If you’ve started to notice loose skin beneath your chin or along your jawline, you’re not imagining it. Many women experience these subtle yet frustrating changes earlier than expected. What was once a firm, defined neckline can begin to soften. You might catch your reflection and wonder when the changes started. The good news is, you don’t need to jump straight into surgery to restore a more youthful neck.
At his welcoming, accredited practice in Raleigh, NC, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Glenn Lyle offers a modern, non-invasive solution for women looking to improve early signs of neck aging. It’s called Sofwave, and it’s one of the most advanced technologies available for skin tightening without surgery or downtime. This innovative treatment helps patients rediscover their confidence by gently encouraging the skin to firm itself from within.
The Neck Is Often the First to Show Signs of Aging
Most women focus on caring for their face, but the neck is often the first area to reveal age. The skin there is thinner and more delicate, making it vulnerable to sun damage and gravity. Over time, you may notice fine lines, skin that feels looser, or a less sculpted jawline. For many, these changes are subtle but emotionally noticeable. It’s not just about looking older. It’s about feeling less like yourself.
These early changes don’t always require surgery. Many women simply want to look fresher, not different. They want results that fit into their lives without requiring weeks of recovery or an operating room. That’s where Sofwave comes in.
Why Neck Skin Begins to Sag
Sagging in the neck doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process caused by the natural decline of collagen and elastin in the skin. These proteins are responsible for keeping our skin smooth and resilient. By your 30s or 40s, your body is producing less of them. Add in years of sun exposure, tech-neck posture, and daily stress, and it’s no wonder the neck begins to soften.
For many women, the first signs of aging in the neck don’t require surgery. Instead, they benefit from early, targeted treatments that boost collagen and restore firmness. That’s exactly what Sofwave was designed to do.
How Sofwave Works
Sofwave is an advanced ultrasound treatment that reaches the layer of skin where collagen is made. The technology uses a unique method called Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) to deliver energy into the mid-dermis, about one and a half millimeters below the skin’s surface. This energy gently heats the tissue, which stimulates a natural healing response. As your body produces new collagen, your skin gradually becomes tighter and smoother.
There are no incisions, no needles, and no downtime. The outer layers of skin remain untouched, which makes Sofwave safe and suitable for all skin types. Treatments take less than an hour and are performed in the quiet, professional setting of Dr. Glenn Lyle’s Raleigh, NC office.
Sofwave Before and After Photos


Skin Rejuvenation Page Sofwave Gallery
What Makes Sofwave Different
Not all skin tightening treatments are created equal. Sofwave stands out for its precision, safety, and comfort. Unlike deeper ultrasound treatments like Ultherapy, which can be uncomfortable and reach more aggressive depths, Sofwave targets only the collagen-rich layers of skin. This makes the treatment more tolerable while still delivering excellent results.
Radiofrequency treatments heat the skin from the surface, which may help with texture but often cannot reach the depths needed to stimulate real lifting. Sofwave was developed to bridge this gap. It offers deeper stimulation with minimal discomfort and no risk to the skin’s surface.
Patients at Dr. Lyle’s practice appreciate that Sofwave is backed by science and selected with care. Dr. Glenn Lyle, a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Raleigh area, only offers treatments that align with his standards for safety, reliability, and patient satisfaction.
Is Sofwave Right for You?
Sofwave is designed for patients who are noticing early signs of neck aging. If you have mild to moderate laxity, slight jowling, or skin that just doesn’t bounce back the way it used to, this treatment could be an ideal fit. It’s also a great option for women who want to prevent future sagging before it progresses.
What makes Dr. Glenn Lyle different is his ability to guide you through these choices with honesty and clarity. During your consultation, he evaluates your skin and your goals with care. If a surgical lift would give better results, he will tell you. If you are an excellent candidate for non-surgical treatment, he will explain how and why. This balanced, individualized approach is one of the reasons women across Raleigh and beyond continue to place their trust in his care.
What the Treatment Feels Like
Sofwave is quick, comfortable, and easy to fit into your day. When you arrive at Dr. Lyle’s practice, you’ll be greeted by his experienced team and settled into a calm treatment room. After preparing your skin, a cool gel is applied to help the device glide smoothly.
The Sofwave applicator moves gently over your neck or jawline. As the energy is delivered, most patients feel a warm sensation. There may be a bit of tingling, but it’s very manageable. The entire treatment takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and when it’s over, you can go right back to your normal activities. There’s no redness, no peeling, and no downtime.
When to Expect Results
Sofwave results appear gradually. You won’t walk out of the office looking ten years younger. The changes are subtle, natural, and most importantly, real. Your body is rebuilding collagen over time, so you’ll likely begin to notice improvements around four weeks after your treatment.
Most patients see their best results after about three months. Skin feels firmer. The jawline becomes more defined. That crepey, loose quality under the chin starts to smooth out. Because the results come from your own collagen, they tend to last longer and look more authentic. Many patients repeat the treatment every 12 to 18 months to maintain their results.
Combining Sofwave with Other Enhancements
At Dr. Glenn Lyle’s practice, Sofwave can be combined with other treatments for even better outcomes. Some patients also choose chin liposuction to remove unwanted fat or MyEllevate to support the underlying muscle structure of the neck. Others opt for gentle injectables to complement the lift achieved with Sofwave.
The benefit of choosing a plastic surgeon like Dr. Lyle is that he can offer a complete plan. He understands how different layers of the face and neck work together, and how to achieve harmony without overcorrecting. Whether you choose one treatment or a combination, everything is done with a focus on your natural beauty.
What If You Need More Than Sofwave?
Sofwave is powerful, but it’s not for everyone. If your skin has significant sagging or deep muscle banding, a surgical neck lift may still be the best solution. Dr. Glenn Lyle performs these procedures regularly and with excellent results.
