Facials & Skincare
Structural Skin Tightening (XERF)
Structural skin tightening with radiofrequency (RF) — XERF gently heats the deeper layers to stimulate your own collagen and elastin, lifting and firming lax skin over time.
What it is
XERF is a radiofrequency (RF) skin-tightening treatment that works below the surface. It delivers controlled RF energy to warm the deeper layers of the skin, which stimulates your body's own collagen and elastin to lift, firm, and tighten areas of mild-to-moderate laxity. It's a comfortable, non-surgical, in-office treatment with no incisions and no downtime for most patients — designed for a gradual, natural-looking result rather than an overnight change. Common treatment areas include the face and neck, tailored to your skin within the same visit.
Is it right for you?
Structural Skin Tightening (XERF) is often a good fit if you’re focused on:
- Mild-to-moderate skin laxity
- Wanting a non-surgical option to support firmer-looking skin
- Maintaining skin firmness over time
- Pairing with collagen-supporting treatments
Let's talk first if:
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic/metal device — radiofrequency may not be appropriate
- You have significant skin laxity — XERF is not a substitute for surgery, and your provider will tell you honestly if it's 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 isn't.
- 2
Treatment
Your provider applies the XERF handpiece to the treatment area; most patients describe a warming sensation as the radiofrequency gently heats the deeper layers.
- 3
Aftercare
Downtime is typically minimal. We'll give you simple aftercare and sun-protection guidance for your skin.
- 4
Timeline
Because XERF works by prompting your skin's own response, firming develops gradually over the weeks to months after treatment rather than immediately, and a series may be recommended.
Realistic results
XERF offers subtle, gradual firming — a refresh, not a surgical change. Because it works by stimulating your own collagen and elastin in the deeper layers, results build over the weeks to months after treatment and vary from person to person. Your provider will set honest, personal expectations at your consultation. Individual results vary.
Before/after photos shown on this site are real patients, displayed with signed consent. Results may vary.
Structural Skin Tightening (XERF) — common questions
What is XERF?
XERF is a non-surgical radiofrequency (RF) skin-tightening treatment. It gently warms the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate your body's own collagen and elastin, which lifts and firms areas of mild-to-moderate laxity over time. It's a comfortable, in-office treatment with a gradual, natural-looking result — not a facelift, and not a substitute for surgery.
Is XERF a facelift?
No. XERF is a non-surgical radiofrequency treatment, not surgery. It works through soft-tissue coagulation to gently firm and tighten skin and is not a substitute for a surgical facelift. Results are gradual and subtle, and individual results vary.
Does XERF hurt, and is there downtime?
Most patients describe XERF as a warming sensation during treatment, and it's generally well tolerated. Downtime is typically minimal. Your provider will review exactly what to expect at your consultation. Individual results vary.
When will I see results from XERF?
Because XERF works by prompting your skin's own response over time, firming develops gradually over the weeks to months after treatment rather than immediately, and a series may be recommended. We set honest expectations up front. Individual results vary.
Am I a candidate for XERF?
XERF may suit people with mild-to-moderate skin laxity who want a non-surgical option. It isn't right for everyone — pregnancy, certain implanted electronic or metal devices, or significant laxity that's better addressed surgically may rule it out — so candidacy is always determined at a consultation.
Who performs this
Your treatment is performed by credentialed medical professionals at our Clear Lake suite.
Pairs well with
Where to find us
Structural Skin Tightening (XERF) is offered at our Clear Lake suite — a short drive for patients in Mason City and across north Iowa.
Considering structural skin tightening (xerf)?
Book a consultation in Clear Lake or text 641-219-2551 with your questions.
FloAesthetics · Clear Lake, Iowa



