Sofwave in Hongdae: Can It Also Improve Eye Wrinkles When Smiling?

When your face is relaxed in front of the mirror, everything looks fine, but the moment you smile, fine lines crinkle around your eyes. It catches your eye every time you look at photos. Naturally, when researching lifting procedures, you might wonder, "Can this solve those wrinkles, too?"

Eye wrinkles are not all the same.

Wrinkles visible even at rest have different causes compared to those that only appear when smiling. Even if they appear in the exact same spot, the approach to treating them must be different.

For those researching Sofwave in Hongdae and Hapjeong, Beauty Blossom Clinic explains what you should clarify before your consultation.

Where in the skin does Sofwave work?

Sofwave is a device that delivers thermal energy to the dermal layer using ultrasound.

According to device documentation submitted to the US FDA, its depth of action is specified in the 1–2 mm range. The targeted tissue temperature is designed to reach between 60°C and 70°C. This thermal stimulation induces the regeneration of collagen and elastin.

The pattern in which energy is delivered is also unique. Rather than delivering energy in single focal dots, it utilizes parallel beams. This allows heat to spread relatively evenly across the treated area.

Throughout the procedure, the skin surface is actively cooled. The structure is designed to deliver heat to the deeper layers while protecting the epidermal surface.

Even among ultrasound treatments, different devices target different depths. Some focus on tightening deeper layers, while devices like Sofwave prioritize skin texture and fine lines within the relatively superficial dermal layer. Therefore, grouping them under the single umbrella term "ultrasound lifting" when reading reviews can easily lead to mismatched expectations.

Why are wrinkles formed when smiling different?

Wrinkles that appear only with facial expressions stem from muscle movement.

Around the eyes, specific muscles are used to close the eyes and smile. Every time these muscles contract, the skin folds, and repetitive folding leaves permanent creases behind. Improving elasticity alone does not reduce the muscle movement itself.

Conversely, fine lines that remain visible even when your face is completely relaxed are often an issue of the skin itself. These lines form as dermal collagen depletes and the skin becomes thinner.

The challenge is that these two types are usually mixed together. It is very common to have a prominent dynamic line that deepens when smiling coexist with static fine lines visible at rest in the exact same area.

As we age, the proportion of this blend shifts. A line that initially appeared only when smiling may eventually remain faintly visible even when your face relaxes. This is why the same area on the same person must be assessed differently than it was a few years ago.

So, what can you realistically expect from Sofwave?

Sofwave is designed to target fine lines and laxity inherent to the skin itself. It achieves this by applying heat to the dermis to trigger regenerative processes.

Consequently, you can expect noticeable improvements in static fine lines around the eyes, the impression of thin or crepey skin, and a heavy look around the brow area.

However, it is difficult to expect deeply creased lines formed when smiling to be resolved the same way. Areas caused by muscle movement require a different approach.

That does not mean Sofwave has no effect on expression lines whatsoever. When skin density and texture improve, the fold may appear less pronounced even when creased to the same degree. Nevertheless, reducing the creasing action itself is an entirely different matter.

If you simply say "eye wrinkles" during a consultation, it can be hard to determine the primary concern. Checking how your skin looks in the mirror both at rest and while smiling before coming in will make your consultation far more precise.

How can you tell the difference at home?

Take two photos in front of a mirror.

The first should be a completely relaxed, expressionless face. The second should be a natural smile, just as you normally smile. Be sure to use the same lighting and distance so you can compare accurately. Do not force an exaggerated grin; keep it natural.

If lines are visible in the expressionless photo, skin-related factors carry greater weight. If they only appear when smiling and vanish when relaxed, muscle-related factors are dominant.

If both are present, decide which bothers you more. That priority becomes the starting point of your treatment plan.

Keeping these photos handy will also help with future comparisons. Because changes around the eyes are subtle, relying on memory alone can be misleading. Two photos taken under the same lighting and distance are more reliable than any verbal explanation.

Should the eye area be treated differently from other areas?

The skin around the eyes is among the thinnest on the face. The sensation and response may differ significantly when using the same settings on the cheeks versus the eye area.

When deciding on the treatment zone, the safety boundary around the eyes is evaluated first. Areas adjacent to the eyelids and eyeballs require a dedicated approach.

If you wear contact lenses, please inform us before the procedure. It is also helpful to mention any prior aesthetic treatments or recent procedures around the eyes, along with their timelines.

If you have previously received fillers or skin boosters around the eyes, please share the treated areas and approximate dates. These factors are considered when formulating your treatment plan. Because post-treatment recovery responses can be more apparent around the eyes, it is advisable to schedule the procedure away from busy personal or social events.

What precautions should be taken after the procedure?

For the first few days following treatment, your skin remains sensitized by thermal stimulation. It is best to avoid hot saunas and harsh exfoliating products. The periocular area is especially prone to showing noticeable reactions.

Pay closer attention to sun protection than usual. When applying sunscreen around the eyes, apply small amounts gently so it does not irritate the eyes.

We advise against rushing to add other procedures simply because changes seem gradual. If you cannot distinguish which treatment produced a specific result, designing subsequent treatment steps becomes difficult.

Ask this during your consultation:

"Are my eye wrinkles primarily expression-related or skin-related?"

This single question will lead to a much more detailed explanation. Once you understand the balance between the two, choosing where to start becomes straightforward. You can also determine whether to address one issue first or sequence treatments over time.

Will one session instantly smooth out eye wrinkles?

Ultrasound lifting works by stimulating a natural regenerative response following thermal injury. Results are observed progressively over time rather than immediately after the procedure. It is best to set realistic milestones to assess your progress.

Can I treat only the eye area?

It is possible to plan treatments for specific zones. However, treating only the eye area may create an unnatural contrast with adjacent facial zones, so treatment decisions are made considering overall facial balance.

If redness or swelling persists longer than expected, or if you experience pain or vision changes around the eyes, please contact the clinic immediately without waiting for your scheduled follow-up.

Wrinkles that appear when smiling also signify vivid, lively expressions. Rather than aiming to eliminate every crease, consider this a process of deciding the best method to address the specific areas that concern you.

Beauty Blossom Clinic is located on the 6th and 8th floors of Medione Medical Center, right in front of Hapjeong Station Exit 3, 66 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Reception is located on the 6th floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sofwave completely eliminate eye wrinkles formed when smiling?

It is difficult to eliminate them completely. Sofwave improves static fine lines by stimulating collagen regeneration in the dermis, but wrinkles that form when smiling are caused by muscle contractions. However, as the skin becomes denser and firmer, expression lines may appear less pronounced when folded.

To what skin depth does Sofwave ultrasound deliver thermal energy?

Sofwave delivers thermal energy to the dermal layer at a depth of 1 to 2 mm. It heats tissue to 60–70°C to stimulate collagen and elastin regeneration, using parallel beams alongside integrated surface cooling to distribute heat evenly across the dermis.

Are eye wrinkle improvements visible immediately after the procedure?

Sofwave does not smooth wrinkles instantly. Because it works through the natural collagen regeneration process triggered by ultrasound thermal stimulation, improvements appear progressively over time rather than right after the session.

Is it possible to receive treatment exclusively around the eyes?

Yes, targeting specific areas is possible. However, treating the eye area in isolation may create an unnatural transition with adjacent facial contours, so it is advisable to evaluate and harmonize the entire facial balance before deciding.

What aftercare precautions should be followed after a Sofwave treatment?

Avoid hot saunas and intensive exfoliation for a few days following treatment. Since the skin has undergone thermal stimulation, apply sunscreen diligently. Because periocular skin is thin and delicate, observe the natural healing process rather than hastily adding other procedures.