Sofwave for Nasolabial Folds: Why Skin and Volume Need Separate Assessment

Nasolabial folds, the lines that run from the sides of the nose toward the corners of the mouth, are a common reason to consider Sofwave. However, these folds rarely come from the skin alone. Changes in skin firmness, facial volume, the position of cheek fat and the tissues that support the mid-face can all make them look deeper.

Sofwave mainly heats the dermis, so it is most relevant when a skin-related component contributes to your nasolabial folds. When the fold mainly reflects lost volume or descent of deeper tissues, Sofwave alone may not produce the change you want, and your physician may discuss other options.

This guide explains why nasolabial folds need separate assessment of skin and volume, what our physicians at MATSURIKA CLINIC GINZA in Tokyo check before suggesting Sofwave, and how to compare the treatment plan, risks and fees.

Why Nasolabial Folds Need More Than a Skin Assessment

A nasolabial fold forms where the cheek meets the area around the mouth. How deep it looks depends on the skin and on the structures beneath and above it, so assessing the skin alone can lead to the wrong treatment choice.

Skin Laxity and Facial Volume

Several factors can make a nasolabial fold more noticeable, and more than one is often present.

Factor	What you may notice	Options that may be discussed
Reduced skin firmness	Fine creases along the fold, crepey texture nearby	Treatments that heat the dermis, such as Sofwave
Changes in volume	Flatter cheeks or hollowness above the fold	Volume-based options, such as hyaluronic acid fillers
Descent of deeper tissues	Heaviness beside the fold or along the lower cheeks	Treatments that reach deeper layers, such as Ultherapy PRIME

This table is not a diagnosis. Your physician examines your face to judge which factors contribute and how much each matters.

Distinguishing Nasolabial Folds From Other Mouth-Area Concerns

Lines around the mouth have different causes, so it helps to identify the one that bothers you most.

• Nasolabial folds: run from the sides of the nose toward the corners of the mouth.
• Marionette lines: run downward from the corners of the mouth toward the chin.
• Fine lines beside the mouth: small creases in the skin near the corners of the mouth that may become more visible when you smile.
• Jowls: fullness along the jawline below the corners of the mouth.

Pointing to the exact line in a mirror during your consultation helps your physician focus on the right area.

When to Discuss Sofwave for Nasolabial Folds

Sofwave is worth discussing when reduced skin firmness or fine creases play a meaningful part in your nasolabial folds, and your cheeks still have enough volume in the area to be treated.

What Your Doctor Needs to Assess

Sofwave uses SUPERB™ (Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam) technology to heat the dermis, centered at a depth of about 1.5 mm, while the Sofcool™ contact cooling system cools the skin surface. Because it focuses on the dermis, your physician checks:

• How much of the fold relates to skin firmness and how much to volume or deeper tissue descent
• Whether the cheeks are already hollow or sunken in the treatment area, because Sofwave is not performed in such areas
• Recent injections in the treatment area, because Sofwave is not performed within six months of hyaluronic acid injections or within one month of Botox injections there
• Your medical history, medications and previous treatments, including those received outside Japan

For safety, we are unable to provide treatment if you have received a skin treatment, including laser treatment, at another medical institution within the past month, HIFU or radiofrequency (RF) treatment within the past three months, or significant sun exposure or sunburn within the past month.

Clarifying the Change You Want to See

Tell your physician which change matters most to you. For example, you may want the crease to look softer, the area beside the fold to look less heavy, or the cheek above it to look fuller. These goals point to different treatments. Results vary depending on skin condition, the treatment area and settings, and Sofwave may soften a fold without removing it.

Understanding the Treatment Plan and Its Limits

A Sofwave plan for nasolabial folds is usually part of a full-face treatment, because the folds relate to the surrounding cheeks and mouth area. Confirm the area, provider and what the plan is meant to change.

Treatment Area and Expected Changes

When Sofwave is chosen, our physician adjusts the treatment area, energy settings and priority areas to your skin condition and concerns. Changes after Sofwave develop as collagen remodels and are typically assessed over the following months. The skin-related part of the fold is what Sofwave mainly addresses; the volume-related part is unlikely to change with Sofwave alone.

When Other Treatment Options May Be Discussed

Your physician may suggest another option, or a combination, when other factors are prominent.

• Volume loss: hyaluronic acid fillers may be discussed to restore volume. The product, amount and injection site depend on the area.
• Deeper tissue descent: Ultherapy PRIME, which uses focused ultrasound at selected depths, or Thermage FLX, which uses monopolar radiofrequency, may be discussed.
• Significant sagging or excess skin: non-surgical treatment may not produce the change you want, and a surgical consultation may be more appropriate.

Regulatory information: Sofwave is approved in Japan for improving moderate to severe wrinkles of the face and neck by heating the dermis. This approval does not cover every lifting purpose or guarantee results. Ultherapy PRIME and Thermage FLX are FDA-cleared in the United States for their respective cleared uses; FDA clearance does not mean that every treatment purpose has been cleared and does not constitute approval in Japan. The Ultherapy PRIME and Thermage FLX devices used at our clinic have not been approved under Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act. Ultherapy PRIME is obtained through Cynosure Japan / Syneron Candela K.K., and Thermage FLX through JMEC Co., Ltd.

