Skin Tightening
XERF
Lift, firm, and tighten without surgery or downtime. XERF uses dual-frequency radiofrequency to stimulate your own collagen and elastin at two depths at once.
What it is
Lift, firm, and tighten your skin without surgery or downtime. XERF uses dual-frequency radiofrequency to stimulate your body's natural collagen and elastin production at multiple depths, helping improve skin laxity, define the jawline, tighten the neck, and soften fine lines. It is a comfortable treatment with no needles and little to no downtime, which makes it a practical option for natural-looking facial rejuvenation. We perform it at our Clear Lake clinic.
What dual-frequency actually means
Most radiofrequency devices deliver energy at a single frequency, which means they treat at a single depth. XERF delivers two at the same time, 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz, and the difference between them is how deep each one reaches.
The 6.78 MHz energy works in the upper dermis. That is the layer where surface texture and fine lines sit, so it is the frequency doing the work you can see directly in the skin.
The 2 MHz energy travels further, down to the SMAS. That is the structural layer beneath the skin, and it is the layer that governs how defined a jawline looks and how the cheek sits. Treating it is why the change reads as firmer structure rather than smoother surface.
Running both at once is the point. Peer-reviewed studies of this approach show thickening and shortening of collagen bundles at multiple depths, which is a different result from heating one layer harder. It is also why the treatment can address the jawline and the fine lines above it in the same visit.
Why it is planned as a series of two
Two treatments is the clinical minimum for the collagen response the treatment works by, so XERF is planned and priced as a pair rather than sold one at a time. A single session would be charging you for half a result.
Some people go on to a four-treatment plan for more pronounced laxity. That is a conversation at your consult rather than something we would decide for you, and you are not committed to it by starting.
What XERF is not
It is not a laser. Lasers work with light, and light is absorbed differently depending on your skin. XERF works with radiofrequency, which is why it does not depend on your skin being untanned and can be done at any time of year.
It is not a facelift, and it is not a substitute for surgery. XERF addresses mild-to-moderate laxity. If what you are describing is beyond that, your provider will tell you honestly rather than sell you a series.
It is also not right for everyone. Radiofrequency is one of the things we screen for at a consult, and pregnancy or an implanted electronic device are among the reasons we would recommend against it. Individual results vary.
Is it right for you?
XERF is often a good fit if you're focused on:
- Mild to moderate skin laxity
- A loose jawline and jowls
- Tightening along the neck
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Preventative collagen maintenance
Let's talk first if:
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have a pacemaker or another implanted electronic or metal device, since radiofrequency may not be appropriate
- You have significant skin laxity, since XERF is not a substitute for surgery and your provider will tell you honestly if it is not the right fit
- You have active infection or irritation in the treatment area
The best way to know is a consultation, where we review your goals and health history and recommend an honest plan.
What to expect
XERF is a straightforward in-office treatment, and we'll set honest expectations first. The path:
- 1
Consultation
We assess your skin and goals, review your health history, and confirm whether XERF is an appropriate non-surgical fit, or recommend something else if it is not.
- 2
Treatment
Your provider moves the handpiece over the treatment area while it delivers both frequencies. There are no needles and no numbing. Most people describe a warming sensation, and practitioners rate the discomfort at around 2 to 3 out of 10.
- 3
Aftercare
Most people return to their normal day straight away. We give you simple aftercare and sun-protection guidance for your skin.
- 4
Timeline
Many patients notice an initial tightening effect soon after treatment, and the fuller change develops over the two to three months it takes new collagen to form.
Realistic results
Results build gradually over two to three months as new collagen develops, and many patients notice an initial tightening effect soon after treatment. How much you see depends on how much laxity you started with and how your own collagen responds, which is why your provider sets expectations for your skin rather than a general promise. Individual results vary.
Before/after photos shown on this site are real patients, displayed with signed consent. Results may vary.
XERF — common questions
Is XERF a laser?
No. XERF is radiofrequency, not a laser. Lasers work with light, which is absorbed differently depending on your skin, while radiofrequency works with energy that heats tissue directly. That difference is why XERF does not depend on your skin being untanned and can be done at any time of year, including through an Iowa summer.
How is XERF different from microneedling with radiofrequency?
XERF delivers radiofrequency through the surface of the skin with no needles, where microneedling with radiofrequency uses needles to place the energy under it. Both stimulate collagen. The practical differences are comfort and depth: XERF needs no numbing and reaches two depths at once, including the structural layer that governs the jawline, while needle-based radiofrequency concentrates energy at the depth the needles reach.
Does XERF hurt?
Most people find XERF comfortable. There are no needles and no numbing, and practitioners rate the discomfort at around 2 to 3 out of 10. Patients usually describe it as a warming sensation that builds and eases as the handpiece moves. Tell your provider if it feels like too much at any point, because the settings are adjusted to you rather than fixed.
How long until I see results from XERF?
Results build gradually over two to three months as new collagen develops, and many patients notice an initial tightening effect soon after treatment. How much you see depends on how much laxity you started with and how your own collagen responds. Your provider sets expectations for your skin at the consult rather than quoting a general figure. Individual results vary.
Why is XERF done as a series of two?
Two treatments is the clinical minimum for the collagen response XERF works by, so it is planned and priced as a pair rather than sold one at a time. A single session would be paying for half a result. Some people go on to a four-treatment plan for more pronounced laxity, which is a conversation at your consult rather than a commitment made up front.
Is XERF an alternative to a facelift?
No. XERF is a non-surgical radiofrequency treatment for mild-to-moderate laxity, and it is not a substitute for surgery. It firms and tightens by prompting your own collagen rather than by removing or repositioning tissue, so the change is a refresh rather than a surgical result. If your goal is beyond what it can do, your provider will tell you honestly at the consult. Individual results vary.
How much does XERF cost in Clear Lake?
XERF at our Clear Lake clinic is from $2,000 for a series of two (lower face & neck; full face & neck or body $3,000; four-treatment package $3,400). It is priced as a pair because two treatments is the clinical minimum for a collagen response, so there is no single-treatment price. We confirm the exact plan and price with you at your consultation, before anything is booked.
Who performs XERF at FloAesthetics?
XERF at FloAesthetics is performed by Amanda McNeese, Kyarsten Langerman, and Stephanie Ganske at our Clear Lake, Iowa clinic. Your provider assesses your skin, confirms XERF is an appropriate non-surgical fit, and sets honest expectations before any treatment begins.
Am I a candidate for XERF?
XERF suits people with mild to moderate skin laxity, a loose jawline or jowls, looseness along the neck, or fine lines, and it is also used for preventative collagen maintenance. It is not right for everyone: pregnancy, certain implanted electronic or metal devices, and significant laxity that needs surgery are all reasons we would recommend against it. Suitability is confirmed at a consultation.
Who performs this
Your treatment is performed by credentialed medical professionals at our Clear Lake suite.
Pairs well with
Comparing options? Choosing a laser or light treatment sets them side by side on downtime and season.
Where to find us
XERF is offered at our Clear Lake suite — a short drive for patients in Mason City and across north Iowa.
Considering XERF?
Book a consultation in Clear Lake or text 641-219-2551 with your questions.
FloAesthetics · Clear Lake, Iowa