From the team at DeLozier Plastic Surgery, serving Brentwood, Nashville, and the greater Middle Tennessee area
Most conversations about skin aging begin once something is already visible. Prejuvenation starts earlier, while skin still responds well to collagen-stimulating treatment. Because we are a plastic surgery practice, we also know where non-surgical technology stops being the right tool. Here is what the published evidence says Sofwave can do, and where it fits.
Why a Plastic Surgery Practice Looks at the Evidence First
Our practice is led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph DeLozier III, M.D., F.A.C.S. Seeing skin aging from both the surgical and non-surgical side shapes how we evaluate any energy-based device: we look for published, peer-reviewed data and clearly defined FDA indications before we recommend it. Sofwave meets that standard.
How Sofwave Works
Sofwave uses SUPERB (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam) technology to deliver controlled heat precisely at 1.5mm in the mid-dermis, where collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid are actively produced. An integrated cooling system called Sofcool protects the skin’s surface throughout treatment.
The clinical evidence behind Sofwave includes:
- 40+ peer-reviewed publications
- 68% average collagen increase confirmed by biopsy (Suh et al., 2025)
- 33% average elastin increase confirmed by biopsy (Suh et al., 2025)
- Documented stimulation of hyaluronic acid production in the dermis
- 1 million+ treatments worldwide, no fat atrophy events reported in published data
- 7 specific FDA aesthetic clearances
- Results lasting 12 months or longer from a single session
A Prejuvenation Roadmap: Where Sofwave Fits at Each Stage
| Stage | What You May Notice | Where Sofwave Fits |
| Early changes | Fine lines, subtle texture shifts, skin that feels less resilient | Supports collagen and elastin production while skin still responds well. Facial lines and wrinkles is one of Sofwave’s 7 FDA aesthetic clearances. |
| Mild to moderate laxity | Early softening along the jawline, under the chin, or neck; brows sitting slightly lower | The closest match to Sofwave’s cleared uses: eyebrow lifting, submental lifting, and neck lifting. |
| Moderate laxity | Visible jowling or neck laxity that persists | Sofwave may address the skin quality component. A consultation can determine whether a surgical option is the better fit. |
| Advanced laxity with
excess skin
|
Significant sagging or redundant skin in the face, neck, or body | Surgery is typically the more appropriate starting point. Sofwave is not a substitute for surgical lifting. |
Is Prejuvenation Right for You?
Sofwave may be worth discussing at your next visit if you:
- Are noticing early changes in skin quality and want to address them before laxity becomes pronounced
- Have mild to moderate skin laxity in the face, neck, or body
- Want a treatment backed by published, biopsy-confirmed evidence
- Want to talk with a surgeon about how collagen-stimulating treatment could fit alongside a longer-term plan
- Want little to no downtime
What to Expect With Sofwave in Brentwood
Treatment takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on the areas addressed. Most patients describe the sensation as brief pulses of warmth as the ultrasound energy is delivered, and we use a Zimmer cooler device for pain management. There is little to no downtime, though temporary redness or mild swelling can occur for a few hours.
- Weeks 8 to 12: Noticeable lifting and tightening as new collagen matures
- Months 3 to 6: Full results become visible as collagen remodeling progresses
- 12 months and beyond: Results lasting a year or longer from a single session
Frequently Asked Questions
What does prejuvenation mean, and where does Sofwave fit?
Prejuvenation means supporting skin quality earlier, before laxity becomes pronounced. Collagen and elastin production begin to decline in a person’s twenties, and Sofwave stimulates both in the mid-dermis while skin can still respond well. It is one tool within a broader plan, not a replacement for one.
Can Sofwave replace a facelift or neck lift?
No. Sofwave addresses skin quality and mild to moderate laxity through collagen stimulation. It does not reposition deeper structures or remove excess skin the way surgery does. A consultation can help determine whether Sofwave, a surgical option, or a combination fits your goals.
What evidence supports Sofwave’s results?
Sofwave is backed by 40+ peer-reviewed publications, including biopsy-confirmed data showing a 68% average increase in collagen and a 33% average increase in elastin (Suh et al., 2025), along with documented stimulation of hyaluronic acid production.
What is Sofwave FDA-cleared to treat?
Sofwave has 7 specific FDA aesthetic clearances, including eyebrow lifting, submental and neck lifting, facial lines and wrinkles, cellulite reduction, acne scar improvement, and arm skin laxity.
Is Sofwave safe for the facial fat compartments?
Yes. Sofwave targets the mid-dermis at 1.5mm, above the fat layer. Across 1 million+ treatments, no fat atrophy events have been reported in published data.
How long do results last?
Results can last 12 months or longer from a single treatment session, with full results typically visible within 3 to 6 months.
Who is a good candidate for Sofwave?
Patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who want little to no downtime, and who want to address early changes before they become more pronounced, are good candidates. A consultation with the DeLozier Plastic Surgery team will confirm whether Sofwave fits your goals.
Schedule Your Consultation in Brentwood
If you would like to talk through whether Sofwave fits your goals, we would love to meet with you. Every consultation at DeLozier Plastic Surgery starts with an honest assessment of where you are today and what will serve you best.
Schedule your consultation at either our Downtown or Brentwood locations today.
