If you have been reading about Sofwave, you are probably looking for a way to tighten loose skin and soften fine lines without surgery or downtime. Sofwave is one option. Xerf and Density RF are two others, and they are the skin tightening treatments our providers chose for our offices.
All three aim for the same thing: heat deep in the skin that tells your body to build new collagen and elastin. They get there in different ways. Here is how they compare.
Key takeaways
- Sofwave uses ultrasound energy. Xerf and Density use radiofrequency (RF) energy.
- Sofwave heats one depth in the middle layer of the skin. Xerf and Density heat several depths in one treatment.
- All three are non-surgical, need no needles and have little to no downtime.
- Results build gradually over two to three months as new collagen forms.
- We offer Density RF at most of our offices and Xerf at our Upper East Side and Long Island offices.
What is Sofwave?
Sofwave is a skin tightening device that uses a type of ultrasound its maker calls SUPERB, short for synchronous ultrasound parallel beam. It sends ultrasound energy to a depth of about 1.5 mm, in the middle layer of the skin called the dermis. The heat creates small treated zones that trigger new collagen and elastin while the surface of the skin is protected.
In the United States, Sofwave is FDA cleared to improve facial lines and wrinkles, lift the eyebrow, and lift loose skin under the chin and on the neck. Many people need one session, and some add a second.
What are Xerf and Density?
Xerf and Density are both radiofrequency treatments. Radiofrequency energy heats the skin from the inside, which tightens existing collagen and signals your body to make more. Unlike lasers, RF does not target skin color, so it can be used on most skin types.
Xerf
Xerf, from Cynosure Lutronic, is a monopolar RF device that delivers two frequencies, 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz, in each pulse. Using two frequencies lets the energy reach shallow, middle and deeper layers of the skin and the tissue underneath in one treatment. Built-in cooling protects the surface, so most people do not need numbing.
Density RF
Density, from Jeisys, combines monopolar RF, which reaches deeper, with bipolar RF, which works closer to the surface, in a single sequential pulse. It reads the skin in real time and adjusts the energy as it goes, and its cooling system keeps treatment comfortable.
See Xerf or see Density RF for more detail on each treatment.
Sofwave vs. Xerf and Density: the key differences
Type of energy
Sofwave uses ultrasound. Xerf and Density use radiofrequency. Both kinds of energy turn into heat in the skin, which is what drives new collagen.
How deep the heat goes
Sofwave focuses its energy at one depth, about 1.5 mm. Xerf and Density spread heat through several layers at once. Treating more than one layer is one reason our providers like RF for overall firmness, texture and definition.
Comfort
All three treatments use cooling. Most people describe Xerf and Density as a gradual, warm feeling, and both are usually done without numbing cream or injections.
Downtime
None of the three usually needs downtime. After Xerf or Density, mild redness or warmth usually fades within a few hours, and you can go back to your normal day right away. We suggest skipping intense heat, hard workouts and direct sun for about 24 hours.
Number of sessions
Sofwave is often done as one session. With Xerf and Density, some people are happy after one treatment, and others do best with a short series. Your provider will suggest a plan based on how much laxity you have and your goals.
Results
With all three, results are gradual. Some people notice a subtle change soon after treatment, and the main improvement develops over about one to three months as new collagen forms. Maintenance treatments help keep results going.
Why we chose Xerf and Density
When our team compared skin tightening devices, we chose radiofrequency for a few reasons:
- It heats more than one layer of the skin in a single treatment, which helps with firmness, texture and definition together.
- It is comfortable for most people without numbing.
- It is safe for most skin types because it does not target skin color.
- It has little to no downtime, so it fits around work and events.
Having two RF options also lets us match the device to your skin. Your provider may suggest Xerf or Density based on your goals and the area being treated.
Who is a good candidate?
Xerf and Density are a good fit for adults with mild to moderate loose skin, fine lines or loss of definition on the face, jawline and neck who want a non-surgical option. They work best before laxity is severe. If you have significant sagging, your provider may talk with you about combining treatments, such as Morpheus8 for texture or Sculptra for volume. At our Upper East Side office, Thermage is another tightening option.
Where it is offered
- Density RF: Upper East Side, Downtown Brooklyn, Greenvale on Long Island, Streeterville in Chicago and Boulder.
- Xerf: Upper East Side and Greenvale on Long Island.
See all of our offices for addresses and hours.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer Sofwave?
We do not offer Sofwave. We offer Xerf and Density RF, which treat the same concerns: loose skin, fine lines and loss of definition on the face and neck.
Is Xerf or Density better than Sofwave?
There is no single best device for everyone. Sofwave heats one depth with ultrasound, while Xerf and Density heat several layers with radiofrequency. For many people looking for overall firming and smoother texture with no downtime, RF is a very good fit.
Does radiofrequency skin tightening hurt?
Most people feel a gradual warming. Built-in cooling keeps the treatment comfortable, and numbing is usually not needed.
How long do results last?
Results build over a few months and can last a year or longer, depending on your skin, age and habits. Daily sunscreen and occasional maintenance help results last.
How much does skin tightening cost?
Pricing depends on the area and your plan. See our upfront pricing for starting prices, and your provider will give you a personal plan at your consultation.
Book a skin tightening consultation
If you are considering Sofwave, a consultation is the best way to find out whether Xerf or Density is right for your skin. Book at our Upper East Side, Long Island or Downtown Brooklyn office, or find the office nearest you.