XERF
Structural tightening. No numbing.
XERF (eXperience Exponential RF) is a TGA-registered dual-frequency monopolar radiofrequency treatment. Two frequencies — 6.78 MHz targeting the dermis and 2 MHz reaching the deeper underlying fascia — are delivered together in a single session, for structural skin tightening with no numbing required and no downtime. Performed by the MARA.H clinical team.
XERF at MARA.H is performed by the clinical team following manufacturer training protocols. All treatment plans follow clinical standards established by the MARA.H clinical team. Equipment is authentic, TGA-registered XERF.
Not All Radiofrequency Is Equal.
XERF is a dual-frequency monopolar radiofrequency platform. Instead of a single frequency, it combines two — 6.78 MHz for the dermis and 2 MHz for the deeper fascia — delivered together in one session to reach two different depths at once.
The Dermis
The higher frequency targets the dermis, where heat triggers immediate collagen contraction and, over the following weeks, new collagen and elastin.
The Deeper Fascia
The second frequency reaches the subcutaneous tissue and the fibrous fascia beneath — the structural layer that, when it thickens and tightens, reshapes facial contour.
Surface Protected
Built-in cryogen cooling shields the skin’s surface, concentrating heat in the deeper layers. This is why no numbing is required.
Why It Goes Deeper.
Early histological research indicates dual-frequency radiofrequency can act on the deep fascia, not just the skin’s surface — the mechanism behind XERF’s structural positioning.
Quick Answer
XERF is a dual-frequency monopolar RF system: 6.78 MHz works in the dermis to contract existing collagen, while 2 MHz reaches the deeper fascia — both in a single pass. Integrated cooling protects the skin surface, so treatment does not require numbing cream and involves no social downtime.
One pass. Two frequencies. Two depths.
Simplified cross-section for illustration — not to scale.
Collagen Contraction
Radiofrequency heat causes dermal collagen fibres to contract, thicken and shorten — producing an initial sense of tightening at the time of treatment.
Collagen & Elastin Renewal
Heat stimulates fibroblasts, which build new collagen and elastin over the following weeks to months — the source of the gradual, progressive tightening.
Fascial Thickening & Upward Pull
By delivering energy deep to the subcutaneous fascia and fibrous septae, XERF aims to thicken and tighten this structural layer so it pulls upward — the basis of structural, rather than surface-only, tightening.
“XERF isn’t positioned as a facelift. It’s structural tightening — a deeper kind of radiofrequency tightening — built around comfort and no downtime.”
The Platform Behind the Comfort.
XERF’s precision comes from named subsystems working together rather than one fixed setting — the reason two frequencies can be delivered in a single comfortable pass.
Spider Tip & Live Temperature
The EFFECTOR® handpiece uses a Spider Tip designed for even energy distribution, while surface temperature is displayed on both the device interface and the handpiece with every shot — so the operator can monitor it throughout the treatment.
Auto-Adjusting Energy
The RF pulse adapts to the energy being delivered, holding a stable balance between output and cooling throughout the session.
Three-Level Surface Cooling
Three levels of cooling, matched to the treatment intensity, work to keep the skin’s surface temperature in check — the reason numbing is not required.
Tailored to Your Skin
Skin impedance is read before treatment, so energy delivery can be tailored to the individual rather than applied at one blanket setting.
XERF EFFECTOR® tip sizes range from 5 × 10 mm for narrow, thin areas to 20 × 30 mm for larger, thicker areas. The appropriate tip and settings are selected by the MARA.H clinical team at your consultation.
What XERF Treats.
XERF most commonly targets mild to moderate skin laxity on the face, jawline and neck.
Face & Cheeks
Addresses mild to moderate skin laxity of the cheeks and lower face by stimulating collagen in the dermis and the underlying structure.
Jawline & Lower Face
Tightening and subtle contouring of the jawline and the areas around the nasolabial folds.
Neck & Under-Chin
Targets skin laxity on the neck and beneath the chin — one of the areas where structural tightening is most welcomed.
