BHRC BLOG
Sofwave vs Ultherapy vs Morpheus8: Which Skin Tightening Is Right for You?
Skin tightening · Comparison
Sofwave, Ultherapy and Morpheus8 all tighten skin without surgery, and BHRC Henderson offers all three. Here’s how they differ and who each one suits.
The quick comparison
| Sofwave | Ultherapy | Morpheus8 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Parallel ultrasound beams (SUPERB) | Micro-focused ultrasound with real-time imaging (DeepSEE) | Radiofrequency delivered through microneedles |
| Depth | One depth: mid-dermis, about 1.5 mm | Several depths: 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm | Adjustable needle depth, face and body tips |
| Skin surface | Untouched, with active cooling | Untouched | Tiny needle channels |
| Session | 30–45 minutes | 30–90 minutes, by area | About an hour including numbing |
| Sessions needed | Usually one | Usually one | Usually a short series |
| Downtime | None. Redness settles within hours | None | A day or two of pinkness |
| Results | Build over about 12 weeks | Build over 2–3 months | Build over the weeks after each session |
| Also treats | Fine lines, acne scars, cellulite appearance, upper-arm laxity | Décolleté lines; laxity on abdomen, arms and knees | Texture, acne scars, pores, body laxity |
| BHRC Henderson price | Full face $2,700 | Quoted at consultation | Face $1,200 per session |
How Sofwave works
Sofwave sends parallel ultrasound beams into the mid-dermis at about 1.5 mm, the layer where collagen is made, and an integrated cooling system protects the surface. Because it treats a single, shallow depth, it’s fast (30 to 45 minutes) and most people find it comfortable with numbing cream. The FDA has cleared it to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and to lift the brow and the tissue under the chin and on the neck. Later clearances added acne scars, cellulite appearance and upper-arm laxity. Read more in What is Sofwave?
How Ultherapy works
Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound, and its standout feature is real-time imaging. The DeepSEE transducer lets the provider see up to 8 mm below the skin before placing energy. It can treat at 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm, so it reaches deeper structural layers than Sofwave. Its cleared uses include lifting the eyebrow, lifting lax tissue under the chin and on the neck, improving lines on the décolleté, and improving skin laxity on the abdomen, arms and knees.
Sessions take 30 to 90 minutes depending on the area, with no downtime. The manufacturer says results develop over two to three months and can last a year or more. The trade-off is comfort: the instructions for use describe momentary discomfort during treatment, and some people stay tender for up to two days.
How Morpheus8 works
Morpheus8 is fractional radiofrequency microneedling. Fine needles carry radiofrequency heat beneath the surface, which remodels collagen and also improves surface texture. In 2024 InMode announced FDA clearance for soft tissue contraction. Because the needles also resurface, Morpheus8 is the strongest of the three for texture, pores and acne scars, and it can treat the body. It usually takes a short series of sessions, with a day or two of pinkness after each one. See our complete Morpheus8 guide.
Which one should you choose?
| If your main goal is… | Usually the best fit |
|---|---|
| A subtle lift of the brow, jawline or neck with zero downtime and a comfortable session | Sofwave |
| Fine lines and early laxity together | Sofwave |
| A deeper lift where looser tissue needs to be reached, with imaging guidance | Ultherapy |
| Lines on the chest (décolleté) | Ultherapy (Sofwave also treats the chest) |
| Texture, large pores or acne scars, plus tightening | Morpheus8 |
| Body skin: abdomen, arms, knees | Morpheus8 or Ultherapy; Sofwave for the upper arms |
| Significant sagging or heavy jowls | A surgical consultation. Energy devices work best on mild to moderate laxity |
Sofwave vs. Ultherapy: which hurts more?
Most patients find Sofwave more comfortable. It treats a single, shallower depth and actively cools the skin. Ultherapy reaches deeper, and its instructions for use note momentary discomfort during treatment and possible tenderness afterwards. Numbing cream is used for both. Morpheus8 is done under topical numbing, and most people feel heat and pressure.
What they cost at BHRC
All three are available at BHRC Henderson, which is why we can recommend whichever suits your skin rather than whichever device we own. Sofwave is a single treatment priced by area. Morpheus8 is priced per session or as a package.
| Treatment | Area | BHRC Henderson price |
|---|---|---|
| Sofwave | Brow / eyes | $937.50 |
| Sofwave | Full face | $2,700 |
| Sofwave | Full face + neck | $3,750 |
| Morpheus8 | Face, one session | $1,200 |
| Morpheus8 | Face, 3 sessions | $3,000 |
| Morpheus8 | Face + neck, one session | $1,300 |
| Ultherapy | Face, neck or chest | Quoted at consultation |
List prices, October 2026, before any promotion. Beauty Bank member pricing is available on many aesthetic services.
Compare them in person
At a free consultation at BHRC Henderson, your provider looks at your skin and laxity and recommends one treatment, or a combination, with a clear price before anything is booked.
Also at BHRC Henderson: Ultherapy · Morpheus8 · Forma RF skin tightening
Frequently asked questions
Is Sofwave better than Ultherapy?
Neither is better for everyone. Sofwave is faster, usually more comfortable and well suited to fine lines and mild to moderate laxity. Ultherapy reaches deeper layers with imaging guidance and may suit people who need more lift.
Is Sofwave the same as Ultherapy?
No. Both use ultrasound, but Sofwave treats one depth in the mid-dermis (about 1.5 mm) with parallel beams and active cooling. Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound with real-time imaging at 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm.
Which lasts longer, Sofwave or Ultherapy?
Both manufacturers say results can last up to a year or more after one treatment, depending on your age, skin and lifestyle.
Sofwave vs Morpheus8: which is better for jowls?
For early jowling with good skin quality, Sofwave is a simple single treatment. If you also have texture, acne scars or larger pores, Morpheus8 does both, but needs a series.
Can I do Sofwave and Morpheus8 together?
Yes, they’re often combined, usually spaced several weeks apart. Your provider plans the sequence.
Which has less downtime?
Sofwave and Ultherapy have essentially none. Morpheus8 usually means a day or two of pinkness after each session.
References
- Sofwave Medical. Patient FAQs: treatment time, number of treatments, comfort, downtime, results and fat. sofwave.com
- Sofwave Medical. FAQs: SUPERB technology, 1.5 mm mid-dermis depth, Sofcool integrated cooling, skin types. sofwave.com
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 510(k) K250146, SofWave System (April 2025): indications for use. accessdata.fda.gov
- Merz Aesthetics. Ultherapy System Instructions for Use (US): indications, DeepSEE imaging, treatment depths, comfort. merzaesthetics.com
- Merz Aesthetics. Ultherapy frequently asked questions: session length, downtime and results timeline. ultherapy.com
- InMode press release (July 2024). Morpheus8 receives FDA clearance for soft tissue contraction. biospace.com
Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center. This content is general education and does not create a provider-patient relationship or constitute medical advice. Candidacy, dosing, results and pricing vary by person and by clinic and are confirmed at your consultation. Prices shown are standard list prices as of October 2026 and exclude promotions. Written and reviewed by the BHRC clinical team.
