When Kim and Khloé Kardashian start raving about a skin treatment, it doesn’t take long for the rest of the world to take notice. Their latest obsession? Sofwave, a non-invasive ultrasound treatment that stimulates collagen, lifts sagging skin, and smooths wrinkles—with zero downtime. Kim called it “probably the best machine out there for lifting and collagen production,” and Khloé admitted she was “doing her entire body and face, because why not?”
But while Sofwave is suddenly everywhere—from celebrity Instagram stories to med spa menus – one big question remains: Is it always the best option?
The truth is, it depends on the area you’re treating and the kind of results you’re after. Sometimes Sofwave is exactly the right choice. Other times, lasers like MOXI, CO2RE, BBL Photofacial or VBeam might be a better fit.
This article breaks it all down by treatment area—face, neck, arms, abdomen, and more—to help you understand where Sofwave shines and when a laser might deliver better results. If you’re considering a lift, a tone-up, or a texture reset, read on. This guide is built to help you choose what really works, for your skin and your goals.
What Sofwave Is Designed to Do
Sofwave uses ultrasound energy to target the mid-dermis—the layer of skin where collagen lives. By heating this layer to a precise therapeutic temperature, it triggers a natural regeneration process. The result? More collagen, firmer skin, and a subtle lift that builds over time.
It’s FDA-cleared to treat wrinkles, fine lines, mild to moderate laxity, and crepey texture on the face and body. Unlike deeper treatments, Sofwave doesn’t damage the surface of the skin, which is why there’s no downtime. You can walk out of your session and go straight back to your day.
Think of it as a non-surgical “refresh” that’s especially popular among those looking for preventative aging solutions or subtle lifting without needles or downtime. According to Kim Kardashian, it’s “BEYOND worth it” for collagen production—and Khloé’s full-body approach shows just how versatile it really is.
Why the Kardashians Are All In
Celebrity endorsements come and go, but when Kim and Khloé Kardashian both share their love for a treatment, it sends a signal. These are women who have access to every top dermatologist, device, and injectable on the planet—so when they both choose Sofwave, people want to know why.
Kim recently called Sofwave “probably the best machine out there for lifting and collagen production” on Instagram. She posted a video mid-treatment, casually mentioning she’d use it “everywhere I possibly could.” That’s a major public vote of confidence from one of the most beauty-savvy celebrities alive.
Khloé was even more detailed. “I am basically doing my entire body and face,” she shared. “It doesn’t break or damage the skin, there’s no downtime, and it’s basically like a biostimulant. It’s going to be repairing your collagen for the next six to 12 months.”
They didn’t just go in for a touch-up. They went all in—with full-face and body treatments. And they weren’t alone. Clinics across the country saw a spike in Sofwave bookings within days and clients have been asking for the “Kardashian treatment” by name. But is it always the right fit? That depends on where you’re treating—and what you’re hoping to improve.
Face: Sofwave vs. Moxi Laser or CO2RE
When treating the face, it’s important to match the right technology to your goals. Sofwave is a solid choice for lifting the cheeks, softening nasolabial folds, and giving the lower face a firmer, more youthful look. It doesn’t resurface the skin, so it’s ideal for people focused on subtle tightening without redness or flaking afterward.
Moxi is a better fit if you’re dealing with early sun damage, dullness, or uneven texture. It uses fractional laser energy to brighten and smooth the skin with very little downtime. Think of it as a tone and texture enhancer. CO2RE, on the other hand, goes deeper. It’s often used to treat etched lines, deeper wrinkles, and acne scars by removing damaged skin and kickstarting new collagen production.
If you’re noticing early signs of aging—like mild sagging or loss of elasticity—Sofwave is often the first step. If you’re more concerned about discoloration, rough texture, or fine lines, Moxi may be a better match. And if you’re looking for a more dramatic resurfacing effect, CO2RE delivers that intensity. These treatments don’t have to compete—many clients alternate them to get both lifting and skin renewal.
Neck and Jawline: Sofwave vs. Ultherapy or Fillers
The neck is one of the trickiest areas to treat non-surgically. The skin is thinner, collagen breaks down faster, and sagging can appear suddenly. Sofwave is a strong option for tightening early laxity and smoothing out crepey texture without the downtime or discomfort associated with some other devices.
Ultherapy also uses ultrasound, but it targets deeper layers than Sofwave. This can make it more effective for those with more noticeable sagging, especially along the jawline or under the chin. However, it can be more uncomfortable, and results tend to take longer to show. Sofwave is typically better tolerated and has become a favorite among patients who want visible improvement without a long recovery or pain.
For clients dealing with volume loss or deeper folds along the jawline, dermal fillers may still be the go-to. Fillers can restore structure, define contours, and enhance the lower face, especially when paired with lifting treatments. If your goal is definition, a combination approach may be ideal—Sofwave for tightening, filler for shaping.
Arms, Abdomen, and Thighs: Sofwave vs. BBL or Microneedling
Body areas like the arms, abdomen, and thighs are some of the most common spots people want to tighten—especially heading into the warmer months. Sofwave is a strong option for these zones, helping to firm up crepey or mildly sagging skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production. It’s a no-downtime choice for people who want subtle tightening and texture improvement over time.
If your main concern is discoloration—like sunspots, redness, or uneven tone—BBL Photofacial may be a better fit. It uses light energy to target pigmentation and restore clarity to the skin, though it doesn’t offer a lifting effect. For clients looking to refine texture, traditional microneedling can also be helpful. It works by creating micro-injuries in the skin that trigger the body’s healing response, improving tone and smoothing rough or uneven areas.
