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GraysGrays Dermatology

Target layerL2 · DermisDermis

Duration
30-50 minutes
Recommended sessions
Every 6-12 months recommended
Downtime
Immediate return to daily life

Deep sagging is difficult to improve with XERF alone. At Grays, we first identify the layer where the sagging begins and, where needed, plan other treatments alongside it.

XERF
People and scenes shown are AI-generated for illustration. They are not actual patients, staff, our clinic, or treatment results.

01Overview

XERF
Deep RF that rebuilds the foundation of firmness

XERF is a lifting treatment that delivers radiofrequency energy into the deeper tissue to improve firmness where laxity has set in.

Duration
30-50 minutes
Recommended sessions
Every 6-12 months recommended
Downtime
Immediate return to daily life
How long it lasts
Several months to 1 year
(individual results vary)

02What to expect

Changes over time

Deep thermal stimulation induces collagen contraction and regeneration, reinforcing support in areas where sagging has begun.

Right after treatment01

Right after treatment

Mild flushing or swelling is possible, but most people return to daily life the same day. No wounds or crusts are left behind.

1 month02

1 month

Early collagen remodelling begins, and a subtle change in firmness appears first.

2–3 months03

2–3 months

New collagen continues to form, and changes in firmness and contour become clearer.

6 months04

6 months

The point at which the change comes close to its maximum. How much, and when, differs from person to person.

Follow-up05

Follow-up

It usually holds for several months to a year, and whether to treat again is decided after reviewing your own course, not on a fixed schedule.

03Device & Technology

XERF Device

XERF
XERF

Deep radiofrequency

Heat is delivered deep to reinforce the supporting strength of lax tissue.

Designed in combination

Its depth differs from Thermage FLX and Oligio, so it is combined according to the diagnosis.

04Procedure

How your visit goes

Specialist diagnosis01

Specialist diagnosis

The affected layer and degree of sagging are evaluated.

Design02

Design

Energy is allocated by area.

Treatment03

Treatment

Performed directly by a board-certified dermatologist.

Aftercare04

Aftercare

Guidance on soothing and moisturizing.

Every procedure is performed directly by a board-certified dermatologist.

05Aftercare

Recovery & care

  1. 01

    First 1–2 hours

    Mild flushing and warmth are possible and usually settle within a few hours. You can wash your face and wear makeup the same day.

  2. 02

    First week

    Avoid strong heat — sauna, hot baths, heavy drinking — for a few days, and moisturise more than usual.

  3. 03

    1–12 weeks

    This is the collagen remodelling window. Use SPF 30 or higher every day to protect skin that is regenerating.

  4. 04

    Follow-up

    Whether to treat again is decided after reviewing your course, not on a fixed schedule.

Recovery & care

06FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does XERF work?

XERF is a lifting treatment that delivers radiofrequency energy deep into the skin to improve firmness in lax tissue. Deep thermal stimulation induces collagen contraction and regeneration, reinforcing support in areas where sagging has begun.

Who is XERF recommended for?

We consider it first for those whose cheeks, jawline, or similar areas have started to sag as deep-layer support weakens. We first check at consultation which layer the sagging comes from, then make a recommendation.

Are there cases where XERF is not suitable?

For severe sagging, XERF alone has limits, so we recommend combining it with other treatments. It is not recommended if you have an implanted electronic medical device, have metal implants, infection, or wounds in the treatment area, or are pregnant.

Does XERF hurt?

There is moderate pain, mostly a heat sensation, and how much you feel differs by individual. Treatment proceeds after topical numbing cream, and the board-certified dermatologist adjusts the energy for each area while monitoring your response.

How long does it take, and when can I return to daily life?

The treatment takes about 30-50 minutes, and you can return to daily life right afterward. Temporary flushing or tenderness to the touch may occur.

When do results appear?

Because collagen regeneration takes time, it may take several months for results to appear. Change often becomes clearer at around 2-3 months, and the timing and degree vary by individual.

How long do results last?

Typically from several months to around 1 year, with individual variation. It may differ depending on skin condition, lifestyle, and any other care you receive alongside it.

How often should I have XERF?

Intervals of 6 months to 1 year are recommended. The timing of the next treatment is decided by evaluating the progress of the previous treatment rather than by a fixed schedule.

