Sofwave in Jongno & Myeongdong Sofwave in Seoul, explained.
Sofwave is a non-surgical treatment that uses SUPERB synchronous parallel ultrasound beams to heat the mid-dermis at about 1.5 mm, with built-in surface cooling. It suits fine lines, early laxity and skin that has lost firmness on the face and neck. At Obliv Seoul Origin in Jongno, central Seoul, a physician plans each session.
Sofwave, in brief.
The essentials, answered plainly. Your physician confirms what applies to your skin at consultation.
Ask a physician- What it is
- An ultrasound skin-tightening device using SUPERB (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam) technology.
- Best for
- Fine lines and wrinkles, early laxity, crepey skin and overall firmness on face and neck.
- How it works
- Seven parallel ultrasound beams create cylindrical zones of heat in the mid-dermis, stimulating collagen.
- Skin layer treated
- Mid-dermis, at a fixed depth of about 1.5 mm.
- Treatment time
- Around 30–45 minutes for a full face.
- Comfort
- Brief deep warmth with each pulse; integrated cooling protects the surface and numbing cream is applied.
- Downtime
- Usually minimal — mild redness or slight swelling for a few hours.
- Results
- Gradual firming and smoothing from 1–3 months, final around 3–6 months.
How does Sofwave work?
Sofwave delivers ultrasound through seven parallel beams that heat small cylinders of tissue in the mid-dermis, at a fixed depth of about 1.5 mm. An integrated cooling system protects the skin surface throughout.
Because it targets the dermis rather than the deep fascia, Sofwave is mainly a skin-quality and tightening treatment: it is chosen for fine lines, crepiness and firmness more than for structural lift.
In our Skin Architecture approach, Sofwave addresses the mid-dermis. Where sagging comes from deeper layers, your physician may suggest focused ultrasound such as Ultherapy Prime alongside it.
Sofwave vs Ultherapy — what's the difference?
Both use ultrasound, but in different ways. Ultherapy focuses energy into precise points as deep as the SMAS (about 4.5 mm) under real-time imaging. Sofwave uses parallel beams at a single, shallower depth in the dermis.
In practice, Ultherapy is chosen for lift and contour, while Sofwave is chosen for fine lines and skin firmness. Sofwave sessions are also typically shorter, and many people find them a little more comfortable.
What happens on the day?
You meet a physician first for assessment and Mark-Vu imaging. After numbing, the applicator is moved across the face in a series of passes, with cooling built into each pulse.
- Physician consultation and Mark-Vu imaging
- Numbing cream applied
- Parallel-beam ultrasound passes across face and neck
- Soothing care and aftercare in English
- Your session recorded in the Skin Library
Recovery, aftercare and travel plans
Mild redness usually fades within a few hours. Some people have slight swelling or tenderness for a day, and make-up can typically be worn the next day.
With minimal downtime, Sofwave suits a short visit to Seoul. The clinic is in Jongno, close to Myeongdong, Insadong and Cheonggyecheon Stream, and open seven days a week.
Not suitable during pregnancy, over open wounds or active infection, or over certain implants in the treatment area. Your physician will confirm suitability at consultation.
Sofwave vs Ultherapy
| Sofwave | Ultherapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Synchronous parallel-beam ultrasound | Micro-focused ultrasound |
| Depth | Mid-dermis, ~1.5 mm | Up to ~4.5 mm (SMAS) |
| Main effect | Fine lines, firmness, texture | Lift and contour |
| Surface protection | Integrated cooling | No contact cooling; imaging-guided |
| Typical session | 30–45 min full face | 60–90 min full face |
Concerns Sofwave is chosen for
From first message to follow-up.
Consultation, plan and aftercare are handled in English — whether you live in Seoul or are here for a few days.
Message us on WhatsApp with your concerns and travel dates. We reply with availability.
Mark-Vu imaging and a physician consultation identify which skin layer is involved.
A clear plan and pricing before anything begins — often on the same day when appropriate.
Written aftercare, and your records kept in our Skin Library for your next visit.
Not sure it is right for you?
Send a photo and a few lines about your concern. A physician-led team will tell you whether Sofwave suits your skin — or what would suit it better.
Start a WhatsApp enquiry
Sofwave — asked & answered.
General information only. Your physician will advise on what is right for your skin.
Ask your own questionHow many Sofwave sessions do I need?
Usually one. Some people with more noticeable lines benefit from a second session, and maintenance is often about once a year.
Does Sofwave hurt?
You feel brief bursts of deep warmth. Integrated cooling and numbing cream make it manageable for most people.
When will I see results?
Improvement in firmness and fine lines typically develops over 1–3 months, with the final result around 3–6 months.
Is Sofwave radiofrequency?
No — Sofwave uses ultrasound energy, not radiofrequency. It is often grouped with RF devices because both heat the dermis to tighten skin.
Can I fly after Sofwave?
Yes — there are no restrictions on flying. Redness usually fades within hours, so a session shortly before departure is generally fine.
Can I visit after work?
Yes — we are open until 21:00 on weekdays and until 19:00 at weekends. We are a short walk from Euljiro 1-ga and Jonggak stations.
Related treatments.
Ultherapy
Micro-focused ultrasound with live imaging to lift and firm from the SMAS layer.
Read more → Contour · LiftingThermage FLX
Current-generation Thermage with AccuREP tuning for even, consistent RF tightening.
Read more → Contour · LiftingOnda Lifting
Coolwaves microwave energy to reduce facial fullness and tighten the lower face.
Read more → Contour · LiftingNon-Surgical Face Lifting
HIFU, RF and microwave lifting compared — matched to the layer where sagging begins.
Read more → Collagen BoostSkin Booster
Fine injections of hydrating and skin-supporting ingredients for dewy, even skin.
Read more → Visiting usSkin Clinic in Central Seoul
In the old centre of Seoul, Jongno — four subway lines within a five-minute walk.
Read more →Visit the maison.
Pagoda Tower, 1st–2nd floor
93 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 청계천로 93 파고다타워 1~2층
Line 2 — Euljiro 1-ga, Euljiro 3-ga
Line 3 — Jongno 3-ga, Euljiro 3-ga
Medical information on this page is for general education and does not replace an in-person consultation. Results, downtime and suitability vary between individuals; all treatments are performed only after physician assessment. Page reviewed by the Obliv Seoul Origin medical team.
