InMode vs Sofwave: How to Choose
Choosing between two popular skin-tightening options can feel confusing, especially when both promise firmer, more youthful-looking skin. This InMode vs Sofwave comparison looks at how each treatment works, who tends to benefit, and what to expect during and after a session at DERNA Clinic in Seoul. Neither device is a substitute for surgery, and results vary from person to person depending on skin condition, age, and lifestyle factors.
What each treatment is
InMode is a radiofrequency-based lifting treatment that combines controlled fat reduction with collagen stimulation. It is available in several modes: Forma, which focuses on gentle skin tightening; miniFX, aimed at smaller or more targeted areas; and a combined FX plus Forma protocol for a more comprehensive full-face approach. A body version is also available for larger areas such as the abdomen or arms.
Sofwave uses focused ultrasound energy to heat the mid-dermal layer of the skin, encouraging collagen remodeling over time. It is offered in three intensity levels, described as 100, 200, and 300 shot options, allowing the treatment to be adjusted according to the treatment area and the patient's goals.
Both approaches are considered non-surgical and are generally used for skin laxity, mild sagging, and early signs of aging rather than significant volume loss or deep wrinkles.
Who it suits
InMode tends to suit patients looking for a versatile option that can address both mild fat fullness and loose skin, particularly around the jawline, cheeks, or body areas. Its multiple modes make it adaptable for different skin concerns in a single visit.
Sofwave is often chosen by patients who want a more concentrated, deeper heating effect focused specifically on lifting and firming, especially along the lower face and neck. Because it uses ultrasound rather than radiofrequency, some patients prefer it if they have already tried radiofrequency-based treatments without the desired firmness.
In general, both treatments are more suitable for early to moderate skin laxity rather than significant sagging, which may require surgical evaluation instead.
Who should avoid it
Neither treatment is recommended for patients who are pregnant, have active skin infections or open wounds in the treatment area, or have certain implanted electronic devices, depending on the specific technology used. Patients with active severe acne, keloid-prone skin, or uncontrolled autoimmune skin conditions should discuss their history carefully during consultation.
Because individual skin sensitivity and thickness vary, a licensed doctor at the clinic will assess suitability before recommending either InMode or Sofwave. Patients with unrealistic expectations of dramatic, surgery-like results should also reconsider, as both are gradual, supportive treatments rather than replacements for a facelift.
How the session goes
For InMode, the skin is cleansed and a conductive gel is applied. The handpiece delivers radiofrequency energy in passes across the treatment area, and patients typically report a warm sensation rather than sharp pain. Depending on the mode selected, a session can take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes.
Sofwave sessions also begin with skin cleansing, sometimes with a numbing cream applied beforehand to improve comfort, since the ultrasound energy penetrates more deeply. The device is moved across the treatment zone in a grid pattern, and most sessions last between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the shot level chosen.
In both cases, the treating doctor will review your medical history and skin condition beforehand, and settings are adjusted individually rather than applied uniformly to every patient.
Downtime and recovery
InMode typically involves little to no downtime. Some patients notice mild redness or warmth in the treated area for a few hours, which usually resolves within the same day. Normal activities, including makeup application, can often resume shortly afterward, though the clinic may advise waiting a short period depending on the mode used.
Sofwave also has minimal downtime, though transient redness, mild swelling, or a tingling sensation may be noticeable for a day or two. Some patients describe a feeling of tightness in the days following treatment as collagen remodeling begins. Visible improvement is gradual for both treatments, often developing over several weeks to a few months as new collagen forms, and results are not immediate or permanent, since skin continues to age naturally afterward.
Pricing
At DERNA Clinic, InMode is listed at 169,000 KRW, while Sofwave is listed at 1,200,000 KRW. These figures reflect base treatment pricing and may not include VAT or the initial consultation fee, which can vary depending on the treatment area, number of sessions recommended, or combination protocols suggested during your visit. It is best to confirm final pricing details directly with the clinic before booking.
| Treatment | Approach | Typical Session Time | Listed Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| InMode | Radiofrequency, fat and collagen | 20–60 minutes | 169,000 |
| Sofwave | Focused ultrasound, collagen | 30–60 minutes | 1,200,000 |
Safety
Both InMode and Sofwave are widely used aesthetic devices, but no cosmetic treatment is entirely free of risk. Temporary redness, swelling, or mild discomfort are the most commonly reported effects. Rare complications such as burns, uneven results, or prolonged sensitivity can occur, particularly if settings are not adjusted appropriately for the individual's skin type. This is why treatment planning and adjustment by a qualified doctor at the clinic matters, along with an honest discussion of your medical history, prior treatments, and expectations. Results differ between patients, and repeat sessions or a combination approach may be suggested depending on how your skin responds over time.
Frequently asked questions
Which treatment gives faster visible results, InMode or Sofwave?
Both treatments produce gradual results as collagen rebuilds over weeks to months, though some patients notice mild tightening sooner with InMode due to its immediate heating effect on the skin surface.
Can I combine InMode and Sofwave in the same treatment plan?
Some patients do combine different modalities, but this decision should be made individually with your treating doctor based on your skin condition and treatment goals.
How many sessions are typically needed?
This varies by patient and treatment goal; some see benefit from a single session, while others are advised to have a short series of treatments spaced several weeks apart.
Is one treatment more painful than the other?
Most patients describe InMode as producing a warm sensation, while Sofwave, which uses numbing cream due to deeper penetration, is generally described as tolerable with mild discomfort during the session.
Will the results from InMode or Sofwave last indefinitely?
No aesthetic treatment offers permanent results, since skin continues to age naturally; maintenance sessions are often recommended to sustain visible firmness over time.