Other Areas
The eye area, décolletage, arms, abdomen and thighs may be assessed on a case-by-case basis at consultation and are not a core indication.
A Comfortable, No-Downtime Treatment.
XERF is built around comfort. The treatment delivers a tolerable warmth, with built-in cooling protecting the surface — so no numbing is required and you can return to your day straight after.
No Numbing Required
Cryogen cooling and comfortable pulse delivery mean most people don’t need numbing cream. Most describe a tolerable warmth, most noticeable over bony areas.
About 45 Minutes
A standard facial treatment takes around 45 minutes or less, depending on the area and your plan.
No Downtime
Most people return to their usual activities the same day, with no specific measures required unless your practitioner advises otherwise.
Independent media reviewers have described the sensation as a “stronger hot-stone massage”, with most areas rated low on the discomfort scale and bony areas feeling warmer. Individual experiences vary.
Results Build Over Weeks.
XERF is not a facelift and will not produce a surgical result. Change builds gradually and is judged over weeks to months, because it depends on your own collagen response.
A Subtle Lift
A subtle, noticeable tightening may be felt in the days after treatment, from immediate collagen contraction.
Progressive Tightening
Tightening and contour improve progressively as new collagen and elastin form, peaking around 2 to 3 months.
6–12 Months
Results vary by individual. Many clients return for maintenance around every 6 to 12 months.
How much you see depends on your age, skin thickness and the degree of laxity. Where laxity is advanced, a consultation may conclude that this is not the right treatment — rather than that more sessions are needed. Results vary by individual.
Risks, Recovery and Suitability
What most people experience
A warm, sometimes intense heat is felt as each pulse is delivered, most noticeably over bony areas. The skin is usually flushed for a short time afterwards, and the treated area can feel warm and mildly tender for several hours to a couple of days.
Less common risks you should know about
Bruising, short-lived swelling, and temporary numbness or altered sensation in small patches of skin can occur and settle over days to weeks. As with any radiofrequency treatment, burns, blistering or pigment changes are uncommon but possible. Careful assessment and technique reduce — rather than remove — these risks.
Recovery and what it affects
Most people return to their usual activities the same day, with no specific measures required unless your practitioner advises otherwise. The treated area may feel tender to touch for a few days.
Results and responses vary
Change builds gradually and is judged over weeks to months, not on the day, because it depends on your own collagen response. How much you see depends on your age, skin thickness and the degree of laxity. This is not a surgical lift and will not produce a surgical result. Where laxity is advanced, a consultation may conclude that this is not the right treatment rather than that more sessions are needed.
When this isn’t suitable, or needs assessment first
XERF is not appropriate:
- during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- for anyone under 18
- over an implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator in the treatment area
- over metal implants or hardware in the treatment area
- over active infection, open wounds, inflamed or broken skin, or severe or cystic acne in the treatment area
We assess before proceeding — and may recommend a different approach — if you have:
- a history of keloid or raised scarring
- an autoimmune condition
- a cardiovascular condition
- a bleeding disorder, or you take ongoing blood-thinning medication
- diabetes or an uncontrolled medical condition
- epilepsy
- Bell’s palsy or another facial nerve condition
- active cold sores (herpes simplex) or a skin infection
- recent injectable, filler or thread placement in the area
- recent surgery on the treatment area (for example, within the last 6 months around the eyes)
If something doesn’t seem right
Call the clinic on 0468 358 861. A burn, blistering, spreading redness, increasing pain, or anything that is getting worse rather than better should be looked at rather than waited out. If it is severe or you are worried, contact your GP or call 000.
After Your XERF Treatment
On the day
Most people return to their usual routine immediately after treatment. The skin may be flushed and feel warm for a few hours. Wear SPF50+ from the day of treatment.
Avoid throughout the recovery period
Saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, vigorous exercise, and swimming pools for the first couple of days, unless your practitioner advises otherwise.