For patients who want to address both tone and texture in larger body areas, a combination of Sofwave and microneedling or BBL can often deliver more noticeable results. Every area responds differently, so creating a customized plan that takes your skin goals and treatment preferences into account is key.
Redness and Vascular Issues: VBeam PDL vs. Sofwave
If you’re dealing with redness, visible capillaries, or rosacea, Sofwave isn’t the tool for the job. While it improves firmness and elasticity, it doesn’t target blood vessels or pigment. That’s where the VBeam PDL laser comes in.
VBeam is specifically designed to treat vascular conditions like flushing, broken capillaries, cherry angiomas, and general redness. It uses pulsed dye laser technology to collapse unwanted vessels without damaging the surrounding skin. Most people see significant improvement in color and clarity within just a few sessions, often with little to no downtime.
For clients who want both tone and texture improvement, VBeam can be paired with Sofwave in a treatment plan. Start with VBeam to calm redness and even out your complexion, then follow up with Sofwave to lift and firm the underlying structure. Treating both the surface and deeper skin layers this way often leads to more comprehensive, natural-looking results.
How to Choose the Right Treatment for You
Choosing between Sofwave and laser treatments isn’t about which one is better overall—it’s about what’s best for your skin, your goals, and the area you’re treating. Sofwave is a great match for those looking to tighten and lift without downtime, especially in areas like the face, neck, or arms. It works best for early signs of sagging and crepey texture, not pigment or redness.
Laser treatments, on the other hand, excel at improving surface-level concerns like sun damage, redness, fine lines, and uneven texture. Options like Moxi, CO2RE, BBL, and VBeam each have their own strengths and can be used alone or in combination with Sofwave, depending on your needs.
The best results often come from a personalized plan that addresses multiple concerns. That might mean starting with Sofwave to stimulate collagen and lift the skin, then following up with laser treatments to refine tone and texture. During your consultation, we’ll help you create a step-by-step plan that makes sense for your skin and schedule.
Sofwave vs. Laser Treatments FAQ
Curious whether Sofwave or a laser treatment is right for you? Here are the most common questions about each option, helping you understand what works best for your unique skin goals.
What is Sofwave and how does it work?
Sofwave is a non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production in the mid-dermis layer of your skin. It helps lift and tighten mild to moderate skin laxity and smooth wrinkles, all with zero downtime.
What areas of the body can Sofwave treat?
Sofwave is FDA-cleared to treat fine lines and skin laxity on the face, neck, jawline, arms, abdomen, and thighs. It’s popular for both facial lifting and full-body toning, especially as a preventative aging solution.
Is Sofwave better than laser treatments?
It depends on your goals. Sofwave is ideal for lifting and tightening with no recovery time. Lasers like Moxi, CO2RE, VBeam, and BBL Photofacial are better for treating pigmentation, sun damage, redness, and textural issues. Many clients use both for comprehensive results.
Can Sofwave be combined with other treatments?
Absolutely. For enhanced results, many patients combine Sofwave with treatments like microneedling for texture or BBL Photofacial for pigmentation. This layered approach is often recommended for full-face or body rejuvenation plans.
How does Sofwave compare to Ultherapy?
Both use ultrasound, but Ultherapy reaches deeper layers, making it more suitable for advanced sagging. Sofwave is better for early laxity, has less discomfort, and offers quicker visible results with no downtime.
Is Sofwave safe for all skin types?
Yes, Sofwave is safe for all skin types and tones because it bypasses the skin’s surface. It’s an excellent alternative for clients who may not be candidates for certain laser treatments due to pigmentation concerns.
How long do Sofwave results last?
Results develop gradually over 3-6 months as collagen builds, and improvements can last a year or longer. Annual maintenance sessions are often recommended for sustained skin firmness and lift.
Which treatment is best for redness or broken capillaries?
For redness, visible vessels, or rosacea, VBeam PDL laser is the gold standard. Sofwave doesn’t target vascular issues, so VBeam is the better choice for evening out skin tone and reducing flushing.
How do I decide which treatment is right for me?
Your ideal treatment depends on your skin goals, treatment area, and desired downtime. At Arsenault Aesthetics, we offer personalized consultations in Lakewood Ranch and Venice, FL to design a custom plan using Sofwave, lasers, or both for natural, lasting results.
Where can I get Sofwave or laser treatments in Sarasota County?
Arsenault Aesthetics offers Sofwave, Moxi Laser, CO2RE, VBeam, and more at our med spa locations in Lakewood Ranch and Venice, FL. Book an appointment to find the right solution for you.
Sofwave or Laser? Your Customized Plan Starts Here
Sofwave is having a major moment, and for good reason. It’s one of the most effective non-invasive options for lifting and tightening skin on the face and body, with no recovery time. But it’s not the only tool worth considering. Depending on what you want to treat—wrinkles, sagging, sun damage, redness, or uneven texture—laser options like CO2RE, Moxi, VBeam, and BBL Photofacial may be just as important in your skin plan.
At our clinics in Lakewood Ranch and Venice, we take the time to understand your goals and recommend treatments that actually make sense for your skin. Whether you’re coming from Sarasota, Bradenton, Nokomis, or Englewood, we’ll help you figure out the right combination of services for smoother, firmer, brighter skin—no guesswork required. If you’re ready to find out what works best for you, book an appoitment with us today!
