XERF introduces a new approach to non-invasive skin tightening

For Dr Ong Jin Khang of The Retreat Clinic in Malaysia, interest in XERF began even before the technology was introduced locally. Intrigued by its potential, he travelled to Hong Kong to experience the treatment firsthand in February, before treating two patients in Singapore later that year.

The experience confirmed his interest in the technology, particularly its comfort level and dual-frequency delivery. “It’s really, really much more bearable compared to whatever that was before XERF,” he says, although he is careful not to describe the treatment as entirely painless.

For Dr Ong, adding a new device to his practice is about more than acquiring the latest technology. It must address a specific need and complement the treatments already available. He also believes that combining suitable procedures can often deliver a more considered approach to individual skin concerns.

That emphasis on personalisation is shared by Dr Douglas Yuen of MX Clinic in Malaysia, who sees XERF as a complementary addition to existing aesthetic treatments rather than a replacement for them.

“Everyone is different, right? And these days, as we evolve, I think patients wanted to look more natural, a better version of themselves,” he says. “They do not want to look perfect, they just want to look better.”

For Dr Yuen, the appeal lies in the ability to address skin laxity and elasticity with minimal downtime, particularly for patients with busy schedules. The aim, however, is to find the right treatment for each individual rather than assuming that one device will suit everyone.

Comfort was also a deciding factor for Dr Siew Tuck Wah of Radium Medical Aesthetics in Singapore. Having previously used older monopolar RF technology, he was initially sceptical about revisiting the category after experiencing discomfort and inconsistent results. XERF's approach to energy delivery and real-time monitoring prompted him to reconsider.

“When XERF promised me it is painless, I mean, I was super sceptical,” he recalls. After trying the treatment himself and on his patients, he found the discomfort considerably lower than expected, reporting pain scores of one to two out of 10 without numbing cream or oral anaesthesia in his experience.

Beyond comfort, Dr Siew highlights the flexibility offered by the dual-frequency system, which allows practitioners to adjust treatment according to the depth and area being targeted. Nevertheless, he stresses that XERF is not a substitute for surgery in cases of significant skin laxity, underscoring the importance of realistic expectations.

For Dr Smith Arayaskul of Smith Prive’ Aesthetique in Thailand, the philosophy is simple: work smarter, not harder.

“Aesthetic medicine is not just about beauty. You have to understand about the basic science behind it,” he says, “Aesthetic medicine is mixing with science and art."

Rather than assuming that higher energy will produce better results, Dr Smith believes practitioners must understand each patient's concerns and deliver treatment selectively while preserving the skin's natural function.

His perspective highlights the shift towards longevity in aesthetic medicine, with patients increasingly interested in maintaining healthy-looking skin over time rather than pursuing dramatic, immediate changes. As he sees it, the goal is to slow the visible trajectory of ageing while preserving the skin's elasticity and protective barrier.

Ultimately, XERF’s arrival in Malaysia reflects a wider evolution in aesthetic medicine: one in which technology is increasingly judged not only by the results it can deliver, but by how thoughtfully those results are achieved. While individual outcomes depend on the patient's needs and clinical assessment, its dual-frequency system offers practitioners another option for developing personalised skin-tightening plans.

As Dr Ong’s experience suggests, the value of a new device lies not in replacing everything that came before, but in filling a specific gap. In an increasingly sophisticated aesthetic landscape, that distinction may prove just as important as the technology itself.

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