XERF™ Structural Skin Tightening: Everything You Need to Know

There’s a new approach to skin tightening at The Essence.

Meet XERF™, a non-invasive radiofrequency treatment designed to lift, tighten and stimulate collagen at multiple depths beneath the skin. No needles, no numbing and no downtime.

If you’re beginning to notice a softer jawline, jowls, changes through the neck or simply feel like your skin isn’t as firm as it used to be, XERF was designed to address exactly that.

Here’s everything you need to know before booking your first treatment.

What is XERF?

XERF is a multi-frequency monopolar radiofrequency treatment designed for structural skin tightening.

It uses two radiofrequency frequencies, 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz, along with three adjustable depth settings to deliver controlled energy at different levels beneath the skin.

Why does that matter?

Skin laxity doesn’t occur at just one depth. By allowing us to customize the depth and intensity of treatment, XERF gives us the ability to approach different areas of the face according to their anatomy and what we’re trying to achieve.

The goal is firmer, smoother, tighter-looking skin while still looking completely like you.

How does XERF work?

XERF delivers controlled radiofrequency energy beneath the skin, creating heat within the targeted tissue.

This controlled heating stimulates existing collagen while supporting the process of new collagen formation and remodeling over time.

Think of the treatment in two parts.

First, there can be an initial tightening response from the existing collagen within the treated tissue.

Then comes the gradual part. In the weeks following treatment, the skin continues its collagen remodeling process, which is why XERF results are designed to develop progressively rather than appearing all at once.

What makes XERF different?

One of the most interesting things about XERF is its ability to work at multiple depths.

XERF combines two radiofrequency frequencies with three adjustable depth settings: shallow, middle and deep.

Different areas of the face have different anatomy and different concerns. The approach we use around an area of finer skin, for example, isn't necessarily going to be the same approach we use through the lower face and jawline.

XERF also offers ten intensity levels and real-time skin feedback, allowing each treatment to be further customized to the individual.

For us, that level of customization is a big part of what makes the technology so exciting.

What can XERF treat?

XERF is designed to address facial and neck laxity, facial lines and wrinkles and brow lifting.

We particularly like it for concerns such as:

• A softening jawline
• Jowls
• Loss of facial definition
• Loose or lax skin
• Under-chin laxity
• Neck laxity
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Changes in skin firmness
• Brow laxity

XERF can also be an option for someone who isn't necessarily experiencing significant laxity yet but is interested in supporting collagen and maintaining firmness as their skin changes over time.

Does XERF hurt?

This is probably one of the first questions people ask us.

XERF is designed with comfort in mind and does not require numbing.

During treatment, you’ll feel warmth as radiofrequency energy is delivered into the tissue. XERF's integrated cooling system cools the surface of the skin with each pulse, helping to keep the treatment comfortable as energy is delivered beneath it.

Your provider can also customize the intensity according to your skin, treatment area and comfort level.

Is there downtime after XERF?

No downtime is required.

You can return to your normal day following your appointment, which makes XERF especially appealing for anyone who wants to work on skin laxity and collagen without planning around significant recovery.

As with any energy-based treatment, temporary responses can vary from person to person, and we'll go through what to expect before your appointment.

What does a XERF appointment look like?

Your treatment begins with an assessment of your skin, facial structure and areas of concern.

From there, we customize your treatment plan, including the areas we want to focus on, treatment depth and energy settings.

The XERF handpiece is then moved systematically across the treatment area as controlled RF energy is delivered beneath the skin.

You’ll feel a combination of warmth from the radiofrequency energy and cooling at the skin's surface throughout the treatment.

Once we’re finished, there’s no required recovery period.

When will I see XERF results?

Some people may notice an initial feeling of firmness or tightening following treatment, but XERF isn't about creating an overnight transformation.

The results continue to develop.

As collagen remodeling takes place in the weeks following your appointment, the skin can gradually appear firmer, smoother and more lifted.

