Sofwave is designed to fit easily around daily life, and the aftercare is refreshingly straightforward. Because the treatment uses ultrasound energy rather than needles or incisions, the surface of the skin stays intact, so most people return to their usual routine straight away.
In short: keep the skin calm for the first day or two, avoid heat and vigorous exercise, protect it from the sun, and give your collagen time to do its work over the following weeks. Below, Dr Duncan Brennand and the L’Atelier team explain what to expect after Sofwave, what to avoid, when results appear, and how to help them last.
Authored and reviewed by Dr Duncan Brennand, Lead Aesthetic Doctor, L’Atelier Aesthetics, Harley Street
After a Sofwave session it is normal to notice mild redness, a feeling of warmth and occasionally slight swelling or tenderness across the treated area. These effects are usually mild and tend to settle within a few hours to a day or so.
There is no wound to care for and no lengthy recovery, which is one of the reasons Sofwave has become such a popular non-surgical choice. Most patients at our Harley Street clinic go straight back to work or their plans on the same day.
In most cases, yes. Because Sofwave does not break the skin, makeup can usually be applied on the same day. That said, if your skin still feels warm or looks a little pink, it is often more comfortable to wait until this has settled before applying anything.
When you do, use clean brushes or fingers and gentle, non-irritating products, and remove it carefully at the end of the day. As always, follow the aftercare advice given to you at your appointment, as it is tailored to your skin.
Although downtime is minimal, a few sensible precautions in the first 24 to 48 hours help your skin settle comfortably and support the collagen response. Here’s what to do and what to avoid in the first couple of days.
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
Keep the treated area clean and let it stay cool and calm | Saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga and very hot showers |
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning | Strenuous exercise |
Drink plenty of water and continue your usual gentle skincare | Alcohol |
Sleep well and eat a balanced diet to support collagen production | Strong actives such as retinoids, acids and scrubs |
Follow the aftercare advice given at your appointment | Rubbing, massaging or picking at the treated area |
Direct sun exposure and sunbeds |
In most cases, yes. Because Sofwave does not break the skin, makeup can usually be applied on the same day. That said, if your skin still feels warm or looks a little pink, it is often more comfortable to wait until this has settled before applying anything.
When you do, use clean brushes or fingers and gentle, non-irritating products, and remove it carefully at the end of the day. As always, follow the aftercare advice given to you at your appointment, as it is tailored to your skin.
Sofwave does not deliver an instant lift. It works by stimulating your skin’s own collagen and elastin, which is a gradual process.
Many people notice some early firmness in the first few weeks, but the more meaningful improvement in tightness, texture and lift builds over roughly 6 to 12 weeks as new collagen forms.
Results typically continue to refine for up to three months and, for suitable patients, can last in the region of 12 to 18 months. Patience is part of the process, and the natural, unforced result is exactly what makes the treatment appealing. If you are still weighing up whether it is right for you, our blog on whether Sofwave is really worth it explains who tends to be a good candidate.
A few simple habits genuinely help you get the most from your treatment
Because Sofwave focuses on lifting and firmness, it often works well alongside treatments that improve skin quality from within. Profhilo and skin boosters, which deeply hydrate and improve skin quality, and polynucleotides, which support repair and regeneration at a cellular level, are two options Dr Brennand may suggest as part of a wider plan where they suit your skin.
| Do | Why it helps |
|---|---|
Wear SPF every day | Protects newly developing collagen from UV damage |
Stay well hydrated | Supports healthy skin and recovery |
Follow a consistent skincare routine | Helps maintain skin quality once your skin has settled |
Prioritise sleep and good nutrition | Supports your body's natural collagen production |
Avoid smoking | Helps protect collagen and overall skin health |
Discuss complementary treatments with your practitioner | Treatments such as Profhilo or polynucleotides may further improve skin quality where appropriate |
For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga and very hot showers, hold off on strenuous exercise for around 24 hours, limit alcohol for the first day, and pause strong active skincare such as retinoids, acids and exfoliating scrubs for a few days. Avoid rubbing or picking at the treated area, stay out of direct sun and skip sunbeds while the skin settles.
Some early firmness may appear within the first few weeks, but the main improvement in lift and skin tightening builds gradually over about 6 to 12 weeks as new collagen forms, with continued refinement for up to three months.
For suitable patients, results generally last in the region of 12 to 18 months. Because ageing continues over time, a maintenance session may be recommended to keep the effect topped up.
Usually yes, and often on the same day, since Sofwave does not break the skin. If your skin still feels warm or looks pink, it is more comfortable to wait until this settles, then apply gentle products with clean brushes or fingers.
Downtime is minimal. Mild redness, warmth or slight swelling can occur but usually settles within a few hours to a day, and most patients return to normal activities straight away.
It is best to avoid strenuous exercise for around 24 hours, as heat and increased blood flow can add to any redness. Gentle movement and walking are usually fine.
Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga and very hot showers for the first 24 to 48 hours. Warm, brief showers are generally fine once any warmth in the skin has settled.
Protect your skin with daily SPF, keep it well hydrated, maintain a consistent skincare routine, look after your general health, and attend any recommended follow-up. Complementary treatments such as Profhilo or polynucleotides may also be suggested to support overall skin quality.
Often, yes. Sofwave firms and lifts, while treatments such as Profhilo and polynucleotides improve hydration and skin quality. Dr Brennand will advise on safe timing and sequencing as part of a personalised plan. Our comparison of Sofwave and Ultherapy can also help if you are choosing between ultrasound options.
Every patient receives tailored aftercare advice before leaving their appointment, based on their skin and treatment plan. If you have any questions after your Sofwave treatment or would like to find out whether it’s the right option for you, Dr Duncan Brennand and the team at L’Atelier Aesthetics are happy to help.
We welcome patients from across Marylebone, Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Regent’s Park, Soho, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Chelsea and Kensington, as well as visitors travelling to London for specialist aesthetic and skin treatments. Our location benefits from excellent transport links, with Oxford Circus only a 13 minute walk away, Bond Street and Regent’s Park Underground stations are also both within easy reach. The clinic is also conveniently accessible from major London rail stations and Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airports thanks to the Elizabeth line, making visits straightforward for both UK and international patients.
Whether you are travelling from within London or further afield, our Harley Street clinic provides a calm, professional environment for personalised aesthetic and skin health treatments in one of the capital’s most respected medical locations.
Google Reviews Rated 4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ from 286 Reviews
