How much does XERF hurt, and does depth matter?
"Does it hurt a lot?" is a standard question. Here is what numbers can tell you and what depends on depth and area.
The short answer
Pain measured without anaesthesia averaged in the 4s out of 10 across three studies. It feels warm with brief hot moments, more near bone and on thin skin. Unbearable heat is a signal to change settings, so say so at once. Miso Clinic in Daegu performs XERF often and adjusts depth and output by your feedback.
In numbers
| Study | People | Pain |
|---|---|---|
| Hwang 2025 | 20 | 9 scored 4, 11 scored 5 |
| Weiss 2026 | 39 | Mean 4.2/10 |
| Erlich 2026 | 16 | Mean 4.31/10 |
Depth and area matter
Forehead, jawline and temples near bone, and thin areas, are more sensitive. Where depth is weighted deep, I check heat more often.
→ Read more: XERF overview page
How is numbing handled?
Usually without, with topical anaesthetic if you are sensitive, never fully blocking the heat signal; that is how depth stays safe. Miso Clinic in Daegu performs XERF often and keeps all four effectors (i05, i10, E40, E60).
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: depth, pain and numbing: FAQ
Is sedation used?
No; the heat signal matters.
Does deeper hurt more?
It can, depending on area; tell me and I adjust.
Does it hurt afterwards?
Warmth may last hours and usually settles quickly.
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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