Areolase or Sofwave? Which procedure would deliver better results for slight skin laxity in the lower cheek and neck? (photo)

Question

Hello, I am in my early fifties with some skin laxity in my lower cheek and moderate laxity in the neck. Would you recommend Sofwave or Areolase? Why? Or a different skin tightening procedure? Thank you

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Sofwave and Ultherapy are the most effective skin tightening non invasive devices of which I am aware of that are on the market. This is their only FDA indication. It is not a laser or device that has multiple uses. Their design involved much research and development to tighten lax, loose or sagging skin. I have had many satisfied patients who have demonstrated very good results after having Sofwave and/or Ultherapy on faces and necks.

Lisa Vuich, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and your photo submission. Areolase appears to be a 1064nm laser from what I see. When it comes to laser skin treatments and skin tightening it is important not to expect much. Lasers are more effective in smoothing if the device is set for that purpose, but they rarely tighten to anyone's satisfaction. Even with a strong surface laser treatment, such as our SmartSkin CO2 laser, I caution clients to expect smoothing and skin lesion clearing but not much lift. You will note if you look it up that Aerolase does not have an FDA clearance for treatment of things like skin lesions and unwanted hair- nothing about skin tightening because they have not provided any evidence that it is effective for that indication. Sofwave uses micro-focused ultrasound to deliver heat to the deep dermis (much deeper than where our laser energy reaches), stimulating the production of a significant amount of collagen and elastin. This results in both smoothing and tightening of the treated skin. In my medical spa we have been performing micro-focused ultrasound since 2013, most recently with the Sofwave device since 2023. We have been impressed with the amount of smoothing and lifting that this treatment has achieved, and our clients have been highly satisfied as well. Given that you are in your 50's, you should expect to do Sofwave twice, 3 or more weeks apart, then watch the results develop gradually over the course of 6 months. Thereafter, a yearly maintenance appointment can be used to put back whatever collagen you would have otherwise lost that year, and then some! I hope that is helpful to you.

Areolase or Sofwave? Which procedure would deliver better results for slight skin laxity in the lower cheek and neck? (photo)

Answers (2)

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