Yael Halaas MD, FACS is a double board-certified surgeon, technology pioneer, and leader who balances cutting-edge science with a compassionate bedside manner. Praised by colleagues, media outlets, and patients alike, Dr. Halaas has dedicated the past 17 years to offering patients the best in aesthetic care, facial plastic surgery and hair restoration and treats every patient like family or a friend — bringing the best to patients without compromising safety or humanity.
Dr. Michelle Aszterbaum is a board certified Dermatologist based out of Newport Beach, CA and serving the greater Orange County area. She has been recognized as an Orange County Physician of Excellence and founded The Dermatology Center of Newport Beach in 2019.
Sofwave has become the go-to treatment of dermatologists and beauty editors alike, resulting in highly-coveted awards from publications including Elle, Cosmopolitan, NewBeauty and SHAPE.
Dr. Halaas: How much does social media motivate your patients’ requests?
We see a tremendous influence with social media regarding patient requests. Patients are already coming in knowledgeable of the procedures they are interested in, the results they are looking for, and having reference points to before and after images. We have also tracked how social media directly correlates with our website inquiries (redirecting patients to the site) and is an integral part of our practice’s success.
Dr. Halaas: What are the most popular treatments this time of year in your practice?
This time of year, the most popular non-surgical treatments would consist of customized medical grade facials and Sofwave combined with other devices, depending on the patient’s concern. The trend as we get further into the Holiday Season is people seeking minimal downtime but tailored results as there are many events, family gatherings, etc. happening.
Sofwave is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive in-office treatment that remodels collagen and improves facial lines and wrinkles with SUPERB Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology. It’s a treatment that lifts the eyebrow, lifts lax skin beneath the chin and neck tissue; as well as reduces facial lines and wrinkles.
Dr. Halaas: Are you seeing a trend in patients gifting aesthetic services?
The clients who have been gifting services are doing this in a broad aspect. We have had many people call in and purchase a gift card to the practice so their friend or loved one can come in. If they are a new patient, we create a fully customized treatment/plan based on their wants and needs. If they are an existing client, they already know the set amount of the procedures they want to purchase as a gift.
Dr. Halaas: What makes Sofwave unique?
Sofwave delivers tremendous results for skin lifting using Ultrasound technology. It is different from other technologies that are available because of the depth it penetrates on the skin tissue, it is less painful to patients, and targets collagen production (not muscle contraction). The Sofwave device is very user friendly and has less risk in a provider’s hands—this results in less risk for the patient. With today’s technology and devices available, Sofwave really stands out with delivering significant results that otherwise would be given by devices that provide an actual downtime for the patient.
Dr. Aszterbaum: How does Sofwave work?
As we age, collagen begins to diminish starting in our 20’s. Sofwave’s SUPERB Technology safely and effectively heats collagen at the right temperature and at the right depth of 1.5mm in the mid-dermis, triggering a healing response that increases both collagen and elastin in the skin. The result? Smoother, plumper, and all-around younger-looking skin.
Dr. Aszterbaum: Who is a candidate for Sofwave?
A good candidate is typically those in their 30’s and older who have mild to moderate skin aging. Most people are looking for non-surgical ways to look their best. They don’t want downtime, and they want to build collagen and elastin naturally. Sofwave fits the bill for almost everyone who wants a lift and to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Dr. Aszterbaum: How long does a treatment session take?
After one 30-45 minute treatment, patients show significant improvement in 12 weeks.
Dr. Aszterbaum: What areas of the body can you use Sofwave on?
Currently, Sofwave is used to treat the face and neck. Sofwave lifts the brow, the submental (under the chin), and the neck.
Dr. Aszterbaum: What results can you expect to see after a Sofwave treatment?
Patients show significant improvement in 12 weeks. Immediate results can be seen as soon as 1 week following the treatment.
Patients love the fact that they can come in for a quick procedure and get right back to their everyday activities. A droopy brow, jowls, and a sagging neck are common areas of concern as people age. With Sofwave, those areas can be treated non-surgically and my patients are thrilled.
Dr. Aszterbaum: Is there any downtime?
There is no lost time after treatment and no one will know you just had a procedure. In fact, you can immediately resume your daily activities and even go outside and enjoy the sun. There is no sun sensitivity with Sofwave. Sofwave uses Ultrasound energy to lift the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. No needles, no bruising, and no post-care is involved!
Dr. Aszterbaum: How many sessions are needed before seeing results?
Sofwave provides results after only 1 treatment.
Some patients are so happy with their results the first time, that they will want a second treatment several months later to further their results.
Dr. Aszterbaum: What are the possible side effects of a Sofwave treatment?
There really aren’t any… Sofwave has no post-treatment care. Some patients might see a little bit of swelling but most don’t notice anything other than a “lifted look and feel”.
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