treatment overview
The Non-Invasive Treatment for Firmer-Looking Skin and Defined Contours
XERF™ skin tightening is a non-invasive radiofrequency treatment designed to improve the appearance of skin laxity, fine lines, and reduced firmness while supporting more defined-looking facial contours.
At Dream Esthétiques MD, XERF is offered exclusively at our Old Montreal clinic following an individual assessment of your skin and facial structure. Your treatment plan is tailored to your skin condition, facial anatomy, degree of laxity, treatment areas, and aesthetic goals.
Rather than adding volume or changing facial movement, XERF uses controlled radiofrequency energy to deliver treatment at different tissue depths. An integrated cooling system is designed to help maintain patient comfort during treatment.
XERF may be considered for areas where skin appears less firm or facial definition has become less pronounced. The goal is a firmer-looking, smoother appearance and naturally defined contours, with no needles and typically no required downtime.
What Is XERF Skin Tightening?
XERF™ is a non-invasive radiofrequency skin-tightening treatment designed to improve the appearance of reduced skin firmness, visible laxity and changes in facial definition.
Instead of adding volume or changing facial muscle movement, XERF uses controlled radiofrequency energy to heat targeted tissue and support a firmer, smoother-looking appearance over time.
XERF uses a dual-frequency monopolar radiofrequency system that combines 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz frequencies. The technology is designed to deliver RF energy at different tissue depths, while integrated cooling helps manage the skin surface during treatment.
At Dream Esthétiques MD, XERF is not approached as a one-size-fits-all procedure. Your provider considers your skin condition, degree of laxity, facial anatomy, treatment area and aesthetic goals before deciding whether XERF is an appropriate option.
In simple terms: XERF is designed for people who want to improve the appearance of skin firmness and laxity without needles or added facial volume. The goal is subtle refinement while respecting your natural facial structure.
XERF Skin Tightening at a Glance
Non-invasive monopolar radiofrequency
Skin laxity and reduced firmness
Dual-frequency RF technology
No needles or injectable filler
Individualised to the patient
Montreal and Laval
What Does XERF Do?
XERF is primarily intended to address the appearance of skin laxity and reduced firmness. When the skin becomes less firm, facial contours can appear softer and areas such as the lower face, jawline or neck may look less defined.
Controlled RF energy creates a thermal effect within targeted tissue. The treatment is designed to support changes associated with tissue tightening and remodelling, while the visible result develops differently from person to person.
The important distinction is that XERF treats a different type of concern from Botox or dermal fillers. It does not add volume and it is not designed to temporarily reduce muscle activity. The most appropriate treatment depends on what is actually causing the change you want to improve.
Is XERF Right for Your Skin Concern?
Before choosing a skin-tightening treatment, it helps to identify whether your main concern is laxity, volume loss, muscle movement or excess skin. These concerns can look similar at first but may require different approaches.
Reduced Firmness
If your skin looks or feels less firm and your facial contours appear softer, XERF may be worth discussing.
Volume Loss
If hollowing or loss of volume is your main concern, a volumising treatment may address the issue more directly.
Expression Lines
Lines caused primarily by repeated facial muscle movement are different from skin laxity and may require another treatment approach.
Significant Excess Skin
Non-invasive tightening should not be presented as equivalent to surgery when substantial excess skin or structural changes are involved.
What Skin Concerns Can XERF Address?
Depending on your individual assessment and treatment plan, XERF may be considered for concerns associated with reduced firmness and visible laxity, including:
Facial skin laxity
Less-firm-looking skin across selected facial areas.
Jawline definition
Softening of the appearance of the lower-face contour.
Lower-face laxity
Changes in firmness that can affect facial definition.
Neck laxity
Less-firm-looking skin in selected neck areas.
Fine lines
Certain lines associated with changes in skin quality and firmness.
Facial contour changes
A softer appearance where reduced firmness affects definition.
Where Can XERF Be Used?
XERF treatment areas are selected according to your anatomy, skin condition and aesthetic goals. Facial and neck areas may be considered when visible laxity or reduced firmness is the primary concern.
Treating more areas does not automatically mean achieving a better result. A targeted treatment plan can be more appropriate than applying the same approach to every part of the face.
How Does XERF Work?
XERF uses dual-frequency monopolar radiofrequency energy. The system combines 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz RF frequencies to deliver controlled energy at different tissue depths as part of an individualised treatment approach.
