Wrinkle Treatment Certification: Who can perform Sofwave ultrasound therapy?

How to choose a qualified practitioner for your Sofwave treatment?

If you’re considering undergoing an ultrasound wrinkle reduction treatment like the new Sofwave, you likely have lots of questions about what to expect and, importantly, who will be providing your treatment.

Sofwave uses proprietary Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam energy to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on your face, often in just one up to 45-minute treatment. Sofwave boosts collagen and elastin production in your dermis, bypassing your skin’s uppermost layer. Collagen and elastin are the proteins that give skin its structure and youthful properties, but our supply diminishes as we age.

More aggressive aesthetic treatments can cause damage to the upper skin, which in turn, requires a long healing period. There is also a high risk of side effects, including discoloration and discomfort.

Because it is not a laser, Sofwave is a safe treatment for all skin types. The proprietary FDA technology that is unique to Sofwave precisely passes through the skin’s surface, heating the tissues in the mid-dermis at just the right depth and temperature. The Sofwave Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology SUPERB™ remodel collagen fibers and improves the overall appearance of the skin.

However, this doesn’t mean that just anyone can operate the Sofwave device as proper training, certification, and experience are required to assure a safe and effective treatment.

How to choose a qualified practitioner

Office-based, minimally invasive techniques are in high demand since they provide a quick and reliable service for skin care rejuvenation with low risk of complications and high patient satisfaction.  However, there are many unskilled practitioners offering aesthetic treatments at cut-rate prices, and these deals that seem too good to be true often are.

Before choosing an aesthetic provider, it’s important to know your state’s rules and regulations regarding who can and can’t perform energy-based aesthetic treatments. Some states may allow physician extenders, which includes registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs) and medical aestheticians, to operate energy-based devices, but others do not. You can check with your state’s medical and nursing boards for state-specific rules.

Unfortunately, the laws and regulations governing laser operation in the United States are vague, complex, and vary state-to-state. Medical device regulations can be divided into three categories: who can delegate a medical device procedure, who should supervise a medical device procedure, who can operate a medical device. Some states’ regulations stipulate that only physicians can operate lasers and other medical devices, but the majority of states allow for delegation to physician extenders. In some states, the supervising physician must be continuously available in person or via electronic communication during the treatment, while other states require the presence of the physician on-site and immediately available, notes the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Ultrasound treatments such as Sofwave may often be performed by medical spa professionals, according to the American Med Spa Association (AMSPA) that provides legal, compliance and business resources for medical spas and medical aesthetic practices.

The consultation process

Sofwave is mainly sold to doctors and medical spas, and the treatments may be performed by a doctor or delegated to any trained person. Sofwave practitioners are fully trained to safely execute the treatments. Other ultrasound technologies might have a longer and more complicated treatment protocol which may require a physician to perform the procedure.

At your consultation, whether virtual consult or in person, the practitioner will evaluate your skin’s overall health and appearance and identify the age-related changes. After a thorough examination, your practitioner will determine if Sofwave is right for you and can meet your expectations. This is an important step that should not be bypassed.

The proprietary Sofwave technology ensures that there is no damage to the epidermis (the skin’s surface) or to the underlying structures beneath the dermis. As Sofwave is a very safe procedure, most patients (above the age of 22) will be deemed to be good candidates.

As with any aesthetic treatment, during the consultation your practitioner will review how the procedure works, how long it will take, what you can expect, any preparation needed before treatment, and recommendations for care after treatment. You may also discuss what you can expect after one Sofwave treatment and whether you would benefit from a second treatment in the future.

Questions to ask your Sofwave provider:

• Will there be a consultation or examination before my Sofwave treatment?
• What should I do before Sofwave treatment to prepare?
• Are there any risks associated with Sofwave treatment?
• Who can I contact if I experience side effects after my Sofwave session?
• How long will the treatment take?
• How many treatments will I need?
• What results can I expect and when?

To locate a Sofwave provider near you, reach out.