You look in the mirror and notice your jawline is not as sharp as it used to be. Your brow has dropped slightly. The skin on your neck looks crepey. You want a lift, but you do not want surgery, needles, or a week of hiding indoors while your face peels.

SoftWave is a non‑invasive focused ultrasound treatment. It stimulates collagen deep in the skin without cutting or puncturing. One session takes about 30 minutes. Zero downtime. Results appear gradually over 12 weeks.

Bared Monkey Long Island City offers SoftWave skin tightening for Queens residents who want to avoid the Manhattan commute. Here is how it works, what it feels like, and how many treatments you really need.

How SoftWave Technology Works: Ultrasound That Builds Collagen

SoftWave uses focused ultrasound energy. The handpiece sends waves deep into the dermis, below the surface of the skin. The energy creates controlled micro‑injury at precise depths. Your body responds by producing new collagen and elastin.

Unlike laser skin tightening, SoftWave does not heat the surface. There is no burning, no redness, no peeling. The ultrasound bypasses the top layer of skin and works at 1.5mm and 4.5mm depths. Those are the layers where collagen and elastin fibers live.

The device is FDA‑cleared for lifting the brow, lifting the submental (under the chin) tissue, and improving the appearance of wrinkles on the décolletage.

SoftWave is often compared to Ultherapy, but the technology is different. SoftWave uses a circular scanning pattern that covers more surface area in less time. A full face and neck treatment takes about 30 minutes. Ultherapy can take 60 to 90 minutes.

What SoftWave Treats Best

SoftWave is not for everyone. It works best for mild to moderate skin laxity.

• Jawline definition: SoftWave tightens the tissue along the mandible, giving you a sharper profile.

• Submental (under the chin): Lifts sagging skin, reduces the appearance of a double chin caused by loose tissue (not fat).

• Brow lift: Raises the eyebrow tail by about 2 to 3 millimeters. Noticeable but not surgical.

• Neck: Tightens crepey skin and reduces horizontal lines.

• Décolletage: Improves wrinkles and fine lines on the chest.

If you have severe sagging, SoftWave may not give you the lift you want. Your technician will be honest during the consultation. Surgery or a deeper treatment may be a better fit.

What to Expect During a SoftWave Session at Bared Monkey LIC

You do not need numbing cream. The ultrasound energy feels warm and tingly. Some areas are more sensitive: the jawbone, the brow bone, the collarbone. You feel a slight prickling sensation, but most clients rate the discomfort a 2 or 3 out of 10.

The technician marks the treatment zones on your skin. They apply a cool ultrasound gel. The handpiece moves in small circles. You hear a clicking sound as the energy pulses. A full face, neck, and décolletage treatment takes 30 to 45 minutes.

After the session, you have zero downtime. Your skin may look slightly pink for an hour. You can wear makeup immediately. You can go back to work, the gym, or out to dinner.

Results Timeline: When Will You See Tightening?

Collagen takes time to rebuild. Do not expect an overnight facelift.

• Week 1 to 4: You may notice a subtle glow. No visible lift yet.

• Week 8 to 12: The most noticeable tightening appears. Your jawline looks sharper. Your brow sits higher.

• Week 16: Final results are visible.

Most clients need one session to see meaningful improvement. Some people choose a second session after 6 months for additional tightening. Your technician will advise you based on your starting laxity.

The results last 12 to 18 months. After that, collagen naturally declines again. A single touch‑up session maintains the lift.

Who Is a Good Candidate for SoftWave?

SoftWave works on all skin tones. The ultrasound energy does not target melanin, so there is no risk of hyperpigmentation or burns on darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV to VI).

The ideal candidate is in their 30s to 50s, with mild to moderate sagging. You should be close to your goal weight. Weight loss can loosen skin, and SoftWave can help tighten it, but you may need to wait until your weight is stable.

SoftWave is not a replacement for a surgical facelift. If you have significant jowls or heavy brow droop, your technician will tell you honestly.

You cannot get SoftWave if you are pregnant or have an active infection in the treatment area.

Pricing for SoftWave Skin Tightening in Long Island City

A single SoftWave session for the full face and neck in NYC typically costs $1,500 to $2,500. A face‑only treatment costs less. Adding the décolletage adds another $500 to $800.

At Bared Monkey LIC, a full face and neck session costs at the lower end of that range. You can also buy a package of two sessions for a discount if you plan to do a touch‑up.

SoftWave skin tightening is priced transparently. The free consultation includes a written quote.

Why Queens Residents Choose Bared Monkey LIC for SoftWave

The LIC location is at 46‑70 Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11109. It is accessible from Queensboro Plaza (N, W, 7 trains) and Queens Plaza (E, M, R trains). Free street parking is available on Center Blvd.

Find our Long Island City location for easy directions. The spa is open Wednesday through Sunday. Evening appointments are available on weekdays. You can book a 5 PM session after work, get treated, and be home by 6 PM.

Bared Monkey LIC uses the official SoftWave device. The technicians have performed hundreds of treatments. They know how to adjust the energy based on your skin thickness and pain tolerance.

How SoftWave Compares to Other Skin Tightening Treatments

• Sofwave vs. Ultherapy: Sofwave covers more area in less time (30 min vs. 60–90 min). Pain is lower. Results are comparable.

• Sofwave vs. Radiofrequency microneedling (Secret RF): Secret RF creates tiny punctures and heats the dermis. It works for texture, scars, and mild laxity. Sofwave is better for lifting (jawline, brow).

• Sofwave vs. Laser resurfacing (ResurFX): Laser resurfacing treats wrinkles and texture. It has 3 to 5 days of downtime. Sofwave has zero downtime.

• Sofwave vs. Surgical facelift: Not comparable. Surgery is for significant sagging. Sofwave is for mild to moderate laxity.

Your technician will help you choose during the free consultation.

What to Do Before and After Your SoftWave Session

Before: No special preparation. Avoid sunburn in the treatment area. Do not use retinoids or exfoliants for 48 hours before.

After: Apply sunscreen. You can resume normal skincare immediately. No restrictions on exercise, makeup, or washing.

Some clients see a slight swelling or tenderness for a day. That is a sign the collagen response is working. It fades quickly.

Realistic Expectations: What SoftWave Cannot Do

SoftWave tightens skin. It does not remove fat. If you have a double chin from fat, not loose skin, you need CoolSculpting or liposuction. The technician will tell you during the consultation.

It does not erase deep wrinkles. For deep lines around the mouth or forehead, consider Botox or filler.

It does not stop aging. You will continue to lose collagen over time. Maintenance sessions keep the lift.

FAQs

Q: How many SoftWave sessions do I need?
A: Most people need one session. Some choose a second after 6 months for more lift.

Q: Does SoftWave hurt?
A: You feel warmth and a mild prickling sensation. Most clients rate it a 2 or 3 out of 10. No numbing needed.

Q: Can I do SoftWave if I have fillers or Botox?
A: Yes. Wait two weeks after injections before SoftWave. You can get Botox the same day as SoftWave, but your technician will advise.

Q: How long do SoftWave results last?
A: 12 to 18 months. A single touch‑up session maintains the lift.

Ready to lift your jawline and brow without surgery or downtime? Book a free consultation at Bared Monkey Long Island City and see if SoftWave is right for you.