XERF Structural Skin Tightening Treatment in Ontario
Reveal firmer, smoother, more lifted skin. Experience non-invasive skin tightening treatment here in Ontario, Canada.
What Is XERF?
Cynosure Lutronic XERF is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses controlled radiofrequency energy to heat the shallow, middle, and deep layers of the skin, helping stimulate new collagen and improve firmness without needles, numbing, or downtime.
It monitors your skin in real time using Accurate Impedance Feedback and adjusts the energy so each pulse matches your tissue’s needs.
The treatment feels warm but comfortable, thanks to built-in cooling and customizable depth and intensity settings.
Why people choose XERF
- No needles
- No numbing
- Minimal discomfort
- Zero downtime
- Personalized energy delivery
- Health Canada approved
If you want to know whether XERF suits your skin and goals, you can book a consultation and we’ll walk you through your options.

What XERF Helps Treat
XERF is designed for people who are noticing early to moderate laxity and want a non-invasive skin tightening procedure to restore better tone and support in their skin.
Because the treatment reaches multiple depths at once, it can address concerns on both the face and body, especially in areas where the skin has started to feel less firm over time.
When collagen begins to weaken, it often shows first around the lower face.
XERF helps reinforce the underlying structure to create a more lifted and supported look. It’s useful if you’re dealing with:
- Softening along the jawline
- Early jowl formation
- Reduced cheek firmness
- Subtle changes around the smile or lower face
Similar to the face, the neck tends to lose elasticity faster than other areas, and small changes can make a big difference in how the skin looks.
XERF can help improve:
- Mild sagging or creasing
- Early loss of definition below the chin
- Skin that feels thinner or less resilient
Certain parts of the body naturally experience stretching and shifts in elasticity over time.
Because XERF can deliver energy comfortably and consistently, it can be used on several areas, including:
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Décolleté
XERF can be used proactively to keep your skin firmer for longer.
Others want gentle improvement without recovery time. The treatment can support:
- Better elasticity
- A smoother, more refined surface
- Gradual tightening in areas starting to loosen
- Maintenance of long-term collagen health
If you’re unsure which areas to focus on, a quick consultation helps clarify where XERF would be most effective for your skin and goals.
How XERF Works During Treatment (Pain-Free, Zero Downtime Skin Tightening)
XERF uses controlled radiofrequency energy to warm the shallow, mid, and deep layers of your skin.
The device adjusts the energy in real time based on your skin’s feedback, which helps keep the treatment consistent and comfortable.
You mainly feel a gentle warmth as the applicator moves across each area. Different tip sizes help treat small or larger areas with precision.
The system uses two RF frequencies. The higher frequency targets the surface layers that influence texture, while the lower frequency reaches deeper layers linked to firmness and facial definition.
A typical session lasts about 30 minutes, but the exact duration of a session is dependent on the treatment area. Afterward, you might notice mild redness or warmth, but these fade quickly.
There’s no downtime, and you can go back to your normal activities right away ( even makeup is usually fine the next day.)

Who Makes A Good Candidate
XERF is suitable for all skin types, though anyone with heat-sensitive pigment conditions, such as melasma, may need a more cautious approach.
Most people explore XERF when they see early to moderate laxity; maybe a softer jawline, mild sagging through the cheeks or neck, or lines that make their skin look less supported than it used to.
People who tend to benefit include those who:
- have mild to moderate laxity on the face, neck, or body
- want a non-invasive way to tighten or lift the skin
- prefer a comfortable treatment that fits easily into daily routines
- are seeing early changes around the jawline, brows, or neck
- want collagen stimulation without microneedling
- like results that build gradually and look natural over time
At our clinic, we confirm suitability during an appointment.

XERF Skin Tightening Treatment Prices At Our Ontario Clinic
FAQ
XERF™ RF Patient Pre-Treatment Care Instructions
To ensure safe and effective treatment, please follow these guidelines:
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including tanning beds and self-tanners) for 2–4 weeks before treatment.
- If you have had Botox/Xeomin/Dysport, you must wait at least 2 weeks before your XERF treatment
- If you have had dermal filler, you must wait a minimum of 4 weeks before XERF treatment over the filled areas.