The difference in his approach is the ability to assess both surgical and non-surgical options without bias. If you need more than Sofwave can offer, he will help you understand what to expect and what alternatives might suit you better. The decision is always collaborative and based on what will truly serve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Sofwave help if my neck looks worse on Zoom than in person?
Yes. Sofwave improves skin laxity and contour in areas that appear flattened or saggy on camera, especially under poor lighting or from unflattering angles. Patients often report looking more defined and confident in photos and video calls after treatment.
Is Sofwave safe for people with darker skin tones?
Yes. Unlike some laser treatments, Sofwave does not affect melanin and is safe for all skin types without risk of pigmentation changes. It targets the deeper dermis while leaving the skin surface untouched.
Will Sofwave affect the fat under my chin?
No. Sofwave does not reduce fat; it targets collagen production to firm the skin. If excess fat is a concern, Dr. Lyle may recommend combining it with chin liposuction.
Can Sofwave be done during lunch or between meetings?
Absolutely. The treatment takes less than an hour, and there is no downtime, so most patients return to work or social plans immediately. It is often referred to as a “lunchtime lift.”
Does Sofwave change how my voice sounds or affect the throat?
No. Sofwave only treats the surface layers of the skin and does not affect the muscles or vocal cords. The energy is precisely targeted to avoid deeper structures.
Will I feel heat or pain in my teeth or jaw during the treatment?
Some patients report brief warmth near the jawline, but it’s generally well tolerated. The applicator includes a cooling system to protect the skin and reduce discomfort.
Can Sofwave be done if I’ve already had a neck lift or other procedure?
Yes. Sofwave can be used to maintain or enhance the results of previous surgical or non-surgical treatments .In fact, many prominent facelift surgeons offer yearly Sofwave treatments to maintain their facelift results. Dr. Lyle will assess your skin to ensure it’s the right timing.
How does Sofwave compare to facial yoga or massage tools?
Facial yoga and massage may temporarily increase circulation, but they cannot stimulate deep collagen remodeling. Sofwave delivers targeted ultrasound energy where your hands or rollers cannot reach.
Will I bruise or swell if I have sensitive skin?
Most patients, even with sensitive skin, experience minimal redness or swelling that fades within hours. It is one of the most skin-friendly tightening treatments available.
Can Sofwave make my neck look too tight or unnatural?
No. Sofwave works gradually by supporting your natural collagen production, so the results are subtle and proportionate. Dr. Lyle’s goal is to enhance, not alter, your natural appearance.
Yes. Sofwave improves skin laxity and contour in areas that appear flattened or saggy on camera, especially under poor lighting or from unflattering angles. Patients often report looking more defined and confident in photos and video calls after treatment.
Yes. Unlike some laser treatments, Sofwave does not affect melanin and is safe for all skin types without risk of pigmentation changes. It targets the deeper dermis while leaving the skin surface untouched.
No. Sofwave does not reduce fat; it targets collagen production to firm the skin. If excess fat is a concern, Dr. Lyle may recommend combining it with chin liposuction.
Absolutely. The treatment takes less than an hour, and there is no downtime, so most patients return to work or social plans immediately. It is often referred to as a “lunchtime lift.”
No. Sofwave only treats the surface layers of the skin and does not affect the muscles or vocal cords. The energy is precisely targeted to avoid deeper structures.
Some patients report brief warmth near the jawline, but it’s generally well tolerated. The applicator includes a cooling system to protect the skin and reduce discomfort.
Yes. Sofwave can be used to maintain or enhance the results of previous surgical or non-surgical treatments .In fact, many prominent facelift surgeons offer yearly Sofwave treatments to maintain their facelift results. Dr. Lyle will assess your skin to ensure it’s the right timing.
Facial yoga and massage may temporarily increase circulation, but they cannot stimulate deep collagen remodeling. Sofwave delivers targeted ultrasound energy where your hands or rollers cannot reach.
Most patients, even with sensitive skin, experience minimal redness or swelling that fades within hours. It is one of the most skin-friendly tightening treatments available.
No. Sofwave works gradually by supporting your natural collagen production, so the results are subtle and proportionate. Dr. Lyle’s goal is to enhance, not alter, your natural appearance.
Why Patients in Raleigh Choose Dr. Glenn Lyle
There are many providers offering cosmetic treatments today, but very few combine surgical expertise with an artistic, conservative eye. Dr. Glenn Lyle is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience helping women in Raleigh and beyond look and feel their best. His patients choose him not just for his skill, but for the thoughtful, honest care he provides at every step.
Whether you are exploring surgery or non-invasive options like Sofwave, you’ll receive guidance grounded in experience. You’ll never be rushed. You’ll never be pressured. Instead, you’ll gain clarity about your options and confidence in the decisions you make.
Ready to See a Smoother, More Confident Neck?
If you’re bothered by sagging skin under your chin or along your jawline, it’s time to take the next step. Sofwave offers a safe, effective, and surgery-free way to refresh your appearance and restore your confidence. The best part is that it fits into your life without slowing you down.
Dr. Glenn Lyle and his dedicated team in Raleigh, NC are here to help you feel like yourself again. Schedule your private consultation today and explore whether Sofwave is right for you.
Contact Dr. Glenn Lyle’s office today at 919-307-8585 to schedule your consultation
Further Reading
- Read more about Skin Rejuvenation
- Read more about Skin Tightening
- Read Dr Glenn Lyle’s Blog on Isolated Neck Lift-Improves Sagging Neck Line
- Read Dr Glenn Lyle’s Blog on How to Tighten Loose Back Skin – What Are Your Options?


