01
Facial anatomy
A slim face with relatively little facial fat should not be treated the same way as a fuller face with heavier soft tissue. We assess facial shape, soft-tissue distribution and the direction of laxity before treatment.
XERF LIFTING · SEONGSU, SEOUL
Xerf Lifting in Seoul, Korea
Not every face needs the same lifting treatment.
Xerf is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) lifting device that combines two frequencies, 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz, to deliver controlled heat into the skin and deeper soft tissue.
But the device itself is only part of the treatment. At Serene Clinic in Seongsu, Seoul, we first assess where laxity is coming from, how thick the soft tissue is, and whether facial asymmetry or volume distribution is contributing to the concern.
Dr. Kim Serim then designs the treatment personally — including treatment areas, energy strategy, shot distribution, and whether RF alone or a combination with ultrasound lifting (Ultherapy) is more appropriate.
Xerf 300 · 600 · 900 shotsConsultation & treatment by the physicianUltrasound (Clarius) facial assessment when indicatedEnglish · 中文 · 日本語 consultation
XERF
What Is Xerf?
Xerf is a non-invasive monopolar radiofrequency treatment using two frequencies, 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz. The combination allows RF energy to generate controlled heating across different tissue depths.
Rather than creating individual focal points of energy like HIFU, monopolar RF produces broader volumetric heating. This makes Xerf particularly useful when the main concern is skin firmness, laxity and overall tightening.
However, the same Xerf treatment does not need to be performed in the same way on every face. Skin thickness, facial fat distribution, degree of laxity, age, previous treatments and treatment goals all influence how we design the procedure.
DESIGN
Why Can Xerf Results Differ With the Same Number of Shots?
Two patients can both receive "Xerf 600 shots" and still receive very different treatments. At Serene Clinic, we consider several factors before deciding how those shots should be used.
02
Skin and soft-tissue thickness
Different areas of the face have different tissue thicknesses. Treatment depth and energy are therefore adjusted to each area rather than applying one setting across the entire face.
03
Shot distribution
More shots do not automatically mean a better treatment. Where the shots are placed matters as much as the total number. For some patients, 300 shots can be concentrated where they are needed most; for others, 600 shots allow a more comprehensive treatment across several areas and depths.
04
Treatment technique
RF treatment is not simply a matter of placing the handpiece and delivering shots. Tissue contact, pressure, treatment direction and handpiece movement all influence how energy is delivered. Rather than repeating one pattern on every face, we adapt the treatment to each individual face.
ASSESSMENT
Facial Assessment Before Lifting
We design the treatment before choosing the device.
One of the most common questions we hear is: "Should I get Xerf or Ultherapy?" We prefer to start with a different question: where is the laxity actually coming from?
What we assess before treatment
- Facial asymmetry
- Skin and soft-tissue thickness
- Facial fat distribution
- Jawline and lower-face laxity
- Areas where volume should be preserved
- Previous lifting treatments
When additional anatomical information is useful, ultrasound imaging (Clarius) is used to assess the soft tissue before treatment. This helps us decide not only which device to use, but also where and how to use it.
COMPARISON
Xerf vs Ultherapy
Xerf and Ultherapy are not interchangeable treatments. They deliver energy in fundamentally different ways.
| Comparison | Xerf | Ultherapy |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Monopolar radiofrequency | Microfocused ultrasound |
| Heating pattern | Broad volumetric heating | Focal thermal points |
| Main role | Tightening and firmness | Targeted structural lifting |
| Treatment planning | RF depth, energy and shot distribution | Ultrasound depth and treatment lines |
| Combination | Can complement ultrasound lifting | Can complement RF |
Should I choose Xerf or Ultherapy?
If the main concern is generalized skin laxity or loss of firmness, monopolar RF may play a larger role. If the concern involves deeper structural sagging or a specific area that would benefit from focused treatment, ultrasound lifting may be considered.
Many faces, however, do not fit neatly into one category. Xerf and Ultherapy can therefore be used together, each addressing a different component of facial aging. The appropriate combination and number of shots is determined after examination, not from age alone.
SHOTS
How We Decide Your Xerf Shot Count
Is 300 shots enough?
Sometimes. A 300-shot treatment can be appropriate when the treatment area is limited, laxity is relatively mild, or Xerf is used as one part of a combination lifting treatment.
