Right after
Some people notice an early tightening sensation. This is not the final result; temporary redness, warmth or swelling may also occur.
Skin Tightening & Lifting
Sofwave
Sofwave in Seoul — ultrasound care for skin firmness
An ultrasound treatment that delivers heat beneath the skin surface, with built-in cooling.
It may be considered for mild skin laxity and lines when you want gradual improvement without injections. At Glassy, your dermatologist plans the area, intensity or product around your skin and goals, with comfort considered throughout.
Results
Before & After
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ULTRASOUND SKIN TIGHTENING
Sofwave
Parallel-beam ultrasound for skin firmness, with treatment focused on the mid-dermis at approximately 1.5 mm.
Care by Korean board-certified dermatologists in Gangnam, Seoul.
TREATMENT TIME15–20 min50 shots · numbing preparation adds at least 40–60 min
PAINMild–moderateCheeks 1–3/10 · forehead 4–6/10; varies by area
DOWNTIMEUsually minimalTemporary redness, warmth or swelling may occur
PRICE · VAT EXCLUDEDPersonal quoteArea and coverage agreed before treatment
Pain scores reflect Glassy’s clinical experience, not a guarantee. Shot prices are confirmed during consultation.
Your visit at a glance
- Areas
- Selected facial, brow, under-chin or neck concerns, after assessment
- Technology
- SUPERB™ parallel-beam ultrasound · approximately 1.5 mm dermal target
- Preparation
- Numbing cream for at least 40–60 minutes, followed by Glassy’s specialised cooling anaesthesia; no sedation needed
- Sensation
- Cheeks: mild, 1–3/10; forehead: moderate, 4–6/10. Sensitivity and treatment area affect discomfort
- Treatment time
- About 15–20 minutes for 50 shots; timing changes with shot count. Consultation and numbing preparation are additional
- Downtime
- Temporary redness, warmth or swelling; recovery varies
- Results
- Some immediate tightening is possible; gradual change may begin around one month
- Duration of improvement
- May last 3–6 months or longer; individual response varies
- Maintenance at Glassy
- Generally once a year, adjusted after assessment
- Your clinician
- Korean board-certified dermatologist
- Cost
- Individual quotation before treatment; VAT shown separately
RESULTS
When results develop
From about one month
Gradual changes in firmness may become noticeable as the skin responds. Compare changes over time rather than judging treatment immediately.
Longer-term planning
Improvement may last 3–6 months or longer. At Glassy, maintenance is generally planned once a year, with timing adjusted to your skin and response.
Results and duration vary. These timings describe Glassy’s confirmed guidance, not a promise of a particular outcome.
PROCESS
Your treatment, step by step
Consultation and assessment
Your Korean board-certified dermatologist assesses skin laxity, thickness, facial volume and goals. We discuss whether Sofwave, a different treatment or a combination fits your priorities.
Preparation and comfort
Tell the team about numbing-cream allergies, medicines, implants and previous procedures. Numbing cream is applied for at least 40–60 minutes, followed by Glassy’s specialised cooling anaesthesia. This two-stage GLT™ preparation is used to support comfort without sedation. Consultation and preparation are additional to the 15–20 minute treatment time for 50 shots.
Ultrasound treatment
The planned areas are treated with parallel-beam ultrasound and built-in surface cooling. In Glassy’s clinical experience, cheek discomfort is mild (1–3/10), while forehead discomfort is moderate (4–6/10). Sensitivity varies; tell your dermatologist whenever you need a pause or comfort adjustment.
Aftercare and review
The team checks your skin and explains your individual aftercare. Contact the clinic for worsening or persistent symptoms, blistering or significant pain. Review gradual changes and agree on maintenance rather than adding sessions too soon.
UNDERSTANDING THE DEPTH
Why target the dermis?
The dermis contains collagen and elastin that contribute to skin firmness. Sofwave’s approximately 1.5 mm target differs from the selectable deeper focal depths of HIFU. Its integrated Sofcool™ system cools the surface during treatment.
A thin face or hollow cheeks?
A dermal treatment may be worth discussing when preserving facial volume matters. Sofwave is not a filler, and a dermal target does not guarantee freedom from side effects or correct an existing hollow.
Compare Sofwave and LinearZ →More than skin firmness?
Marked laxity, local fat and volume loss need different assessments. Compare LinearZ and TORR, or discuss an individually planned GLT™ combination.
Explore your treatment options →Who might consider Sofwave?
- Thin facial skin or a thin face where preserving volume is a priority.
- Concern about hollow cheeks after a previous lifting procedure, after careful assessment.
- Fine lines and mild skin laxity rather than a need to replace lost volume.
- A preference for a non-invasive treatment with usually minimal downtime.
- Selected brow, jawline or neck concerns suited to dermal ultrasound treatment.
Suitability is individual. Marked sagging, local fat and established hollows may require a different plan; see the existing assessment and comparison sections below.
Before and after treatment
- Tell us about active skin disease, open wounds, severe acne, electronic implants, facial implants, pregnancy or breastfeeding, medicines and recent aesthetic procedures.
