Is one Sofwave session enough? Yes, but the effect fades

Most energy-based devices that use heat to prompt the skin to rebuild produce a result after one session. The practical questions are therefore how long the effect lasts and how often to repeat the treatment. This article addresses both questions, drawing on Sofwave's official material and the published research.

One session produced measurable improvement

The clinical trial that supported Sofwave's FDA clearance for facial wrinkles used a single session. Of the 58 people who completed the study, 86% had improved by 1 to 3 grades on a wrinkle scale at 12 weeks (Wang 2021, PMID 34417390). The manufacturer also states that most people see a clear result from one session (Sofwave 2026).

The effect of one session fades gradually

According to the manufacturer, the result of a single session lasts up to 12 months (Sofwave 2026). No published study has followed participants to 12 months, but changes within the skin have been documented to 10 months. In a study with skin biopsies taken at 1, 4, 7, and 10 months after treatment, collagen and elastin increased steadily through the 10 months (Carruthers 2025, PMID 41405933).

The visible effect, however, declined over time. In a study of 42 Asian participants followed for 9 months after one session, the proportion with improved skin laxity under the chin and on the neck was 83% at 3 months, 71% at 6 months, and 69% at 9 months. For facial wrinkles, the corresponding figures were 38%, 24%, and 15% (Chung 2026, PMID 42226470). The researchers concluded that periodic maintenance treatments may be required to sustain the initial effect.

Some studies used several sessions close together

In the FDA clearance trials, some indications were treated more than once. Brow, under-chin, and neck lifting used two sessions 4 to 6 weeks apart (NCT04146584), acne scars three sessions 4 to 6 weeks apart (NCT05358860), and upper-arm laxity two sessions 1 to 3 weeks apart (Wang 2025, PMID 40152327). All three trials showed improvement after treatment (Sofwave 2026).

A concentrated course of two or three sessions about a month apart is therefore an option when there is a reason for it. We do not recommend it for routine maintenance of firmness, but for a specific goal or a stronger effect we do treat at 4-week intervals. The manufacturer also notes that additional sessions can improve results depending on age, skin condition, and goals (Sofwave 2026).

To maintain the effect, repeat every six months

Because the effect of one session fades gradually, regular repeat treatment is preferable where possible. For routine maintenance of firmness, we use a 6-month interval as the rule and shorten or extend it as needed.

The manufacturer mainly describes yearly maintenance treatment, and its blog also features physicians who recommend intervals of 6 to 12 months (Sofwave blog). No published study has examined the repeat interval.

For how the effect develops over time, see Sofwave results: when they appear and how long they last.

References

1. Wang JV, et al. (2021). Efficacy and safety of high-intensity, high-frequency, parallel ultrasound beams for fine lines and wrinkles. Dermatol Surg. PMID 34417390 (opens in new window).
2. Sofwave (2026). Frequently asked questions; Pivotal clinical studies: lift lax tissue in the submental and neck zones and lift the eyebrow (K211483); lift upper arm lax skin (K233104); acne scars appearance improvement (K231537). sofwave.com.
3. Carruthers J, et al. (2025). Synchronous parallel ultrasound induces long-term extracellular matrix remodeling of human skin. Dermatol Surg. PMID 41405933 (opens in new window).
4. Chung MMH, et al. (2026). Evaluating the use of high-intensity non-focused ultrasound treatment to improve skin laxity and facial wrinkles in Asian patients. Lasers Surg Med. PMID 42226470 (opens in new window).
5. Sofwave Medical (2019). Safety and efficacy of SofWave treatment to lift lax tissue in the submental and neck zones and to lift the eyebrow. ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT04146584.
6. Sofwave Medical (2022). Safety and efficacy of Sofwave treatment for acne scars appearance improvement. ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05358860.
7. Wang JV, et al. (2025). High-intensity, high-frequency, parallel ultrasound beam device for skin laxity of the upper arms. Dermatol Surg. PMID 40152327 (opens in new window).
8. Sofwave (2022–2026). Blog: Enhancing your natural beauty: Sofwave vs. dermal fillers; How two leading plastic surgeons achieved 3-month ROI with Sofwave; What happens to your muscles during rapid GLP-1 weight loss. sofwave.com/blog.