XERF Treatment · Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
XERF Skin Tightening in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Needle-free radiofrequency to firm mild to moderate laxity of the face, jawline and neck, delivered by our cosmetic nurses in a dermatologist-led clinic.
Per session: full face $2,490 · full face and neck $3,490 · other areas priced at assessment · See fees
A dermatologist-led clinic, founded by Dr Mitchell Robinson, FACD, who teaches laser to dermatologists and registrars.
Meet the TeamXERF at a Glance
What Is XERF and How Does It Work?
The short answer: XERF is a needle-free radiofrequency treatment that can firm mild to moderate loose skin on the face, jawline and neck, with changes building over about 3 months. It can't remove excess skin or replace surgery, and results vary between people.
XERF is made by Cynosure Lutronic and was launched in Australia in May 2026. It isn't a laser. It heats the deeper layers of your skin through the surface, without needles or cuts.
It works at two frequencies: 6.78 MHz to heat the upper layers of the skin and 2 MHz to reach deeper supporting tissue. The heat makes collagen contract, then prompts your skin to build new collagen over the following months.
Each pulse comes with bursts of cooling spray to protect the surface, and the device reads your skin's resistance to keep the energy even. Numbing is usually not needed.
What Can XERF Treat?
XERF is used where skin has started to soften and loosen. Your assessment decides which areas are worth treating.
XERF isn't designed for fat under the chin, lost volume, deep lines, acne scars or pigmentation. If one of those is your main concern, we'll point you to a better option.
Is XERF Right for You?
XERF tends to suit adults with mild to moderate laxity: early jowls, a jawline that has started to soften, or neck skin that has become looser or crepey. Many people are in their 30s to 60s, but your skin matters more than your age.
It suits people who want gradual change without needles, men and women alike, and most people return to work the same day. If your skin feels looser after losing weight, we'll assess whether XERF is likely to help.
At your assessment we check whether looseness, fat or lost volume is the main issue, because XERF only treats the first. We also check your medical history, any implants, your pigment and any recent treatments in the area. If your skin is very loose, a surgeon's opinion may help more.
If your main concern is acne scarring, enlarged pores or texture, RF microneedling or laser is usually a better fit. Many plans combine treatments over time.
XERF isn't suitable if you
- Have a pacemaker or another implanted electronic device
- Have metal implants in the area being treated
- Are pregnant
- Have an active skin infection or open wound in the area
Your XERF Treatment, Step by Step
From your first visit to your review, here's what to expect.
Assessment
We look at your skin, take photos and explain what XERF can and can't do. You get a plan with the total cost before treatment. If anything needs a dermatologist's opinion, we arrange it.
Treatment Day
Your skin is cleansed, then treated in passes of heat pulses, each with a cooling burst. Most sessions take 30 to 60 minutes, and most people return to normal activities the same day.
Review
Your skin keeps changing for weeks. If two sessions are planned, the second is about 4 weeks after the first. We review your results about 3 months after your last session.
Does XERF Hurt?
Most people describe XERF as pulses of heat, a bit like a hot stone pressed on the skin, with a cool burst of spray each time. Areas over bone, such as the jawline and cheekbones, usually feel more intense than softer areas like the neck.
In a 2026 study, the average discomfort score was about 4 out of 10. About half the people rated it moderate and around 1 in 8 rated it severe, so expect some discomfort. Your nurse checks in with you throughout and can adjust the energy, so you stay in control.
People often ask whether a more comfortable treatment works less. Much of the comfort comes from cooling the surface while the heat reaches deeper. Turning the energy right down can reduce the effect, so we aim for settings that work for your skin and that you can tolerate.
Keeping you comfortable
- A cooling burst with every pulse
- Energy adjusted as we go
- Breaks whenever you need them
- Tell us if it feels too hot
Does XERF Melt Fat or Cause Volume Loss?
It's a common question about any heat-based skin treatment.