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily to the treatment area.
- Stop retinoids and exfoliants (Retin-A®, tretinoin, glycolic/salicylic acids, scrubs) 5–7 days prior to treatment.
- Avoid chemical peels, waxing, or microdermabrasion in the treatment area for 1–2 weeks before your appointment.
- Stay well hydrated—drink plenty of water for 24–48 hours before treatment.
- Inform your provider of:
- Pacemakers, defibrillators, or metal implants in the treatment area
- Any medical conditions or medications
- If you have a history of cold sores, antiviral medication may be recommended.
- Shave hair-bearing areas within the treatment area 1–2 days before treatment (do not wax).
- On the day of treatment, arrive with clean skin:
- No makeup, lotions, oils, deodorant, or topical products on the treatment area.
XERF™ RF Patient Post-Treatment Care Instructions
Thank you for choosing XERF® radiofrequency skin tightening. Please follow the instructions below to optimize your results and minimize side effects.
What to Expect After Treatment
- Mild redness (erythema) and swelling (edema) may occur immediately after treatment
- Warmth, tightness, tenderness, or muscle soreness (similar to post-exercise soreness) is common
- These effects typically resolve within 1–3 days
Skin Care
- Do NOT use ice packs or cooling devices on the treated area
- Apply a gentle, non-occlusive moisturizer daily
- Cleanse with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser
- Avoid for 5–7 days or until skin has settled:
- Retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin)
- Alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Exfoliating products
- Products containing alcohol
Heat & Activity Precautions
- Increased redness may occur with heat or increased blood flow
- For 48–72 hours, avoid:
- Hot baths or showers
- Saunas or steam rooms
- Hot tubs
- Heating pads or heated blankets
- Light activity is acceptable
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
Cosmetics
- Makeup may be applied once redness and sensitivity resolve (usually within 24–48 hours)
- Avoid alcohol-based cosmetics for 1 week
Sun Protection
- Avoid direct sun exposure
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen daily
- Reapply as directed and use protective clothing
- Sun protection is essential throughout the treatment series and after your final session
Hydration
Important: Stay well hydrated
- Drink plenty of water daily
- Hydration supports healing and collagen remodeling
Results & Expectations
- Some tightening may be noticed shortly after treatment
- Collagen remodeling occurs gradually
- Best results develop over weeks to months
- Multiple treatments may be needed for optimal outcomes
When to Contact the Clinic
Call us immediately if you experience:
- Increasing pain or swelling
- Blistering or burns
- Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pain, or discharge)
- Persistent numbness or changes in sensation
- Any unexpected or concerning symptoms
📞 Clinic Phone: 613-714-9899
Is XERF painful?
The XERF treatment is designed to keep you comfortable from start to finish. The treatment feels warm and easy to tolerate, thanks to its integrated cryogen delivery that continuously checks your skin temperature, and the WaveFit Pulse system that balances heat with gentle cooling.
There are no needles involved, and no numbing is needed.
What's the difference between XERF and Potenza RF
XERF works differently from Potenza RF microneedling because XERF delivers radiofrequency energy without any needles or skin puncture.
Potenza uses ultrafine needles to create micro-injuries while delivering RF energy into the dermis. XERF, on the other hand, reaches multiple skin layers using external RF heating and cooling, making it a fully non-invasive option with no downtime and no numbing required.
Both stimulate collagen, but they do so through different techniques.
How does XERF compare to RF Microneedling (Potenza, Morpheus8, Secret RF) as a skin-tightening treatment in Ontario
RF microneedling combines tiny needles with heat to treat surface-level and mid-depth concerns.
It’s a popular choice for texture, acne scars, and enlarged pores.
But it doesn’t reach the deeper layers responsible for structural lifting, and the needles mean visible downtime and the need for numbing.
How they differ:
- XERF treats deeper structural layers without needles
- XERF focuses on firming and lifting; RF microneedling focuses on texture
- RF microneedling requires numbing and has redness/swelling
- XERF is more comfortable with no downtime
- RF microneedling is precise for scars; XERF is broader for laxity and contour
What is the difference between XERF and Ultrasound devices like Ultherapy, and Sofwave
Ultrasound devices heat the tissue using focused ultrasound at specific depths, including the SMAS layer.
