Sofwave in Seoul — synchronous ultrasound lifting for fine lines and brow lift
Sofwave fills skin elasticity without harsh pulling
Dr. Kim explains Sofwave
From Dr. Hongseok Kim's YouTube channel — Korean audio; tap to unmute.
- FDA-clearedFor brow lift, neck and under-chin lift, and fine lines
- Aimed at ~1.5 mmThe mid-dermis, where fine lines form
- Cooled throughoutThe skin surface is protected during every pulse
- Short recoveryMild redness usually settles in 20–30 minutes
Ultrasound for the layer where fine lines live
Sofwave doesn't pull or fold the skin. It warms the mid-dermis — about 1.5 mm below the surface — with focused ultrasound while the surface is cooled, so the collagen-rich layer is prompted to rebuild firmness on its own.
- About 1.5 mm, mid-dermis
Energy goes to the collagen layer where elasticity is lost — not to fat or muscle.
- Seven parallel beams
Seven transducers spread the energy evenly across each area instead of one hot spot.
- Continuous cooling
The surface is cooled from start to finish, keeping the effect in the mid-dermis.
- FDA-cleared uses
Brow lift, lifting of the neck and under-chin, and the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
~1.5 mm · mid-dermis7 parallel beams
Sofwave, Ultherapy Prime or Thermage FLX?
All three build collagen with heat. What differs is the layer they reach — so start from what bothers you, not the device name.
What bothers you most?
Crinkly lines on thin skin sit in the dermis — Sofwave's layer.
Sagging comes from the deeper support layer (SMAS) — Ultherapy Prime reaches it.
Overall firmness and crepey skin respond to even heating of the dermis — Thermage FLX's approach.
- Best match
SofwaveThis page
- Layer reached
- Mid-dermis, about 1.5 mm (focused ultrasound)
- Best fit
- Fine lines, thin crepey skin, a softly lifted brow
- How it feels
- Warmth with surface cooling; numbing cream is usually enough
- Afterwards
- Mild redness or swelling, usually gone in 20–30 minutes
- Best match
Ultherapy Prime
- Layer reached
- SMAS and dermis — 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm (micro-focused ultrasound)
- Best fit
- Sagging along the jawline, under the chin and at the brows
- How it feels
- Heat or prickling with each line; 3-step pain care, sedation available
- Afterwards
- Mild redness or swelling 1–2 days; tenderness up to 1–2 weeks
- Best match
Thermage FLX
- Layer reached
- Deep dermis, heated evenly as a field (monopolar RF)
- Best fit
- Overall firmness, crepey eye-area skin, contour definition
- How it feels
- Heat or a brief sting, eased by cooling and vibration
- Afterwards
- Redness or mild swelling that settles within hours
Sofwave alone is not enough for marked cheek sagging or deep nasolabial shadows — those start in a deeper layer. If that is your main concern, Dr. Kim may suggest Ultherapy Prime, or both together.
Based on clinic material and manufacturer information. Which treatment suits you is decided after Dr. Kim examines your skin.
Where Sofwave is used
Areas are combined to suit your skin — the shot count follows the areas you choose.
Forehead & glabella
Fine horizontal lines and creasing between the brows.
Eye area & brows
Crepey skin around the eyes and a softly lifted brow line.
Cheeks
Thin, finely lined cheek skin that has lost its spring.
Jawline & neck
Firmer skin along the jaw, under the chin and on the neck.
Who Sofwave suits — and who it doesn't
Knowing what Sofwave can't do matters as much as what it can. Here is how Dr. Kim sorts it at consultation.
A good fit if you…
- have thin skin with fine, crinkly lines
- would like your brows to sit a little higher
- want a short session and to get back to your day
- want firmer skin on the neck or under the chin
- are adding surface tightening to an Ultherapy Prime lift
Probably not the right choice if you…
- have firm skin that hasn't lost elasticity yet — e.g. in your twenties
- mainly want lifting of clearly sagging cheeks (a deeper layer is involved)
- are looking for volume — Sofwave tightens, it doesn't add volume
- have sunburn, inflammation or a wound on the area right now
Priced by the shot — the same rate at every size
Sofwave at VOS is listed by shot count. Dr. Kim sets the number of shots after he sees the areas you want treated.
- 50 shots₩600,000
- 200 shots₩2,400,000
- 250 shots₩3,000,000
KRW · 10% VAT added where applicable · same prices for every nationality
Signature programs that include Sofwave
For visitors who want lifting and tightening planned together.
