Monopolar RF Lifting
XERF Lifting
Minimal discomfort, back to daily life right away — a monopolar RF lifting that heats collagen deep in the dermis to rebuild firmness and contour.
Duration
30–90 min
Pain
Low
Warm sensation
Downtime
Minimal
Price
₩950,000~
300 · 600 shots ₩1.8M
What is XERF?
XERF is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) lifting device by Cynosure Lutronic. Two frequencies — 6.78MHz and 2MHz — deliver heat from the dermis into subcutaneous layers to stimulate collagen without surgery.
The idea is to ‘exercise’ collagen: heated collagen contracts immediately for a tightening effect, then new collagen builds over 2–3 months for gradual lifting.
Maker
Cynosure Lutronic
Frequency
6.78 · 2MHz dual
Type
Monopolar RF
Unit
300 / 600 / 900 shots · Eye
How it works — protect the surface, heat the dermis
RF current meets tissue resistance and generates heat. That heat acts on collagen in the dermis and SMAS — contracting existing collagen immediately and inducing new collagen and elastin over time.
XERF splits depth with two frequencies: 6.78MHz works across the dermis while 2MHz reaches deeper into subcutaneous fat and deep fascia — covering shallow to deep layers together.
Across the dermis
Skin tightening + long-term collagen/elastin
Subcutaneous fat · deep fascia
Delivers heat deeper · heat retention
The evidence
XERF’s action is described across histological and clinical studies. Below are findings from peer-reviewed literature, cited to explain the mechanism (individual results are not guaranteed).
A review of monopolar RF describes immediate partial contraction/denaturation of collagen from controlled dermal heating, followed by neocollagenesis over months via a wound-healing cascade.
Kilmer et al., Lasers Surg Med, 2026 ↗A histological study of the combined 6.78 + 2 MHz frequency reported thickened, shortened collagen bundles and thickening of both superficial and deep fascial layers.
Hong et al., Skin Res Technol, 2024 (6.78+2MHz) ↗In a porcine model, dermal temperatures reached ~50–70 °C while the surface stayed below ~42–45 °C (verified by thermal imaging); collagen density and thickness increased at 30 days.
Park et al., J Cosmet Dermatol, 2024 ↗In a 40-participant RCT, a single treatment significantly reduced nasolabial-fold volume at 1, 3 and 6 months — comparable to Thermage CPT — with no serious adverse events.
Wang et al., Lasers Surg Med, 2025 (RCT) ↗
Rather than a dramatic overnight change, firmness builds naturally as collagen accumulates.
How many shots?
The standard guideline is 600 shots per session, adjusted by age, laxity and area. Our principle is to minimize unnecessary treatment while maximizing results.
300
Light · younger skin
Small area, maintenance
~30 min
600
Standard · recommended
40s–50s+, progressed laxity
~60 min
900
Broad area
Forehead to neck
~90 min
EYE
Eye XERF
Periorbital, fine lines
Focused
XERF vs HIFU vs threads
| XERF (RF) | HIFU | Threads | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principle | Broad RF dermal heating | Focused ultrasound, deep points | Physical lift + collagen |
| Depth | Dermis–subcutis (area) | Deep incl. SMAS (points) | Subcutis (structural) |
| Sensation | Warm to hot | Deep pinpoints | Immediate pull |
| Downtime | Minimal | Minimal | Few days swelling |
Not better-or-worse, but a difference in role — combinations (e.g. with HIFU or threads) are decided through consultation.
The mechanistic contrast — HIFU’s focal deep coagulation vs monopolar RF’s broad dermal heating — is described in the literature. Malays J Med Sci, 2024
How results unfold
Right after
Light tightening from collagen contraction
2–4 weeks
Collagen remodeling begins
4–12 weeks
Firmness, lift and texture improve (varies)
One session lasts about 6–12 months (varies); results accumulate with repetition. Suggested cadence: 600 shots 1–2×/yr, 300 shots 2–3×/yr.
Recommended for
- Sagging or reduced elasticity
- Pain-sensitive, found other RF burdensome
- Need to return to daily life without downtime
- Want both superficial and deep improvement
- Prefer natural lifting without cheek hollowing
Safety & aftercare
Contraindications / consult first
- Metal/electronic medical implants (pacemaker, etc.) — generally contraindicated for RF
- Pregnancy, or inflammation/infection at the site
- Recent filler/threads/Botox in the same area — possible, but 4+ weeks apart is advised
After treatment
- Aside from slight redness, daily life and makeup are fine the same day.
- Avoid sauna, intense exercise and alcohol on the treatment day.
- Keep skin well moisturized and sun-protected.
Frequently asked questions
Q.What is XERF lifting?
XERF is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) lifting device by Cynosure Lutronic. Its dual 6.78MHz/2MHz frequencies heat the dermis and subcutaneous layers to stimulate collagen, tightening and contouring without surgery and with almost no downtime. COCO Clinic performs XERF lifting frequently.
Q.When do results appear and how long do they last?
You feel slight tightening right after the procedure, while the main change develops over 2–3 months as new collagen builds. One session lasts about 6–12 months (individual variation), and results accumulate with repeated sessions.
Q.How many shots are appropriate?
The standard guideline is 600 shots per session. 300 shots can be enough for younger skin with a small area; 600 shots for those in their 40s–50s or with progressed sagging; up to 900 shots for broad tightening from forehead to neck. Our principle is to minimize unnecessary treatment while maximizing results.
Q.Is it painful? Is there downtime?
It feels like warm to hot heat, kept comfortable with cooling and power adjustment. There is almost no downtime — apart from slight redness right after, you can return to daily life and makeup the same day.
Q.Why combine XERF with LinearZ (HIFU)?
LinearZ (HIFU) uses focused ultrasound heat to lift deep layers point-by-point and debulk volume, while XERF (RF) broadly heats the dermis to replenish overall collagen. Their depths and mechanisms differ, so combining them can address contour and skin firmness together; when sagging and laxity coexist, we decide on pairing through consultation.
Q.Any precautions before treatment?
RF treatment is generally contraindicated if you have metal or electronic medical devices in your body (e.g., pacemaker, metal implants), and it is avoided during pregnancy or with inflammation/infection at the site. If you recently had filler, threads, or Botox in the same area, treatment is possible but we recommend spacing it at least 4 weeks (RF heat can break down filler/threads faster or shorten Botox's effect).
Consultation · 상담 안내
Is XERF right for you?
We’ll guide the right shot count and combination for your skin in a 1:1 consultation.