Face
Read about Skin Tightening
Skin Tightening
Every option we offer for loose or sagging skin on the face and body.
Details
Skin rejuvenation
Sofwave Skin Tightening in Ponte Vedra Beach
FDA-cleared ultrasound that lifts and tightens the skin of the face and neck by rebuilding collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, usually in a single session with no downtime.
Treatment time
30 to 45 minutes
Sessions
Usually 1, sometimes 2
Downtime
None
Results last
1 to 2 years or longer
What is Sofwave and what does it treat?
Short answer
Sofwave is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive ultrasound treatment that lifts and tightens the skin of the face and neck. It heats the mid-dermis to trigger new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. It is cleared to improve facial lines and wrinkles, lift the eyebrows, tighten under the chin and the neck, improve acne scars and firm the upper arms.
Lines, sagging and loss of definition come from structural changes in the skin. Topical products and injectables can help, but they do not rebuild the collagen and elastin that keep skin firm.
Sofwave uses SUPERB (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam) technology: seven parallel ultrasound beams heat tissue 0.5 to 2 mm below the surface to 65 to 70°C, the depth and temperature that prompt the skin to rebuild. An integrated cooling system protects the surface throughout.
Results build gradually over 8 to 12 weeks after a single session and keep improving for up to six months. It is safe for all skin types and can be done at any time of year, including summer.
Key concerns addressed
What Sofwave treats
Six concerns on the face, neck and beyond, each within Sofwave's FDA clearance or treatment plan.
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Fine lines and wrinkles
Lines on the forehead, around the eyes and around the mouth. In clinical studies, 86% of patients had a reduction in their Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Elastosis Score and 72% saw visible improvement.
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Sagging brows and hooded eyes
Sofwave is FDA-cleared to lift the eyebrows, opening up the eye area for a more alert look without surgery.
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Under-chin laxity
Tightening the submental area improves jawline definition and softens the look of a double chin.
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Neck laxity and crepey skin
The neck often shows age early. Sofwave tightens and smooths it, improving contour and texture.
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Laxity after weight loss
Loose facial skin after GLP-1 or Ozempic-assisted weight loss can be part of a wider plan. See how to fix Ozempic face.
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Acne scars
Sofwave's applicator is FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars by stimulating collagen remodeling.
How does Sofwave work?
Sofwave delivers precise, parallel ultrasound beams to the mid-dermal layer. Heating that tissue stimulates fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Many treatments target collagen alone; Sofwave stimulates all three building blocks of firm, healthy skin.
Because the energy stays at a controlled depth and the surface is cooled, there is no damage to the epidermis or the structures below. That is why Sofwave is safe for darker skin tones, which can be more vulnerable to burns with other energy-based treatments.
- Seven parallel beams: uniform, volumetric heating across the treated area
- Depth: 0.5 to 2 mm, the mid-dermis
- Temperature: 65 to 70°C in the target tissue
- Integrated cooling: protects the skin surface for comfort and safety
Sofwave or Ultherapy?
Both use ultrasound to stimulate collagen, but they work at different depths. Sofwave targets the mid-dermis with parallel beams and integrated cooling. Ultherapy delivers energy to deeper layers and suits moderate to severe laxity, but can be less comfortable and needs multiple passes. Dermagnify offers Sofwave.
Neither is right for everyone. The best choice depends on your anatomy and what you want to change, and Dr. Cappel will tell you plainly whether Sofwave suits your goals.
- Compare in depth: Sofwave vs Ultherapy, on results, comfort, downtime and cost
- Every option: skin tightening treatments we offer for the face and body
What does treatment feel like?
Most patients find Sofwave comfortable. You feel warmth and a mild prickling as each pulse is delivered, while the cooling system keeps the surface comfortable. A topical numbing cream is available, though many patients do not need it.
Side effects are mild and short-lived: temporary redness, slight swelling and tingling that usually settle within a few hours, and occasionally minor bruising. You can return to work, exercise and makeup straight away, which makes it a true lunchtime treatment.
