Where should I get XERF? Stronger application does not necessarily mean better results—it depends on output settings and facial assessment

When choosing where to receive XERF, look for a clinic that assesses the degree of sagging (skin laxity) and the amount of facial fat, and explains the output level and placement. Radiofrequency sagging treatment shows improvements measurable by objective assessment, but monopolar devices are reported to have slightly more serious complications, and stronger application does not necessarily yield better results.[1][2].

What type of sagging (skin laxity) is XERF suited for?

Radiofrequency devices are reported to improve facial and body skin sagging (skin laxity) to a measurable degree[1]. On the other hand, while they may help with fine wrinkles, their effectiveness on dynamic wrinkles or moderate to severe wrinkles may be limited[3].

In a study where 60 women received treatment 3 times at 2-month intervals, 88.24% reported feeling an improvement[3]. However, this evaluation was made 1 week after treatment, and whether the results last longer requires further study[3]If sagging (skin laxity) is severe, whether the clinic compares other methods such as surgery becomes a key factor.

What should people with little facial fat pay attention to?

Radiofrequency heat can thin the fat layer beneath the skin[4]. Therefore, it is important to understand the location of facial ligaments and fat distribution well and adjust placement accordingly[4].

If you are concerned about hollowed cheeks, ask which areas to treat and which areas to avoid. Even with the same settings, the degree of skin warming changes depending on fat thickness.

Does stronger output mean better results?

Stronger application does not necessarily mean better results. In a test applying bipolar radiofrequency to acne scars with different output levels on the left and right sides of the face, the stronger side showed better results at 1 month, but the difference disappeared by 3 and 6 months[2]. However, the stronger side showed noticeably more pronounced side effects[2].

This test was not XERF and targeted acne scars[2]For a device with the same two radiofrequencies as XERF, there is a study in 39 subjects where shallow, intermediate, and deep depths were applied separately to different facial areas[5]. Nonetheless, whether the clinic explains how output is determined is a good indicator when making your choice.

What should I look for regarding burns or eye protection?

Most complications are mild and temporary, but serious complications are reported more often with monopolar than bipolar devices[1]A rare case of deep burns occurred after treating leg cellulite with monopolar radiofrequency[6].

XERF has a skin-cooling function and a function that monitors skin temperature in real time. The aim is to prevent excessive heat buildup and reduce shallow burns and unintended fat reduction[7]. Ask how this function is used and where output is reduced.

In studies applying monopolar radiofrequency around the eyes, a plastic protective contact lens was used to shield the eyes[8]Of 14 subjects, 86% reported at least half the degree of tightening at 6 months, with no side effects observed[8]. If treatment is applied near the eyes, confirm how the eyes will be protected.

After treatment, stinging and redness usually subside within about 24 hours[3]. If you feel strong heat during treatment, do not endure it—tell the staff immediately.

If you are considering surgery in the future?

If you are considering a Facelift or other surgery in the future, be sure to tell your surgeon that you have received radiofrequency treatment. The plastic surgery textbook lists a history of radiofrequency treatment as a medical history requiring caution for certain surgical steps afterward[9].

Where should I go? Checklist when in doubt

During consultation, ask the following points:

Assessment: Does the clinic assess the degree of sagging (skin laxity) and compare other methods such as surgery?[1][3]

Placement: Does the clinic explain where to treat and where to avoid based on facial fat distribution?[4]

Output: How is the strength determined? Is it adjusted according to pain?[2]

Safety: What precautions are taken against burns, and how are the eyes protected when treating around them?[6][8]

Whether XERF is suitable for your sagging (skin laxity) and how many treatments you need cannot be decided from an article alone. During consultation, tell the doctor about your areas of concern and whether you worry about hollowed cheeks, and compare the application method and other options with your physician.