The handpiece delivers RF energy to the selected area while integrated cooling helps manage the temperature at the skin surface. Treatment parameters can be adjusted according to the treatment area and the patient’s individual needs.
01 — ENERGY
Controlled RF
Radiofrequency energy is delivered to the selected treatment area.
02 — DEPTH
Targeted Delivery
Dual-frequency technology allows the treatment approach to be adjusted for different tissue depths.
03 — COOLING
Surface Management
Integrated cooling is used as part of the XERF system during energy delivery.
04 — RESPONSE
Gradual Change
Visible changes may develop over time and vary according to individual response.
What Happens During a XERF Treatment?
STEP 1
Assessment
Your concerns, skin condition, facial anatomy and desired outcome are reviewed.
STEP 2
Preparation
The selected treatment area is prepared before the XERF handpiece is applied.
STEP 3
RF Treatment
Controlled RF energy is delivered according to the treatment plan and selected areas.
STEP 4
Aftercare
You receive personalised guidance based on your treatment and your skin’s response.
Is XERF Painful?
XERF is designed with integrated cooling to support comfort during radiofrequency treatment. You may experience warmth or heat as RF energy is delivered, although the sensation varies according to the treatment area, settings and individual sensitivity.
Your provider should monitor your comfort throughout treatment and explain what sensations you can expect. If you are particularly sensitive to heat or have concerns about comfort, discuss them during your consultation.
Does XERF Have Downtime?
XERF is a non-invasive treatment generally associated with minimal downtime. Temporary warmth, redness, sensitivity or swelling may occur depending on individual response and treatment parameters.
Your provider will give you aftercare instructions appropriate to your treatment. If you experience an unexpected or concerning reaction, contact your clinic for advice rather than attempting to diagnose the problem yourself.
Planning around an event?
Ask your provider how much recovery time they recommend for your specific treatment area before scheduling XERF close to an important event, holiday or photoshoot.
When Will You See XERF Results?
XERF results are not necessarily immediate. Some patients may notice an early change in firmness, while additional changes can develop gradually as the skin and underlying tissue respond to treatment.
How quickly you notice a difference depends on your baseline skin quality, degree of laxity, treatment area, treatment settings and individual biological response.
Early changes
Some people may notice a change in firmness relatively early.
Gradual development
Further changes may develop over the following weeks and months.
Individual assessment
Your provider can evaluate your response and discuss whether additional treatment is appropriate.
What Should a Realistic XERF Result Look Like?
A realistic XERF outcome is better described as refinement rather than transformation. Depending on your starting point, the aim may be a firmer-looking appearance, smoother-looking skin and improved definition where laxity has softened the appearance of your facial contours.
Your result will not necessarily look like someone else’s. Facial anatomy, skin quality, degree of laxity, age, previous treatments and individual response can all influence the final appearance.
Think “firmer and refined,” not “completely reshaped.”
The purpose of a personalised skin-tightening plan is to work with your existing facial structure rather than create an identical result across every patient.
What XERF Cannot Do
Understanding the limitations of a treatment is an important part of making an informed decision.
XERF does not add facial volume.
It is not a dermal filler and does not replace lost volume.
XERF does not work like Botox.
It does not temporarily reduce targeted facial muscle activity.
XERF is not a facelift.
Non-invasive treatment should not be presented as equivalent to surgical lifting.
XERF cannot guarantee identical results.
Treatment response varies between individuals.
XERF vs Botox vs Dermal Fillers
XERF, Botox and dermal fillers are not interchangeable treatments. The right option depends on the underlying concern rather than simply the area being treated.
XERF
Uses radiofrequency energy to address the appearance of skin laxity and reduced firmness.
Best matched to:
Firmness and laxity concerns.
Botox®
A neuromodulator used to temporarily reduce targeted muscle activity and certain expression-related lines.
Best matched to:
Selected dynamic facial lines.
Dermal Fillers
Injectable products used to restore or add volume in selected facial areas.
Best matched to:
Volume and contour concerns.
In some cases, different treatments may complement one another, but this should be based on an individual assessment rather than assuming that combination treatment is necessary.
If your concern is primarily facial movement, explore Botox in Montreal.
If volume or facial contour is your main concern, learn more about Dermal Fillers in Montreal & Laval.
Who May Benefit From XERF?
XERF may be worth discussing if you are noticing changes in skin firmness and want to explore a non-invasive treatment option. The key factor is not simply age; it is whether skin laxity is the primary concern.