Treatment overview
What to expect, from consultation to results
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01
Consultation
Dr. Cappel assesses your skin, discusses your goals and confirms whether Sofwave is right for you, then builds a personalized plan.
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02
Preparation
Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks beforehand. Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup.
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03
Treatment
The skin is cleansed, numbing cream is applied if you want it, and the applicator is moved across each area in a set pattern. 30 to 45 minutes for full face and neck.
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04
Aftercare
No downtime. Any redness, swelling or tingling usually fades within a few hours.
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05
Results
Some tightening may show right away. Full results develop over 8 to 12 weeks and keep improving for up to six months.
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06
Maintenance
Results last one to two years or longer. Some patients add a maintenance session after 12 to 18 months.
Suitability
Is Sofwave right for you?
A good fit if
- You are 22 or older with mild to moderate lines, wrinkles or laxity on the face and neck
- You want to lift sagging brows or soften hooded eyelids
- You want a more defined jawline or less under-chin laxity
- You want to improve acne scars
- You want natural, gradual results with no downtime, at any time of year
- You have any skin type or tone, including darker skin
Not the right treatment if
- You are pregnant
- You have an active infection or open wound in the treatment area
- You have metal implants in the treatment area
- You have certain medical conditions; Dr. Cappel reviews your history first
For lines caused by expression, see Botox, Dysport and Letybo. To lift and tone the facial muscles as well as the skin, see Emface.
Compared
Sofwave compared with other skin tightening
| Treatment | How it works | Downtime | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofwave | SUPERB ultrasound, seven parallel beams to the mid-dermis; stimulates collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid | None | Fine lines, wrinkles, brow lift, neck tightening and acne scars; all skin types |
| Ultherapy | Ultrasound energy delivered to deeper layers | None | Moderate to severe laxity; can be uncomfortable and requires multiple passes |
| Thermage | Monopolar radiofrequency heats deep tissue | None | Skin tightening in a single session; can be less comfortable and less predictable |
Results
Before and after
Sofwave results on the neck, photographed before treatment and 12 weeks after.
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Before
After
Sofwave · Female, age 45 to 54
Individual results vary. Photographs depict actual outcomes for specific patients and are not a guarantee of the results any individual patient will experience.
Cost
What Sofwave costs at Dermagnify
Pricing
Sofwave pricing depends on the areas treated and your plan, and we give you a transparent quote at your consultation. Most patients reach their goal in a single session, with some benefiting from a second three to six months later, so there is no long series to budget for. Flexible payment options are available.
Costs vary with the number of sessions and the areas treated. We give you transparent pricing at your consultation, before any treatment. Cost and payment options
Questions
Questions about Sofwave
You may notice some tightening right away, but full results develop over 8 to 12 weeks as your skin produces new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Results continue to improve for up to six months.
Most patients find it comfortable, describing mild warmth and tingling. Topical numbing cream is available, though many patients do not need it.
One to two years or longer, depending on your skin, age and lifestyle. Some patients choose a maintenance treatment after 12 to 18 months.
No. You can return to work, exercise, makeup and social plans immediately after treatment.
Most patients achieve their result with a single session. Those with more advanced concerns may benefit from a second treatment three to six months later.
Yes. Sofwave is safe for all skin types and tones, including darker skin, because it heats the mid-dermis while cooling protects the surface. It can be done year-round, including in summer.
No. Dermagnify offers Sofwave, which also uses ultrasound but targets the mid-dermis rather than deeper layers. Our Sofwave vs Ultherapy guide explains how the two compare.
Where
Sofwave in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
At our office at 100 Executive Way, Suite 114, Ponte Vedra Beach, under the care of Dr. Cappel, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist.
Patients see us from Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Palm Coast and across Northeast Florida.
- HoursMonday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Phone(904) 686-7771
- PaymentSelf-pay, credit cards, CareCredit and Cherry
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