If your jawline looks less defined than it used to, you’re not imagining it. As we age, the skin around the lower face starts to loosen, leading to sagging jowls. It’s a common concern, and while it’s completely natural, it can affect how confident you feel.

The good news? You don’t need surgery to get a more lifted and contoured jawline. At SOMA in Grants Pass, OR, non-invasive treatments are available to firm and reshape the lower face. This article will walk you through why jowls appear, what’s happening beneath the skin, and which treatments offer real, noticeable results.

Understanding Jowls and Why They Happen

To know how to deal with sagging skin, we first need to break down what jowls are and what causes them.

What Are Jowls?

Jowls are the loose, sagging skin that hangs below your jawline as your face ages. It’s mostly due to gravity pulling down on weakened skin and fat structures. The once-tight transition between your cheeks and neck starts to blur, and that crisp jawline definition slowly disappears. Some people notice jowling earlier than others depending on genetics and lifestyle.

Why Do Jowls Form?

The biggest reason for sagging jowls is collagen and elastin loss. These are the fibers that keep your skin firm and stretchy. Starting in your 30s, collagen production slows, and your fat pads shift downward. Over time, gravity, sun damage, and daily facial movement stretch the retaining ligaments that once supported your lower face.

Other factors include:

• Genetics: If your parents had early jowling, you might too.
• Smoking: It limits oxygen and slows collagen repair.
• Weight changes: Repeated gain and loss stretch skin and fat.
• Poor skincare habits: No sunscreen means more UV damage.
   
  

When you put it all together, you get sagging skin that feels thinner, looser, and less responsive to skincare alone.



How Aging Changes the Jawline

So, how exactly does aging lead to a softer, less defined jawline? It all begins with structural changes beneath the surface.

Structural Shifts Below the Surface

Under your skin, there’s a lot happening that you can’t see. As we age, the fat compartments in the lower face shrink and slide downward, the platysma muscle weakens, and the mandibular ligaments loosen. These changes create the look of saggy jowls and less contour around the lower jaw.



At the same time, you lose bone along the jawline and chin area, which flattens the lower face even more. When combined with less collagen and elastin, the structure simply can’t hold itself up like it used to.

Hormonal and Environmental Factors

Hormonal changes (especially the drop in estrogen) reduce collagen density and hydration. Add years of sun exposure, and you’re left with thinner, weaker skin that struggles to bounce back. According to Medical News Today, oxidative stress from UV light is one of the fastest ways your skin loses elasticity and firmness.

Non-Surgical Jowl Treatments at SOMA

At Southern Oregon Medical Aesthetics, our goal is to help you look refreshed without surgery or long recovery times. We focus on minimally invasive treatments that stimulate collagen production, restore lost volume, and tighten the skin along the jawline.

Here’s a closer look at what we offer:



PDO Thread Lift for Instant Lift

A PDO thread lift uses dissolvable sutures placed just beneath the skin to gently lift sagging tissue. It’s perfect for mild to moderate jowling and gives immediate results. Over the next few months, the threads encourage your skin to make more collagen, keeping it firm even after the threads dissolve.

• Downtime: 1–2 days of mild swelling.
• Results: Up to 18 months.
• Best for: Patients wanting a lift without surgery.

Dermal Fillers for Volume and Contour

Lost facial volume plays a big role in sagging jowls. Dermal fillers like Juvéderm, Radiesse, or Sculptra replace that volume and subtly contour the jawline.

• Hyaluronic acid fillers plump and define instantly.
• Biostimulatory fillers help your body rebuild collagen over time.

When injected along the jawline and lower face, fillers can restore structure and improve facial balance without looking puffy or fake.

Skin Tightening with Radiofrequency or Ultrasound

Energy-based treatments like Morpheus8 or RF microneedling heat the deeper layers of skin to tighten existing collagen and trigger new growth. It’s ideal for mild to moderate laxity, especially if you don’t want downtime. According to GoodRx, radiofrequency energy is one of the most effective ways to firm skin without surgery.