- The manufacturer does not recommend treatment directly over dermal filler. Share the product, location and treatment date before planning Sofwave.
- Ask when to resume cleansing, skincare, sunscreen and makeup for your skin’s condition. Follow your clinician’s advice about heat exposure and exercise.
- Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice from your prescribing clinician.
See the existing suitability and precautions, aftercare and 12 FAQs below for the full guidance.
Sources: Sofwave patient information · Manufacturer safety information.
01 · In the treatment room
See Sofwave at Glassy.
Watch the Sofwave segment of Sarah Palmyra’s visit with Dr. Judy, starting at 4:09.
Watch on YouTube02 · What it is
Ultrasound, focused on skin firmness.
Sofwave delivers ultrasound energy into the collagen-rich dermis. It is an option for lines and laxity when you want gradual improvement without an injectable product.
Focused beneath the surface
SUPERB™ technology delivers energy around 1.5 mm into the dermis to support collagen remodelling.
Cooling throughout
Sofcool™ cooling and temperature monitoring help protect the skin surface. Comfort measures are tailored to you.
No needles for delivery
The dermatologist passes the handpiece over the planned areas. Ultrasound heats the target tissue while cooling helps protect the surface.
A plan around your skin
Your dermatologist assesses the brow, face, neck or under-chin area. It targets laxity rather than replacing lost volume.
Technology information: Sofwave official technology guide .
Uses and authorisations vary by country.
03 · Find your starting point
Different concerns. Different approaches.
Skin laxity, localised fat and lost volume need different plans. These are options to discuss with your dermatologist, not automatic recommendations.
Sofwave
Skin surface
Dermis
Underlying fat
Deeper support
Illustrative only. The energy distribution depends on handpiece and settings.- Technology
- Synchronous ultrasound
- Tissue focus
- Mid-dermis · approximately 1.5 mm
- Why discuss it?
- Fine lines and skin laxity.
- How it can feel
- Warm pulses with cooling; comfort care is personalised.
- After treatment
- Temporary redness, warmth, swelling or tenderness may occur.
InMode
Skin surface
Dermis
Underlying fat
Deeper support
Illustrative only. The energy distribution depends on handpiece and settings.- Technology
- Radiofrequency · Forma / MiniFX
- Tissue focus
- Handpiece-dependent
- Why discuss it?
- Forma for firmness; MiniFX for selected contour concerns.
- How it can feel
- Warmth and, with MiniFX, suction.
- After treatment
- Temporary redness, warmth, swelling or tenderness may occur.
PTing
Skin surface
Dermis
Underlying fat
Deeper support
Illustrative only. The energy distribution depends on handpiece and settings.- Technology
- 2.45 GHz microwave
- Tissue focus
- Small and large handpieces reach different depths
- Why discuss it?
- Firmness or localised contour concerns, depending on the applicator.
- How it can feel
- Warmth with contact cooling.
- After treatment
- Temporary redness, warmth, swelling or tenderness may occur.
Linear Z
Skin surface
Dermis
Underlying fat
Deeper support
Illustrative only. The energy distribution depends on handpiece and settings.- Technology
- Focused ultrasound
- Tissue focus
- Cartridge-dependent
- Why discuss it?
- Selected lifting and contour concerns after assessing facial volume.
- How it can feel
- Heat or prickling; comfort measures are adjusted.
- After treatment
- Temporary redness, warmth, swelling or tenderness may occur.
TORR
Skin surface
Dermis
Underlying fat
Deeper support
Illustrative only. The energy distribution depends on handpiece and settings.- Technology
- External radiofrequency
- Tissue focus
- Contact heating · applicator-dependent
- Why discuss it?
- Firmness and selected contour concerns; not equivalent to every fat-reduction treatment.
- How it can feel
- A moving, warming handpiece with temperature monitoring.
- After treatment
- Temporary redness, warmth, swelling or tenderness may occur.
Compare at a glance
| Compare | Sofwave | InMode | PTing | Linear Z | TORR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Ultrasound | RF | Microwave | Ultrasound | RF |
| Focus | Mid-dermis | Varies by handpiece | Varies by handpiece | Varies by cartridge | Contact heating |
| Discuss for | Lines & laxity | Firmness / contour | Firmness / contour | Lifting / contour | Firmness |
| Sensation | Warm pulses | Warmth / suction | Warmth + cooling | Heat / prickling | Moving warmth |
RF = radiofrequency. Device names open their treatment guides. Your dermatologist selects the handpiece and settings.
Sofwave at a glance
How we do it at Glassy Skin Clinic
Downtime, aftercare and side effects
Heat treatments can cause burns or pigment changes. Share any implants and previous procedures with your doctor.
How much does it cost?
We confirm your exact price at consultation, before any treatment. Prices are quoted with 10% VAT shown separately.
Your plan depends on the area, product or device, and any combined care. Ask the clinic for the total before deciding.
Meet your medical team
Dr. Judy & the Glassy dermatologists.
Board-certified dermatologists who consult and treat in English. Your treating doctor assesses suitability, plans comfort care and explains what to expect.
