Skin laxity is one of the most common cosmetic concerns among both women and men. The good news, however, is that there are now more nonsurgical options than ever to address it. The newest addition to that lineup is XERF™ skin tightening, a radiofrequency treatment that works a little differently than the RF devices you might already be familiar with. Take a look at how XERF stacks up against other popular nonsurgical skin tightening devices and why it might be the right fit for you.
How XERF Works
XERF uses dual radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, which stimulates new collagen production and improves firmness over time. What sets it apart is how precisely that energy can be delivered. The system offers three depth settings and ten intensity levels, so your provider can adjust treatment to your skin’s thickness and target the proper depth that needs stimulation. Built-in cooling technology also protects the surface of the skin during treatment, which helps to keep the experience comfortable from start to finish.
No Needles or No Downtime Required
Many radiofrequency skin tightening devices rely on tiny needles to deliver radiofrequency energy beneath the skin. These treatments are effective, but they typically require a topical numbing agent beforehand and several days of redness, swelling or mild bruising afterward.
XERF, on the other hand, does not use needles, so there is no real recovery time, which means you can walk in for a session and walk right back out to the rest of your day. Thus, if a no-needle approach is important to you, XERF is worth considering.
How XERF Compares to EXION®
Many of our Minneapolis patients may also be familiar with EXION, another radiofrequency device offered here at SpaVie. EXION includes several treatment modes, some of which use fractional microneedling and involve mild downtime, while others are needle-free. XERF is built around a single, streamlined, no-needle approach, making it a simpler option for those who specifically want to avoid microneedling but still want strong tightening results.
So how do you choose between them? Choose EXION if you want access to multiple modes in one treatment plan, including options like fractional resurfacing that address texture and tone in addition to laxity. Choose XERF if your main goal is skin tightening with zero downtime and you would rather skip needles altogether, even the fine ones used in microneedling. If you’re still unsure, book a consultation so our team can provide personalized advice.
Who Is a Good Candidate for XERF?
XERF works well for those dealing with mild to moderate skin laxity on the face or neck who want visible improvement without surgery or an extended recovery. Because results build gradually as your body produces new collagen over the following weeks, XERF is best suited for patients who are looking for progressive, natural looking improvement rather than an immediate, dramatic change. During a consultation, Dr. Harrington can help you determine whether XERF, another radiofrequency option or a combination approach will best meet your goals.
If you are curious about whether XERF skin tightening is right for you, contact us online or call our Twin Cities office at 651-290-7600 to schedule a consultation.
Author: Dr. Jennifer Harrington
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the medical director at SpaVie in Minneapolis. Dr. Harrington is recognized as one of the best female plastic surgeons, and is locally and nationally renowned for bringing the highest standards of medical excellence and aesthetic sensitivity to all procedures of the breast, body and face.