What is XERF?
XERF is a safe, non-surgical radiofrequency treatment that counteracts the effects of time and gravity on your skin.
The face is made up of several layers, including the skin—the epidermis and dermis—followed by fat and muscle. Between the fat and muscle lies a collagen-rich supportive layer called the SMAS layers.
XERF delivers focused radiofrequency energy to the dermis. By tightening and stimulating these underlying tissues, it can help lift areas such as the nasolabial folds, jawline, forehead, eye area, and neck, creating a natural, non-surgical facelift effect.
When will you see results? How long do they last?
You’ll usually start to notice the effects of XERF within about a month. As new collagen continues to form over the next two to three months, the lifting and tightening effect gradually improves.
XERF also works directly within the dermis, helping improve the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, and overall skin texture while supporting the skin against further signs of aging.
The tightening effect usually begins to appear within about a month, while improvements in skin texture, pores, and fine lines may take two to three months to become more noticeable.
The results typically last around nine months on average. That’s why, at our clinic, we generally recommend having XERF once a year and using other lifting treatments in between to maintain and enhance the results.
What is difference between thermage and XERF?
1. Radiofrequency technology
Thermage FLX uses a single radiofrequency of 6.78 MHz, primarily delivering heat to the dermal layer of the skin.
Because its energy is concentrated mainly within the skin, the treatment is particularly effective for improving skin firmness and collagen remodeling. However, achieving a more noticeable lifting effect may require treatment of deeper tissue layers as well.
XERF uses two radiofrequencies to deliver energy at different depths. It can treat the dermis while also allowing heat to reach deeper tissue layers.
Studies have reported increased collagen remodeling and thickening of deeper tissues following treatment, which may contribute to improvements in both skin firmness and facial contour.
2. Treatment-tip size
The Thermage treatment tip covers approximately 4 cm², while the XERF tip covers approximately 6 cm²—about 1.5 times larger.
This means that each XERF shot can cover a wider treatment area. Even with the same number of shots, XERF may deliver energy across a broader surface area.
For this reason, 300 XERF shots are sometimes described as providing treatment coverage comparable to a higher number of Thermage shots. However, the two devices use different energy-delivery systems, so their shot counts cannot be compared directly on a one-to-one basis.
3. Discomfort during treatment
Many patients find XERF more comfortable than Thermage.
XERF divides and delivers energy in smaller pulses rather than releasing it all at once. As a result, patients often describe the sensation as warm with a cooling effect, rather than intensely hot or painful.
| Category | Thermage FLX | XERF |
|---|---|---|
| Energy delivery | Uses a single radiofrequency | Uses two radiofrequencies |
| Tip size | 4 cm² | 6 cm² — approximately 1.5 times larger |
| Treatment depth | Primarily targets the dermal layer | Targets the dermis and deeper tissue layers |
| Discomfort level | Relatively higher — anesthesia is often recommended | Relatively lower — treatment may be possible without anesthesia |
| Duration of results | Approximately 6–12 months | Approximately 6–12 months — long-term data are still being accumulated |
| Clinical evidence | More than 20 years of accumulated data | Currently in its third year since launch, with data still being accumulated |
Why you should visit korea for XERF?
Korea is known for its advanced aesthetic technology and highly skilled use of state-of-the-art treatment devices. In particular, areas such as Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Hongdae are home to many experienced and highly qualified doctors.
What you can expect in Korea:
- All procedures performed by experienced doctors
- Genuine machine using authentic devices and transducers
- Clear and transparent pricing
Why Dermia clinic?
With 100% private treatment rooms, Dermia clinic is located within a 5-minute walk of Myeongdong, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, City Hall, and Hoehyeon stations (right next to Lotte Department Store)
- The doctor who leads your consultation personally performs every treatment and provides responsible aftercare guidance.
- State-of-the-art equipment — a 3D AI skin diagnostic device, Dermascope, and ultrasound imaging — enables more accurate skin diagnosis.
- An interpreter is always on standby, and the director personally consults in English, so international patients can feel at ease.
- All treatment prices are transparently listed on our website, with the same pricing for Korean and international patients alike.
- After each treatment, you receive a certificate confirming the products and procedures used.
Difference of Dermia XERF: Customized lifting Care
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Personalized Design: Custom treatment mapping by the head doctor before the procedure.
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Ultrasound Assessment: Real-time imaging to accurately gauge the degree of sagging.
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Pinpoint Accuracy: The precise number of shots delivered at the exact target depth.
Conclusion
XERF is one of the most effective non-surgical lifting treatments available today.
When choosing a clinic, make sure that interpretation is readily available, pricing is clear and transparent, and an experienced doctor personally conducts your consultation and performs every step of the treatment.
Dermia Clinic myeongdong — a world-class, English-speaking skin clinic in Seoul, Korea.
Dr. Scene, the medical director of Dermia Clinic with over 10 years of clinical practice, is a highly experienced physician who has performed more than hundreds of thousands of XERF shots. (XERF was launched in 2024.) He also serves as a Synosure Key Opinion Leader, reflecting his advanced expertise and extensive experience with the treatment.