XERF

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Diego, CA

XERF (XERF™) is an advanced skin-tightening treatment that can restore a more refreshed and youthful-looking appearance. It emits pulses of gentle radiofrequency (RF) energy into the shallow, middle, and deep layers of the skin to stimulate the production of new collagen fibers and tighten its surface, restoring your appearance from the inside out. (1)

Alexus Surgery Center & Medspa is one of San Diego’s leading aesthetic practices. Our team of physicians and medical providers has practiced facial rejuvenation for more than 50 years and has dedicated themselves to helping patients restore their appearance and well-being. We balance innovative technology with trusted techniques, and each of our treatments is performed under the direction of a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure your safety.

If you are ready to begin working with our team, we invite you to contact us online or call (888) 463-9532 to reach our San Diego office.

About XERF

XERF is the world’s first multifrequency monopolar RF treatment. This FDA-approved treatment emits two different frequencies of radiofrequency (RF) energy into your skin to stimulate the production of new collagen and contract its surface. (2) It features advanced technological features, such as depth control, cooling technology, and a real-time analysis of your skin—allowing you to receive a truly one-of-a-kind treatment.

Benefits

You can experience several benefits through XERF. They include:

  • Enhanced Collagen Production: XERF can stimulate the production of new collagen in the addressed regions and restore their appearance, elasticity, and overall health.
  • Tighter Skin: Your laser expert can use this treatment to target loose skin found around the face and neck.
  • Softened Signs of Aging: XERF can refresh your skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Non-Invasive Approaches: XERF does not require needles, numbing, or incisions to achieve its results.
  • Quick Treatment Time: Each XERF treatment lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
  • No Downtime: You may return to your daily routine immediately after your appointment, making it easy for busier patients to attend appointments.
  • Lasting Results: The results of XERF can last for over a year, which is much longer than many other skin treatments.
  • Customized Solutions: XERF adapts to your skin’s profile and offers three depth settings and ten intensity levels. This means every patient truly gets a customized treatment.
  • Heightened Self-Esteem: Refining your skin can instill you with a sense of newfound confidence that you can carry with you in all situations.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for XERF if you have started developing loose skin around your face and want to address it to achieve a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance without the need for needles or surgical intervention.

To receive this treatment, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. It is also important that you do not have infections, breakouts, or other active skin conditions in the targeted treatment area. Your laser expert will assess your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

Your personal consultation is a thorough visit where you can learn more about what XERF has to offer. During this consultation, your laser expert will meet with you to discuss what XERF is and what treatment entails. They will review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and establish realistic expectations. They will also assess your skin’s condition, health, and quality.

Your laser expert will use this information alongside your goals to confirm your candidacy and create your treatment plan. They will determine what areas to address and what settings to apply to the laser. They will also answer any questions you have to ensure you emerge feeling confident about your upcoming laser treatment.

If you are ready to take the first step towards smoother and tighter skin, we invite you to contact us online or call (888) 463-9532 to reach our San Diego office.

Preparation

After you have scheduled your appointment, your laser expert will give you a set of instructions to help you prepare. These instructions are simple, but we ask that you follow them to ensure the best results. They include:

  • Altering Your Skincare Routine: Refrain from using harsh products that may affect your skin’s natural barrier function. These include retinoids, retinols, and chemical exfoliants.
  • Avoiding the Sun: Avoid tanning products and direct or excessive sun exposure. Sun damage in the treatment area may result in delays.
  • Protect Your Skin: Wear sunscreen when leaving the house, and ensure you are using plenty of moisturizer.
  • Arrive Prepared: Arrive at your appointment with clean skin that has been cleared of skincare products, makeup residue, fragrances, or facial jewelry.

Procedure

XERF skin tightening can take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. When you arrive, your laser expert will help you get checked in. They will then lead you to a private treatment room and cleanse your skin. Most patients do not need anesthesia with XERF, but your laser expert can discuss potential numbing options with you if your skin is more sensitive.

