I’m planning a Seoul trip and have recently come across XERF, which several clinics describe as a newer Korean RF treatment with strong cooling, less discomfort, and little to no downtime.

I was originally considering Thermage for mild lower-face laxity and a softer jawline, but the pain stories have put me off slightly. XERF sounds rather appealing because it uses two frequencies and is said to treat different skin depths, although I’m aware that every new device arrives with very confident marketing.

I’m trying to fit this sensibly into my itinerary rather than treating my holiday like a clinical trial.

A few things I’d like to know from anyone who has actually had it.

Q) Was it genuinely comfortable without numbing cream?
Q) Did you notice any immediate tightening, or was the change mostly gradual?
Q) How long did redness or swelling last, if any?
Q) Can it realistically be done the day before shopping and sightseeing?
Q) Has anyone tried both XERF and Thermage and noticed a meaningful difference?

I’m not expecting a facelift from a machine. I’d simply like a slightly firmer lower face without spending the following two days regretting my organisational enthusiasm.

At the moment, I’m thinking consultation on Day 2, treatment on Day 3, then keeping Day 4 fairly light. Sensible plan, or am I being unnecessarily cautious?