- Signature Lift & Tighten Program
₩6,000,000₩4,800,000- Ultherapy PRIME (600 shots)
- Sofwave (200 shots)
- Signature Eye Rejuvenation Program
₩3,400,000₩3,060,000- Juveàcell 8% 1 syringe
- Ultherapy PRIME Eye (300 shots)
- Sofwave (50 shots)
Ultherapy Prime works on the deeper support layer, Sofwave on the skin's surface layer. Both can be planned at a single consultation, so one visit to Seoul can cover both.
What usually happens after Sofwave
Collagen takes time to rebuild — most of the change arrives after you are home.
- Same dayShort session
Numbing cream, treatment, then moisturizing care. You leave with your day intact.
- Minutes – hoursRedness settles
Mild redness or swelling usually fades within 20–30 minutes; for some it takes a few hours.
- ~1 monthChanges begin
Many people start to notice firmer, smoother skin as new collagen forms.
- ~3 monthsClearest change
This is usually when the effect is easiest to see.
- After thatPlan upkeep
How long it lasts differs by skin — maintenance is planned with Dr. Kim.
Timing and results vary from person to person. No result can be guaranteed.
What visitors ask about Sofwave
Straight answers, based on the clinic's own guidance and the way Dr. Kim treats at VOS.
- ~1.5 mm mid-dermis
- Numbing cream
- 20–30 min redness
- Dr. Kim treats
Does Sofwave hurt?
You feel warmth with each pulse while the surface is cooled. How strong it feels depends on the person and the area, but numbing cream is usually enough. The steps are simple: numbing cream, treatment, then moisturizing care.
Sofwave or Ultherapy Prime — which should I choose?
It depends on where the problem sits. Fine lines and thin, crepey skin live in the dermis, which Sofwave targets at about 1.5 mm. Sagging along the cheeks and jawline involves the deeper SMAS layer, which Ultherapy Prime reaches. Many people have a bit of both — then the two are planned together.
How many shots do I need?
It depends on the areas. Sofwave is listed at 50, 200 and 250 shots at the same per-shot rate; 50 shots is the amount used in the Signature Eye program, while larger areas need more. Dr. Kim confirms the number at consultation, before anything is booked.
See Sofwave pricesCan I fly home the next day?
Usually, yes. Mild redness or swelling tends to settle within 20–30 minutes, so most people can keep their travel plans. You will get aftercare advice — such as when to start makeup — right after the session.
Can I combine it with Ultherapy Prime on one trip?
Yes. VOS offers a Signature Lift & Tighten program that pairs Ultherapy Prime with Sofwave. Whether both suit you, and how they are scheduled, is decided at your consultation.
Based on clinic guidance and manufacturer information. Results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.
Sofwave Pricing at VOS
Based on VOS Dermatology’s official price list as of October 16, 2026.
Prices are in KRW and are subject to 10% VAT. The same pricing applies to all patients, regardless of nationality.
The appropriate number of shots and treatment sessions will be determined during your consultation with Dr. Kim.
Sofwave
- 50 Shots₩600,000
- 200 Shots₩2,400,000
- 250 Shots₩3,000,000
Signature Lift & Tighten Program
- Ultherapy PRIME (600 shots)
- Sofwave (200 shots)
₩6,000,000₩4,800,000
Signature Eye Rejuvenation Program
- Juveàcell 8% 1 syringe
- Ultherapy PRIME Eye (300 shots)
- Sofwave (50 shots)
₩3,400,000₩3,060,000
Related treatments
Ultherapy Prime
Non-surgical focused-ultrasound lift for an early-sagging jawline, brow and under-chin
Skin Elasticity ImprovementFine Wrinkle Care- Those concerned about a sagging jawline with age
- Those who want overall improvement in wrinkles and skin elasticity
From ₩480,000 before VAT
How Ultherapy Prime works
Thermage FLX
Area-focused improvement solution
Skin Elasticity ImprovementWrinkle Improvement- Those who want to firm sagging, weakened skin
- Those who want natural results through non-surgical lifting
From ₩2,400,000 before VAT
How Thermage FLX works
Juvelook
Designing the skin’s natural regenerative power
Fine wrinkle improvementSkin texture improvement- Those who have started to develop fine wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, mouth, etc.
- For those with rough skin surfaces and uneven texture
From ₩1,000,000 before VAT
How Juvelook works
Questions patients ask about Sofwave
Who is Sofwave for — and who is it not for?
Sofwave or Ultherapy Prime — which do I need?