The laser expert will then adjust the settings of the laser and move the XERF handpiece over the targeted skin. As it is moved, it will deliver controlled radiofrequency energy deep into your tissues using Wave Fit™ pulse technology and adapt to your unique skin profile in real-time using Accurate Impedance Feedback. This treatment will also keep your skin cool using Advanced Integrated Cryogen Delivery technology.

Recovery

XERF requires no downtime, which means you can return to your routine after your appointment. You may experience some initial redness or warmth across the treated regions, but these effects will subside on their own within several hours. (3) You may also notice feelings of tightness, which means your skin has successfully contracted.

Despite its minimal recovery, your laser expert will still have you follow certain guidelines to help your skin heal optimally. These include avoiding harsh skincare products, direct sun exposure, and wearing makeup in the treatment area. Your laser expert will give you additional instructions when meeting with you in person.

Results

You will notice an immediate improvement in the tightness of your skin, and its appearance will refine over time as your collagen levels increase. As they do, you will be able to enjoy smoother, more even, and youthful-looking skin.

The results of XERFF are long-lasting and peak at approximately 12 to 18 months. To preserve them, we recommend maintaining an effective skincare regimen and wearing sun protection when leaving the house.

Corresponding Procedures

Your laser expert can pair your treatment with another to help you achieve more comprehensive results. Two effective treatments include the BBL Hero photofacial and facials, but your laser expert can provide you with personalized suggestions during your consultation.

BBL Hero Photofacial

The BBL Hero (BroadBand Light High Energy Rapid Output) photofacial is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses powerful beams of light energy to refresh the appearance of your skin. It can address a range of skin conditions and concerns such as sun damage, acne scars, pigmentation concerns, and an uneven skin texture, leaving you with youthful-looking skin you can feel confident in.

Facials

A facial is a relaxing facial rejuvenation treatment that can restore the health and appearance of the skin. We offer an array of different facials to target specific concerns such as dryness, dull complexion, or uneven texture, allowing you to eliminate what has been bothering you most. Our available facials include:

Cost of XERF in San Diego, California

The pricing of XERF will vary depending on certain factors in your treatment plan, such as the size of the targeted region, the number of appointments you attend, and whether you choose to combine your treatment with another. Once your laser expert has discussed these details with you, they will give you a comprehensive cost estimate.

We additionally offer financing for those who qualify.

FAQ

How does XERF work?

The XERF handpiece will administer radiofrequency energy into the skin. The energy will stimulate the production of new collagen while also causing your skin to contract.

Is XERF safe for all skin types?

Yes, XERF is safe for all skin types and tones.

What type of anesthesia will I get for XERF?

XERF does not require anesthesia, as it features a cooling technology that keeps the skin comfortable. However, you may discuss potential numbing options with your laser expert during your consultation if you are more sensitive.

How long will it take to perform XERF?

Your appointment length will vary depending on the details of your treatment, such as the size of the targeted area. On average, a XERF session takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

Does XERF require a lengthy recovery time?

No, there is no recovery time associated with XERF. This means you may return to your daily activities immediately after your appointment.

How many treatment sessions will I need to attend?

This number will vary depending on the type of concerns you are addressing and the extent of your treatment. While you can experience noticeable benefits after a single treatment session, most patients require attending a series of regular treatments.

References

  1. XERF – Structural Skin Tightening – Cynosure Lutronic. Cynosure Lutronic. September 29, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2026. https://www.cynosure.com/xerf/
  2. Erlich G, Dahan E, Wolf Y. Objective and subjective retrospective evaluation of XERF, a novel single-shot dual-frequency non-invasive monopolar radiofrequency. Lasers Med Sci. 2026;41(1):194. doi:10.1007/s10103-026-04996-0
  3. Erlich G, Dahan E, Skorochod R, Wolf Y. Dual-Frequency Non-invasive Monopolar Radiofrequency for Periorbital Tightening: Introduction of Novel Small Treatment Tips. Cureus. Published online January 9, 2026. doi:10.7759/cureus.101187