When it comes to non-invasive skin tightening treatments, Ultherapy has long been considered the gold standard since its introduction. Now, with the release of Ultherapy Prime—an enhanced system offering faster, more comfortable, and more precise treatments—this pioneering technology has reached an entirely new level, surpassing newer competitors like Sofwave. If you’re weighing your options for achieving a tighter, more youthful appearance without surgery, understanding what sets these treatments apart can help you make the best choice for your unique skin care needs.
How do these treatments work?
Both Sofwave and Ultherapy Prime harness ultrasound energy to trigger your skin’s natural healing response, but their depth and precision differ significantly.
Ultherapy Prime uses microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) to target the deep foundational layer of skin that surgeons address in facelifts—the SMAS layer. This FDA-cleared treatment heats tissue to depths of 1.5mm, 3.0mm and 4.5mm beneath the skin’s surface, creating thermal coagulation points that stimulate new collagen production over time. This multi-depth approach allows for comprehensive treatment from superficial lines to deep structural lifting. The advanced visualization technology allows providers to see beneath the skin’s surface in real-time and precisely target the optimal tissue layers before delivering energy.
“Ultherapy has been the gold standard for non-invasive lifting for years because it reaches depths that other devices simply can’t,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and Mohs surgeon. “The visualization technology allows us to see the layers of tissue we’re treating in real-time, which gives us precision that translates to better, more predictable results.”
Sofwave uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam SUPERB™ technology to target only the mid-dermal layer at a depth of 1.5mm. While this FDA-cleared treatment delivers controlled heating with simultaneous surface cooling for comfort, its singular depth of penetration limits its ability to address the deeper structural changes that occur with aging.
What to expect during treatment
Ultherapy Prime treatments typically involve some discomfort as ultrasound energy penetrates the deeper layers where real lifting occurs. The procedure usually takes 60-90 minutes, depending on the treatment areas. While you may experience tingling, heat or prickling sensations during treatment, most patients find the temporary discomfort well worth the dramatic, long-lasting results. For enhanced patient comfort, our office offers Pro-Nox, a self-administered nitrous oxide (laughing gas) system that allows you to control your comfort level throughout the procedure. This safe, fast-acting option helps minimize discomfort without the need for numbing injections or sedation, and it clears out of your system within minutes so you can resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
Sofwave treatments are uncomfortable as well. They have a built-in cooling mechanism and shallower depth of treatment; however, it is not painless and has a limited area of treatable tissue as opposed to the multiple layers treated with Ultherapy Prime.
The results you can expect
Ultherapy Prime results typically become visible over 2-3 months, with continued improvement for up to 6 months as collagen builds and remodels. Because it reaches the deeper SMAS layer—the same foundational tissue addressed in surgical facelifts—Ultherapy Prime can provide noticeable lifting effects, particularly in the brow, under chin, and neck areas. The results can last up to a year or more, with some patients experiencing benefits for 1-2 years.
Sofwave results begin to appear within a few weeks, with optimal results visible at twelve weeks. While the treatment can improve fine lines and overall skin texture with some tightening effects, the lift is generally more subtle and may not adequately address moderate to advanced sagging. Results typically last 6-12 months, requiring more frequent maintenance treatments.
Why Ultherapy Prime stands out
What makes Ultherapy Prime superior comes down to several key advantages. The ability to treat at multiple depths, including the crucial 4.5mm depth, allows Ultherapy Prime to address the true structural cause of sagging. No other ultrasound device can reach this depth.
The advanced imaging in Ultherapy Prime ensures treatment is customized to each patient’s unique anatomy and that energy is deposited exactly where it will be most effective for lifting and tightening. This enhanced imaging provides even greater clarity for treating sensitive areas with maximum precision.
The extensive clinical evidence supporting Ultherapy is unmatched. With over a decade of peer-reviewed studies, long-term safety data and consistent real-world results across diverse patient populations, the Ultherapy platform offers proven, predictable outcomes you can trust. Newer devices simply don’t have this depth of clinical validation.
Finally, with three different depth options, Ultherapy Prime can address everything from fine lines to deep structural sagging in a single treatment session, providing comprehensive rejuvenation without needing multiple different devices or procedures.
Is Ultherapy Prime right for you?
While Sofwave may appeal to those prioritizing convenience, Ultherapy Prime remains the gold standard for patients who want the most dramatic, longest-lasting lifting results without surgery. The technology’s ability to target multiple depths, including the foundational SMAS layer, sets it apart from other non-invasive options on the market.
According to Dr. Joel Schlessinger, “I have personally been treated with both the Ultherapy and Sofwave treatments, and there was no difference in the pain level for each of them. One of the reasons we decided to invest in Ultherapy Prime was the difference in outcomes I saw compared with Sofwave. To me, it all comes down to results.”
“When patients come to us wanting real, non-invasive lift—the kind of improvement that makes people notice they look refreshed and rejuvenated—Ultherapy Prime is what delivers,” adds Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and Mohs surgeon.
If you’re ready to address sagging skin with results backed by extensive clinical research and proven over more than a decade of use, Ultherapy Prime offers the most compelling solution in non-invasive skin tightening.
Ready to experience the lifting power of Ultherapy Prime for yourself? The expert team at Schlessinger MD offers personalized consultations to assess your skin and create a customized treatment plan. Book your Ultherapy Prime consultation with Schlessinger MD today and take the first step toward a more lifted, youthful appearance.