When would 600 or 900 shots be considered?
600 shots or more provide greater flexibility to treat a broader area or distribute shots across different facial regions and tissue depths. However, we do not increase the shot count simply because "more is better."
For some faces, combining a focused Xerf treatment with ultrasound lifting makes more sense than continuing to increase RF shots. At Serene Clinic, shot count is part of the treatment design, not the goal of the treatment.
How many Xerf shots do I need? Read our 300 vs 600 shot guide.
COMBINATION
Our Approach to Combination Lifting
Aging does not occur in one anatomical layer. Changes can occur in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, supporting structures and facial volume at the same time. This is why combining devices can sometimes make more sense than increasing the intensity of a single treatment.
Skin laxity + relatively preserved facial structure
Xerf may be the main treatment.
Localized deeper sagging + skin laxity
Xerf combined with focused ultrasound may be considered.
Facial asymmetry
Treatment areas and shot distribution can be designed differently on each side.
Slim face with limited facial fat
Planning also takes volume preservation into consideration.
The actual treatment plan is determined during consultation.
SERENE CLINIC
Xerf at Serene Clinic
Serene Clinic is located in Seongsu, Seoul, a 2-minute walk from Seongsu Station Exit 3 — easily accessible from Seoul Forest, Konkuk University and eastern Seoul.
Assess
We assess facial structure, soft-tissue thickness and asymmetry.
Design
The physician designs treatment areas, energy and shot distribution.
Treat
Consultation and treatment are performed by Dr. Kim Serim.
Choosing the right device matters. But how that device is used on your face matters just as much.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
01What is Xerf lifting?
Xerf is a non-invasive monopolar RF treatment that uses 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz radiofrequency energy to create controlled heating within the skin and underlying soft tissue. It is used primarily for skin tightening and improvement of laxity.
02Is Xerf the same as Thermage?
Both are monopolar RF treatments, but they use different device technologies, energy-delivery systems and treatment protocols. A comparison should consider the individual patient's anatomy and goals rather than shot numbers alone.
03Is Xerf better than Ultherapy?
They perform different roles. Xerf uses radiofrequency to create broader tissue heating, while Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to create thermal points at selected depths. Depending on the pattern of laxity, one treatment or a combination may be considered.
04Is 300 shots of Xerf enough?
It can be. The appropriate number of shots depends on the treatment area, tissue characteristics, laxity, and whether Xerf is performed alone or as part of a combination treatment.
05Do I need 600 shots?
Not necessarily. 600 shots allow treatment of a broader area and more flexible shot distribution, but the most suitable treatment cannot be determined by shot count alone.
06Do more Xerf shots mean better results?
Not always. Treatment area, energy, depth strategy and shot distribution also matter. In some cases, combining RF with another modality may be more appropriate than simply increasing RF shots.
07Can Xerf and Ultherapy be performed together?
They may be combined because radiofrequency and focused ultrasound deliver energy differently. Whether a combination is appropriate depends on facial anatomy, laxity and treatment goals.
08Does Xerf reduce facial fat?
Xerf is primarily used as an RF tightening treatment. Facial fat distribution is nevertheless considered during planning, particularly for patients with naturally slim faces or areas where volume preservation is important.
09Is Xerf painful?
Patients generally feel heat during RF treatment. Sensation varies with settings, area and individual sensitivity, and energy is adjusted while monitoring comfort and tissue response.
10When will I see results?
Some patients notice an early tightening effect, while tissue remodeling develops gradually after treatment. The degree and timing of improvement vary between individuals.
11How much does Xerf cost at Serene Clinic?
Current Xerf options and prices are available on our offers page. The recommended shot count is determined after consultation. See current offers
12Do you treat international patients?
Yes. Serene Clinic provides consultation support in English, Chinese and Japanese. International patients can request a booking directly on our official website before visiting Seoul. Book directly (international patients)
13Where is Serene Clinic located?
4F Baekseok Building, 122 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul — about a 2-minute walk from Seongsu Station Exit 3.
CONSULTATION
Planning Your Lifting Treatment in Seoul
If you are unsure whether you need Xerf 300 shots, 600 shots, Ultherapy or a combination, you do not need to decide before your visit. The purpose of the consultation is to determine which areas actually need treatment — and which may be better left untreated.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Serim, Director, Serene Clinic
Last updated: September 25, 2026