How many Sofwave shots will I need?
Can I fly home the day after Sofwave?
Does Sofwave hurt, and what happens during the session?
Sources and related searches
Sources: Sofwave — official site
People also search: How long does Sofwave last? · Sofwave vs Ultherapy
About Dr. Hongseok Kim
Dr. Kim performs your Sofwave himself — from the first skin analysis to the follow-up check.
Dr. Kim focuses on aesthetic dermatology — skin regeneration, facial contour and healthy aging — and builds each plan from a close look at the individual patient's skin and goals, aiming for natural, refined results.
At VOS the same specialist is responsible for the whole course of care: diagnosis, the procedure itself and follow-up. An accurate reading of skin structure and how it changes is what makes results more complete and keeps the risk of side effects low.
Credentials & appointments
- Current
- Medical Director, VOS Dermatology Clinic
- Board-certified dermatologist
- Education
- Graduated first in class, medical school
- Academic appointments
- Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Medical Aesthetics, Cheongju University
- Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Beauty Medical Science, Dongguk University
- Professional leadership
- Director, Korean Dermatologist Association (KDA)
- Director, Korean Association for Anti-Aging Dermatology (KAAD)
- Committees
- Academic Committee Member, Korean Dermatological Association
- Information Committee Member, Korean Dermatologist Association (KDA)
- Memberships
- Korean Society for Dermatologic Functional Medicine
- Korean Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
Brand advisory
- Skincare
- The Scent
- SkinCeuticals
- La Roche-Posay
- AHC
- Bioderma
- Etat Pur
- Injectables
- Juvelook
- Revive
- Lafullen
- Rejuran
- Devices
- Ulthera
- Thermage
- Sofwave
- CoolSculpting
- Mirajet
Lecturing, live demonstrations and brand education — in Korea and across Asia.
- presentations & lectures listed
- 116
- years covered by the list
- 2016–2026
- in 2023, the busiest year listed
- 25
LectureJULIA SUMMIT GLOBALJuvelook Journey — invited lecture · 2025 
ConferenceAPS Korea 2026Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Korea · 2026 
Conference28th KDA Spring ConferenceKorean Dermatologist Association · 2026 
ConferenceKOREADERMA 2025COEX, Seoul · 2025 
Live demoIMLG 2025Live injection training for international physicians · 2025 
LectureJULIA SUMMIT ASIA 2025Presentation, Hong Kong · 2025 
Live demoIMLG 2025Faculty & attendees · 2025 
Brand eventSkinCeuticalsNext Beauty Code, Taiwan · 2025 
Live demoIMLG 2025Live demonstration, explained step by step · 2025 
Brand eventCOSRXBrand event, Seoul · 2025
Selected international & major meetings
- 2026
- APS Korea 2026
- 28th KDA Spring Conference
- Invited lecture, Baim Global Jupiter Symposium
- 2025
- JULIA SUMMIT GLOBAL – Juvelook Journey
- JULIA SUMMIT ASIA 2025Hong Kong
- KOREADERMA 2025
- SkinCeuticals: Next Beauty CodeTaiwan
- 9th KDA procedural skills training
- 2024
- AMWC-TDAC Taiwan
- Juvelook Launching Symposium in Taiwan
- KSDS 2nd International Congress Seoul
- 1st Ulthera Focus Group Meeting
Show 2 earlier yearsShow fewer
- 2023
- AMWC Japan
- 41st Annual Meeting, Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology
- ACDS 2023
- MEVOS Dalian
- 2022
- ASLMS (American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery)
- 13th I-SWAM Indonesia Convention Exhibition
Broadcast
- Morning N — hyperhidrosis and choosing cosmetics
- “Golden time of skin lifespan” (Jul 2021)
- Park Yong-kwan's Radio Show — regular Monday guest
- Good Morning — spring sunlight and skin (Mar 2023)
- Jo Woo-jong's FM Daehaengjin — Dr. Family corner
- Men On Air — summer skin care
Papers & books
- Juvelook Comparative Pain Assessment
- Cosmetic Counseling Expert Course
- Cosmetic Ingredients for Skin Care
Source: VOS Dermatology's official Korean profile of Dr. Kim.
Meet Dr. KimCreators who filmed their treatment at VOS.
Each video comes with Dr. Kim's notes on what was done, why, and the listed price. Opinions are the creators' own; results vary.
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Juvelook, Anti-Wrinkle Injection and Rejuran Lips in Seoul: A Natural Refresh Case
Oxana wanted to refresh her lower face and neck without looking done. I explain her combination of laser, Juvelook, anti-wrinkle injection and Rejuran in the lips, and why lips can be treated for quality, not volume.
