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.

Your nurse-led assessment is complimentary. XERF per session: full face $2,490 · full face and neck $3,490 · other areas priced at assessment · See fees

SessionsOften 1–2
RecoveryRedness for 1–2 days
ResultsBuild over about 3 months
The XERF skin tightening device at DERM Skin Specialists, Mount Gravatt, in front of Dr Mitch Robinson's dermatology and general practice fellowship certificates
DERM

A dermatologist-led clinic, founded by Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD, who teaches laser to dermatologists and registrars.

Meet the Team

XERF at a Glance

SuitsMild to moderate laxity
AreasFace, jowls, jawline and neck
EnergyRadiofrequency, no needles
Treatment timeAbout 30–60 minutes
SessionsOften 1–2, 6–12 weeks apart
Delivered byOur cosmetic nurses

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.

Dr Mitch Robinson beside the XERF device in the laser suite at DERM Skin Specialists, Mount Gravatt

What Can XERF Treat?

XERF is used where skin has started to soften and loosen. Your assessment decides which areas are worth treating.

Jowls and JawlineCan firm early jowls and help define a softening jawline.
Lower FaceCan tighten loose skin around the mouth and lower cheeks.
NeckCan firm loose or crepey neck skin, often treated with the face.
Under the ChinCan firm loose skin under the chin. XERF doesn't remove fat.
Fine Lines and TextureShallower settings can soften fine lines and refine skin.
CheeksCan firm skin over the cheeks, with settings chosen to protect volume.

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.

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.

XERF Full Face

$2,490

  • The whole face, including jowls and jawline
  • Per session
  • Often 1–2 sessions

Full Face and Neck

$3,490

  • The full face plus the neck
  • Per session
  • Often 1–2 sessions

Other Areas

Priced at assessment

  • Smaller or custom areas
  • Quoted before treatment
  • Planned around your goals
See all fees →

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.

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.

Straight AfterSkin may feel a little firmer as collagen contracts. Redness usually settles within 1–2 days.
4 to 12 WeeksNew collagen forms and skin gradually firms. A second session, if planned, is usually at about 4 weeks.
About 3 Months OnCollagen keeps remodelling. 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. 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.

Your XERF Treatment, Step by Step

From your first visit to your review, here's what to expect.

01

Your XERF 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.

02

XERF 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.

03

Your XERF 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.

A cosmetic nurse talking a patient through a treatment plan at DERM Skin Specialists

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.

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.

How many XERF treatments do I need?

Often 1–2 sessions, 6 to 12 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.

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. Call us on 07 3487 1414 if you notice blistering, a burn, worsening pain, or redness or swelling that hasn't settled after a few days.

Who isn't XERF suitable for?

XERF isn't suitable if you have a pacemaker or another implanted electronic device, metal implants in the area being treated, are pregnant, or have an active skin infection or open wound in the area. If your skin is very loose, a surgeon's opinion may help more.

What is recovery like after XERF?

Most people go back to work the same day. Expect redness and warmth for 1–2 days, and sometimes mild swelling or tenderness. Avoid saunas, hot yoga and hard exercise for 24 hours, pause retinol and exfoliating acids for a few days, and wear SPF 50+ every day.

How does XERF compare with Thermage, HIFU or RF microneedling?

Thermage uses 6.78 MHz radiofrequency; XERF adds a second 2 MHz frequency intended to heat deeper. They haven't been compared head to head. HIFU uses focused ultrasound at set depths. RF microneedling uses fine needles and suits scars, pores and texture, with a few days of recovery.

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 complimentary 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 Mitch Robinson, FACD (AHPRA MED0001946771). Updated October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. All procedures carry risks; suitability, recovery and results vary between individuals.