1. Why these three get confused

They are grouped together because they are all non-invasive, all address something loosely called “skin quality”, and all involve energy delivered to the skin rather than a needle or a blade. That is where the similarity ends.

The difference that matters is what kind of energy, at what depth, and for which concern. Getting that straight is most of what a consultation about this category is for.

2. SkinTyte® — firmness and laxity

SkinTyte® is a light-based treatment used to support the appearance of skin firmness.

It is usually discussed where the concern is mild laxity rather than surface texture or pigmentation — skin that has lost some of its tautness rather than skin that is uneven to look at.

3. SkinSmooth® — tone and texture

SkinSmooth® is designed to support improvement in skin tone, texture and overall appearance.

The two are closely related and can be performed in the same visit where that is clinically appropriate — which is the usual reason they are described together.

4. Sofwave™ — a different depth altogether

Sofwave™ is an FDA-cleared ultrasound technology used for fine lines, wrinkles, and mild to moderate laxity of the face and neck.

It is not a stronger version of the two above. It uses ultrasound rather than light and works at a different depth, which is precisely why it addresses a different concern rather than the same concern harder. That distinction is the single most useful thing to take away from this page.

The device arrived at the practice in 2026 and is part of the Advanced Skin & Energy-Based Treatments offering.

5. Where microneedling fits — and where it does not

SkinPen® microneedling and PRP microneedling are often listed alongside these three, and they belong to a different category again: they work mechanically, through controlled micro-injury, rather than by delivering energy.

They are mentioned here only because the categories are so often blurred in marketing. If your concern is acne scarring in particular, microneedling is a different conversation and a different page.

6. Combining treatments

SkinTyte® and SkinSmooth® may be used individually or strategically combined when clinically appropriate. Whether combining is appropriate for you, and in what order, is a decision made at assessment.

Combination is not automatically better. More treatments in one visit is not the same as a better outcome, and a plan that starts with one thing and reviews is often the more sensible route.

7. How the choice actually gets made

In practice the sequence is: what is the concern, what is the skin doing, what is your history, and what is realistic. Skin type, the specific concern, prior treatments, sun exposure and what you are hoping for all feed into it.

None of these treatments suits everybody, and eligibility is determined at consultation. Treatment frequency, whether a course is appropriate and how progress is reviewed are individualized in the same way.