Redness, Pores and Uneven Tone in Seoul: A Real Patient Case
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Thulium Laser, CO₂ Spot Removal and Nuviju in Seoul: A Real Case
Manel stopped posting because she no longer liked her skin. I explain her one-visit plan: a full-face thulium laser, CO₂ for spots and Nuviju for the chin and jawline.
Ultherapy Prime for a Double Chin in Korea: A Real Case
Krisha flew to Seoul to tighten the area under her chin. I explain what Ultherapy Prime does there, when a double chin is fat rather than laxity, and what to expect after.
VOS Dermatology Blog
Plain-language guides written by Dr. Hongseok Kim, board-certified dermatologist — treatments, recovery, cost and planning your visit to Seoul.
Rejuran Healer vs Juvelook: Which Fits? Recovery, Risks, Days
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Korea Rejuran HB Consultation Booking Appointment: Who Fits?
Planning a Korea Rejuran HB consultation booking appointment? Who HB suits, what decides the cost and what to send first, from VOS Dermatology, Gangnam.
Rejuran How Long Does It Last? Results, Sessions & Upkeep
Rejuran how long does it last? After a full course, often several months. Dr. Hongseok Kim of VOS Dermatology, Gangnam, explains sessions and upkeep.
Rejuran Recovery Day by Day: When Do Bumps Go? Methods, Risks
Rejuran recovery day by day: bumps usually settle within a day or two, bruises take longer. Plan trip days, methods, risks. VOS Dermatology, Gangnam
Juvelook Soft vs Volume: Which Fits? Cost, Reviews, Recovery
Juvelook soft vs volume: the lighter form treats crepey skin, Volume adds support. Dr. Hongseok Kim on cost, reviews, recovery. VOS Dermatology, Gangnam.
Korea Thermage FLX Procedure Steps in Order: Who Should Wait?
Korea Thermage FLX procedure steps in order, who should wait, what decides the cost, and recovery, from Dr. Hongseok Kim of VOS Dermatology, Gangnam.
What international patients wrote on Google Maps.
Screenshots of public reviews left on Google — in their own words, unedited. Experiences and results vary from person to person.
Before you book, hear it from the doctor himself.
Slide through 17 videos on lifting, skin boosters and traveling for treatment. Korean audio — everything plays right here.
Travel"Flying tomorrow, no bruising or swelling?" Top 3 No-Downtime Lifting (Ultherapy prime,Sofwave,Opus)
LiftingAfter Ulthera & Thermage, What's Next? Dermatologist with 21 Years of RF Experience Breaks It Down!
Skin boostersA Dermatologist with 21 Years of Experience Breaks Down the Skin Booster Family Tree
JuvelookMust-Know Before Getting JuveLook! | What It Can & Can’t Do, Clinic Tips by Dr.DTS
JuvelookPairing Juvelook with This Can Double the Firming Effect (And Ease Nodule Concerns)
JuvelookEverything About Juvelook — Effects, Real Treatment Review, Rejuran Comparison
Skin boostersDoctors Won’t Talk About This Treatment Yet… So I’m Revealing Everything | ECM Skin Booster Q&A
Skin boostersWhy does 'that' super famous skin booster contain 'filler' ingredients?
Skin boostersGOURI Is Korea’s Hottest Skin Booster — But What About the Bruising?
Anti-agingSurface Treatments vs Deep Treatments | Which One Actually Makes You Look Younger?
AftercareDid you just pay a fortune for a dermatology treatment? You'll 100% regret skipping this video.
Dr. KimSorry to my patients... I tried it on myself first (21-Year Derm's Self-Treatment Full Process)
BodyTrapezius Slimming for Sharp Shoulders ✨ How to Get That Clean, Angular Look (Spring/Summer Must)
Travel22-Hour Flight + High-Altitude UV: The One Thing a Dermatologist Used the Whole Time
ResearchScientists Erased a “Mark of Aging” Once Thought Irreversible | A New 2026 Aging Study | Dr. PIALNAM
PoresWhy Your Pores Won’t Shrink | What Actually Works? | Dr. DTS
SkincareWhy Your Expensive Vitamin C Isn’t Working｜How to Use It for Better Absorption｜Dr. PIALNAM
VOS Shorts
Get to know VOS in seconds — 60-second answers from Dr. Kim to the questions you’d ask in the chair. Everything plays right here.
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