Sofwave vs Ultherapy Prime
Yaan Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Sofwave and Ultherapy Prime both use ultrasound, but at different depths. Sofwave heats the mid-dermis at 1.5 mm with seven parallel beams to soften fine lines and firm skin. Ultherapy Prime focuses energy as deep as the SMAS to lift sagging jowls and contours. Yaan Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul offers both, with Sofwave from ₩1,100,000 and Ultherapy Prime from ₩1,500,000.
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Sofwave vs Ultherapy compares two ultrasound lifting treatments that work at very different depths: Sofwave targets the mid-dermis at 1.5 mm with seven parallel beams for fine lines and firmness, while Ultherapy Prime focuses energy as deep as the SMAS layer for structural lifting. At Yaan Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, both are offered, and the doctor recommends one based on whether your concern is skin quality or deeper sagging.
Sofwave or Ultherapy: which is better?
Sofwave is usually better for fine lines, crepey texture and mild loss of firmness, with little to no downtime. Ultherapy Prime is usually better for deeper sagging such as jowls, a heavy lower face and double chin, because it reaches the SMAS.
Both use ultrasound, so they are often confused. The difference lies in how the energy is delivered. Sofwave spreads heat across a wide area of the dermis, while Ultherapy concentrates energy into small focal points at chosen depths. Many patients have a mix of both concerns. Your doctor will confirm which fits your skin at consultation.
How do Sofwave and Ultherapy Prime compare?
The table below summarizes what Yaan Clinic publishes about each treatment. Items not stated by Yaan are marked as confirmed at consultation.
| Feature | Sofwave | Ultherapy Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Ultrasound, 7 parallel thermal beams | Micro-focused ultrasound (MFU-V / HIFU) |
| Depth | Mid-dermis, 1.5 mm | 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm (up to SMAS) |
| Coverage | About 3–4x wider area per pulse (Yaan) | Focused points along lines |
| Skin safety feature | Real-time "infinity cooling" temperature monitoring | DeepSEE real-time imaging |
| Best for | Fine lines (face, eyes, mouth, neck), firmness, droopy eyes | Jowls, jawline, nasolabial folds, double chin, deep sagging |
| Anesthesia at Yaan | Confirmed at consultation | Optional sleep anesthesia or non-sleep AirNox |
| Downtime | Little to none | Normal daily activities |
| Results last (Yaan) | Confirmed at consultation | Up to a year |
| Yaan signature program | Sofwave Fit (+ Tune Liner or ONDA + LDM) | Ulthera Fit (+ Tune Liner + LDM) |
| Approval noted by Yaan | US FDA | US FDA |
| Price at Yaan | From 1,100,000 KRW (100 pulses, VAT excl.) | From 1,500,000 KRW (300 shots) |
How does Sofwave work?
Sofwave sends ultrasound into the mid-dermis at 1.5 mm through seven parallel beams, heating a broad band of tissue to stimulate collagen. Built-in cooling monitors skin temperature in real time to protect the surface.
Because it treats the layer where fine lines and loss of firmness begin, Sofwave is often chosen for wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and neck, and for gentle firming of contours. Yaan offers it as Sofwave Fit, combining Sofwave with Tune Liner or ONDA plus LDM Recovery Therapy. Yaan states the number of sessions depends on skin condition and laxity. Learn more on the Sofwave page.
How does Ultherapy Prime work?
Ultherapy Prime focuses ultrasound into tiny heat points of about 60–70°C at selected depths, contracting and remodeling collagen up to the SMAS. DeepSEE imaging lets the doctor see the tissue layers while treating.
Its 4.5 mm transducer reaches the SMAS, the supporting layer surgeons tighten in a facelift, while 3.0 mm and 1.5 mm transducers address the subcutaneous layer and the dermis. Yaan describes the lift as lasting up to a year and offers Ulthera Fit, pairing Ultherapy Prime with Tune Liner and LDM. Details are on the Ultherapy Prime page.
Which should I choose for my concern?
Pick Sofwave when the skin surface is the problem, and Ultherapy when the face is structurally sagging. When both are present, a combination may be discussed.
| Main concern | Usually considered first | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Fine lines around eyes and mouth | Sofwave | Treats the mid-dermis where fine lines form |
| Neck lines and crepey skin | Sofwave | Wide, even dermal heating |
| Jowls and blurred jawline | Ultherapy Prime | Reaches the SMAS layer |
| Double chin with laxity | Ultherapy Prime (Ulthera Fit) or Sofwave Fit | Both programs can add Tune Liner |
| Preventive care | Sofwave | Yaan says preventive use is possible |
| Sensitive skin | Assessed first | Yaan evaluates sensitive skin before Sofwave |
Concern guides can help you describe your goals: see wrinkles and fine lines and sagging skin and jowls.
Which is more comfortable, and which has less downtime?
Both have little downtime. Sofwave has little to none, and Ultherapy patients return to normal daily activities. Deep focused ultrasound can feel sharper, so Yaan offers optional sleep anesthesia or AirNox for Ultherapy.
