and neck?

Sofwave can address several areas where skin laxity becomes more noticeable with age.

Can Sofwave improve a sagging jawline?

Mild skin looseness around the lower face can make the jawline appear less defined.

Sofwave stimulates collagen remodeling in the treated skin and may create a firmer-looking facial contour.

However, the degree of improvement depends on the amount of loose skin, underlying facial structure and individual response.

Sofwave cannot reproduce the tissue repositioning achieved through surgery.

Does Sofwave work on loose skin under the chin?

The submental area, commonly called the double-chin area, may develop loose skin due to aging, genetics or changes in weight.

Sofwave can help lift lax skin beneath the chin.

An important distinction is that skin tightening and fat reduction are not the same treatment.

Sofwave is primarily used to improve skin laxity. It should not be presented as a direct treatment for removing a substantial collection of fat.

When excess fat is the primary concern, a separate assessment may identify other options, including Belkyra treatment for submental fat.

Can Sofwave tighten the neck?

The neck is another area where collagen loss and skin laxity may become visible.

Sofwave has been studied for lifting lax neck tissue, particularly in patients with mild to moderate concerns.

Some patients notice improved firmness or a more defined transition between the chin and neck.

Patients with substantial excess skin may require a different treatment approach.

Can Sofwave lift the eyebrows?

Sofwave has also been studied for non-surgical eyebrow lifting.

Improving tissue firmness around the eyebrow area can provide a subtle lifting effect.

The treatment does not replace surgical brow lifting when a significant repositioning of tissues is needed.

How long does it take to see results from Sofwave?

Sofwave results develop gradually because collagen remodeling is a biological process.

Some patients notice early changes within the first few weeks, but the full response takes longer.

A general timeline is:

First few weeks: Subtle changes in skin firmness may begin to appear.

6–12 weeks: Collagen remodeling continues, and improvements may become more noticeable.

Around 3 months: Many patients can better evaluate their results.

3–6 months: Further changes may be observed in some patients as tissue remodeling continues.

Published research supports measurable improvements in facial skin laxity after Sofwave treatment, although not every patient experiences the same response.

A 2024 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology followed 15 participants who received two ultrasound treatments. Investigators observed improvements in eyebrow, submental and neck laxity at three- and six-month follow-ups.

A separate clinical study involving 60 enrolled participants examined facial and neck wrinkles after a single ultrasound treatment.

These studies support the treatment's potential, but their findings do not guarantee a particular result for an individual patient.

How many Sofwave sessions will I need?

Many patients begin with one Sofwave treatment.

Depending on the degree of laxity and the desired improvement, a second session may be considered.

Published clinical studies have evaluated both single-session and two-session approaches.

The appropriate number of sessions depends on several factors, including age, skin condition, treatment area and previous aesthetic procedures.

A consultation is important because not every patient needs the same protocol.

Sofwave is also not a permanent way to stop skin aging. Maintenance treatments may be considered over time according to individual response and goals.

Is Sofwave painful, and is there any downtime?

Most full-face Sofwave appointments involve approximately 30–45 minutes of treatment time, although larger or combined areas may require longer.

Before treatment, the provider reviews the patient's medical history and aesthetic goals.

A topical numbing cream may be applied to improve comfort.

During the procedure, patients may feel warmth or brief discomfort when the ultrasound energy is delivered.

Discomfort varies between individuals. In one small clinical study of skin lifting, the average reported pain score was 5.6 out of 10.

Sofwave usually involves minimal downtime, allowing many patients to resume their usual activities shortly afterward.

However, possible adverse effects include:

Redness or swelling

Tenderness or discomfort

Bruising

Changes in skin pigmentation

Less commonly, persistent redness, skin injury or ulceration

Most routine reactions are temporary, but complications are possible.

Patients should follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by their treating professional.

Who should not have Sofwave treatment?

Sofwave is not appropriate for every patient.

According to the manufacturer's safety information, treatment is contraindicated for people with open wounds or lesions in the treatment area, severe or cystic acne in that area, or certain implanted electronic devices.

Additional precautions apply to patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, recently postpartum, or have active infections or skin conditions affecting healing.

Certain medications, recent aesthetic treatments, metal implants and injectable fillers may also affect the treatment plan.

Patients should disclose their medical history, medications and previous procedures during consultation.

A qualified healthcare professional must determine individual eligibility before proceeding.

How much does Sofwave cost in Montreal?

At Ideal Body Clinic, Sofwave pricing depends on the area being treated.

Treatment area

Price (CAD)

Full face

$1,500

Lower face and jawline

$1,200

Double chin

$500

Neck

$900

Neck and double chin

$1,200

Full face and neck

$2,200–$2,500

Prices exclude applicable taxes and are subject to confirmation.

For patients considering treatment of multiple areas, combining them into one plan may be worth discussing during consultation.

The most appropriate treatment is not necessarily the one covering the largest area. It is the one that addresses the actual concern.

Is Sofwave better than a surgical facelift or other skin treatments?

Sofwave and a surgical facelift do not provide the same degree of correction.

Sofwave primarily targets skin firmness through collagen remodeling. Surgery can reposition deeper tissues and remove excess skin.

For patients with mild laxity who prefer a non-invasive approach, Sofwave may be an appropriate option.

For advanced sagging, surgical treatment may provide a greater degree of lifting.

Other non-surgical technologies also work differently.

For example, Profound RF microneedling combines microneedles with radiofrequency energy to address selected skin concerns.

Neither treatment is universally superior. The choice depends on skin quality, treatment goals, medical suitability and expected recovery.

Where can I get Sofwave in Montreal?

Ideal Body Clinic offers Sofwave at its Monkland location:

Ideal Body Clinic, Monkland 6000 Monkland Avenue Montreal, Quebec Telephone: 514-998-0998

Patients can find location information through our Monkland clinic page.

A consultation allows the team to examine the skin, discuss realistic outcomes and recommend an individualized treatment plan.

Is Sofwave worth considering for face and neck tightening?

Sofwave may be worth considering when the main concern is mild to moderate skin laxity and the goal is gradual improvement without surgery.

It is important to distinguish skin laxity from excess fat, facial volume loss or more advanced tissue sagging. These concerns may require different approaches.

At Ideal Body Clinic, the focus is on selecting care that fits the whole patient, including aesthetic goals, medical history and expectations.

A personalized assessment is the best starting point for determining whether Sofwave belongs in your treatment plan.

Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. Nothing here is medical advice — book a consultation and we will look at your case.