Locations in Chicago & Glenview, IL

Sofwave® Lift
In Chicago & Glenview, IL

Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago & Glenview, IL is led by Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is quadruple board-certified.

Medically reviewed for accuracy.

Laser Treatment
Sofwave® Lift

“I can feel a noticeable difference every time I get dermaplaning. My skin feels refreshed and my makeup looks so much better!”

Sofwave® is a non-invasive, skin lifting technology with zero downtime. This lifting treatment can be done any time of year, on any skin type.

Sofwave® is a skin lifting innovation that works by using ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen, lifting the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and removing YEARS off your appearance. Sofwave® is approved for lifting the eyebrow and submental and neck areas.

We are one of the few med spas in Chicago with Sofwave® technology. Contact our office today for a complimentary consultation and find out if Sofwave is right for you.

What is
Sofwave®?

This technology is a new-generation ultrasound device and offers minimal irritation of the epidermis and sub-dermis, minimizing or eliminating downtime. Sofwave is a breakthrough in anti-aging technology, offering a truly non-invasive alternative to surgical lifting. It is a MUST have treatment option and is FDA approved for the improvement of wrinkles, fine lines, skin texture, loose skin, and even cellulite. This focused ultrasound penetrates deep into the skin layers previously only available with surgery and uses highly focused ultrasound energy to safely lift and tighten skin. A single treatment creates significant visible improvements in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles with very high patient satisfaction.
portrait of smiling beautiful middle aged woman touching her cheek

Before & After
Sofwave® Results

Experience the difference for yourself—our before & after gallery showcases thousands of successful surgeries and satisfied patients. It’s no surprise that Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa surgeons are recognized among the top cosmetic plastic surgeons in Chicago, Illinois. See why so many trust us for their transformations.

Why choose
Sofwave®?

As our skin ages, the collagen and elastin within begin to slowly break down over time, which results in loss of elasticity and volume. This can contribute to wrinkles, rough texture, and laxity associated with an aged look.

Over the years, a wide range of non-surgical devices has been introduced for anti-aging treatments with varying degrees of success. A standard treatment known as ablated laser technology removes a volume of tissue on the top layers of the skin. This “damaged” tissue is eventually replaced with newer collagen and elastin. However, the recovery and risks associated with these types of treatment are not desirable to many patients.

Sofwave® has been developed to treat fine lines and wrinkles and induce new collagen production. This technology satisfies a growing patient demand and the need for alternative non-ablative (abrasive), non-invasive treatments by using ultrasound energy that works by heating up the underlying skin tissue without harming the skin’s surface.

Young woman with natural makeup smiles touches face. Beauty model with perfect skin, healthy glowing tan. Female beauty with hands on cheeks. Happy girl smiles, beauty care concept.
Happy pretty 50s middle aged woman touching healthy soft face skin, smiling, looking at camera.

Is
Sofwave® right for you?

Younger patients who are interested in preventing or minimizing early signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles may be a good candidate for Sofwave®.

For more mature patients experiencing advanced signs of aging—such as deeper wrinkles, skin laxity, and sun damage—there is a growing demand for non-surgical yet effective anti-aging solutions.

Whether you’re in your 30s and looking to proactively “pause” the aging process, or you’re older and seeking to restore a youthful glow, Sofwave® offers a gentle and effective treatment option.
Sofwave® can help improve:

  • Moderate to deep lines on the face and neck
  • Crepey skin along the neck and jawline
  • Lax and wrinkled skin around the décolletage (upper chest area)
  • Improves the appearance cellulite

Sofwave®
Treatment benefits

  • Rejuvenates Aging Skin: Sofwave can address a range of concerns, including moderate to deep lines on the face and neck, crepey skin along the neck and jawline, and lax, wrinkled skin around the décolletage (upper chest area). Additionally, it offers an improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
  • Safe for All Skin Types any Time of Year: Sofwave is carefully designed to be both safe and effective for every skin type and is safe to do even during the summer months.
  • Quick In-Office Procedure: Sofwave can be performed as a standalone treatment with topical number. Treatments take less than an hour.
  • No Downtime: You can expect minimal to no downtime, often returning to your regular activities the day after treatment.

Can Sofwave®
Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Another option is to pair this treatment with other anti-aging modalities to optimize results in a single visit. Like many patients, treatment of other skin conditions, like brow wrinkles or the “11s” between the brows that are a telltale sign of age, can be treated at the same appointment.

