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XERF Lifting
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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

Total visit time varies with consultation and aftercare

Pain

Low

Warm sensation

Downtime

Same day

Price

₩950,000~

300 · 600 shots ₩1.8M · 900 shots ₩2.6M · Eye ₩850K

All prices shown include VAT.

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

Mechanism

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.

XERF handpieceRF dualfreq.6.78MHzfull dermis2MHzfat layerEpidermisDermiscollagenSubcutisSMAS · fascia① Immediate collagen contracts → firmness② Weeks–months new collagen → lifting
XERF radiofrequency penetration depth and collagen action — the epidermis is cooled and protected while the dermis and deeper layers are selectively heated.
6.78 MHz

Across the dermis

Skin tightening + long-term collagen/elastin

2 MHz

Subcutaneous fat · deep fascia

Delivers heat deeper · heat retention

Evidence

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 ↗ (opens in a new window)

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) ↗ (opens in a new window)

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 ↗ (opens in a new window)

In a 40-participant RCT of a different monopolar RF device (not XERF), a single treatment significantly reduced nasolabial-fold volume at 1, 3 and 6 months, with no serious adverse events. This is not XERF data — read it as evidence for the monopolar RF approach in general.

Wang et al., Lasers Surg Med, 2025 (RCT, different device) ↗ (opens in a new window)

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

Pricing

PlanPrice
XERF 300 shotsSmall area, maintenance₩950,000
XERF 600 shotsStandard · recommended₩1,800,000
XERF 900 shotsForehead to neck, full tightening₩2,600,000
XERF Eye 300 shotsPeriorbital only · fine lines, elasticity₩850,000

XERF Eye is a separate protocol — lower energy delivered through a dedicated tip for the thin, sensitive skin around the eyes. It is often combined with a full-face session, decided during consultation. The 900-shot option (forehead to neck) varies by area and is quoted at consultation.

XERF vs HIFU vs threads

XERF (RF)HIFUThreads
PrincipleBroad RF dermal heatingFocused ultrasound, deep pointsPhysical lift + collagen
DepthDermis–subcutis (area)Deep incl. SMAS (points)Subcutis (structural)
SensationWarm to hotDeep pinpointsImmediate pull
DowntimeSame dayMinimalFew 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 (opens in a new window)

How results unfold

1

Right after

Light tightening from collagen contraction

2

2-4 weeks

Collagen remodeling begins

3

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Since one session lasts about 6-12 months (individual variation), the recommended cycle is once or twice a year for 600-shot sessions, and two to three times a year for 300-shot sessions. New collagen tends to accumulate with repetition, improving how well results hold, and the actual cycle is decided in consultation based on your skin condition and degree of sagging.

Temporary redness and warmth can appear right after the procedure but mostly subside within the day. As with any radiofrequency treatment, blisters or burns from heat can occur in rare cases, so we work with cooling and stepwise power adjustment to prevent them. If redness or pain lasts more than a few days, or a blister forms, please contact the clinic.

Both belong to the family of monopolar radiofrequency (RF) treatments that broadly heat the dermis to stimulate collagen. Thermage heats with a single frequency, while XERF uses two frequencies — 6.78MHz and 2MHz together — heating the dermis and the layers beneath it by depth. It is a difference in how the energy is delivered, not a matter of which is better; our clinic uses XERF, the dual-frequency approach.

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Consultation

Is XERF right for you?

We’ll guide the right shot count and combination for your skin in a 1:1 consultation.