Kybella for Jowl Fat and Double Chin

If you have fullness under the chin or along the jawline, Kybella can target and permanently destroy fat cells. The active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, naturally breaks down fat so your body can flush it out. Over a few sessions, it helps redefine your jawline by removing that extra layer of fat.

Microneedling with PRF or RF Microneedling

Microneedling creates tiny injuries that prompt the skin to heal stronger and tighter. When paired with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or radiofrequency, it enhances collagen rebuilding even more. Over several sessions, this treatment improves texture, firmness, and elasticity across the lower face and neck.

Comparison of Non-Surgical Jowl Treatments

Jawline Skincare and Maintenance Tips

Treatment is only part of the journey; maintaining a firm, defined jawline comes down to consistent skincare and smart daily habits.

Medical-Grade Products at Home

After your first treatment, supporting your results with the right skincare is key. Look for:

• Retinol or peptides to boost collagen turnover.
• Antioxidants to protect from free radicals.
• Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily to prevent further sagging.
  

Healthy skin habits make a big difference in how long your results last. Hydration, clean nutrition, and avoiding smoking all help maintain elasticity and firmness.

Why Combination Treatments Work Best

At SOMA, we often mix treatments to address multiple causes of jowls at once. For example, PDO threads for lift, fillers for contour, and RF microneedling for collagen. This combination gives you a smoother, more natural look compared to one single treatment. It’s all about balance and personalization.

The SOMA Approach: Local Expertise Meets Precision Care

Southern Oregon Medical Aesthetics isn’t just about cosmetic treatments; it’s about helping you feel confident again. Our medical team focuses on safety, education, and artistry. Every face is different, so we assess your skin laxity, fat distribution, and bone structure before creating a plan.

Our clinic combines advanced technology with the warmth of a local practice. You’ll always know what’s happening at each step, from consultation to aftercare.

What to Expect During Jowl Treatment

To help you feel at ease, here’s a step-by-step look at what happens before, during, and after your treatment.

Consultation and Planning

Your first visit involves an in-depth facial assessment. We’ll look at how your skin moves, where you’ve lost volume, and how severe your sagging is. You’ll discuss goals, comfort levels, and the best non-surgical treatment options for your needs.

During the Procedure

Most treatments take under an hour. PDO threads and fillers may use a small amount of local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. RF or microneedling sessions may feel warm but not painful. There’s no general anesthesia and minimal downtime.

Aftercare and Recovery

Expect mild redness or tenderness for a few days, depending on the treatment. You can usually return to work the next day. Avoid intense exercise and saunas for 48 hours. We’ll give you simple aftercare instructions to protect your skin and keep your results looking great.

When You’ll See Results

Results don’t all appear at the same time, so it’s helpful to understand what changes happen right away and which ones take time.

Immediate vs Gradual Changes

Some results, like fillers or threads, are visible right away. Others, like RF microneedling or collagen stimulation treatments, continue to improve for several months as new collagen forms. This process helps your skin regain firmness naturally.

How Long Results Last

• Threads and fillers: 12–18 months
• Microneedling and RF: 1–2 years with maintenance
• Kybella: Permanent fat removal
  

Regular touch-ups keep the jawline defined and prevent sagging from returning.

FAQs About Jowl Treatment in Grants Pass

Conclusion: Redefine Your Confidence at SOMA

You don’t have to live with saggy jowls or a fading jawline. With today’s non-surgical skin tightening and collagen-boosting treatments, it’s easier than ever to refresh your look naturally.



At Southern Oregon Medical Aesthetics, we bring advanced medical care to Grants Pass with a personal touch. Whether you need subtle contouring or a full lower-face rejuvenation plan, our team is here to guide you. Book your consultation and see how we can help you lift sagging skin, restore confidence, and love your reflection again.