Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is a two-stage treatment that combines light energy with a medicine called a photosensitizer.

At a glance

Every patient is unique, and during our consultation process, we work with you to develop a bespoke treatment plan based on what you want to achieve.

Treatment time

30-45 minutes

Length of results

12 – 18 months

Downtime

Minimal, mild redness or swelling for a few hours

Pricing

£1500 - £4500 depending on areas treated and protocol used

How Does It Work?

Before & 12 weeks after Sofwave® neck treatment

What is Sofwave®?

Sofwave® is a next-generation non-invasive ultrasound treatment that delivers precise energy into the mid-dermis, the layer of skin responsible for collagen and elastin production.

Unlike older ultrasound or radiofrequency technologies that can penetrate too deeply and affect the fat layer beneath the skin, Sofwave®’s energy is confined to the skin itself, where collagen stimulation is most beneficial.

This selective, skin-focused approach makes Sofwave® ideal for patients who:

  • Want tighter, smoother, firmer skin
  • Wish to avoid volume loss or fat reduction
  • Prefer natural, regenerative rejuvenation with minimal downtime

The controlled ultrasound energy creates small zones of thermal injury within the dermis, triggering the body’s natural wound-healing response. Over the following months, new collagen and elastin are produced, firming and lifting the skin from within.

How Sofwave® differs from other skin-tightening technologies

Many earlier-generation devices, such as certain radiofrequency or HIFU systems, deliver heat deeper into the face, sometimes reaching the fat compartments below the skin. For patients who already have volume loss, this can potentially accentuate hollowing or gauntness.

Sofwave® is different. Its SUPERB™ (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam) technology targets only the mid-dermal layer, sparing the fat and deeper tissues entirely.

That means you can enjoy firmer, lifted skin without compromising natural facial volume or contour.

In short:

  • Stimulates collagen and elastin in the skin
  • Does not melt or shrink facial fat
  • Safe, predictable, and consistent outcomes
  • Suitable for all skin tones

Before & 12 weeks after Sofwave® neck treatment

Before & 10 months after Sofwave® neck treatment

The regenerative aesthetic philosophy

At Skinlab, we view Sofwave® as part of a broader regenerative aesthetic approach, treatments that prompt your body to repair, rebuild, and strengthen itself.

Sofwave® complements other regenerative therapies such as Sculptra®, collagen stimulation, and laser resurfacing, creating a layered rejuvenation strategy that enhances both skin quality and structure over time.

Rather than chasing quick fixes, our goal is to help your skin perform better, naturally.

Sofwave® for arms

Sofwave® can be an excellent option for improving the appearance of the upper arms, an area where many patients notice early skin laxity but wish to avoid surgical procedures.

Since Sofwave® works by stimulating your own collagen and elastin, it is particularly well-suited for tightening and smoothing the delicate skin on the upper arms, where loss of firmness and crepiness often occur with age or weight changes.

Before and 4 weeks after Sofwave® arm treatment

Before & after Sofwave® neck treatment at Skinlab

The treatment process

  1. Consultation
    Your journey begins with a detailed consultation. We’ll assess your facial structure, degree of laxity, skin quality, and discuss whether Sofwave® is the most effective approach for your goals. We will also tell you about additional treatments that may complement the result or alternative treatment strategies if we think they could be better for you.
  2. Preparation
    A topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area to maximise comfort.
  3. Treatment
    The Sofwave® handpiece glides across the skin, delivering parallel beams of ultrasound energy to the mid-dermis. Patients may feel brief warmth or tingling as energy is delivered, but discomfort is typically mild and temporary.
  4. Aftercare
    Mild redness or swelling can occur but usually subsides within a few hours. There’s no need for downtime, makeup can be applied the same day, and you can return to work or social activities immediately.
  5. Results timeline
    • Weeks 0-4: Skin feels tighter and more refreshed
    • Months 3-6: Collagen remodelling becomes more visible
    • Months 6 +: Optimal lifting and firming effects continue to develop

Before & after Sofwave® eye treatment

Who is Sofwave® suitable for?

Sofwave® is ideal for individuals who:

  • Notice early to moderate skin laxity on the face, jawline or neck
  • Want firmer, smoother skin without injectables or surgery
  • Prefer a treatment that preserves fat volume while improving skin tone
  • Have previously had fillers and wish to maintain volume while tightening the overlying skin
  • Are you looking for a low-downtime, evidence-based rejuvenation treatment

It can also be an excellent maintenance therapy after facelift surgery or filler treatments to prolong and enhance results.

Pricing

The price of the treatment depends on the area you are having treated and the intensity of the treatment. The standard treatment protocol involves delivering enough pulses to treat around 20% of the skin’s surface area. There is evidence that having more intense treatments, targeting up to 40% of the surface area, gives even greater results.

Full face & neck

£3,600

Face

£1,800

Neck

£1,800

Lower face & neck

£2,500

Eyes (2 sessions)

£1,500

Arms (2 sessions)

£3,250

Tummy (2 sessions)

£3,500

Cellulite (2 sessions)

£4,500

Before & after Sofwave® facial treatment

Why choose Skinlab for Sofwave®?

At Skinlab, our treatments are carefully selected for their safety, scientific evidence, and natural outcomes. With decades of combined expertise across aesthetic medicine, plastic surgery, and regenerative therapies, our team ensures that every Sofwave® treatment is:

  • Scientifically sound and medically led
  • Tailored to your unique anatomy
  • Delivered in a luxurious, controlled clinical environment
  • Integrated with a long-term skin health plan for enduring results

What results can I expect?

Results appear gradually as collagen renews. Most patients see improvement from around 8 weeks, with continued tightening and smoothing over 3 – 6 months.

Clinical studies show measurable lifting of the eyebrows, jawline, and neck, as well as overall improvement in skin firmness and elasticity, with results lasting up to 18 months after a single treatment.

For optimal outcomes, some patients benefit from an annual maintenance session.

Before & 8 weeks after Sofwave® arm treatment

have a question?

Quick answers to questions you may have

No. Sofwave®’s energy is confined to the skin layer and does not affect the fat beneath, so it won’t cause fat loss or hollowness.

Most patients tolerate the treatment well. We apply a topical anaesthetic and use integrated skin cooling for comfort.

Yes, we often combine Sofwave® with Sculptra® or hyaluronic acid fillers for a comprehensive rejuvenation approach, addressing both skin firmness and volume. If you need more improvement to the surface and texture of the skin, then you can combine treatment with lasers like BBL or Halo.

Some notice subtle tightening within a few weeks, but full results typically develop over 3 – 6 months as new collagen forms.