What is XERF?

XERF is a radiofrequency skin tightening device made by Lutronic, a Korean aesthetic device company. Like Thermage FLX and Oligio, it is a monopolar RF system: current flows from a treatment tip through the tissue to a return pad, and the tissue's resistance turns that energy into heat. Heat contracts existing collagen and triggers new collagen and elastin production over the following months.

What makes XERF different is that it is multifrequency . It combines 6.78 MHz, a frequency commonly used in monopolar RF, with 2 MHz, which tends to travel and heat differently in tissue. According to the manufacturer, the device offers three depth settings and several intensity levels, uses cryogen cooling to keep the surface comfortable, and adjusts energy to the measured impedance of each patient's skin.

Clinics in Seoul describe XERF as a way to reach both the dermis and the deeper fibrous network in one session. Whether that translates into meaningfully better results than single-frequency RF in people is still being studied.

What the research says so far

Published evidence for XERF is still early. A 2025 preclinical study in a porcine model, published in the Korean journal Medical Lasers , compared a standard 6.78 MHz setting with the dual 6.78 + 2 MHz mode. The dual-frequency mode produced greater immediate thickening and contraction of deep dermal collagen and more remodelling of the subcutaneous fibrous septa, and after one month showed higher collagen density and stronger elastin signals. Skin surface temperature stayed below 43 °C with no tissue damage observed.

Animal results do not prove clinical benefit in humans, and controlled clinical trials are only beginning to appear. In practice, XERF should be viewed as a promising member of the monopolar RF family, with outcomes likely to be broadly similar to other well-performed RF treatments: modest, gradual firming in mild to moderate laxity.

Is XERF available in central Seoul?

Several clinics in central Seoul list XERF, and device line-ups change frequently. Please ask us on WhatsApp whether XERF is currently offered at the Obliv Myeongdong branch before planning a trip around it. If it is not, we will tell you honestly and suggest the most suitable alternative, or explain what kind of clinic offers it.

At Obliv, monopolar RF is available as Thermage FLX and Thermage Eye, and deeper SMAS lifting as Ultherapy and HIFU. Our guides to Oligio and combination RF lifting compare the options.

Who might benefit from XERF-type RF

Multifrequency RF is aimed at people with mild to moderate laxity, early jowling, crepey texture or loss of definition along the jawline who want a low-downtime treatment. Because it works on skin and fibrous tissue rather than muscle or fat volume, it is often paired with other treatments for a complete plan.

As with all RF, implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers are a contraindication, and metal implants, fillers or threads in the treatment area need to be discussed. Pregnancy, active infection or broken skin are reasons to postpone.

What a session involves

After a consultation and Mark-Vu imaging, numbing cream is applied for around 30 minutes. The doctor then treats each zone in passes, choosing depth and intensity by area: lower intensity over bony areas and thin skin, more over the lower cheeks and jawline. Most people feel brief heat with each pulse, eased by the device's cooling. A face session typically takes about 30–60 minutes.

Immediately afterwards, skin is usually warm and pink, sometimes slightly swollen. Most people return to normal activities the same day. Settings are recorded in your Skin Library so future sessions can be fine-tuned.

1. Consultation, health check and Mark-Vu photographs.
2. Plan by layer: RF alone or combined with ultrasound.
3. Numbing cream for about 30 minutes.
4. RF passes with cooling, zone by zone.
5. Cooling, moisturiser and sunscreen; written aftercare.

Getting there from central Seoul

Obliv Clinic Seoul Origin sits between Myeongdong and Jongno in the heart of the city, about a six-minute walk from Jongno 3-ga and Euljiro 3-ga stations. From Gwanghwamun it is one stop east on Line 5; from City Hall about two stops on Line 1 or Line 2; from central Myeongdong roughly a 12–15 minute walk or a short taxi ride.

That makes it easy to combine a treatment with sightseeing at the palaces, Insadong or Cheonggyecheon. See our Jongno clinic guide for routes.

Aftercare, results and side effects

Keep aftercare simple: gentle cleansing, a fragrance-free moisturiser, plenty of water and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid saunas, hot baths and intense exercise for a day, and pause strong exfoliants or retinoids for a few days if skin feels sensitive.

Firmness builds over about one to six months. Possible side effects of monopolar RF include temporary redness, swelling and tenderness; rarely, blistering, small burns or changes in skin colour can occur if energy is too high, which is why doctor-led settings matter. Report anything unusual promptly.

Timeline and cost factors

RF results follow a slow curve: early tightening in the first weeks, the main improvement at three to six months, and maintenance about once a year. Many people add ultrasound for deeper lift or boosters for skin quality.

Price depends on the device, number of shots, areas treated, consumables and whether a doctor performs the treatment. Compare quotes on equal terms. Korea's cosmetic-procedure VAT refund for foreign visitors ended on 31 December 2025; see prices and payment.

Frequently asked questions

Related treatments and guides

Keep reading

• Oligio RF Near Myeongdong
• Combination RF Lifting Treatments in Seoul
• Sofwave Treatments in Myeongdong
• Jawline Tightening Without Surgery
• Tourist-Friendly Lifting Procedures in Seoul

Sources

1. Safety and efficacy of a novel non-invasive monopolar RF device for skin tightening in a porcine model – Medical Lasers, 2025
2. Cleveland Clinic – Radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening
3. Efficacy and safety of monopolar radiofrequency for treatment of lower facial laxity in Asians – Dermatology and Therapy, 2022
4. American Academy of Dermatology – Firm sagging skin