Non surgical skin tightening works best for mild to moderate laxity. Treatments such as radiofrequency heat the tissue beneath the skin so the body builds new collagen, and the firming shows up gradually over the following months rather than overnight. There is little to no downtime, but it cannot match a surgical facelift. This guide covers how it works, who it suits, XERF versus resurfacing, and cost at Skin Anthology.
How non surgical skin tightening works
Collagen and elastin keep skin firm. With age and sun exposure the body makes less of them, and skin loosens along the jawline, neck and under the chin.
Energy based treatments send controlled heat below the surface. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, that heat can cause your body to produce more collagen, which tightens the skin over time. New collagen takes months to build, so results appear gradually and look natural.
The options fall into two broad groups:
- Non invasive treatments, such as radiofrequency and ultrasound, leave the skin intact. Temporary redness and swelling are usually the only signs you had a treatment.
- Resurfacing treatments, such as fractional CO2 laser, remove layers of damaged skin while stimulating collagen. They tighten more, but they need planned downtime.
No cream can lift sagging skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology says a cream or lotion cannot penetrate the skin deeply enough to lift it, and that firming creams give subtle results at best. A product with a retinoid, such as retinol, may make a small difference because it can help your body make more collagen.
Who is a good candidate
The AAD says you are likely to get the best results from a skin tightening procedure if you:
- Have a small amount of sagging skin
- Are at a healthy weight and keep it steady
- Do not smoke and drink little alcohol
- Protect your skin from the sun and never tan indoors
The AAD also says tightening is not right for anyone who is pregnant, has a skin infection, or takes certain medications. With a lot of sagging skin it may not help, and a surgical lift gives the most dramatic results. Share your medications and medical history with your provider, and never adjust a prescription medicine without medical supervision.
How XERF works
XERF is the radiofrequency skin tightening treatment at Skin Anthology. It delivers controlled radiofrequency energy beneath the skin while protecting the outer surface, which activates the body’s healing response and supports new collagen and elastin. It is FDA cleared and performed by licensed medical providers.
XERF is used for mild to moderate laxity, crepiness, texture and overall firmness, and it can treat the face or the body. Settings are adjusted to the area and the degree of laxity.
- Visit length: about 45 minutes for the face, and about an hour for face and neck.
- Comfort: generally well tolerated; warmth and temporary sensitivity during treatment are common.
- First few hours: no downtime; you may look slightly pink or feel warm for a few hours.
- Weeks 1 to 4: subtle improvements in firmness may start to show.
- Months 1 to 3: results build gradually as new collagen forms.
The XERF page shows before and after photos of real Skin Anthology patients treated on the full face and neck.
XERF runs two radiofrequencies at the same time.
According to the Skin Anthology XERF page, XERF uses two simultaneous frequencies, 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz, instead of a single one. That lets a provider treat multiple depths of the skin in a single session.
XERF or resurfacing: choosing a path
Fine lines, sun damage and rough texture often sit on top of laxity, and they respond to different treatments. The XERF page notes that patients with significant laxity may benefit from combination plans, and that XERF works well alongside injectables, laser treatments and regenerative therapies.
| Treatment | Best for | Downtime |
|---|---|---|
| XERF | Firmness, laxity | None, brief redness |
| Microneedling | Texture, firmness | 24 to 72 hours |
| CoolPeel | Lines, tone, texture | 3 to 5 days |
| CO2 | Deep resurfacing | 5 to 7 days, up to 2 weeks if deeper |
Downtime from the Skin Anthology XERF, microneedling, CoolPeel and CO2 laser pages; individual healing varies.
Microneedling creates controlled microchannels without heat, and most patients benefit from 3 to 6 sessions. A topical numbing cream is applied by your provider before treatment. CoolPeel delivers fractional CO2 energy in cool pulses and is often done as a series of 3 to 6 treatments about 4 to 6 weeks apart. Fractional CO2 goes deepest; the AAD calls laser resurfacing usually the most effective way to tighten skin, with the tradeoff of downtime and a greater risk of side effects.
If you are weighing CO2, the CO2 laser downtime guide walks through recovery day by day. If brown spots are part of the picture, the laser for dark spots guide covers sessions and pricing.
What it costs at Skin Anthology
On the current price list, single XERF treatment pricing is set at your consultation, based on the area, the intensity and your plan, and package pricing may be available for a series. The fall specials pair XERF with resurfacing at a set price:
| Package | What is included | Special price |
|---|---|---|
| Lift and Resurface | XERF face and neck, CoolPeel, growth factor, red light | $2,250 (regularly $3,117) |
| Two XERF + CO2 | Two XERF face and neck, fractional CO2 face and neck, growth factor, red light | $4,250 (regularly $5,197) |
From the current Skin Anthology price list and fall specials, for new bookings while the fall season lasts.
For comparison, the price list shows full face microneedling at $399 a session, the Laser Facial at $299, CoolPeel full face and neck at $1,119 and fractional CO2 full face and neck at $1,399. The AAD notes these procedures are not covered by insurance, so ask for the full plan total, not just a single visit.
Radiofrequency results can last years.
The American Academy of Dermatology says most people feel some tightening right after a radiofrequency treatment, see the best results in about 6 months, and can keep them for 2 to 3 years with the right skin care. Cleveland Clinic gives a range of 1 to 3 years.
Before and after your treatment
Before. Avoid sunburn on the areas to be treated, and expect to pause exfoliants and retinoids, depending on your skin and the treatment intensity.
After. Your provider may recommend a short break from excessive heat, strenuous exercise and aggressive skincare. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen every day to support healing and protect the new collagen. Cleveland Clinic advises calling your provider if redness or swelling lasts for several days.
Expression lines. Frown lines and crow’s feet come from muscle movement, which wrinkle relaxers treat. If those bother you too, the Dysport duration guide explains that option and its timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Does non surgical skin tightening really work?
How many XERF treatments will I need?
When will I see results from XERF?
How long do radiofrequency results last?
Is there downtime after XERF, and does it hurt?
How much does XERF cost at Skin Anthology?
Find out what firming your skin needs.
The consultation is free. Your provider tells you whether XERF, resurfacing or a combination fits, and gives you the total before you book. Skin Anthology Med Spa, 848 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood.
Prefer to talk? (310) 482-2081
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, Many ways to firm sagging skin; Cleveland Clinic, Radio frequency (RF) skin tightening; Skin Anthology XERF, microneedling, CoolPeel, CO2 laser and Laser Facial pages, price list and fall specials. This article is general information, not medical advice; suitability is assessed at your consultation.
