The K-Beauty Treatment You Need To Know About
An Intro To XERF…
“XERF by Cynosure Lutronic is an FDA-cleared radiofrequency device designed to improve firmness, definition and skin quality. It uses two radiofrequency wavelengths in a single shot, alongside three depth modes and ten intensity levels.
The higher frequency works closer to the surface, while the lower frequency reaches deeper tissue, including the SMAS – the fibrous layer that helps support the face. There’s also WaveFit technology, which controls the energy delivery and cryogen cooling helps protect the skin’s surface.
What’s important to note is the XERF device allows you to have control. Faces are three dimensional and different areas have different tissue thicknesses and anatomical requirements, so XERF is ideal for this. Being able to adjust how we treat those areas allows us to create a much more bespoke treatment for the individual. It’s worth noting XERF is suitable for most skin tones and types, too.”
The Big Appeal…
“The reason it’s got everyone talking is because it promises impressive results with little downtime. Think visible tightening with minimal disruption and a more tailored approach to the face. Most patients can return to normal activities afterwards, although temporary warmth, redness or tenderness can occur. It doesn’t involve filler, surgery or any significant time out – this speaks to a lot of my patients who are shifting away from adding volume and instead want to just see better quality and structure of their skin.”
Why It’s Trusted…
“I don’t invest in technology just because it is new. We already have an extensive device portfolio at my Facial Sculpting Clinic. Anything I introduce has to offer something useful to my patients. What convinced me that it’s worthwhile is its dual frequency technology I mentioned earlier and the fact it allows the practitioner to choose where and how energy is delivered. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment, and I love that.”
What It Achieves…
“The goal of XERF is to produce firmer, more supported and more sculpted facial contours. Immediately after the treatment, the controlled heating will cause existing collagen fibres to contract, so patients will often feel and see an immediate tightening effect, particularly around areas like the jawline and lower face. But that’s only the beginning of the response. XERF also stimulates new collagen production and remodelling of the skin, so the results continue to develop progressively over the following three months as the tissue becomes firmer and more supported. You won’t leave looking like a different person, instead you will look fresher, tighter and more sculpted. It works well to improve skin laxity and definition, while also preserving your natural volume.”
Who It’s For…
“It’s best suited to those noticing early changes in firmness or definition as it works well to support tissue quality and collagen. For somebody with more established skin laxity – particularly around the lower face, jawline and neck – we may use it as more of a corrective procedure than as an additional add-on. The important thing is treatments shouldn’t be chosen based purely on age. Myself and other practitioners should be choosing them based on anatomy, tissue quality and what the individual is trying to achieve. For instance, two patients can both be 40 and have completely different areas of concerns. It’s important you are treated for what your practitioner sees, rather than an age on your passport. Suitability should always be established during a proper consultation and medical assessment."
What It Feels Like…
“This was the other aspect of XERF that appealed to me – patients will feel a warmth building within the tissue, but the system incorporates cryogen cooling at the surface of the skin to minimise pain. Comfort matters because it allows us to deliver treatment effectively without the experience becoming something the patient dreads repeating. So in short, it’s not painful, consider it more of a warm, tingly feel.”
How Long It Takes…
“A full face of XERF can take approximately 45 minutes. That said, if you add your neck into the equation, it can be closer to an hour, but all in, you’re not looking at any longer than this. It is likely you will need more than one session, but this varies depending on the individual and how they age. We generally recommend an assessment after the first treatment and then we devise a plan. Maintenance may then be appropriate once or twice a year. These types of treatments are, in my opinion, part of a long-term ageing strategy. We cannot stop ageing, and I don't think we should try to. But we can support the skin and its underlying tissues so somebody continues to age the best way possible.”
Why It's Dubbed A ‘Non-Surgical Facelift’...
“This is the phrase going round, but we do have to be careful with it. While the treatment can improve firmness and definition, expectations should always be managed. For the right patient, XERF is a treatment that improves tissue firmness and collagen levels. This can create a noticeably cleaner jawline and more defined lower face, resulting in better balance and structure. It’s about harmonious tightening and lifting, but it’s not as extreme as a facelift. Problems arise when we promise a surgical result from a non-surgical treatment like this.”
Anything else?
“As with any aesthetics procedure, it’s imperative to see a qualified expert who has years of experience in conducting the treatment you are interested in – and this is especially the case for treatments like XERF. All medical aesthetics procedures come with a level of risk. We’re also seeing a rise in counterfeit devices being used, so you need to be careful, especially as XERF is new to the UK and only offered at a handful of clinics. If uncertain, always ask your therapist for proof of their expertise and qualifications and don’t be lured by hefty discounts or anything that seems unusual. Lastly, as with all non-surgical treatments, you should remember the importance of a good skincare routine alongside it – this will only improve the overall results.”
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THE COST:
XERF face: £2,600 per session. XERF face and neck: £3,000 per session. Maintenance may then be appropriate once or twice a year, depending on the patient’s response.
& LASTLY, PRE & AFTER CARE NOTES…
- Stop using retinoids, retinols and chemical exfoliants (AHAs and BHAs) a week pre-treatment
- Stick to a simple routine before and immediately after treatment
- Go to your XERF appointment without make-up or skincare
- Avoid applying ice or cooling products to the skin 24 hours after treatment – you want to retain the heat
- Also avoid high, extra heat from saunas and steam rooms for 24 hours post-treatment
- Maintain regular SPF application alongside moisturiser to keep your skin barrier in check
For more information visit Dr Nina Bal at FACIALSCULPTING.CO.UK
Follow @DRNINAFACIALSCULPTING
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