XERF
A common mistake in modern aesthetics is trying to fix a structural problem by adding volume to the surface. When the lower face starts to lose its definition, using more dermal filler only hides the real issue. This can lead to a heavy look that changes your natural expressions. Real facial elegance comes from the deeper layers. As your skin’s support weakens over time, the best approach is to keep your natural features by strengthening that inner foundation.
At Iconique Medical Aesthetics, we use XERF monopolar radiofrequency to target the deeper layers of your skin. This non-invasive treatment helps build tissue strength and brings back a defined jawline by working from within.
XERF is a modern, non-surgical treatment from South Korea designed to help with sagging skin and loss of support. Unlike older radiofrequency devices that use just one wave, XERF uses two frequencies at once to reach several layers of tissue. It sends gentle heat deep into the skin, which causes collagen to tighten right away and encourages new collagen to form over time.
At A Glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Early jowls, lower face sagging, crepey texture, and loss of jawline definition. |
| Treatment Type | Non-surgical multifrequency monopolar radiofrequency energy. |
| Downtime | None. Mild redness resolves within a few hours. |
| Pain Level | 0-1/10. Feels like a comfortable, deep hot stone massage. |
| Appointment Length | 45 to 60 minutes depending on the facial map. |
| When Results Appear | Initial firmness within days; true lifting peaks at 3 to 6 months. |
| How Long Results Last | Up to 2 years with structural maintenance protocols. |
| Number of Sessions | 2 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for optimal results. |
The XERF treatment works entirely without needles or surgical intervention. By delivering controlled energy precisely where the skin anchors to deeper structural layers, this radiofrequency skin tightening device allows patients to return to their normal daily activities immediately after leaving our Costa Mesa office.
As we lose collagen naturally, the skin on our face can start to sag. Many skin tightening treatments only work on the surface, so the deeper loose skin is left untreated. XERF reaches several layers to address these issues:
The XERF system works by gently heating the deeper layers of your skin. As the handpiece moves over your skin, it sends out radiofrequency energy at different frequencies, which safely passes through the surface to reach the deeper tissues. This process creates even, controlled warmth in those layers.
This thermal stimulation accomplishes two distinct biological goals:
The best candidates for XERF are people in their 30s, 40s, or 50s who are starting to see early signs of aging, like a softer jawline or mild skin looseness. XERF is great for those who want to keep their natural look but want firmer, denser skin. Younger patients can also use it to help prevent future sagging by boosting their collagen early.
XERF is not meant to replace a surgical facelift. If you have very loose skin or a lot of extra tissue, surgery may be a better option. We cannot treat patients with pacemakers, internal defibrillators, or metal implants in the area. If you have a skin infection, open wounds, or a bad sunburn, we will wait until your skin has healed before doing the treatment.
When you sit in the chair at Iconique, Marissa Maniaci, RN, or Chelsea Douglass, FNP, will first evaluate your patient's anatomy. We do not use general, assembly-line settings. We map out your specific vector lines, locating where your skin requires the most structural support.
A grounding pad is placed on your back to allow the monopolar energy to flow correctly. We apply a specialized conduction fluid to the face, and then the treatment begins.
As the handpiece moves over your skin, you will not feel the sharp zaps that older devices cause. Instead, you will notice a gentle warmth and a cooling feeling that keeps your skin comfortable. We carefully check the temperature to make sure it stays at the right level for collagen building. The whole treatment takes about 45 to 60 minutes, and most people find it very relaxing.
There is no clinical downtime associated with this procedure. You can leave our office, put on your sunscreen, and drive straight back to your daily schedule.
There is almost no social downtime. You may have a little redness or a pink glow right after the treatment, similar to what you see after light exercise. This usually goes away in one to two hours.
Keep your skin well-hydrated. For the first few days, use a good hyaluronic acid serum or a rich moisturizer to help your skin hold onto water and support healing.
Microneedling and Natural Growth Factor Injections are ideal for addressing:
The biological timeline of new collagen.
The long-term skin health benefits from an XERF series last up to two years. The new collagen that develops is your own native tissue, so it ages naturally with you. Because your body continues to lose collagen over time due to natural aging and environmental factors, we recommend a single maintenance treatment every 12 months to maintain your structural support and keep your skin fitness at its peak.
One XERF treatment can help, but for moderate skin looseness, we usually recommend two sessions about 4 to 6 weeks apart. The first session prepares your skin and starts the healing process. The second session builds on this, helping your skin make even more collagen for longer-lasting, natural-looking results.
The cost of a XERF skin tightening plan depends on which areas you want treated, how long the treatment takes, and how complex your needs are. Treating just the jawline costs less than treating the whole face, under the chin, and neck.
During your full facial consultation at Iconique, we will build a customized treatment plan that outlines the exact costs for your initial series and annual maintenance roadmap.
Older radiofrequency devices often use high heat on the surface to reach deeper layers, which can be uncomfortable. XERF uses two frequencies to heat several layers evenly, giving better results with much less discomfort.
Dermal fillers add volume to lift sagging skin, which helps if you have bone loss. But using fillers to tighten loose skin can make your face look too full or unnatural. XERF does not add volume. Instead, it improves your skin’s quality and tightness by boosting your own collagen.
Traditional microneedling uses tiny needles to treat the surface of your skin, helping with things like pores, texture, and acne scars. XERF does not use needles at all. It sends heat deep into the skin to target the layers that shape your jawline and support your skin.
Many patients benefit from combining XERF with other non-surgical therapies within their annual beauty plan to target different layers of aging simultaneously.
The results of energy-based treatments depend on the skill of the provider. At Iconique Medical Aesthetics, we see XERF as part of a complete care plan, not just a one-time service. As an Allergan Diamond Provider, our team uses expert knowledge and careful planning for every treatment.
Marissa Maniaci, RN, and Chelsea Douglass, FNP, focus on enhancing your natural beauty. They know how to work with the different layers of your face to give you subtle, elegant results while keeping your unique features. Your treatment is part of a full, year-long care plan made just for you.
No. Unlike older generations of radiofrequency skin tightening, XERF is highly comfortable. Most patients do not report pain and describe the sensation as a deep, gentle warming feeling, similar to a hot stone facial massage. There is no need for topical numbing creams or nerve blocks during this procedure.
Yes, XERF is safe for all skin types and skin tones. Because radiofrequency energy targets the deep structural layers and water content of the tissue rather than melanin, there is no risk of inducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or surface burns on darker complexions.
No. Some older, unmapped ultrasound or radiofrequency devices could inadvertently damage subcutaneous fat cells if used incorrectly. The XERF platform delivers highly controlled energy targeted strictly to the deep dermis and the fibroseptal network, preserving the essential fat compartments that keep the face looking youthful and full.
Yes, but the timing needs to be managed properly. We recommend waiting at least two weeks after your Botox injections before undergoing an XERF session to ensure the neuromodulator has completely settled and integrated into the target muscles without risk of migration from the moving handpiece.
We advise waiting four to six weeks after receiving dermal fillers before scheduling an XERF session in that same facial area. This allows the filler to fully integrate into the native tissue structure, preventing the deep thermal energy from accelerating the premature breakdown of the hyaluronic acid gel.