The bottom line is that Sofwave® can be effectively combined with other treatments to target all your unique skincare and anti-aging needs, including:

Sofwave®
Non-Invasive Skin Lifting for All Skin Types, No Downtime

  • Rejuvenates Aging Skin: Sofwave can address a range of concerns, including moderate to deep lines on the face and neck, crepey skin along the neck and jawline, and lax, wrinkled skin around the décolletage (upper chest area). Additionally, it offers an improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
  • Safe for All Skin Types any Time of Year: Sofwave is carefully designed to be both safe and effective for every skin type and is safe to do even during the summer months.
  • Quick In-Office Procedure: Sofwave can be performed as a standalone treatment with topical number. Treatments take less than an hour.
  • No Downtime: You can expect minimal to no downtime, often returning to your regular activities the day after treatment.

Why Choose
Dr. Rachel

Dr. Rachel and staff

You want a clear recommendation, realistic expectations, and results that still look like you. At Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago and Glenview, we start with an anatomy-led plan based on your goals. We’ll tell you what we think will work, what won’t, and why. We explain your options in plain language, including what we would not recommend, so you can feel confident with your decision.

Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He is quadruple board-certified in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. He completed residency training in Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at Wayne State/Detroit Medical Center and a Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the Beeson Cosmetic Surgery Institute. He has been in practice since 2001, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and has published peer-reviewed research in facial plastic surgery and skin rejuvenation.

Dr. Rachel and his team at Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago and Glenview

Frequently Asked Questions
Sofwave®

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What areas can be treated with Sofwave®?

Sofwave® is FDA cleared for lifting the eyebrow, facial tissue, and neck areas for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Sofwave® can also be used to tighten skin and improve skin laxity on areas of the body such as the abdomen, arms and buttocks.

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How many sofwave® treatments will I need?

With Sofwave®, most patients need only one treatment; however, some may benefit from an additional treatment depending on their body's response to the first treatment.

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How long does Sofwave® take?

The Sofwave® treatment usually takes 30 to 40 minutes for the full face and neck area.

Larger areas of the body such as the thighs, abdomen or arms may take longer.

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What does Sofwave® feel like?

As the ultrasound energy is delivered, patients may feel a warmness in their skin, which can be resolved by applying a topical anesthetic cream just before the treatment. Following treatment, there are no sensations and no need to apply special care to the skin other than proper skincare. Patients may resume their daily activities post-appointment.

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How soon will I see results?

Every patient is different, however you may see improvement as soon as one week following your treatment. However, the collagen regeneration process can take up to 12 weeks. You can expect to see continuous improvement over the next three months following your initial treatment.

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How much does Sofwave® cost in Chicago, Illinois?

The cost for a single Sofwave® treatment in Chicago, Illinois will start at $2,900 to $3,500. The total cost will depend on whether you need more than one treatment and the areas being treated.

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Can Sofwave® replace surgery?

Sofwave® is a great alternative for people not ready to take the extra step and undergo plastic surgery. The results will be more dramatic with a surgical procedure, but Sofwave® also eliminates the risks involved with a surgical procedure or the need for anesthesia.

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Are there side effects?

Softwave® is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Some patients may experience temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the treatment site, which typically resolves within a few days.

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Does Sofwave® work?

Sofwave® is effective in stimulating collagen production, improving skin texture, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and cellulite for many patients. Results may vary depending on individual factors.

