qd neck sofwave
Neck Sofwave firms the fine lines and early laxity of the neck and the under-chin (submental) area, where thin skin shows change first. Mid-dermis ultrasound at about 1.5 mm prompts collagen renewal along the neck, while integrated cooling protects the surface. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we map the neck and under-chin after assessing your skin; a session usually takes about 20–35 minutes with little downtime. (Results vary by individual.)
is this for me
Who it’s for
Even if none of these describes you, we will look again at the consultation.
- Fine neck lines and early neck laxity
- Under-chin softness beneath the jaw
- People who want to pair neck care with facial firming
- Anyone who prefers little downtime
Neck skin is thin and mobile, so the doctor maps depth carefully. Deep static bands may respond less and are discussed at consultation.
Before you pick a treatment name, start with the cause of your concern.
start with your concern
Even a treatment with the same name takes on a different role and scope depending on your current structure, the change you want, what you have had before and the recovery time you have.
01
Where you are now, and where we start
Loss of elasticity and fine lines in the neck skin
02
The change you want, the impression you keep
Rather than how much to lift, we first decide what impression to leave, then mark out how much expression and volume to keep.
03
How it differs from similar options
We compare how deep ultrasound, radiofrequency and microwave energy reach and what each does, alongside thread lifting and surgery.
04
Health information and recovery schedule
We check medication and conditions, any implant in the area, possible pregnancy and the dates that matter, then set the timing and intensity.
the
principle
We plan the area and the intensity of the parallel ultrasound aimed at the mid dermis around your skin thickness and sensitivity.
Parallel ultrasound beams warm the mid-dermis along the neck at about 1.5 mm, creating fractional zones that prompt collagen renewal so fine lines and laxity may soften over the following weeks. Integrated cooling keeps the thin neck skin comfortable. Sofwave is cleared by the US FDA for improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and for lifting the submental (under-chin) and neck tissue.
How it works
01
Parallel beams to the mid-dermis
Sofwave sends parallel ultrasound beams to a controlled depth of about 1.5 mm — the mid-dermis — rather than the deeper SMAS layer.
02
Fractional zones of warmth
The beams create small, evenly spaced zones of warmth in the dermis, leaving surrounding tissue to support renewal.
03
The surface stays cooled
An integrated cooling mechanism keeps the thin neck skin protected and more comfortable while the dermis is warmed.
04
Collagen and elastin renew
The warmth prompts the skin’s own collagen and elastin renewal over the following weeks, so changes are gradual rather than immediate.
The same treatment, never the same plan.
the qd standard
Rather than a fashionable name or a fixed package, we weigh the structure found at examination, safety, recovery and the limits within one plan.
- 01DIAGNOSIS FIRSTCause before nameWe first separate out the tissue and the function behind your concern.
- 02LESS, PRECISEOnly as much as neededRather than an excessive change, we plan the smallest scope with a clear role.
- 03HONEST LIMITThe limits, explained tooWe explain the change you can expect, the alternatives, individual differences and the risks.
From consultation to follow-up, planned as one flow.
personal plan
Neck Sofwave firms the fine lines and early laxity of the neck and the under-chin (submental) area, where thin skin shows change first. Mid-dermis ultrasound at about 1.5 mm prompts collagen renewal along the neck, while integrated cooling protects the surface. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we map the neck and under-chin after assessing your skin; a session usually takes about 20–35 minutes with little downtime. (Results vary by individual.)
Layer-by-layer diagnosis
We examine whether the sagging, the lines or the volume sit closer to the dermis, the fat or the deep supporting layer.
Mapping by area
We mark what to treat, what volume to keep and what to avoid, so the settings differ even within one face.
A plan built on response
Taking in how your skin reacted, how it felt and any earlier energy treatments, we set the intensity, the area and the follow-up point.
What the procedure is like
- Consultation and assessment of the neck and under-chin
- Cleansing and mapping along the neck
- Ultrasound delivery with cooling, adapted to thin skin
- Soothing and aftercare guidance
Time: A neck session takes about 20–35 minutes.