How is it different from Thermage FLX or Oligio?

They are in the same RF family, but differ in how the energy is delivered and how deep it goes. Whereas Thermage FLX and Oligio are used for dermal tightening, XERF is used to reinforce support in deeper layers, and depending on the consultation they are sometimes combined. We compare the three devices and explain the suitable choice at consultation.

Is it also combined with Ultherapy PRIME?

Yes, depending on your concern, they are sometimes planned together. For example, if SMAS-layer sagging is pronounced, we combine it with Ultherapy PRIME, which treats that deeper layer with ultrasound. The order and interval are decided after consultation.

Is there anything to be careful about after treatment?

For a few days after treatment, avoid strong heat such as saunas, jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouses), and heavy drinking, and moisturize well. We recommend applying sunscreen of SPF30 or higher daily for 1-12 weeks while collagen regenerates. If flushing or tenderness persists, please contact the clinic.

What is the cost of XERF, and how do I book?

The cost depends on the number of shots and the area, so it is confirmed after consultation, and reference prices can be found on the price list on our website. Booking is available via Naver Booking, our KakaoTalk channel, or phone (+82-51-710-1891), and consultations are also available via LINE. The clinic is located near Jung-dong Station in Haeundae-gu, Busan.

Fees

Pricing depends on the number of shots and area, and is confirmed after consultation.

See the fee schedule →
References 4
  1. Approval: XERF · MFDS (Korean FDA) approved
  2. Korea MFDS medical device registry
  3. Korean Dermatological Association
  4. Reviewed by: Dr. Tae Hoon Kim, Medical Director

⚠ Cautions & contraindications

  • An implanted electronic medical device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator
  • Metal or electronic implants in the treatment area
  • Active infection or an open wound in the treatment area
  • Pregnancy (not recommended — safety data are insufficient)

Summary & comparison

TreatmentTarget layerMain changeDurationHow long it lastsDowntime
XERFL2 DermisDeep RF that rebuilds the foundation of firmness30-50 minutesSeveral months to 1 year
(individual results vary)
Immediate return to daily life
Ultherapy PRIMEL4 SMAS & MuscleUltrasound lifting that reaches the SMAS layer40-60 minutes depending on the number of shotsTypically 6 months to 1 year
(individual results vary)
Immediate return to daily life; temporary swelling or tingling possible
Thermage FLXL2 DermisMonopolar RF tightening that rebuilds dermal collagen40-60 minutes depending on the number of shotsTypically around 1 year
(individual results vary)
Immediate return to daily life; temporary flushing possible
Accent Prime Tune FaceL3 Fat layerRF lifting that tunes texture, firmness, and contour together30-50 minutesMaintained over several months
(individual results vary)
Immediate return to daily life
OligioL2 DermisMonopolar RF tightening with a lighter footprint30-50 minutesSeveral months to 1 year
(individual results vary)
Immediate return to daily life

Treatments used for the same concern, placed side by side. Which one fits is decided in consultation after the layer is identified.

Aftercare

Radiofrequency lifting

Heat is built up in the dermis to address firmness. Redness and warmth right after treatment usually settle the same day, and normal life resumes from the next day.

Recovery course

  1. Day of treatmentWarmth and redness are expected. Cool the skin gently with a cold towel and moisturise well.
  2. Next dayRedness has mostly faded. Makeup and face washing can continue as usual.
  3. Week 1The skin may feel drier than usual; focus on moisturising and sun protection.
  4. Months 1–3Firmness improves gradually. If treatment is split into sessions, the next one is scheduled in this window.

Precautions

  • Sauna, hot baths, strenuous exercise and alcohol: for 2–3 days after treatment
  • Exfoliating and peeling products: for 1 week

When to contact the clinic

  • Redness has not calmed after 3 days
  • Blisters or weeping appear
  • Pain worsens in one particular area

Next session · next visitDepends on the device and goal, usually every 6–12 months. If areas are treated separately, we will advise at consultation.

Full aftercare guide →

Next step

Wondering if this treatment fits you?

Tell us what concerns you, and after your consultation we will explain the suitable treatment, schedule and fees in detail.

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