Understanding Non-Surgical Skin Rejuvenation
Effective anti-aging treatments are one of the most sought-after aesthetic options. While surgery, such as a facelift, may be the direction that some people head in, many are not yet in need of surgery or are not willing to undergo surgery because of the risks. Modern aesthetics offers many types of non-surgical skin rejuvenation options for those looking to turn back the clock without going under the knife. Two commonly used choices for rejuvenation include Sofwave and laser treatments. If you’re considering a skin treatment, you have probably come across both of these options. But what are they exactly? Is one better than the other? Which one is right for you? Get ready to have these questions answered and more.
What is Sofwave?
Designed to lift and firm the skin without surgery or downtime, Sofwave uses advanced high-frequency ultrasound waves to precisely target the mid-dermis with virtually no downtime. This non-invasive, non-surgical treatment precisely targets the layer of the skin where collagen production takes place and stimulates this deeper layer to create a healing response which promotes new collagen and elastin formation, resulting in firmer, smoother skin over time. Sofwave is FDA-approved and can result in tighter skin and fewer wrinkles on the face, under the chin, and on the neck.
What are Laser Treatments?
There is an extremely wide variety of laser treatments available for skin rejuvenation. Instead of ultrasound waves, lasers use focused light energy to improve skin texture, tone, and overall vibrancy. Laser may be ablative, where the top layer of skin is removed, or non-ablative, where the underlying tissue is stimulated without any damage to the top dermis. There are many different types of laser technology used in skin rejuvenation–CO2, Er:YAG, IPL, Fraxel, etc.--which feature different kinds of focused light and are designed to treat specific issues. Some lasers are better for skin tightening and wrinkles, while others are more effective for hyperpigmentation or scarring. Still, others will be the best at treating active acne breakouts. Because there is such variability in options for lasers, treatment specifics, including downtime and the number of sessions needed, will vary greatly.
Key Differences Between Sofwave and Laser Treatments
Now that we have an idea of what these two types of treatments are, let’s talk more about the main differences between the two. To start, they use a different type of technology, ultrasound versus light-based. While ultrasound mainly works to stimulate collagen production in order to tighten and lift the skin, lasers can also be used for skin resurfacing and pigmentation concerns. The layer of skin that these treatments are targeting is also different, with ultrasound focusing on the mid-dermis. In contrast, lasers vary and can treat superficial layers all the way to deep penetration. Another difference has to do with the patient’s skin tone. While modern laser treatments are safe and effective for most types and tones, some caution must be used with darker skin tones that are prone to hyperpigmentation. On the other hand, the ultrasound technology used in Sofwave does not come with the same risks for deep skin tones as lasers and is generally considered safe for everyone.
In terms of downtime and recovery, some lasers involve virtually no downtime, while ablative treatments may come with inflammation and, for most, being housebound for a few days. Sofwave requires no downtime, and patients typically experience few to no side effects. Pain or discomfort levels vary between these treatments as well, with Sofwave and non-ablative lasers typically reported as mildly uncomfortable or pain-free, to more intense lasers, possibly causing more treatment discomfort. There are many options to consider, and it typically comes down to the aesthetic needs of each patient.
Sofwave vs. Laser Treatments: Which is Right for You?
Deciding which one of these treatments is right for you can be a challenge. Considerations like skin concern, downtime tolerance, age, skin type, cost comparison, and length of results will all play a factor in the best choice. The key to keep in mind is that lasers can treat a wider variety of skin concerns, while Sofwave focuses mainly on one thing: skin tightening, but many patients feel that it’s better at that one thing for their skin. Ultimately, it’s important to work with a highly qualified, certified, and experienced provider like the aesthetic medical professionals at Skin Deep Medical Spa, led by Dr. Stephen Bloch, MD. Book your comprehensive consultation now and get the skin you’ve been waiting for.