XERF is designed to tighten collagen, not to destroy fat, though its deeper settings do heat the upper fat layer. The published studies so far haven't reported fat loss, and one 2026 study saw none three months after treatment. The studies are small, though, so fat loss can't be ruled out.
So we plan around it. We look at where your face needs support, choose the depth and energy for each area, and take extra care where volume matters, such as the mid-cheeks. If you've lost weight recently or your face is already lean, tell us at your assessment.
Heat is quick. Collagen is slow.
When Will I See Results, and How Long Do They Last?
XERF works with your own collagen, so change builds gradually rather than all at once.
How long do XERF results last? It's too early to say for XERF itself. Published studies so far stop at 3 months, and your skin keeps ageing, so some people choose a maintenance session about once a year.
About before and after photos. Many XERF photos online are supplied by the manufacturer or taken in different lighting. We only publish photos of our own patients, taken in the same conditions with the timing stated, which is why this page doesn't show the manufacturer's photos.
Does XERF Really Work? What the Evidence Says
XERF is new, and the research is early. Here's what two studies published in 2026 found.
In a study across four clinics, 39 people had two sessions four weeks apart. The study's investigators rated 36 of the 39 as improved at 3 months, and there were no lasting side effects (Bhatia et al., Cureus, 2026).
A second study reviewed 16 women after one session. Average discomfort was about 4 out of 10, redness lasted 1–2 days, and no burns or fat loss were seen at 3 months (Erlich et al., Lasers in Medical Science, 2026).
Both studies are small and short, without a comparison group, and the investigators rated the results themselves. Radiofrequency skin tightening has been used for more than 20 years. It suits mild to moderate laxity and realistic expectations: modest firming that varies between people, not a surgical result. If we don't think XERF is worth it for you, we'll say so at your assessment.
Choose by the problem, not the device
XERF vs Thermage, HIFU and RF Microneedling
XERF is often compared with other skin tightening treatments. They work in different ways, and no single device suits everyone.
How Much Does XERF Cost in Brisbane?
XERF is priced by area, per session. Your assessment confirms which areas are worth treating and how many sessions make sense, and your plan shows the total cost before treatment.
Full Face
$2,490
- The whole face, including jowls and jawline
- Per session
- Often 1–2 sessions
Other Areas
Priced at assessment
- Smaller or custom areas
- Quoted before treatment
- Planned around your goals
XERF is a cosmetic treatment, so it isn't covered by Medicare. Clinics price XERF by area or by number of pulses, so check what's included when comparing.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most people go back to work and normal activities the same day. Here's what to expect and how to look after your skin.
What to expect
- Redness and warmth, usually settling within 1–2 days
- Mild swelling or tenderness for a day or two
- Change that builds gradually over about 3 months
Aftercare
- Avoid saunas, hot yoga and hard exercise for 24 hours
- Pause retinol and exfoliating acids for a few days
- Use a mild cleanser and moisturiser
- Wear SPF 50+ every day
XERF Risks, and How We Reduce Them
Like any treatment that uses heat, XERF has risks. We go through them with you before treatment, and this is how we reduce them.
When to call us: phone 07 3487 1414 if you notice blistering, a burn, pain that's getting worse rather than better, or redness or swelling that hasn't settled after a few days.
Our Team
Who Performs XERF at DERM Skin Specialists?
XERF is delivered by our cosmetic nurses, who are trained in energy-based treatments, inside a specialist dermatology clinic. Your plan is set at an in-person assessment. If anything needs a medical opinion, such as a changing spot or a skin condition, we arrange a review with one of our dermatologists.
The clinic was founded by Dr Mitch Robinson (FACD, AHPRA MED0001946771), a specialist dermatologist who teaches laser to dermatologists and registrars.
Disclosure: Dr Mitch Robinson has a commercial relationship with Cynosure Lutronic, which makes XERF and other devices used at DERM Skin Specialists. Treatment recommendations are always based on your individual clinical assessment.
Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
XERF in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
DERM Skin Specialists is at 2/1437 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, about 15 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane CBD, with free parking onsite. It's a short drive from Holland Park, Carindale, Sunnybank and across Brisbane's southside.