- Skin that looks less firm than it previously did
- Softening of lower-face or jawline definition
- Early visible facial or neck laxity
- Changes in the appearance of facial contours
- Fine lines associated with changes in skin quality
- A preference for a non-invasive approach
A photograph or online questionnaire cannot establish suitability on its own. A qualified provider should consider your medical history, skin condition, anatomy and goals before recommending an energy-based treatment.
When Might Another Treatment Be More Appropriate?
XERF may not be the most direct solution if skin laxity is not the main reason for the concern. For example, someone primarily concerned with lost facial volume may benefit from discussing a volumising approach instead.
Similarly, concerns driven mainly by facial muscle movement may be better suited to a neuromodulator, while significant excess skin or structural changes may require discussion of surgical options.
The better question is not simply “Does XERF work?”
The more useful question is:
“Is XERF the right treatment for the specific change I want to improve?”
What Happens During a XERF Consultation?
A meaningful consultation should begin with your concern—not with a device. Your provider should determine what is contributing to the change in appearance and whether XERF is appropriate.
01. Your goals
What would you like to improve, and what type of result are you hoping for?
02. Your anatomy
How do facial structure, skin quality and laxity affect the treatment plan?
03. Treatment choice
Is XERF appropriate, or would another treatment address the concern more directly?
04. Expectations
What degree of improvement is realistic for your individual starting point?
Questions to Ask Before Booking XERF
If you are comparing XERF providers in Montreal or Laval, consider asking:
- Is skin laxity the main concern you see in my case?
- Which treatment areas would you recommend and why?
- What type of improvement is realistic for my current skin condition?
- Would another treatment address my concern more directly?
- How will the treatment settings be personalised?
- What should I expect immediately after treatment?
- When should my result be assessed?
- Would you recommend one treatment or a series?
- What aftercare will I need?
- Are there medical or treatment-history factors that need to be considered?
Good aesthetic care should include an honest discussion of both potential benefits and limitations, not just the most favourable possible outcome.
What Does the Research Say About XERF?
XERF is a relatively newer RF technology, so XERF-specific clinical evidence is still developing. Published research has investigated its dual-frequency monopolar RF approach and its potential effects on skin laxity and skin quality.
A 2026 retrospective clinical study followed 16 adult women after XERF treatment and reported improvements in facial laxity and skin quality during follow-up. However, the researchers described the findings as preliminary and noted the need for larger prospective controlled studies.
Why transparency matters
A treatment can be promising without having decades of large-scale clinical evidence. At Dream Esthétiques MD, expectations should be based on your individual assessment and realistic treatment goals rather than guaranteed outcomes.
How Should You Evaluate XERF Before-and-After Photos?
Before-and-after images can help demonstrate the type of change that may be possible, but they cannot guarantee your own result.
When reviewing treatment photos, consider:
- Whether the lighting is comparable
- Whether the camera angle and facial expression are similar
- How much time passed between photographs
- Whether the patient had one treatment or multiple treatments
- Whether other aesthetic treatments were performed
- Whether the patient’s starting level of laxity resembles yours
Instead of asking, “Will I look exactly like this?”, a more useful question is:
“Is this type of improvement realistic for my starting point?”
How Long Do XERF Results Last?
There is no single duration that applies to every patient. The appearance of the result can be influenced by baseline skin quality, natural ageing, lifestyle, treatment parameters, number of treatments and individual biological response.
Rather than promising a fixed timeframe, your provider can monitor your response and discuss whether additional or maintenance treatment may be appropriate.
Sun protection and a consistent skincare routine can also support the overall health and appearance of your skin.
XERF in Montreal & Laval
Dream Esthétiques MD offers XERF skin tightening in both Montreal and Laval.
Patients can choose the location that is most convenient for them while receiving an individualised approach to treatment planning.
MONTREAL
XERF in Old Montreal
The Montreal clinic is located in Old Montreal, providing XERF skin-tightening treatment for patients looking to address concerns related to reduced firmness and visible laxity.
45 rue des Soeurs-Grises
Montréal, QC
LAVAL
XERF in Laval
The Laval clinic offers the same personalised approach to XERF assessment and treatment planning for patients seeking a non-invasive option for skin laxity and reduced firmness.
4829 Boulevard des Laurentides
Laval, QC
You do not need to choose a treatment based solely on location. The more important question is whether XERF is appropriate for your specific concern and whether the expected result matches your goals.
Looking for XERF near you?
Whether you are searching for XERF Montreal, XERF Laval or non-invasive skin tightening near you, Dream Esthétiques MD can assess your concerns and discuss an appropriate treatment plan at either location.