Comparing Case Photos, Risks and Fees

Before deciding, review how case photos were taken, what risks apply and what the complete plan costs.

Checking the Follow-Up Period and Combined Treatments

Our Sofwave treatment page shows full-face cases with the procedure, age group, follow-up timing, risks and cost. When you look at the area around the mouth in these photos, check:

• The treatment area, such as full face or full face plus under the chin
• Whether the photo was taken immediately after treatment or months later
• Whether the facial expression, angle and lighting are similar
• Whether fillers or other treatments were performed during the same period

The fees shown with past cases reflect the fees at the time and may differ from current prices. Results vary by individual.

Pain, Recovery and the Total Quote

You may feel heat or discomfort during Sofwave, and sensitivity varies from person to person. Topical anesthetic cream is available at no additional charge, and we also use Cryo cooling and a massage gun. Nerve block anesthesia costs ¥5,000 (tax included), and prescription painkillers are available on request for an additional fee.

Treatment takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. You can wash your face, bathe and apply makeup afterward, but avoid rubbing the treated skin. We recommend avoiding activities that raise your body temperature or blood flow for 2–3 days, moisturizing well and protecting your skin from the sun. Potential risks and side effects include redness, swelling, tenderness, mild bruising and temporary changes in sensation, such as numbness or tingling. Burns, blisters, changes in pigmentation and scarring are also possible.

Sofwave treatment area	Physician-performed	Nurse-performed
Full face	¥277,200	¥189,000
Full face + under the chin	¥308,000	¥210,000

For nurse-performed plans, a physician examines you first and decides the treatment area, and a nurse then performs the treatment. All prices are in Japanese yen, include tax and include topical anesthesia. Consultation and examination without treatment cost ¥11,000 (tax included). Some fees differ for appointments that require language support. Cosmetic treatment at our clinic is self-pay and is not covered by Japanese public health insurance. If fillers or another treatment are added, ask for a separate estimate and review our English price list.

Questions About Sofwave for Nasolabial Folds

These questions can help you prepare for your consultation.

1. Can Sofwave address a volume-related concern?

Not on its own. Sofwave heats the dermis to support skin firmness, but it does not add volume. If flat or hollow cheeks contribute to your nasolabial folds, your physician may discuss hyaluronic acid fillers or another approach.

2. What if Sofwave is not recommended for me?

Your physician will explain the reason, such as hollowness in the treatment area, recent injections, or a fold that mainly reflects volume loss or deeper descent. We then discuss options that better match your concern, including Ultherapy PRIME, Thermage FLX, fillers or a surgical consultation.

3. Will Sofwave remove my nasolabial folds completely?

Sofwave may make the skin-related part of a fold look softer, but it is unlikely to remove the fold completely. Some depth usually remains because nasolabial folds also relate to facial structure and volume. Results vary by individual.

4. Can Sofwave be combined with fillers for nasolabial folds?

Yes, in some cases, when both skin and volume contribute to the fold. Because Sofwave is not performed within six months of hyaluronic acid injections in the treatment area, the order and timing of treatments matter. Your physician will explain a schedule that fits your plan.

5. How much does Sofwave for nasolabial folds cost?

Physician-performed full-face Sofwave costs ¥277,200, or ¥308,000 with under the chin, because Sofwave for nasolabial folds is usually performed as part of a full-face plan. Nurse-performed plans cost ¥189,000 and ¥210,000. All prices include tax and topical anesthesia. Additional treatments, such as fillers, are quoted separately.

Summary: Assessing Nasolabial Folds Before Choosing Sofwave

Nasolabial folds often involve skin firmness, facial volume and deeper tissue position at the same time. Sofwave mainly addresses the skin-related part, so it is most useful when that component is meaningful and the cheeks are not hollow in the treatment area.

At MATSURIKA CLINIC GINZA, our physicians assess skin and volume separately, explain whether Sofwave fits your concern, and discuss hyaluronic acid fillers, Ultherapy PRIME, Thermage FLX or a surgical consultation when they better match your goal.

We have English-speaking physicians and staff, and we can use translation tools to support communication. Patients who do not speak English or Japanese are encouraged to attend with a professional medical interpreter, who should bring documentation of their credentials. If you need language support, please book through the dedicated option for non-Japanese speakers. We allocate additional consultation time for these appointments. If you have questions or concerns after returning home, you can contact MATSURIKA CLINIC GINZA by email or LINE. For symptoms that may need urgent care, such as severe pain, sudden swelling, bleeding, fever or signs of an allergic reaction, please seek medical care promptly at a local healthcare facility.

To have your nasolabial folds assessed and discuss your options, book a consultation with MATSURIKA CLINIC GINZA.

References and Official Sources

• MATSURIKA CLINIC GINZA Sofwave (SUPERB): treatment areas, pain management, precautions and case information
• MATSURIKA CLINIC GINZA Ultherapy PRIME (HIFU): device features, precautions and regulatory disclosure
• MATSURIKA CLINIC GINZA English price list: fees, anesthesia options and consultation fee as of October 2026
• Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). Sofwave System package insert: approved use in Japan, contraindicated areas and adverse events
• American Academy of Dermatology. Many ways to firm sagging skin: what non-surgical tightening can and cannot do