XERF vs. Ultherapy: Which Skin Tightening Treatment Is Right for You?
When it comes to non-surgical skin tightening, XERF™ and Ultherapy® are two of the most talked-about technologies — but they are very different tools designed for very different patients.
At Youthful Magnolia in Fort Worth, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. Instead, we focus on personalized aesthetic plans that meet each client’s stage of aging, anatomy, and comfort level.
So which treatment is right for you — Ultherapy or XERF?
Let’s break it down in a way that helps you feel educated, empowered, and ready to make a choice that fits your skin and lifestyle.
The Core Difference: Depth, Power & Intention
Ultherapy:
- Uses micro-focused ultrasound with real-time imaging
- Targets deep tissue layers (SMAS — the same layer lifted in surgery)
- Ideal for moderate to advanced laxity
- Higher energy, often requires numbing and downtime
- Results build gradually over 3–6 months
XERF:
- Uses high-frequency electrical pulses for skin heating
- Targets the dermal collagen layer without penetrating as deep
- Ideal for early laxity and preventative care
- Gentle, no-needle, no-downtime approach
- Subtle lifting and firming with cumulative benefits
Both are FDA-cleared and stimulate your body to produce new collagen — but the method, sensation, and patient profileare very different.
Who is XERF Right For?
XERF is best for women who:
- Are in their 30s to early 50s
- Have mild to moderate laxity or early jowling
- Prefer preventative treatments over correction
- Want results without needles or discomfort
- Have sensitive skin or darker skin tones
- Want a “maintenance tool” they can do a few times per year
✨ Ideal for: Subtle lift, jawline definition, natural skin tightening
Who is Ultherapy Best For?
Ultherapy is best for women who:
- Are in their mid-40s and beyond
- Have noticeable sagging in the jowls, neck, or brow
- Want surgical-level lift without surgery
- Are okay with a more intense session and longer downtime
- Are treating deeper tissues that XERF cannot reach
✨ Ideal for: Brow lift, deep jawline sagging, moderate neck laxity
What Our Providers Recommend
We help patients decide between XERF and Ultherapy based on:
Our XERF & Ultherapy Providers
You’ll receive expert guidance from our team of licensed, experienced providers:
- Skyler Michelle, RN – Integrates lasers + lifestyle care for consistent, natural results
- Amy Robbins, FNP-BC – Founder, laser educator & collagen strategist
- Allie Barnes, DNP, APRN – Regenerative-focused NP with a gentle aesthetic approach
- Mona Lyons, RN – Known for customizing skin-tightening plans for women in their 40s–50s
Want the Best of Both?
In some cases, we combine XERF and Ultherapy over time for staged lifting. This allows us to:
- Use Ultherapy to lift deep structures first
- Follow with XERF to maintain surface-level firmness
- Pair both with Peptides
for internal support
Final Thoughts: It’s Not a Competition — It’s CustomizatioN
If you’re unsure which path to take, we’ll help you evaluate:
- Your current laxity
- Your skin tone and sensitivity
- Your comfort level
- Your desired pace and outcome
Whether you choose XERF for prevention or Ultherapy for deeper lift, the goal is the same: skin that feels stronger, tighter, and more like you.
Let our team guide you to the best-fit option based on your skin, your goals, and your lifestyle.
