XERF™ Structural Skin Tightening
The closest thing to a facelift you can do without surgery. Bipolar radiofrequency re-tensions the deep structural layers of your face and neck — no needles, no incisions, no significant downtime.
Book a XERF consultationThe radiofrequency that respects your anatomy.
XERF (Extra Energy Radio Frequency) is a bipolar radiofrequency device that delivers controlled thermal energy to the structural fibrous layers of the skin — the SMAS, the deep dermis, and the fat compartments that determine how your face holds its shape.
The heat tightens existing collagen instantly, and then stimulates new collagen formation over the following 3–6 months. The result is a gradual, natural-looking lift that compounds over time. Most patients see immediate tightening after the first treatment and continued improvement across the full series.
At PH Med, every XERF session begins with an ultrasound assessment of the treatment area. Dr. Bui maps tissue depth, existing filler position, and the structural quality of the skin — and adjusts the XERF protocol around that anatomy. This is the difference between a device on a machine and a device in the hands of a radiologist.
The seven changes XERF delivers that other devices don't.
Jawline definition
The SMAS layer re-tensions, restoring the angular jawline you had a decade earlier.
Neck tightening
The platysmal banding and submental laxity that signals aging tighten without an incision.
Mid-face lift
Cheek tissue lifts upward as the structural layers contract — restoring a youthful triangle to the face.
Crepey skin smoothed
The fine, crepey texture of aging skin reorganizes as new collagen formation accelerates.
No needles, no surgery
Zero injection. Zero incisions. Treatment ends and you go back to work.
Same-day recovery
Mild warmth and slight redness fade within hours. No bandaging, no missed days.
Results compound
Collagen remodeling continues for 6 months after each session. Each treatment builds on the last.
XERF vs. Thermage, Morpheus8, Ultherapy, and the surgical lift.
| XERF | Thermage | Morpheus8 | Ultherapy | Facelift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy type | Bipolar RF | Monopolar RF | Microneedle RF | Ultrasound | Surgical |
| Needles | None | None | Yes | None | Incisions |
| Downtime | None–minimal | None | 3–5 days | None | 2–4 weeks |
| Comfort | Warm pressure | Painful pulses | Topical anesthetic required | Painful pulses | Surgical anesthesia |
| Sessions | 2–3 | 1 | 3–4 | 1 | 1 surgical |
| Result duration | 18–24 mo | 12 mo | 12–18 mo | 12 mo | 5–10 yrs |
| Ideal candidate | Mild-moderate laxity | Mild laxity | Acne scarring + laxity | Mild laxity | Severe laxity |
Where XERF wins: the comfort-to-result ratio. No needles, no surgical recovery, and structural results that hold longer than competing non-invasive devices. Where it doesn't: severe skin laxity that's beyond what any non-surgical device can address — for those patients, Dr. Bui will tell you honestly and refer you to a surgeon.
Every XERF session follows the same anatomy-first protocol.
- Consultation & ultrasound mapping. Dr. Bui images the treatment area, identifies any existing filler that needs to be considered, and maps your specific tissue depth.
- Customized energy settings. XERF parameters are adjusted to your anatomy — not a default protocol — to deliver the maximum tightening that's safe for your tissue.
- Treatment delivery. 45–75 minutes of controlled bipolar radiofrequency. Most patients describe it as a warm deep-tissue massage.
- Same-day finish. Mild flushing fades within hours. Most patients return to work the same day.
- 4–6 week follow-up. The second session compounds the first. Tightening continues to develop between treatments.
- Maintenance protocol. One session every 12–18 months keeps the structural effect compounding instead of fading.
The questions Dr. Bui hears most often.
How is XERF different from Thermage, Morpheus8, and Ultherapy?
Thermage uses monopolar RF that delivers heat to a single skin depth. Morpheus8 uses microneedling RF and creates dermal injury. Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound. XERF uses bipolar radiofrequency that delivers controlled heat across multiple depths simultaneously — re-tensioning the structural fibrous network of the deep dermis without needles, without surgery, and without significant downtime.
How many XERF treatments will I need?
Most PH Med patients see optimal results after 2–3 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Results continue to develop for 3–6 months after the final session as new collagen forms.
Is XERF painful?
No. XERF feels like a warm massage with periodic heating sensations. There are no needles and no incisions. Most patients describe it as relaxing.
What is the recovery like?
Most patients return to normal activity the same day. Mild redness for a few hours is typical. No bandaging, no missed work.
How long do XERF results last?
After the initial series, results typically last 18–24 months. Most patients schedule one maintenance treatment per year to compound the structural tightening over time.
Who is XERF best for?
Patients with mild-to-moderate skin laxity who want non-surgical tightening of the jawline, neck, mid-face, or submentum. Especially well-suited to patients in their 40s through 60s who aren't yet ready for surgery — and for men who want a result that looks natural under scrutiny.
How much does XERF cost in Houston?
Pricing depends on treatment area and series length. Single-session XERF at PH Med starts at $1,200; the typical 3-session series ranges $3,200–$4,500 depending on areas treated. Every quote is confirmed during consultation after the ultrasound mapping.
Why book XERF at PH Med vs. another Houston med spa?
PH Med is the only practice in The Heights where every XERF treatment is preceded by ultrasound mapping and performed by a board-certified radiologist. Most med spas treat XERF as a device on a menu. We treat it as a clinical protocol that needs to be customized to your specific anatomy.
Book your XERF consultation with Dr. Bui.
Every XERF series starts with ultrasound mapping. We'll show you the structural changes we're going to target — and what's realistic for your face.
Book a XERF consultation