Chicago Aesthetics
Reviews & Testimonials

Excellent4.8254 reviews
4.8
Excellent254 reviews
Ruby Kelly profile picture
Ruby Kelly
September 13, 2026
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I’ve been seeing Carol for Botox for over two years, and she is absolutely amazing! I trust her completely with my face. She always takes the time to listen to what I want and makes sure my results look natural and beautiful—she never overdoes it. I especially appreciate how honest she is; she will tell you when you don’t need something rather than trying to sell you more treatments. Carol truly cares about her patients and always makes me feel comfortable, welcomed, and at home. She is professional, knowledgeable, gentle, and incredibly attentive. I always leave feeling confident and happy with my results. It’s hard to find someone you can trust this much, and I’m so grateful I found Carol. I wouldn’t trust
Daniella Bella profile picture
Daniella Bella
September 13, 2026
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I had Lipo 360 and a Skinny BBL this summer, and I am so happy with my results. I was always extremely nervous about going under the knife, but I really wanted to do something that would help boost my self-confidence. Dr. T and his entire team were truly amazing throughout the whole process. I am naturally pretty skinny, so I was always worried about whether this procedure would work well for my body type, but I honestly wish I had done it sooner. I am currently about five weeks post-op, and I am already so pleased with how everything is turning out. My results continue to improve as I heal, and I’m excited to see the final outcome. I’m very grateful to Dr. T and his team for making me feel comfortable and confident throughout the experience.
Stephanie Sanchez profile picture
Stephanie Sanchez
September 9, 2026
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carol’s the absolute best! very fast and great at what she does. My go to for any botox or filler!
Roberta Livingston profile picture
Roberta Livingston
September 6, 2026
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+0
Tom is amazing!! Caring and knowledgeable very, very excellent experience.
Kim Jones profile picture
Kim Jones
September 2, 2026
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I’ve been seeing Carol for 10 + years She’s the best and has a perfect eye for what’s needed and what is not. I’ve always trusted her completely and highly recommend!
Mary S profile picture
Mary S
August 29, 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wonderful service, everyone is knowledgable and friendly. Dr. Rachel is fabulous and quadruple board certified. I would not trust any other company.
Laura Rosenhauer profile picture
Laura Rosenhauer
August 28, 2026
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Carol is the best in the business! She is professional, kind, and incredibly attentive throughout my experience. She took the time to understand my concerns and made sure I felt comfortable. I love my results! I truly appreciated her expertise and attention to detail. I highly recommend Carol!
Angel profile picture
Angel
August 28, 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Nurse Carol always does an outstanding job no matter the procedure. She literally has light hands and you barely feel a thing. She brightens my day whenever I have an appointment with her. Very kind, professional and very knowledgeable. I have never had anyone as thorough as her. She communicates with me before and after all appointments and reaches out to ensure I safely drive there sooner due to the weather conditions. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I cannot say enough wonderful things about Nurse Carol Donohue. After four years as her client, I can genuinely say that the trust, care, and relationship we have built over the years means so much to me. Carol has always been incredibly easy to communicate with and accommodating with my schedule. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients—even coming in early before her shift to make sure she can see me when needed. That level of dedication and care does not go unnoticed. What I appreciate most about Carol is her integrity. She doesn’t simply recommend a cosmetic procedure because she can perform it. She takes the time to honestly tell me what would be beneficial, what may be unnecessary, and what she believes is best for me. My health, well-being, and safety have always come first, and that has given me an incredible amount of confidence and trust in her. Carol is knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. She explains everything in detail, makes sure I understand every step of the process, and always makes me feel comfortable and cared for. She values her clients as people, not just appointments. Beyond her professionalism, Carol’s kindness has touched me personally. There have been days when I walked into her office feeling at my lowest, and simply being met with her warmth, compassion, and kindness helped me leave feeling a little more confident and a lot better than when I arrived. That is something I will never forget. Thank you, Nurse Carol Donohue, for four wonderful years of professionalism, honesty, compassion, and exceptional care. I am incredibly grateful for the client-and-nurse relationship we have built, and I look forward to many more years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a provider who combines expertise with integrity and truly cares about the people she serves.
Julie Rosenhauer profile picture
Julie Rosenhauer
August 28, 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I’ve been getting Botox from Carol for several years now, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience! She is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and professional, and she always takes the time to make sure I feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. I truly trust her expertise and appreciate how carefully she listens to what I want while providing honest, thoughtful recommendations. My results have always looked natural and beautiful, which is exactly what I’m looking for. I highly recommend her to anyone considering Botox or looking for someone skilled, trustworthy, and genuinely caring!
Diana T profile picture
Diana T
August 26, 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Carol was great! She made the experience comfortable and pain-free while also being efficient. Would definitely return!

How long
will it take to see my results?

Good news! Most patients only need one Sofwave® treatment to see visible results. However, you may benefit from additional treatments, depending on your response to the treatment.

Results are seen as soon as 1 week after your treatment. Since this technology starts the collagen regeneration process, which can take up to 12 weeks, patients see ongoing improvements for as much as 3 months after their treatment.

Sofwave® is designed for all ages, skin types, and colors.

how much
does Sofwave® cost?

The cost of your Sofwave® treatment at Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa typically starts at $2,900 to $4,000 or more, depending on your provider and the number of areas being treated. All treatments are conducted by a licensed esthetician or nurse with expertise in body skin rejuvenation, ensuring you receive the best possible results. To make the treatment more affordable, we offer financing options.

Conditions We Treat

At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery & Med Spa, we know that your goals are personal and your concerns are unique. View our complete guide to the most common concerns we treat and the solutions that deliver safe, natural-looking results.

We offer surgical & Non-Surgical
Services

At Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa, our team of board-certified cosmetic & plastic surgeons are renowned for their extensive training, unparalleled experience, and dedication to surgical artistry. Our entire staff is committed to helping you elevate your natural beauty and making your transformation journey one of the best decisions you'll ever make.

Take the first step towards your new self today. Schedule your complimentary virtual consultation with Chicago's top plastic surgeons when you sign up online—an exclusive offer valued at $250*.

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Get In Touch

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312.846.1629

Hours

Mon & Wed: 9am - 7pm
Tues, Thurs & Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 2pm
Sunday: CLOSED

About Us

Enhance your natural beauty with personalized skin, body, and wellness treatments from Chicago’s trusted med spa, led by Dr. John D. Rachel.