XERF vs. Profound RF: which is better for sagging?
Written with
Marie Jin, ACNP-BC, board certified acute care nurse practitioner
From an interview: September 2026
Both approaches use radiofrequency to prompt collagen remodeling. XERF sends energy through intact skin with integrated cooling and requires no needles or numbing. Profound RF uses microneedles to place energy within the skin, so comfort measures and visible recovery are part of its planning.
How are the treatments different?
The route the energy takes is the main distinction. XERF offers three depth settings and ten intensity levels for treatment through the skin surface. Profound RF places radiofrequency with needles. Read how Profound RF microneedling works and how XERF settings are mapped.
| Consideration | XERF | Profound RF |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | From the skin surface | Through microneedles |
| Numbing | Usually not needed | Planned with the provider |
| Recovery | No planned downtime | Allow for visible recovery |
| Treatment plan | Settings and areas tailored to the face | Needle-based treatment plan tailored to the face |
How should you decide?
If you need to return to ordinary activities right away or want to avoid needles, XERF may fit better. Profound RF involves a more invasive delivery method and can cause swelling or bruising. Recovery and results vary by protocol and person, so ask about the exact device, expected aftercare, and current availability before scheduling.
Skin laxity, thickness, goals, and timing all affect the recommendation. Begin with the sagging skin guide or read how skin thickness enters the decision.
Common questions
Is Profound RF more uncomfortable than XERF?
Profound RF places needles in the skin and requires a comfort plan. XERF is needle-free and normally needs no numbing.
Which fits an event soon?
XERF has no planned downtime. Ask about recovery before scheduling Profound RF, and do not expect either treatment's full collagen response immediately.
Do both treatments rebuild collagen?
Both use radiofrequency energy to stimulate a remodeling response, although they deliver that energy in different ways.
At Marie Jé Aesthetics in Sunnyvale, XERF Lifting consultations are led by Marie Jin, ACNP-BC, at our El Camino Real studio serving Silicon Valley and the South Bay. A consultation is the best way to confirm what’s right for you.
This is general information, not medical advice; candidacy is determined by a provider at consultation.