Mild redness or swelling can follow either treatment and usually settles quickly. Yaan provides LDM Recovery Therapy after both programs. Comfort varies between people, and your doctor will confirm pain control options at consultation.
How much do Sofwave and Ultherapy cost at Yaan Clinic in Seoul?
At Yaan Clinic, Sofwave costs from ₩1,100,000 for 100 pulses (VAT excluded), and Ultherapy Prime costs ₩1,500,000 for 300 shots or ₩3,000,000 for 600 shots.
| Sofwave option (KRW, VAT excluded) | 200 pulses | 300 pulses | 400 pulses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofwave alone | 2,200,000 | 3,300,000 | 4,400,000 |
| Sofwave + LDM Water Therapy + ONDA (30,000 J) | 2,400,000 | 3,500,000 | 4,600,000 |
| Sofwave + LDM Water Therapy + Tune Liner or Winnage | 2,400,000 | 3,500,000 | 4,600,000 |
| Ultherapy option (KRW) | 300 shots | 400 shots | 500 shots | 600 shots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultherapy Prime alone | 1,500,000 | – | – | 3,000,000 |
| Ultherapy Prime + TuneLiner or ONDA + LDM | 1,700,000 | 2,200,000 | 2,700,000 | 3,200,000 |
Sofwave 100 pulses is ₩1,100,000, Eye Ultherapy is ₩500,000 per 100 shots, and the Ultimate Sofwave Package (Sofwave 200 + TuneFace 40kJ + Rejuran Healer 2 cc + LDM + Meta-Vu) is ₩3,100,000 (VAT excluded).
International patients pay the same price as Korean patients, and your final price is confirmed at consultation. The consultation fee (10,000 KRW, or 30,000 KRW including a director consultation) is waived if you have a treatment. The cosmetic VAT refund for foreign patients ended on 1 January 2026.
For a full breakdown, see the Sofwave price guide, the Ultherapy price guide, the lifting packages page and all Yaan Clinic treatment prices.
Can Sofwave and Ultherapy be combined?
They can be, because they act on different layers: Ultherapy supports the deeper structure while Sofwave refines the dermis. Your doctor decides whether combining adds value for you.
Combination is most often discussed when a patient has both deeper sagging and fine lines or crepey texture. For other comparisons, read Thermage vs Ultherapy or the full Korean lifting treatments compared guide.
Good to know: No ultrasound lift replaces surgery for advanced sagging, and results vary. Ultrasound treatments are generally avoided during pregnancy and over active infection or open wounds.
For international patients: Both treatments suit short trips thanks to minimal downtime. Share your arrival time and you can come straight from the airport. Contact the international line or WhatsApp at +82 10 5308 0499; English and Chinese interpreters are available. See how to book.
Why compare them at Yaan Clinic?
Yaan Clinic offers both Sofwave and two Ultherapy Prime units, uses only MFDS-approved authentic single-use tips, and has its own signature programs for each. Doctors treat patients directly.
Learn about authenticity checks on genuine products and safety.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sofwave or Ultherapy better for fine lines?
Sofwave is usually preferred for fine lines because it heats the mid-dermis at 1.5 mm across a wide area, where fine wrinkles form. Ultherapy's shallow transducer can also help texture, but its main strength is deeper lifting. Your doctor confirms the best option.
Is Sofwave or Ultherapy better for jowls?
Ultherapy Prime is generally considered first for jowls, because its 4.5 mm transducer reaches the SMAS layer that supports the lower face. Sofwave may help mild cheek sagging when it is mainly related to skin elasticity.
How much does Sofwave cost at Yaan Clinic?
Sofwave costs 1,100,000 KRW for 100 shots, 2,200,000 for 200, 3,300,000 for 300 and 4,400,000 for 400, VAT excluded, as 2026 guide prices. Package options with ONDA, Tune Liner or Winnage are also published.
How much does Ultherapy Prime cost at Yaan Clinic?
At Yaan Clinic, Ultherapy Prime costs ₩1,500,000 for 300 shots and ₩3,000,000 for 600 shots. Combined with TuneLiner or ONDA plus LDM, it costs ₩1,700,000 to ₩3,200,000. International patients pay the same price as Korean patients, and the final price is confirmed at consultation.
Which has less downtime, Sofwave or Ultherapy?
Both have minimal downtime. Yaan describes Sofwave as having little to none, and Ultherapy patients typically resume normal daily activities. Mild redness or swelling may occur and usually settles quickly.
Can Sofwave be used preventively?
Yes. Yaan Clinic says Sofwave can be used preventively for people who want to maintain firmness before significant sagging develops. Sensitive skin is assessed first, and the number of sessions depends on skin condition.
Related pages
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WhatsApp / international line: +82 10 5308 0499 · KakaoTalk · Email: yaan09@naver.com
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About this information: Prepared from Yaan Clinic's published treatment information. Treatments at Yaan Clinic are performed by licensed physicians — meet our doctors. Last updated: October 2026. This page is general information, not a substitute for an in-person medical consultation; suitability, dosage and results are confirmed by your doctor.
