From the board-certified dermatology team at Franklin Dermatology Group, serving Franklin, Brentwood, and the greater Nashville area
As a medical and surgical dermatology practice first, established in 1982, we don’t add a new treatment to our menu lightly. Before we brought Sofwave into The Cosmetic Center, we looked closely at the published research behind it, the same way we evaluate any technology that touches our patients’ skin. Here’s what that evidence actually shows.
Why We Look at the Evidence First
Skin tightening technology gets a lot of attention on social media, and not all of it holds up under scrutiny. As dermatologists, our standard for a new device is the same whether it’s a medical or a cosmetic treatment: published, peer-reviewed data, clear FDA indications, and a track record at scale. Sofwave met that standard, which is why it’s now part of our practice.
How Sofwave Works
Sofwave uses SUPERB (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam) technology to deliver controlled heat precisely at 1.5mm in the mid-dermis, where collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid are actively produced. An integrated cooling system called Sofcool protects the skin’s surface throughout treatment.
The clinical evidence behind Sofwave includes:
- 40+ peer-reviewed publications
- 68% average collagen increase confirmed by biopsy (Suh et al., 2025)
- 33% average elastin increase confirmed by biopsy (Suh et al., 2025)
- Documented stimulation of hyaluronic acid production in the dermis
- 1 million+ treatments worldwide, no fat atrophy events reported in published data
- 7 specific FDA aesthetic clearances
- Results lasting 12 months or longer from a single session
Common Concerns and the Evidence Behind Sofwave’s Approach
Is Sofwave Right for You?
Sofwave may be worth discussing at your next visit if you:
- Have mild to moderate skin laxity in the face, neck, or body
- Want a treatment backed by published, biopsy-confirmed evidence
- Are interested in a treatment that fits into a broader dermatologist-guided plan
- Want little to no downtime
Real Results From Sofwave
Representative before-and-after results from Sofwave treatment. Individual results vary.
What to Expect With Sofwave at Franklin Dermatology Group
Treatment takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on the areas addressed. Topical numbing cream is applied approximately 30 to 45 minutes before treatment begins to ensure your comfort throughout the session. Most patients describe the sensation as brief pulses of warmth as the ultrasound energy is delivered. There is little to no downtime, though temporary redness or mild swelling can occur for a few hours.
- Weeks 8 to 12: Noticeable lifting and tightening as new collagen matures
- Following months: Continued improvement as collagen remodeling progresses
- 12 months and beyond: Results lasting a year or longer from one to two treatment sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What evidence supports Sofwave’s results?
A: Sofwave is backed by 40+ peer-reviewed publications, including biopsy-confirmed data showing a 68% average increase in collagen and a 33% average increase in elastin (Suh et al., 2025), along with documented stimulation of hyaluronic acid production.
Q: What is Sofwave FDA-cleared to treat?
A: Sofwave has 7 specific FDA aesthetic clearances, including eyebrow lifting, submental and neck lifting, facial lines and wrinkles, cellulite reduction, acne scar improvement, and arm skin laxity.
Q: Is Sofwave safe for the facial fat compartments?
A: Yes. Sofwave targets the mid-dermis at 1.5mm, above the fat layer. Across 1 million+ treatments, no fat atrophy events have been reported in published data.
Q: How long do results last?
A: Results can last 12 months or longer from one to two sessions, with full results typically visible within 8 to 12 weeks.
Q: Can Sofwave be combined with other treatments at Franklin Dermatology?
A: Yes. Sofwave is often paired with Botox, dermal fillers, Sculptra, Radiesse, MOXI, BBL, or CO2 laser resurfacing as part of a broader, dermatologist-guided rejuvenation plan tailored to your goals.
Q: Is there downtime after Sofwave?
A: Little to none. Most patients return to their normal activities immediately, though temporary redness or mild swelling can occur for a few hours.
Q: Who is a good candidate for Sofwave?
A: Patients with mild to moderate skin laxity of the face, neck, or body who want a treatment backed by published clinical evidence are good candidates. A consultation with our team will confirm whether Sofwave fits your goals.
Schedule Your Consultation in Franklin, TN
If you’d like to talk through whether Sofwave fits your goals, we’d love to meet with you. Every consultation at Franklin Dermatology Group starts with an honest, evidence-based assessment from our board-certified team.
Schedule your consultation with Franklin Dermatology Group today.
740 Cool Springs Blvd. Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 771-1881 | franklinderm.net