They can be effective, but they’re known to be uncomfortable and depend heavily on operator skill. Ultrasound heats everything in its path, which sometimes affects fat or nerves.
How they differ:
- XERF targets water-rich collagen and ligaments more selectively
- Cooling allows XERF to deliver higher heat with more comfort
- XERF treats multiple depths in one session; ultrasound treats fixed depths
- Ultrasound treatments can be painful
- XERF uses bulk heating for broader tightening
Is XERF safe for all skin tones?
Yes. Because XERF doesn’t break the skin and uses real-time temperature control, it’s suitable for a wide range of skin tones and types.
Can I combine XERF with other treatments?
Yes, you can. Many patients combine it with chemical peels, RF microneedling, laser facials, or fillers depending on their goals. We plan these combinations carefully at your consultation.
How many XERF treatments do I need at my age?
The number of XERF sessions you’ll need depends on how collagen changes as you age. Collagen naturally becomes thinner and less structured over time, so each age group benefits from a slightly different approach.
In your 20s:
Collagen is still strong, but early prevention helps delay future laxity.
- Most people do 1–2 treatments a year.
In your 30s:
Skin starts to lose its snap-back quality, and early laxity becomes noticeable.
- A typical plan includes 2–3 treatments, spaced a month apart, with maintenance every 6–8 months.
In your 40s:
Ligaments loosen, the jawline softens, and neck laxity becomes more visible.
- Many people see best results with 3 treatments over 12 weeks.
- Some pair XERF with complementary treatments like RF microneedling or gentle resurfacing for added texture improvement.
In your 50s and beyond:
Collagen and fascia need more support, so a structured plan works well.
- Most complete 3–4 treatments per series, plus yearly boosters.
How long do results last?
Collagen formed from heat-based tightening can last up to 18 months, depending on age and lifestyle.
Do comfort or downtime change with age?
No. XERF stays comfortable no matter your age, and there is no downtime at any stage.
When should I start maintenance?
After your initial plan, most patients maintain results with one treatment every 6–12 months.
If you’re unsure where you fit, our in-house physician usually personalizes a plan based on age, collagen density, lifestyle, and goals.
Are results permanent?
XERF results are not permanent because your skin keeps aging over time. Maintenance is expected, and a recommended approach is for patients to repeat the treatment once a year to support their collagen levels.
Most providers suggest a session every 6 to 12 months to help maintain the effect.
If you want to boost the results further, maintenance can be done every 1 to 3 months by adjusting the mode and depth of delivery.
Book an appointment for a personalized treatment plan
Does XERF help with laxity after weight loss or pregnancy?
It can help with mild to moderate looseness. The consultation helps us determine whether XERF will be effective for your specific concerns.
What is the difference between XERF and Thermage
Thermage uses a single RF frequency to heat the dermis and improve surface laxity.
It has a long track record, but treatments can feel hot and less customizable from patient to patient.
How they differ:
- XERF uses two RF frequencies to reach multiple layers
- XERF adjusts energy in real time through AI impedance feedback
- Built-in cooling helps XERF stay more comfortable
- Thermage energy delivery is fixed and can feel hotter
XERF may cover larger areas in fewer passes
How does XERF work to remodel collagen
XERF stimulates collagen by gently heating the layers of skin where collagen fibres live.
When these fibres warm up, they contract and signal the skin to start repairing and rebuilding.
This natural response strengthens existing collagen and encourages new collagen formation over time.
Here’s the simple version of what happens:
- Heat from the dual-frequency RF reaches collagen-rich layers.
- Fibroblasts respond by making new collagen.
- Existing fibres tighten as they contract from heat.
- Over the next several weeks, these changes help the skin feel firmer and more supported
This steady collagen response is what leads to gradual tightening and a more lifted look.
Explore XERF Structural Skin Tightening In Ontario
If you’re searching for a cosmetic clinic in your local area: Ottawa, Embrun, Casselman, Russell, to get your skin tightening treatment, kindly give us a call, or book an appointment.