XERF (Zerf) Exclusive Complete Guide | How Is It Different from Thermage?

🎬 Less painful and highly cost-effective. We break down the capabilities of this radiofrequency lifting treatment, one of 2024's most talked-about procedures.
🎯 For those hesitating over lifting treatments because they seem “painful” or “expensive”
You are interested in lifting treatments but cannot take the first step because of concerns about pain and cost.
For people in this situation, there is an option currently attracting attention.
XERF (ザーフ) Lift is an RF (radiofrequency) lifting device launched in Korea in 2024.
Also called “a less painful Thermage,” it is gaining popularity, especially among beginners, because it is often more affordable than Thermage.
This guide was created based on interviews with multiple clinics in the Gangnam area and direct confirmation from doctors and counselors.
We cover the mechanism of XERF (ザーフ) Lift, comparisons with Thermage, pricing, downtime, and precautions.
🎯 What kind of device is XERF (ザーフ) Lift?

XERF (ザーフ) Lift is a lifting device that delivers RF (radiofrequency) energy deep into the skin to promote collagen production.
Its basic mechanism is the same as Thermage. The difference lies in the design of its cooling system and energy efficiency.
① What is the cooling system?
It features a cooling system that sprays cooling gas up to 12 times with each shot.
As a result, many people are reported to be able to undergo the treatment without anesthesia (individual results may vary).
② What is dual-frequency technology?
It uses two frequencies, 6.78MHz + 2MHz, simultaneously.
While 6.78MHz targets fine lines and skin texture improvement, 2MHz works simultaneously on nasolabial folds and facial contour improvement.
✅ Comparison of energy delivery
The tip size is 1.5 times larger than that of Thermage. In a comparison of 300 shots, Thermage delivers approximately 30,000J, while XERF can deliver 44,000–52,000J of energy. Even with the same number of shots, it is designed to deliver more energy to the skin.
🎯 XERF (ザーフ), Thermage, and 10THERMA: An in-depth comparison of the three devices
All three devices have radiofrequency lifting in common.
The key factors in making a decision are pain tolerance, budget, and the results you prioritize.
XERF (ザーフ) vs Thermage
Thermage has years of clinical data and is currently superior in terms of proven results and longevity.
On the other hand, it tends to be more painful, and the cost is often higher than XERF (ザーフ).
XERF (ザーフ) is less painful for many people due to its cooling system (individual results may vary), and the cost for the same number of shots tends to be lower. However, as it was launched in 2024, long-term clinical data is limited.
▶ If you would like to learn more about Thermage, please also see the Complete Guide to Thermage.
XERF (ザーフ) vs 10THERMA
10THERMA is also a radiofrequency device characterized by low pain.
It is difficult to make a blanket judgment about whether XERF (ザーフ) or 10THERMA is superior; the choice depends on the clinic’s experience with the device and your skin condition. Consulting a doctor or counselor is an important basis for making a decision.
▶ If you are unsure how to choose a Korean clinic, please also refer to Tips for Choosing a Korean Dermatology Clinic.
🎯 XERF (ザーフ) Lift pricing: 300 shots vs 600 shots
Based on event prices on the Gangnam Unni app, 300 shots start at the low-800,000-won range, while 600 shots start at the low-1.4-million-won range.
Compared with Thermage for the same number of shots, XERF is often more affordable on average.
Points to check when confirming the cost
Prices vary depending on the clinic and treatment area, so it is reassuring to check with multiple clinics. Anesthesia fees and additional options may also be charged separately.
🎯 Pain, downtime, and duration of results
Treatment time and downtime
The treatment usually takes 30–45 minutes, and no more than 60 minutes at most. You can apply makeup and go out immediately after the treatment, with virtually no downtime.
How the pain feels
It is reported that many people can undergo the treatment without anesthesia thanks to the cooling gas system. However, individual experiences vary.
Duration of results
The results are said to last an average of 6–12 months.
Depending on your skin condition and lifestyle, the effects may feel shorter, lasting 3–6 months, and treatment once or twice a year is commonly considered.
🎯 Precautions and consultation points to check before treatment
XERF (ザーフ) is a new device launched in 2024. As a result, relatively few clinics currently offer it, and long-term clinical data is still insufficient.
If you want to assess the longevity of results and safety over the long term, it is realistic to also consider proven devices such as Thermage.
✅ What to confirm during your consultation
・Whether XERF (ザーフ) Lift is suitable for your skin condition
・The clinic’s treatment experience and proficiency with the device
・Differences from Thermage and 10THERMA and how they are selected for different purposes
・Whether there are additional options or anesthesia fees (prices may exclude tax and anesthesia fees)
✨ Summary|What to check before considering XERF (ザーフ) Lift
📌 XERF (ザーフ) Lift is a Korean radiofrequency lifting device launched in 2024. Its cooling system and dual frequencies (6.78MHz + 2MHz) are its key technical differentiators.
📌 Treatment takes 30–45 minutes, with virtually no downtime. Pain varies by individual, but many people are reported to be able to undergo it without anesthesia.
📌 Results last an average of 6–12 months. They may feel shorter depending on your condition, and many people consider treatment once or twice a year.
📌 As it is a new device, relatively few clinics offer it and long-term data is limited. If proven results are your priority, comparing it with Thermage can also be useful.
📌 Before treatment, consult a doctor or counselor to choose a device suited to your skin condition and confirm the detailed costs.
🎯 Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How different is the pain of XERF(ザーフ) compared to Thermacool?
XERF is equipped with a system that sprays cooling gas up to 12 times per shot, and many people are reported to be able to undergo the procedure without anesthesia. However, pain sensitivity varies from person to person. Since which treatment is more suitable also depends on your skin condition and the treatment area, we recommend confirming this during a consultation beforehand.
Q.How long do the effects of a XERF(ザーフ)lift last?
The average duration is said to be 6–12 months. Depending on your skin condition and lifestyle, you may feel that the effects last around 3–6 months (individual differences apply), and generally, treatment once or twice a year is considered.
Q. Who is a XERF(ザーフ)lift suitable for?
It is often chosen by those who are particularly concerned about pain, those considering radiofrequency lifting treatment for the first time, and those who want to try it while keeping costs down. However, as it is a new device, long-term data is limited. If you prioritize established results regarding the duration of effects, it is realistic to also consider comparing it with Thermacool.
Q. Is there any downtime after a XERF(ザーフ)lift?
You can apply makeup and go out immediately after the procedure, and there is virtually no downtime. The procedure is also usually completed within 30–45 minutes (and no more than 60 minutes at most).
Q. What is the approximate cost of getting XERF(ザーフ)in Korea?
Based on event prices on the Gangnam Unni app, 300 shots start from the low 800,000 won range, while 600 shots start from the low 1.4 million won range. Since prices vary depending on the clinic and treatment area, it is reassuring to check with multiple clinics. Anesthesia fees and additional options may also be charged separately.
💬 For those who still cannot decide whether XERF(ザーフ)is right for them
Would you like to consult a specialist before traveling to Korea about which device is best suited to your skin?
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