There’s a particular scepticism that sets in whenever a new machine promises to do what only a scalpel used to. I’ve sat through enough “revolutionary” facials to have a reflexive eye-roll ready. But XERF — the dual-frequency radiofrequency device that’s been quietly making the rounds through Seoul clinics before landing in Singapore — kept coming up in conversations with people whose skin I actually envied and it was all over my Instagram feed. So when I found out that Dr Marcus Goh at SL Aesthetic Clinic‘s iMall outpost brought in the machine, I had to quickly book in a treatment session to see what the fuss was about.
The Pitch
XERF stands apart from the RF devices I’ve tried before because it runs two frequencies simultaneously — 6.78 MHz to work the mid-dermis, and 2 MHz that pushes down toward the SMAS layer, the same structural plane surgeons manipulate in a facelift. The idea is that you get superficial smoothing and deeper structural lifting in a single pass, without needles, incisions, or the two weeks of hiding indoors that come with more aggressive resurfacing. XERF is marketed as a no downtime lifting treatment; which was exactly what I was looking for.
The Consultation
I made my way to iMall in Marine Parade and was welcomed at SL by the enthusiastic Pei Ying, who was helming the reception. I was introduced to Dr Marcus Goh and immediately loved his energy and gentle nature. The appointment started with a proper assessment rather than a rush onto the treatment bed — Dr Goh asked me about my lifestyle, my main skin concerns and my skin goals. My skin was checked for laxity, thickness, and any contraindications before settings were mapped out. I learnt that the XERF machine isn’t a fixed-dial machine; the energy depth and intensity are calibrated per patient, which explains
why the clinic frames pricing around “shots” rather than a single flat fee. Dr Goh recommended that he focus more on my jawline to combat my double chin concerns and my cheeks as I was worried that they were starting to sag.
The Treatment
Here’s where the marketing copy actually held up. The handpiece glides across the skin releasing pulses of RF energy while an integrated cooling system chills the surface in the same motion. Instead of the sharp, localised stings I remembered from older-generation RF facials, what I felt was warmth from the XERF treatment. Sustained, almost sauna-like warmth that built gently and then cooled before it ever tipped into discomfort. No wincing, no gripping the armrests, no countdown-the-minutes experience! The whole session ran for about 45 minutes for my full face and the whole while I was chatting happily with Dr Marcus
– a true testament that the treatment was painless.
There was no swelling, though I had some mild redness right after the treatment that faded within the next half an hour. Some sunblock was applied on me and I was advised to drink more water and use hydrating masks for the night to aid hydration for my skin. I walked straight back into my office in the afternoon without needing to touch-up. That “zero downtime” claim, at least in my case was so true and when I picked up my kids later in the day, nothing looked off about me.
Immediately After vs. One Month Later
The instant gratification was real albeit moderate: skin looked slightly plumper and more luminous walking out, the kind of glow I would never achieve at home. That’s the RF heat causing an immediate, temporary tightening of existing collagen fibres. My double chin was visibly reduced right after the treatment and I was thrilled to know that best results were still to come in the next month or two. Dr Goh explained that collagen remodelling is a slow biological process and visible firming builds over roughly two months, as new collagen is laid down under the skin. By the four-week mark, my jawline looked clearer in photos taken and the slight softness along my lower cheeks had noticeably tightened. The biggest compliment came from my mother whom I meet regularly. She asked why I was looking younger each time we met!
Worth Knowing Before You Book:
- It’s not a facelift replacement. XERF treats mild to moderate laxity: think early jowling, a softening jawline, or fine lines, not significant sagging that would need a surgical solution.
- Results aren’t permanent. Expect the effect to hold for roughly nine to twelve months before maintenance is worth considering, depending on your age, skin condition, and how well you look after your skin in between. Dr Goh recommended it as an annual treatment for me.
- The comfort factor is genuinely a differentiator. Compared to older monopolar RF treatments I’ve tried — where you grit your teeth through hot spots — the cooling-and-pulse combination here made a real, felt difference.
The Verdict
As someone who’s tried a fair number of “lunchtime lift” treatments that overpromise and underdeliver, XERF earns its buzz mostly by being honest about its limits. It won’t hand you a new face. What it does is quietly firm what you have, with a treatment experience that promises no pain, no downtime, no recovery ritual; and where the only real commitment it asks of you is waiting a month or two to see the payoff, while some minor results can be viewed immediately after the treatment. For anyone noticing the first hints of laxity and not ready to consider anything more invasive, it’s a legitimate and fantastic middle ground worth the consult.
Relevant Reads: Clinically Proven Skincare, Leonica K Scalp Serum and Scalp Mask