Meet XERF: The New Skin Tightening Machine Set to Take Over 2026

There’s a new-generation Korean skin tightening treatment making waves in aesthetic offices, and unless you’ve follow beauty news and trends closely, there’s a decent chance you may not have heard of it; it’s called XERF, and doctors are raving about its ability to firm and lift the skin without the pain, downtime, or numbing that many other treatments require. The promise is simple: smoother, tighter, and lifted skin without any surgery or downtime. Ahead, we’ll answer all of your burning questions around exactly what XERF is, how it works, how it compares to similar treatments, and who it’s best for.

What is the XERF machine?

The XERF machine by Cynosure Lutronic is a noninvasive, energy-based device designed for structural skin tightening. It received FDA clearance in August 2025, expanding options for patients seeking firmer skin without surgery. XERF uses advanced radiofrequency (RF) energy to gently warm the deeper layers of the skin where collagen and elastin are produced. This controlled heating stimulates the body’s natural repair response, supporting new collagen formation and gradual tightening over time. In the weeks following treatment, patients can expect skin that looks smoother, tighter, and more lifted, with little to no downtime.

What is multifrequency monopolar radiofrequency (RF)

XERF utilizes multifrequency monopolar radiofrequency (RF), which is a skin-tightening technology that delivers RF energy through a single treatment tip, allowing the energy to travel deeper into the tissue than bipolar or multipolar RF. ‘Monopolar’ refers to the way the current flows from the handpiece through the skin toward a grounding pad, creating controlled heat in the deeper structural layers. ‘Multifrequency,’ on the other hand, means the device uses more than one RF frequency to target different depths and tissue characteristics, helping customize treatment based on the patient’s needs.

What makes XERF different from traditional RF devices?

XERF stands out from traditional RF devices because it is the first multifrequency monopolar RF system, combining two frequencies (6.78 MHz and 2 MHz) in a single treatment. This dual-frequency approach allows XERF to deliver energy at multiple depths, supporting more precise tightening based on the area treated and the patient’s skin needs. XERF also uses Wave Fit™ pulse technology and integrated cryogen cooling to regulate energy delivery while keeping the skin surface comfortable. Because it is designed for a no-numbing experience, treatments often require shorter appointment times and minimal downtime, while still promoting gradual collagen remodeling for firmer, smoother skin.

What does XERF feel like—does it hurt?

XERF heat-based skin tightening treatments are generally well tolerated and are designed to be comfortable without the need for numbing. Most patients describe the sensation as a series of warm pulses or brief flashes of heat as the radiofrequency energy is delivered into the deeper layers of the skin. Thanks to XERF’s integrated cooling technology, the surface of the skin stays protected, which helps minimize discomfort throughout the session. Some areas may feel more sensitive than others, but the treatment should not be painful. Afterward, patients may experience temporary redness or mild swelling that typically resolves quickly.

Is there downtime after XERF?

XERF has little to no downtime, which is one of the reasons it’s become a popular skin-tightening option. Most patients can return to normal activities right after treatment. You may experience temporary redness, warmth, or mild swelling in the treated area for a few hours or up to a day. Unlike some traditional RF treatments that require numbing and longer recovery time, XERF is designed to be comfortable and efficient, with minimal post-treatment restrictions. Your provider may recommend avoiding excessive heat, intense workouts, or active skincare products for the rest of the day to support optimal healing.

How long does a XERF session take?

A XERF session is relatively quick, with most treatments taking about 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Your provider may also factor in a short consultation and prep time, but patients can typically return to their day immediately after treatment.

How many treatments do you need?

Most patients need a series of treatments to achieve their best results. Depending on your goals, the treatment area, and the degree of laxity, providers often recommend one to three sessions, spaced several weeks apart. Some patients notice early improvement after the first treatment, but results continue to build gradually as collagen remodels over time. The most visible results from XERF typically develop gradually over four to 12 weeks as collagen production increases and the skin’s supportive structure remodels. After completing the initial series, many people choose maintenance treatments once or twice a year to help preserve firmness and keep skin looking lifted and smooth.

What does XERF treat?

XERF can be used for both face and neck tightening. For the face, XERF is commonly used to improve mild to moderate laxity, soften fine lines, and enhance definition along areas like the jawline, cheeks, and lower face. On the neck, it can help address crepey texture, loose skin, and early signs of sagging, including under the chin. Because XERF targets deeper structural support, it’s especially helpful for areas where skin tends to thin and lose firmness over time.

Is XERF good for jawline definition?

XERF can be a great option for jawline tightening, especially for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity along the lower face. By delivering monopolar radiofrequency energy to the deeper support layers of the skin, XERF stimulates collagen remodeling over time, which can help tighten the skin around the jawline and create a smoother, more sculpted contour. It is also commonly used to address early jowling and loss of definition under the chin.

Dr. William Kennedy shares, “The ideal candidate for jawline definition is someone who already has a good underlying bone structure but wants sharper, more refined contour. In those patients, targeted jawline treatments can deliver immediate, precise definition. Other technologies like Kybella or Emface are excellent tools, but they address different concerns—fat reduction or muscle tone rather than true structural contour. The key is choosing the right modality based on the patient’s anatomy and goals, not a one-size-fits-all solution.”

Can XERF lift the eyebrows?

