How does XERF control depth?
XERF ads flash three words: SHALLOW, MIDDLE, DEEP. In short, XERF is radiofrequency where the depth of heating can be chosen. This first article of our 20-part series explains what actually sets that depth.
The short answer
XERF is monopolar radiofrequency designed so the depth of heating can be adjusted with two frequencies (6.78 MHz and 2 MHz), four effectors (i05, i10, E40, E60) and energy and cooling settings. A computer-model and pig-tissue study found 2 MHz heats deeper and wider while 6.78 MHz heats locally along the fibrous septa; that is the basis for the design. No study has yet measured depth directly in human skin. Miso Clinic in Daegu performs XERF often and plans the depth area by area with these three settings.
What sets the depth in XERF?
Radiofrequency makes heat from the resistance tissue offers to an electric current. XERF is built so that three settings change where that heat gathers.
| What is adjusted | What changes | Kind of evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency: 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz | 2 MHz heats broadly and deeper into the fat layer; 6.78 MHz heats locally along the fibrous septa | Computer model and pig tissue study (Ko 2025, most authors from the maker) |
| Effector size: i05, i10, E40, E60 | Small tips heat a narrow spot more intensely; large tips reach wider and deeper | Electrosurgery physics and other clinical fields (no depth measured in human skin) |
| Energy, felt heat and cooling | With the same tip, output and cooling shift heat between surface and depth | Maker data and clinical judgement |
So two "XERF treatments" can be set up very differently. Being able to choose depth also means the judgement of the person choosing matters a great deal.
→ Read more: How XERF radiofrequency works
Why split the depth at all?
Each layer of the face loosens for a different reason. The skin loses elasticity; the fat and fibrous septa beneath lose support. Heating at one depth only addresses one layer.
So I first look at whether the laxity comes from the deeper layers or the skin surface, then set the balance between deep and shallow heat.
The 20-part XERF series
Organised around depth control, by concern, by age and by combination. Start with whatever you are curious about.
- XERF depth control: what decides it
- Shallow, middle, deep: planning by concern
- How two frequencies split the depth
- Effector size and depth
- How we check a genuine tip
- First time with XERF
- Thin skin or thick skin: different depths
- Jawline and jowls: starting deep
- Around the eyes: shallow, with small tips
- Cheek and midface sagging
- XERF in your 40s
- XERF in your 50s and 60s
- XERF with a collagen booster
- XERF with botulinum toxin
- Planning XERF before an event
- Depth, pain and numbing
- When results show, and how many sessions
- Radiofrequency vs focused ultrasound: two ideas of depth
- XERF at Miso Clinic in Daegu
- XERF: common questions
How does Miso Clinic do it?
Miso Clinic in Daegu performs XERF often and keeps all four effectors (i05, i10, E40, E60). Before treatment we check the genuine-product sticker on the tip box with you.
The three human studies of XERF had no control group and followed people for about 3 months at most. So I do not promise numbers; we judge at around 3 months with matched photos.
→ Read more: What XERF is, and how it is approved
How does the consultation work, and how do I book?
On a first visit we take photos from the front, at 45 degrees and from the side, and together we pick the one concern that bothers you most. I'll ask about any medications you take, any metal or electronic implants in your face, and whether you might be pregnant, and then I split things into what we can do today and what can wait for later. It's completely fine to come in just for a consultation and go home.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Booking | Naver booking · KakaoTalk chat · Phone +82-53-428-2700 |
| Location | 4F Bombom Building, 125 Dongdeok-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu (Exit 1, Kyungpook National University Hospital Station, Line 3) |
| Hours | Weekdays 11:00–19:00 · Saturday 10:00–16:00, closed Sundays and public holidays |
XERF in Daegu: how depth is controlled: FAQ
How many depth levels does XERF have?
There is no fixed set of depth buttons; the balance between shallow and deep is shifted by combining frequency, effector and energy.
Is deeper always better?
No. It has to match where the laxity comes from. Heating thin eyelid skin deeply would be wrong.
Has the depth been measured in human skin?
Not yet. The design is based on a computer-model and pig-tissue study and the physics of electrosurgery.
Does Miso Clinic perform XERF often?
Yes. We perform XERF often and keep all four effectors.
Where can I get a XERF consultation in Daegu?
At Miso Clinic in Daegu (4F Bombom Building, 125 Dongdeok-ro, Jung-gu, Exit 1 of Kyungpook National University Hospital Station). Book through Naver booking, KakaoTalk or by phone at +82-53-428-2700. Weekdays 11:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–16:00, closed Sundays and public holidays.
Read next
Product pages
Related: XERF · XERF series
Who wrote this
Written and reviewed by Lee Chi-Hak, MD, director of Miso Clinic, Daegu. The treatment standards and injection design set out here are the ones we use in practice.
| Medical director | Lee Chi-Hak, MD |
|---|---|
| Address | 4F Bombom Building, 125 Dongdeok-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea · Exit 1, Kyungpook National University Hospital Station |
| Phone | +82-53-428-2700 |
| Hours | Weekdays 11:00–19:00 (lunch 13:00–14:00) / Saturday 10:00–16:00 (no lunch break) / Closed Sundays and public holidays |
| Columns | All clinical columns |
| Reference library | All booster and device references |
References
- XERF device information — Maker data from Cynosure Lutronic: monopolar radiofrequency at 6.78 MHz + 2 MHz ("dual monopolar"), ICD gas cooling, effectors i05 (5×10 mm, 400 shots), i10 (10×10 mm, 300), E40 (20×20 mm, 600), E60 (20×30 mm, 600). Korean device class: general electrosurgical unit; US FDA 510(k) K251327 (intended use: electrocoagulation and haemostasis).
- Heat distribution of the two frequencies — Ko 2025, computer model and pig tissue (most authors from the maker): 2 MHz heats broadly and deeper in fat, 6.78 MHz locally along fibrous septa. Not measured in human skin.
- Three human studies of XERF — Hwang 2025 (20 women, one session, 12 weeks, blinded raters picked the after photo 80% of the time), Weiss 2026 (39 people, two sessions, 92.3% rated improved at 90 days, maker-funded), Erlich 2026 (16 people, retrospective, one session, 3 months). None had a control group; follow-up at most about 3 months. Pain without anaesthesia averaged in the 4s out of 10.
- Genuine tip check — From the maker film "Find My XERF": (1) check the genuine sticker when the tip box is opened, (2) receive the membership card after treatment, (3) scan the QR code on the back of the card with your phone, (4) enter your details to complete the authentication.
- XERF at Miso Clinic — XERF Ambassador selected by the maker, small-tip (i05, i10) periorbital training completed, XERF Certified Clinic. All four effectors on site. No radiofrequency that day with facial metal or electronic implants, pregnancy or skin inflammation; results judged at around 3 months with matched photos. Maker certifications are not national qualifications or guarantees.
- Photos and films — The official model photos and brand films were provided by Cynosure Lutronic with permission for clinic promotion (2026-11-12). The Miso Clinic logo was added by the clinic.
- Korean medical advertising law — Medical Service Act Article 56(2): no testimonials, no comparisons with other clinics, no superlatives. That is why there are no prices, reviews or before-and-after photos here.
Everything in this column is general information and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Effects and side effects vary with individual skin condition, age and underlying illness, and the same result is not guaranteed for everyone. Any decision to proceed should be made in an in-person consultation with a physician.
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