Recent clinical research on dual-frequency XERF has also observed continued improvement between 30 and 90 days following treatment.

We actually love this aspect of XERF. The goal isn't to make you look different. It's to gradually improve the firmness and structure of your skin while maintaining a natural result.

How many XERF treatments will I need?

There isn't one treatment plan that makes sense for everyone.

The number of treatments recommended will depend on factors such as your skin, degree of laxity, treatment area and goals.

Someone noticing early changes in firmness may have a very different treatment plan from someone looking to address more noticeable lower-face or neck laxity.

We’ll assess your skin and recommend the treatment plan that makes the most sense for you rather than automatically putting every client on the same series.

Is XERF only for mature skin?

Not necessarily.

XERF can make sense at different stages depending on what you're trying to achieve.

For someone younger, the focus may be supporting collagen and addressing the earliest changes in firmness or facial definition.

For someone experiencing more noticeable laxity, the focus may be tightening areas such as the lower face, jawline, jowls or neck.

Age alone isn't how we decide whether someone is a good candidate. Your skin, facial anatomy and concerns matter much more.

Can XERF tighten the jawline and jowls?

The lower face is one of the areas we're particularly excited about treating with XERF.

As collagen changes over time, the jawline can begin to look softer and the skin through the lower face can lose some of its firmness.

XERF can be used to address facial laxity through areas including the lower face, jowls and under the chin, with the goal of creating firmer skin and a more defined-looking lower face.

Can XERF treat the neck?

Yes.

XERF is designed for both facial and neck laxity.

At The Essence, our Face + Neck treatment allows us to extend treatment from the face and jawline through the neck for a more comprehensive approach to tightening.

Is XERF safe for different skin tones?

Radiofrequency works differently from technologies that rely on targeting pigment in the skin.

Because RF energy is not dependent on melanin as its target, radiofrequency treatments can generally be used across a broad range of skin tones.

That said, every client should still be properly assessed before treatment. Your skin, health history and suitability for an energy-based treatment will always be considered before proceeding.

What does the research on XERF show?

XERF is a newer technology, but early clinical research is encouraging.

In a recent prospective multicentre study, 39 participants received two dual-frequency monopolar RF treatments using the XERF system.

At 90 days, clinicians rated 92.3% of participants as achieving meaningful aesthetic improvement on the study's Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, while 84.6% of participants reported high satisfaction. No persistent adverse events were reported.

More recent research following patients after a single XERF treatment has also reported objective improvements in facial laxity and skin quality over follow-up.

As with any newer aesthetic technology, research will continue to evolve. We believe in being transparent about that rather than promising a result that no treatment can guarantee.

XERF at The Essence

We are very selective about the technology we bring into The Essence.

For us, XERF stood out because it brings together effective radiofrequency technology, multiple treatment depths, extensive customization and an experience that doesn't require needles, numbing or downtime.

XERF treatments at The Essence are currently performed exclusively by founders and lead medical aestheticians Effie and Rena.

Every treatment is approached individually based on your skin, facial structure and areas of concern.

XERF Half Face

A focused treatment for either the upper or lower face.

30 minutes | $1,200

XERF Full Face

Our complete facial treatment for the face, jawline and under-chin area.

60 minutes | $1,650

For our XERF introduction, the first 50 Full Face treatments are available for $1,450.

XERF Face + Neck

Our most comprehensive XERF treatment for the full face, jawline, under-chin area and neck.

90 minutes | $2,100

Not sure which XERF treatment is right for you?

Book a virtual or in-studio consultation with us.

We’ll assess your skin, facial structure and areas of concern and recommend the XERF treatment and treatment plan that makes the most sense for you.

XERF Consultations | 20 minutes | $60

Your consultation fee can be applied toward your XERF treatment.

XERF™ Structural Skin Tightening is available at The Essence Beauty House in Kleinburg, Vaughan.