XERF may provide a subtle eyebrow lift for some patients, especially if the brows have started to look slightly heavy due to mild skin laxity in the upper face. That said, the lift is typically modest and depends on your anatomy and degree of laxity. If you are looking for a more dramatic brow lift, your provider may recommend combining XERF with other treatments, such as neuromodulators or surgical options, for a stronger result. Dr. Kennedy adds, “When additional lift is needed, neuromodulators like Botox can be used strategically to relax the muscles that pull the brows downward, creating a temporary but noticeable elevation. For patients with more significant brow descent or excess skin, surgical options may be more appropriate, as they allow us to reposition the brow more definitively and address structural changes that noninvasive treatments can’t fully correct. XERF often works best at the earlier stages of laxity or as part of a comprehensive plan, where different modalities are combined to achieve a natural, well-supported lift.”

Does XERF help with wrinkles and crepey skin?

XERF is primarily designed to tighten and firm the skin by stimulating collagen remodeling in the deeper support layers. While many patients do notice smoother texture and some softening of fine lines, wrinkle reduction and crepey-skin improvement are generally considered secondary benefits rather than the main purpose of the treatment. If your primary concern is wrinkles, etched lines, or crepey texture, more targeted treatments such as resurfacing lasers, microneedling, or neuromodulators may be more effective, and they can often be combined with XERF for a more comprehensive result.

XERF vs Thermage: what’s the difference?

While both monopolar RF treatments, XERF and Thermage differ in how the energy is delivered and how the treatment can be tailored. XERF is a multifrequency monopolar RF platform, meaning it uses more than one frequency to help target tissue at different depths during the same session. Thermage, on the other hand, uses a single RF frequency (commonly referenced as 6.78 MHz) and relies on its delivery system to create controlled heating in the deeper dermis and subcutaneous tissue. In short, both stimulate collagen for tightening, but XERF’s multifrequency approach offers more depth-targeting flexibility, while Thermage is built around a single-frequency protocol.

XERF vs Sofwave / Ultherapy: which is better?

XERF, Sofwave, and Ultherapy all aim to tighten skin and stimulate collagen, but they do it in different ways. There is not one option that is universally “better” since the best choice depends on your goals, anatomy, and how much lift you want.

AEDIT founder and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Kennedy shares what he typically recommends, “While XERF, Sofwave, and Ultherapy all stimulate collagen, I choose between them based on how much lift is needed and where the tissue changes are occurring. XERF is often ideal for patients with early skin laxity who want subtle tightening and refinement without downtime. Sofwave can be a good option for patients looking for mild to moderate tightening with a focus on skin quality and texture. Ultherapy tends to be best suited for patients with more noticeable laxity who want deeper tissue tightening and a more pronounced lifting effect. The goal is always to match the technology to the patient’s anatomy and expectations, rather than assuming one treatment works best for everyone.”

XERF vs microneedling RF: how do they compare?

XERF and microneedling RF are both energy-based treatments that stimulate collagen, but they are designed to address different concerns and work at different levels of the skin. XERF is best for tightening mild to moderate laxity, especially in areas like the lower face, jawline, and neck. Microneedling RF, on the other hand, is often more effective for improving skin texture concerns such as enlarged pores, acne scars, fine lines, and crepey skin. Many providers combine the two to support both tightening and overall skin quality.

Who is a good candidate for XERF?

A good candidate for XERF is someone with mild to moderate skin laxity who wants non-invasive skin tightening treatment with no downtime. It is especially well suited for early sagging or loss of definition in the lower face, jawline, and neck, and it delivers gradual, natural-looking improvement over time.

XERF may not be the best option for patients with significant laxity or advanced jowling, since surgery typically provides a more dramatic lift. It also may not be ideal if your main concern is deep wrinkles, acne scarring, or significant texture issues, which often respond better to treatments like resurfacing lasers or microneedling RF. Patients who are pregnant, have certain implanted medical devices, or have active skin infections in the treatment area may not be candidates.

Is XERF safe for all skin tones?

XERF is considered safe for all skin tones because radiofrequency energy does not rely on targeting melanin the way many lasers do, which lowers the risk of pigment-related complications. That said, any heat-based treatment can still cause irritation, burns, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if the settings are too aggressive or the technique is incorrect, especially in deeper skin tones. The best way to stay safe is to choose an experienced provider who regularly treats a wide range of Fitzpatrick skin types and can customize energy levels appropriately.

What should you ask your provider before booking XERF?

Here are a few questions to ask your provider before booking XERF so you know exactly what to expect and whether it’s the right fit for your goals:

• Do you think XERF can deliver on my aesthetic goals?
• How many treatments do you recommend, and how far apart should they be scheduled?
• When should I expect to see results and how long do they typically last?
• Will I need maintenance treatments and how often?
• What side effects are most common and what is the risk of burns or pigment changes for my skin tone?
• What should I avoid before and after treatment to get the best outcome?
• Who will perform my treatment, and how much experience do they have with XERF specifically?
• Can I combine XERF with other treatments (injectables, lasers, microneedling RF), and what is the best timing?

How much does XERF cost?

XERF pricing varies based on your location, provider, and the area being treated, but most patients can expect to pay roughly $1,500 to $3,000 per session, with some practices pricing full face and neck treatments around $2,000. Because many patients need one to three sessions for best results, total pricing often lands in the $1,500 to $9,000 range for an initial series. After that, maintenance is typically one to two sessions per year, which adds about $1,500 to $6,000 annually, depending on your provider’s pricing and your treatment plan. You can typically get XERF at a dermatologist’s office, plastic surgery practice, or a reputable medspa.