If you’ve started noticing early jowling, thinning or crepey skin, or a general loss of definition along the jawline and neck — but you’re not ready for surgery or a deeply ablative laser — you’ve probably come across XERF while researching non-surgical skin tightening options. XERF is one of the newer radiofrequency (RF) treatments available at HALO Beverly Hills, and it stands out for a specific reason: it delivers two different RF frequencies within a single pulse, rather than just one. Here’s what that actually means, what the research shows, and how XERF compares to the other RF-based treatments we offer.
What Is XERF?
XERF is a non-invasive, dual-frequency radiofrequency treatment that sequentially delivers 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz energy within the same pulse. The higher frequency (6.78 MHz) targets the dermis, stimulating collagen production and tightening existing collagen fibers close to the skin’s surface. The lower frequency (2 MHz) penetrates more deeply into subcutaneous tissue, offering structural support and encouraging volumetric redistribution — meaning it can help redistribute how volume sits beneath the skin, not just tighten the surface. Because XERF works at multiple depths in a single session, it’s designed to address both surface-level skin quality and the deeper support structures that contribute to sagging, with no incisions, no needles, and no downtime.
XERF is commonly used to treat the full face — including the lower face, midface, forehead, and temples — as well as the periorbital area (under-eye and brow), and the neck and jawline. It’s a good fit for patients noticing early jowling, crepey or thinning skin, or a general loss of facial definition who aren’t ready for, or don’t yet need, a more invasive procedure.
What does the research show?
A 2026 retrospective study published in Lasers in Medical Science followed 16 adult patients for three months after a single XERF treatment session. Researchers found measurable volumetric redistribution, along with progressive periorbital lifting — including eyebrow and upper eyelid elevation — that continued to build over the follow-up period. Patients also showed improvements in wrinkles, skin evenness, pore size, and oiliness, with perceived facial age reduced by an average of about three years. Patient satisfaction scores were high, ranging from 4.19 to 4.25 out of 5, and reported side effects were limited to mild, temporary redness and swelling. Notably, no thermal injury or fat loss was observed — a meaningful safety finding for a treatment that reaches subcutaneous tissue.
How does XERF compare to Density, Xtherma, and OligioX?
HALO Beverly Hills offers several radiofrequency-based skin tightening treatments, and while they’re all built around the same core principle — using RF energy to heat tissue and stimulate collagen — each device is engineered differently, and the right choice often comes down to your specific goals.
Density combines two energy modes, monopolar and bipolar, delivered simultaneously to reach both deep and superficial layers of skin at once, with real-time impedance monitoring for safety and consistency. Xtherma is a monopolar RF treatment that pairs deep-heating energy with simultaneous cryogen cooling, making it especially well suited to areas like the arms and abdomen in addition to the face and neck. OligioX is also monopolar, but offers two customizable delivery modes — a deeper mode for structural firming and a gentler mode for surface rejuvenation — so your provider can tailor treatment to your skin.
XERF’s distinguishing feature is that it delivers two different frequencies sequentially within the same pulse, rather than relying on a single frequency or simultaneous dual-mode delivery. That sequential, dual-frequency approach is part of why the 2026 study noted volumetric redistribution effects — a finding not typically reported with single-frequency RF devices.
For patients looking for a more dramatic lifting effect, XERF is also frequently combined with Ultherapy Prime, which uses focused ultrasound to reach the deeper SMAS layer addressed in surgical facelifts. You can read a full side-by-side breakdown in our related post, XERF vs. Ultherapy Prime®: Which Skin Tightening Treatment Is Right for You?
What to expect at HALO Beverly Hills
During your consultation at HALO Beverly Hills, Dr. Donald B. Yoo and our team will evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and determine whether XERF alone — or in combination with another treatment like Density, Ultherapy Prime, or injectables — is the right fit for you. Most patients describe XERF as warm but comfortable, with little to no downtime, so you can return to your normal routine right away. Subtle tightening can be noticeable soon after treatment, with collagen continuing to build over the following 4 to 12 weeks. XERF is often performed as a series — typically 2 to 4 sessions per year — for ongoing maintenance and prevention, though visible change has also been documented after a single session.
Frequently asked questions
Is XERF painful? Most patients describe XERF as warm but not painful, with treatments generally comfortable and little to no downtime.
How many XERF sessions will I need? XERF is often performed as a series, typically 2 to 4 sessions per year for ongoing maintenance, though some improvement has been documented after a single treatment. Your provider will recommend a plan based on your skin and goals.
Is XERF right for me if I’m not ready for a facelift? Yes — XERF is designed for patients with mild-to-moderate skin laxity, early jowling, or crepey and thinning skin who want a non-surgical option. During your consultation, we can also discuss whether combining XERF with a treatment like Ultherapy Prime would better meet your goals.
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