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Structural Skin Tightening & Lifting
Why choose Redwood for your XERF treatment?
What does XERF feel like?
Most clients describe XERF as comfortable, with a warm, deep-heating sensation similar to a hot stone massage. Its integrated cooling system helps keep the skin’s surface cool throughout the treatment.
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Some clients may experience brief hot spots, but these are generally manageable with our comfort techniques and continuous monitoring. No needles or numbing are required.
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If you are comparing tightening technologies, read our detailed XERF vs Thermage vs Ultheraphy vs Sofwave comparison!
What to Expect During Your XERF Treatment
We are one of the first laser clinics in Canada and the U.S. to offer XERF Structural Skin Tightening since June 2025. With over a year of hands-on experience and almost 400 XERF treatments performed, our team has developed an in-depth understanding of XERF settings, optimal energy delivery and treatment techniques to safely customize each session for skin tightening and lifting results.
How long does the treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the area and treatment plan, but most sessions take approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
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Is there any downtime?
There is little to no downtime. Temporary warmth, mild redness, swelling or tenderness may occur and usually resolves within a few hours to 24 hours. There is no peeling, bruising or extended recovery period, and most clients can return to their normal activities immediately.
Results and Treatment Suitability
When will I see my final XERF results?
Some clients notice initial tightening shortly after treatment. Results continue to develop as new collagen forms, with the most noticeable improvement typically appearing within 8 to 12 weeks and continuing for up to six months.​
Before and After Pictures
How long do XERF results last?
Many clients enjoy visible results for 12 months or longer. Annual maintenance treatments can help support collagen production and prolong the results. Longevity varies depending on age, skin condition, lifestyle and the natural ageing process.
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Is XERF suitable for my degree of skin laxity?
XERF is designed to improve mild to moderate skin laxity and may help slow its visible progression through ongoing collagen support. For some clients, it may be the last non-surgical option to consider before facelift surgery.
Advanced laxity may require a combination treatment plan or other treatment options. A consultation and skin assessment will help determine the most appropriate approach for you.
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Can XERF be used on the arms, thighs, abdomen or other body areas?
Yes. XERF can improve mild to moderate skin laxity on areas such as the upper arms, abdomen, inner thighs and knees. Results vary depending on the degree of laxity, skin quality, age and treatment area.
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How is XERF different from Thermage, Ultherapy, Sofwave and RF microneedling?
XERF uses multi-frequency monopolar radiofrequency to deliver controlled energy across superficial, middle and deeper tissue layers. Thermage also uses monopolar RF, while Ultherapy and Sofwave use ultrasound energy. XERF’s multi-depth approach allows treatment to be customized according to the area and degree of skin laxity.
Unlike RF microneedling, XERF does not use needles or create micro-injuries. It focuses primarily on lifting, firming and structural collagen remodelling. RF microneedling may be more appropriate when acne scars, enlarged pores and uneven texture are the main concerns.
Safety and Clinical Standards
XERF uses controlled monopolar radiofrequency energy to support collagen remodelling within multiple tissue layers. When delivered with appropriate settings, temperature control and proper technique, RF skin tightening is considered a safe and effective treatment for long-term collagen support.
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Energy-based treatments require careful assessment and experienced technique. Improper settings or aggressive overtreatment may increase the risk of complications.
Our Safety Approach
At Redwood Medi Spa & Laser Clinic, we prioritize:
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Detailed Aura 3D skin assessment before treatment
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Personalized energy calibration
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Progressive collagen stimulation
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Appropriate treatment spacing
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Continuous monitoring of skin response
We focus on controlled, cumulative improvement and avoid aggressive overtreatment.
​Are there any side effects I should know about?
Temporary redness, warmth, mild swelling or tenderness may occur after treatment and usually resolves within a few hours to 24 hours. Proper assessment, customized settings and continuous monitoring help minimize potential risks.
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Will XERF melt facial fat?
XERF is designed for structural skin tightening and collagen remodelling, not facial fat reduction. Treatment settings are customized according to facial anatomy, skin thickness and existing volume. Clients with limited facial fat or volume loss may require a more conservative treatment plan.
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Can XERF damage nerves?
Nerve damage is not an expected outcome of properly performed XERF treatment. Because the technology delivers thermal energy into deeper tissue layers, careful assessment, appropriate settings and experienced technique are essential. Any unusual or persistent symptoms should be reported promptly.
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Can I still have a thread lift or facelift in the future?
Properly performed XERF treatment does not automatically prevent someone from having a thread lift or facelift in the future. However, research specifically examining XERF before these procedures is limited.
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Inform your surgeon about all previous energy-based treatments and allow the treated tissue to settle before proceeding. Your surgeon should determine the appropriate timing based on your treatment history and planned procedure.
​Who may not be a suitable candidate?
XERF may not be appropriate for individuals who:
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Have an active skin infection in the treatment area
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Have certain implanted electronic devices
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Are pregnant
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Have uncontrolled medical conditions
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Require surgical-level correction
A consultation will help determine whether XERF is appropriate for your skin condition and goals.
Who performs XERF treatments at Redwood?
XERF treatments are performed by Redwood’s highly trained, skilled and experienced laser and medical aestheticians. Each treatment is carefully customized according to your skin condition, degree of laxity and aesthetic goals.