Common Questions
XERF: Common Questions
Is XERF a laser?
No. XERF uses radiofrequency energy, not laser light. It heats the deeper layers of the skin without targeting pigment.
Is XERF the same as HIFU?
No. HIFU, such as Ultherapy or Ultraformer, uses focused ultrasound to heat small points at set depths. XERF uses radiofrequency to heat broader layers of the skin. Both are used for mild to moderate laxity.
Does XERF hurt?
Most people feel pulses of heat with a cool burst each time, and areas over bone feel more intense. In a 2026 study the average discomfort was about 4 out of 10. Your nurse can adjust the energy as you go. More on what it feels like.
How many XERF treatments do I need?
Often 1–2 sessions, about 4 weeks apart. Some people then have a maintenance session about once a year. Your plan depends on your skin and goals.
How long does a XERF treatment take?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the areas treated. Allow extra time at your first visit for your assessment and photos.
How long does XERF take to work?
Some firmness may be noticed early, but most change builds over 4 to 12 weeks as new collagen forms. We review your results about 3 months after your last session.
How long do XERF results last?
It's too early to say for XERF itself. Studies so far stop at 3 months, and your skin keeps ageing, so some people choose a yearly maintenance session.
Does XERF melt facial fat?
XERF is designed to tighten collagen, not destroy fat, and published studies haven't reported fat loss. The studies are small, though, so we plan depth and energy for each area to protect volume. Read more.
Is XERF worth it?
It can be, if your laxity is mild to moderate and you want gradual firming without needles. It won't give a surgical result. If we don't think it will help you, we'll tell you at your assessment.
Is XERF safe? What are the side effects?
Every treatment carries some risk. Redness, warmth, mild swelling or tenderness for a day or two are common. Tingling or numbness is uncommon. Rarely, blisters, burns, scarring, colour changes or loss of fat volume can occur. We check your skin and health first and go through your individual risks.
Are there long-term side effects?
XERF is new, so there's no long-term data on it yet. It uses radiofrequency, a non-ionising energy that works by heating, unlike X-rays or UV light. Radiofrequency has been used for skin tightening for more than 20 years.
Can I have XERF if I have melasma or darker skin?
XERF doesn't target pigment, so it can be considered for darker skin, although darker skin is more prone to temporary darkening after any irritation. Heat can also flare melasma, so we may adjust settings, time treatment carefully or treat the melasma first.
Can men have XERF?
Yes. Men often come in for a softening jawline or loose neck skin. Settings are adjusted for thicker skin.
Can XERF get rid of a double chin?
XERF doesn't remove fat, so it isn't a treatment for a full double chin. It can firm loose skin under the chin and along the jawline. If fat is the main issue, we'll talk through other options.
Can I combine XERF with other treatments?
Yes. XERF is often planned alongside laser or RF microneedling for texture and pigment. Tell us about any treatments you've had in the area and when, so we can plan the timing.
How far before a wedding or event should I have XERF?
Ideally 3 months or more, so collagen has time to build. Redness usually settles within 1–2 days, but leave at least a week in case of swelling or tenderness.
Can I see XERF before and after photos?
We only publish photos of our own patients, taken in the same conditions with the timing stated. Many XERF photos online come from the manufacturer, so check who took them and when.
How much does XERF cost in Brisbane?
At DERM Skin Specialists, full face is $2,490 and full face and neck is $3,490 per session. Other areas are priced at assessment. XERF isn't covered by Medicare.
Do I need a referral for XERF?
No. XERF is a cosmetic treatment, so you can book an assessment directly with our nurses.
Find Out if XERF Suits You
Book a XERF assessment with our nurses. We'll look at your skin, explain what XERF can and can't do, and give you a plan with costs before you decide.
Clinical content overseen by Dr Mitchell Robinson, FACD (AHPRA MED0001946771). Updated October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. All procedures carry risks; suitability, recovery and results vary between individuals.