XERF Skin Tightening FAQs
What is XERF?
XERF is a non-invasive dual-frequency monopolar radiofrequency treatment designed to improve the appearance of reduced skin firmness and visible laxity.
What is XERF skin tightening used for?
XERF is primarily considered for concerns related to skin laxity, reduced firmness and selected changes in facial or neck contour.
How does XERF work?
XERF uses controlled monopolar radiofrequency energy at two frequencies to create a thermal effect within targeted tissue. The treatment approach is adjusted according to the treatment area and individual needs.
Is XERF the same as Botox?
No. XERF uses radiofrequency energy to address skin firmness and laxity, while Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily reduces targeted muscle activity.
Is XERF the same as dermal filler?
No. Dermal fillers are injectable products used to add or restore volume in selected areas. XERF does not add injectable volume.
Does XERF hurt?
XERF includes integrated cooling designed to support comfort. You may experience warmth or heat during treatment, but the sensation varies between patients and treatment settings.
Does XERF have downtime?
XERF is a non-invasive treatment generally associated with minimal downtime. Temporary warmth, redness, sensitivity or swelling may occur depending on individual response.
When will I see results from XERF?
Some changes may be noticed relatively early, while additional changes can develop over the following weeks and months. Results vary between individuals.
How many XERF treatments will I need?
The appropriate treatment plan depends on your degree of laxity, treatment area, goals and individual response. Your provider should determine the recommended number of sessions after assessment.
Can XERF replace a facelift?
No. XERF is a non-invasive skin-tightening treatment and should not be presented as equivalent to surgical lifting, particularly when significant excess skin or structural changes are involved.
Who may benefit from XERF?
XERF may be worth discussing for people whose main concern is visible skin laxity or reduced firmness and who want to explore a non-invasive treatment option. Suitability is individual.
Where can I get XERF in Montreal and Laval?
Considering XERF in Montreal or Laval?
If reduced firmness, visible laxity or softer facial contours are becoming more noticeable, an individual assessment can help determine whether XERF is the right treatment for your goals.
Dream Esthétiques MD offers personalised XERF skin-tightening consultations in Montreal and Laval, with treatment planning based on your skin condition, facial anatomy and desired outcome.
Our approach
Not Sure if XERF Is Right for You?
During your consultation, our team will assess your skin quality, facial anatomy, areas of laxity, medical history, and treatment goals before recommending a personalized plan.
Our approach
What XERF May Address
- facial lines and wrinkles
- mild to moderate facial skin laxity
- reduced jawline definition
- early signs of jowling
- loose or crepey-looking skin on the neck
- reduced firmness around the brow area
- changes in skin elasticity and tone
Depending on your anatomy, skin condition, and clinical assessment, XERF may be considered for:
In Canada, the manufacturer identifies facial lines and wrinkles, eyebrow lifting, and facial and neck laxity among the intended aesthetic applications of XERF.
Not every concern is appropriate for XERF treatment. Your eligibility, treatment areas, and expected outcomes will be reviewed during your consultation.
Down time
0-2 Days
Pain level
Treatment time
Approximately 45–60 minutes
Longevity
Varies according to your skin condition, treatment plan, lifestyle, and individual response
Price
Pricing varies depending on the treatment area
Down time
0-2 Days
Pain level
Treatment time
Approximately 45–60 minutes
Longevity
Varies according to your skin condition, treatment plan, lifestyle, and individual response
Price
Varies according to your skin condition, treatment plan, lifestyle, and individual response
have questions?
How Does XERF Work?
01.
How do they work?
XERF uses controlled radiofrequency energy delivered at adjustable tissue depths.
Radiofrequency energy creates controlled heat beneath the skin to support collagen remodelling and improve the appearance of firmness.
The treatment settings are adapted according to the treatment area, tissue characteristics, and individualized plan. Integrated cooling helps protect the skin’s surface and maintain comfort throughout the session.
02.
What to expect
Your appointment begins with an individualized skin and facial assessment.
The treatment area is cleansed before the XERF handpiece is applied to the skin.
You may experience a progressive sensation of warmth as the treatment is performed. Comfort levels vary, and the settings are adjusted according to the treatment area and your individual response.
No needles or injectable products are used, and numbing is generally not required.
03.
Results
Results develop progressively following treatment.
Some patients may notice an initial change in firmness shortly after the appointment. Additional improvement may develop over the following weeks and months as the tissue response progresses.
