An August 2026 report reviewed 16 women after one XERF session, using 3D facial imaging, eye-area measurements, and patient questionnaires through three months. Several measured changes were reported, but the study was retrospective, small, and uncontrolled. Its own authors describe the findings as preliminary.
What was new about the August paper?
Instead of relying only on a clinician’s impression, the August 2026 study drew on standardized three-dimensional photographs, computerized skin-quality scores, measured brow and eyelid landmarks, and FACE-Q patient questionnaires. The team reviewed existing clinical records for 16 adult women treated in one private practice. Each had one XERF session and follow-up at one and three months.
That is a different protocol from the March 2026 four-site study, where 39 participants received two sessions. The papers should be read together, but their percentages or measurements cannot be combined into a single “typical XERF result.”
What did the images measure?
The authors reported changes in facial volume distribution and eye-area measurements. In the 15 participants with usable eye images, mean mid-pupil brow height increased about 1.1 mm from baseline to three months; two other measured eye-area distances increased about 1.4 mm. These are small group averages. A millimeter-scale measurement does not by itself establish that any one person will see a visible lift.
The study also found improvements in computerized wrinkle, evenness, pore, and oiliness scores. Its pigmentation measure did not show a statistically significant change. This is not evidence that XERF treats pigmentation. The paper’s FACE-Q surveys suggested higher satisfaction with facial appearance after treatment, while the authors cautioned that patient-reported answers in an unblinded retrospective study can carry response bias.
Why isn't a 3D image proof of deeper lifting?
Three-dimensional surface imaging can measure the shape of what the camera sees. It does not directly visualize the deeper anatomical structures that might explain a change. The researchers explicitly called their volume-distribution measure an indirect surrogate, and said it has not yet been validated as a standard skin-tightening outcome. They did not claim to have directly proved deep tissue displacement in these 16 patients.
There was no untreated group, no sham session, and no comparison with another RF device. Formal follow-up stopped at three months. The sample consisted entirely of women, with Fitzpatrick skin types II–V. The presence of some type V participants does not establish an individual risk or result for every deeper skin tone. The first author disclosed a trainer relationship with Cynosure–Lutronic; the paper reports that its ethics application was submitted by the company on behalf of the investigators.
Ask whether the same camera, lighting, expression, angle, and interval were used. Find out whether an image is a published clinical example or a result from the place you might visit. The seven images on our treatment page are labeled clinical examples; they are not Garden City results.
What does this change for someone considering treatment?
The paper expands the kinds of outcomes researchers have measured after XERF. It does not define a guaranteed number of millimeters, a durable result, or superiority to another option. For a useful consultation, identify the exact concern you want assessed—texture, mild laxity, or another issue—and ask what outcome the treating professional can reasonably evaluate. Review how the device works and what to ask before treatment.
XERF inquiries through Detroit Beauty Connect are for appointments at a participating Garden City, Michigan location. The existing form records which article led you there. Book a free consultation
Primary sources
These records support the factual details above. Study findings belong to the enrolled patients, and FDA records should be checked for later updates.
- Erlich et al., retrospective XERF study, August 2026
- Weiss et al., prospective multicenter XERF study, March 2026
- American Academy of Dermatology, questions before cosmetic treatment
Researched by Detroit Beauty Connect, September 29, 2026. This is informational content, not medical advice or a claim of clinician review.