Meet the teamOften discussed together
Related treatments.
GLT™ Collagen Healer
Explore care for skin quality.
View treatment
Juvelook
Explore collagen & skin boosters options.
View treatmentJuvelook Volume (Lenisna)
Explore collagen & skin boosters options.
View treatmentRe2O
Explore collagen & skin boosters options.
View treatmentGLT™ Collagen Volume Lifting
Discuss facial volume and balance.
View treatmentGLT™ Tri-Energy Triple Lifting
Discuss a layered lifting approach.
View treatmentTreatment suitability and details remain subject to consultation and clinic review.
The person behind your care
Meet Dr. Judy.
Founder of Glassy Skin Clinic and a board-certified dermatologist in Korea, Dr. Judy combines clinical practice with international speaking and education for fellow physicians.
Clinical foundations
Medical degree from The Catholic University of Korea and dermatology specialist training at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital.
Care, shared in English
Discuss your goals, skin history and treatment choices directly with the Glassy dermatologists.
Physician education
Explore her lectures, live demonstrations and exchanges with visiting doctors.
Sofwave
Sofwave, from the treatment chair.
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Sofwave questions with Dr. Judy
Beyond the clinic. Across the world.
See the moments behind her international teaching and professional exchanges.
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In the media
Dr. Judy in the news.
Explore her professional activities and conversations beyond the clinic.
Industry education · News1
Clinical presentation at an aesthetic-medicine event in Jakarta
Coverage reports that Dr. Judy Hong Jin Joo presented an approach to neck-line treatment during a product launch symposium in Indonesia.
Read the original story
Media & brand event · Hankyung JOB&JOY
Skincare conversation hosted at Glassy Skin Clinic
Hankyung reported a skincare conversation involving Dr. Judy, Clara and the Bonyx brand. This was a brand collaboration, not a scientific meeting.
Read the original story
Conference presentation · Medisobizanews
Linear HIFU presentation at The Expert Dermatology Summit 2024
Medisobizanews reported that Dr. Judy gave a talk on Linearz HIFU applications at the March 2 meeting in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. This reports a clinician presentation, not a peer-reviewed outcomes study.
Read the original storyGoogle reviews
What patients say
about Glassy Skin Clinic.
Read full review on GoogleIm so glad I chose Dr Judy. … painless distribution. … high level of care. Worth every penny!
Read full review on GoogleI decided to come to Glassy Skin because Dr. Judy is a woman (girl power!) and she’s an actual dermatologist. … Everything was basically pain free. … It’s only the day after, but I can see huge improvements in my smile lines.
Read full review on GooglePain level is 0-1. English speaking staff & doctors. … the price range is in the middle
Dr Judy is experienced. Her treatments are almost painless … I am a repeated patient who flew in from SG.
Returning patient from Singapore
Read full review on Google
Read full review on GoogleI had a very professional consultation with Dr. Max … the whole experience was 100% pain-free
Read full review on GoogleDr Max did my treatment today, previously was Dr Judy. … Pain level was ard 2/10.
Read full review on GoogleI've been a loyal patient … thanks to their GLT technique, I felt absolutely no pain. Highly recommend!
I keep coming back because the treatments are so comfortable and painless. I’m grateful to receive this kind of care in my sixties.
Translated from Korean · shortened
Read full review on Google
I’m very afraid of procedures, but it was comfortable and didn’t hurt at all. Only treatments I really needed were recommended.
Translated from Korean · shortened
Read full review on Google
Dr. Judy kept checking that I was comfortable. After three treatments, I’m very satisfied with the gradually improving results.
Translated from Korean · shortened
Read full review on Google
At my daughter’s wedding, people said my face looked firmer and younger and asked what care I’d had. The treatment didn’t hurt.
Translated from Korean · shortened
Read full review on Google
Read full review on GoogleI am a 42 year old black woman physician from the United States. … Dr Judy speaks English … many of the treatments were painfree.
From the Glassy blog
A little reading before your visit.
Related guides to skin quality and treatment planning. Your dermatologist will help you decide what suits your skin.
Treatment guide
Juvelook or Juvelook Volume?
Understand the difference between skin-quality care and volume treatment.
Read the guide
Treatment guide
Understanding under-eye treatments
Explore different concerns before choosing an approach.
Read the guide
Treatment guide
Getting to know Re2O
A closer look at another skin-quality option.
Read the guideReferences
Official manufacturer sources for Sofwave and the technologies compared on this page. Reviewed 30 October 2026. Illustrations are conceptual and not to scale; manufacturer descriptions do not guarantee individual results. Uses and authorisations vary by country.
- Sofwave · technology and illustrations
- US FDA · External energy treatment risks
- Sofwave · treatment planning and comfort
- Sofwave · safety information
- InMode · facial treatments
- ITC · PTing technology
- Jeisys Medical · Linear Z
- BRITZMEDI · TORR
Medical-team biography sources are available on the Dr. Judy profile.
Let’s start with you.
Tell us your concerns and preferred visit date.