Results vary according to:
- skin quality
- degree of laxity
- facial anatomy
- treatment area
- treatment settings
- number of sessions
- individual response
XERF is a non-invasive treatment. It does not remove significant excess skin or reproduce the degree of correction associated with a surgical facelift.
04.
Aftercare
Follow your individualized post-treatment instructions.
Temporary redness, warmth, tenderness, or mild swelling may occur.
You may be advised to:
- keep your skin well hydrated
- apply broad-spectrum sun protection
- temporarily avoid significant heat exposure
- avoid harsh or irritating skincare products
- contact the clinic if you experience unexpected symptoms
05.
Follow-Up Plan
Follow-up helps evaluate how your skin is responding over time.
Because results develop progressively, your response may be assessed over the weeks and months following treatment.
Depending on your skin condition, degree of laxity, treatment response, and goals, additional treatments or periodic maintenance may be recommended.
have questions?
How Does XERF Work?
01. How do they work?
XERF uses controlled radiofrequency energy delivered at adjustable tissue depths.
Radiofrequency energy creates controlled heat beneath the skin to support collagen remodelling and improve the appearance of firmness.
The treatment settings are adapted according to the treatment area, tissue characteristics, and individualized plan. Integrated cooling helps protect the skin’s surface and maintain comfort throughout the session.
02. What to expect
Your appointment begins with an individualized skin and facial assessment.
The treatment area is cleansed before the XERF handpiece is applied to the skin.
You may experience a progressive sensation of warmth as the treatment is performed. Comfort levels vary, and the settings are adjusted according to the treatment area and your individual response.
No needles or injectable products are used, and numbing is generally not required.
03. Results
Results develop progressively following treatment.
Some patients may notice an initial change in firmness shortly after the appointment. Additional improvement may develop over the following weeks and months as the tissue response progresses.
Results vary according to:
- skin quality
- degree of laxity
- facial anatomy
- treatment area
- treatment settings
- number of sessions
- individual response
XERF is a non-invasive treatment. It does not remove significant excess skin or reproduce the degree of correction associated with a surgical facelift.
04. Aftercare
Follow your individualized post-treatment instructions.
Temporary redness, warmth, tenderness, or mild swelling may occur.
You may be advised to:
- keep your skin well hydrated
- apply broad-spectrum sun protection
- temporarily avoid significant heat exposure
- avoid harsh or irritating skincare products
- contact the clinic if you experience unexpected symptoms
05. Follow-Up Plan
Follow your individualized post-treatment instructions.
Temporary redness, warmth, tenderness, or mild swelling may occur.
You may be advised to:
- keep your skin well hydrated
- apply broad-spectrum sun protection
- temporarily avoid significant heat exposure
- avoid harsh or irritating skincare products
- contact the clinic if you experience unexpected symptoms
see the results
Proven results
- firmer-looking skin
- improved jawline and facial contour definition
- a smoother overall appearance
- reduced appearance of mild facial or neck laxity
- Results vary according to facial anatomy, skin quality, degree of laxity, treatment settings, and individual response.
* Before-and-after photographs represent individual patient outcomes and do not guarantee the same result for another person.
financing
Flexible financing options may be available to support your personalized treatment plan.
Financing
Flexible financing options may be available to support your personalized treatment plan. Our team can provide information about available financing solutions and applicable eligibility requirements.
FAQS
Your questions answered
Is XERF Treatment Painful?
Comfort varies from one person to another.
Most patients experience a progressive sensation of warmth. Integrated cooling helps maintain comfort at the skin’s surface, and numbing is generally not required.
Is There Downtime?
There is generally no required downtime.
Temporary redness, warmth, tenderness, or mild swelling may occur following treatment.
When Will I See Results?
An initial change in firmness may sometimes be noticeable shortly after treatment.
Results generally develop progressively over the following weeks and months as collagen remodelling continues.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments varies according to your skin condition, degree of laxity, treatment areas, goals, and individual response.
Your personalized treatment schedule will be established during your consultation.
How Long Do Results Last?
Longevity varies according to your skin condition, treatment plan, natural aging process, lifestyle, and individual response.
Periodic maintenance may be recommended.
How Is XERF Different From Injectables?
XERF does not inject a product, add facial volume, or reduce facial muscle movement.
Neuromodulators target selected muscle activity, while dermal fillers provide volume or structural support. XERF uses controlled radiofrequency energy to support skin firmness and collagen remodelling.
These treatments may be used separately or combined within a personalized treatment plan.