Sun protection
SPF50+ broad spectrum every morning for at least two weeks, reapplied every two hours when outdoors, with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
One more thing
Your therapist will give you instructions based on how your skin actually responded on the day. Those take priority over this page.
XERF Among Tightening Options.
These are objective technology comparisons, not a claim that one is “better”. The right choice depends on your anatomy, goals and comfort preferences — confirmed at consultation.
| Technology | Depth | Downtime | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| XERF Dual-frequency monopolar RF · 6.78 + 2 MHz | Dermis + subcutaneous fascia | None | ~6–12 months* |
| Thermage FLX Single-frequency monopolar RF | Dermis | Minimal | 12–24 months |
| Sofwave Non-focused parallel ultrasound | Mid-dermis (1.5mm) | None | 8–12 months |
| Ultherapy Prime Focused ultrasound MFU-V | SMAS (visualised) | Minimal | ≥1 year |
*XERF maintenance duration reflects manufacturer-funded and early clinical sources; individual results vary. Comparison figures for other devices are drawn from published clinical literature. Nothing on this page is a claim that one device is superior to another.
XERF’s positioning is about comfort and depth together — a deeper structural tightening without numbing and without downtime. It can also complement an Ultherapy Prime plan for lifting. Discuss your goals at consultation.
XERF FAQ
XERF pricing is confirmed at consultation, after the MARA.H clinical team assesses your skin laxity, the area to be treated and the plan that suits you. The cost is not one-size-fits-all, and there is no obligation to proceed on the day.
No numbing cream is needed. Most people describe a tolerable warmth, and built-in cooling protects the skin’s surface.
Many clients see initial tightening after a single session, with collagen rebuilding showing over 4–12 weeks, peaking around 2–3 months. Whether you have more sessions is assessed at consultation.
Results vary by individual — with age, lifestyle, and your own collagen response. Many clients return for maintenance around every 6–12 months.
Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound at a deeper SMAS layer, aimed at lifting. XERF uses dual-frequency radiofrequency across the dermis and underlying fascia, aimed at comfortable, no-downtime structural tightening. They can complement each other.
XERF is TGA-registered (Class IIb). There is no downtime and most people resume normal activities straight after. Suitability is assessed by a registered practitioner.
Clinical experience shows the main demand is in the 30s–50s, and it suits most skin types. Final suitability is assessed at consultation by the MARA.H clinical team.
No. XERF tightens by stimulating collagen and fascial remodelling; results build gradually and continue to change with ageing. For advanced laxity, a surgical lift may be more appropriate — please rely on the expectations given at your consultation.
MARA.H is located at Level 2, 12 Thomas Street, Chatswood NSW 2067 — a 2-minute walk from Chatswood train station on Sydney’s North Shore. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, by appointment only.
Ready to explore structural tightening?
Call Our Clinical TeamBegin with a Consultation.
XERF is a bespoke clinical procedure. Every protocol is tailored by the MARA.H clinical team after assessing your skin laxity and goals, following manufacturer training protocols and clinical standards established by the MARA.H clinical team. Suitability and cost are confirmed at consultation.
Related Treatments at MARA.H
XERF structural tightening is most often part of a layered plan — tightening, then lift or skin quality. For how the two ultrasound platforms differ, read the head-to-head in Ultherapy PRIME vs Ultraformer.
Ultherapy Prime
The Merz micro-focused ultrasound lift, working at the deeper SMAS layer. Pairs with XERF for a tightening-plus-lifting approach.
Learn More → TighteningHIFU Skin Tightening
A focused-ultrasound alternative for skin tightening, for goals that sit closer to the surface.
Learn More →This page provides general information only and does not constitute medical advice. All treatments require an individual consultation to assess suitability, and individual results vary. XERF (eXperience Exponential RF) is a TGA-registered Class IIb medical device (ARTG 516008). XERF and Lutronic are trademarks of their respective owners. The results referenced on this page are drawn partly from early, manufacturer-funded studies and expert clinical experience, and are not presented as a substitute for individual clinical advice.