Please read this before treatment
- Little to no downtime; most people return to daily activities the same day.
- Temporary redness or mild swelling along the neck may occur.
- Use sun protection on the neck and follow the aftercare guidance we provide.
Safety & considerations
Possible reactions
- Temporary redness or a flushed feeling
- Mild swelling or tenderness along the neck for a short time
- Occasionally small areas of bruising
- Rarely, temporary changes in skin sensation that typically settle
When to take extra care
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding — let us know at consultation
- Active skin infection, inflammation or open lesions on the neck
- Implanted electrical devices, or metal implants in the area — tell your doctor
- Recent fillers, threads or other energy treatments on the neck — tell your doctor so timing can be planned
- A history of keloid or difficulty with wound healing
what to expect
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
DAY 0
Treatment day
Warmth as the ultrasound is delivered along the neck, eased by the integrated cooling; afterwards mild redness that usually settles within hours. Most people return to daily activities the same day.
DAY 1-3
Settling
Any redness or mild swelling along the neck generally eases. Makeup and normal skincare can usually resume as advised.
WEEK 2-6
Early change
Some people notice the neck and under-chin feeling a little firmer. This varies from person to person.
6-12 WEEKS
Collagen renewal
As new collagen and elastin form, a gradual firmness along the neck becomes more noticeable for many people, and fine lines may look softer. This is typically when results are assessed. (Results vary by individual.)
~6 MONTHS
Review
Your doctor reviews the outcome and, if appropriate, discusses whether a further session suits your skin.
Sessions & results
A single session is common, with changes appearing gradually over about 6–12 weeks as collagen renews along the neck. Your plan is decided at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
how it compares
How it compares
These are all non-invasive, energy-based lifting treatments — but they use different energy and reach different depths, so they suit different goals.
| Sofwave | Ultherapy PRIME | Thermage FLX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Ultrasound (SUPERB parallel beams) | Focused ultrasound (imaging-guided) | Monopolar radiofrequency |
| Main depth | Mid-dermis (~1.5 mm) | Up to ~4.5 mm — reaches the SMAS | Broad heating of the dermis |
| Often chosen for | Fine neck lines and early laxity | Deeper under-chin and neck lift | Overall tightening of neck skin |
| Sensation | Warmth with integrated cooling | Brief warmth at each point | Warm heating cycles with cooling |
| Downtime | Little to none | Little to none | Little to none |
Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
Before you decide, the questions people always ask
before consultation
We set the area to avoid the site of the thyroid and the paths of the large vessels. The skin and the tissue beneath it are thin on the neck, so we work at a lower intensity than on the face and do not pass over the same spot repeatedly. If you have had neck surgery or have metal or an implant there, you must tell us.
A crease formed by repeatedly bending the head can become shallower as firmness returns, but if the habit stays the same it will stand out again. Looking at posture alongside the treatment therefore helps the result. For deeply etched horizontal lines this treatment alone has limits, and we will discuss other methods with you.
The thinner the skin, the more we must lower both the intensity and the number of passes. Sofwave cools the surface and warms only the mid dermis, so it can be used on a thin neck — but that does not mean we use the same settings. If anything feels hot or stinging during the treatment, say so straight away.
Everyday movement is fine. On the day itself, though, it is better to avoid saunas, vigorous exercise and hot showers. If redness or a feeling of heat remains on the neck, wait another day or so, and go back to your usual routine once it has settled.
It can. When the face becomes firmer, the neck can look relatively more slack, so when we treat as far as the jawline we tend to suggest looking at the neck as well. That said, depending on the state of your neck it may not be needed — we look at both at the examination and decide.
The medical information on this page was reviewed by Hong Sahyeok, plastic surgeon and Medical Director of QD Clinic.
personal consultation
Tell us what bothers you now, the change you want, what you have had done before and any dates that matter. We will compare the possible approaches and their limits, calmly.
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