Hello,

This is Dr. An Sung-hwan, Head Director of Gangnam Yonsei Line Clinic.

During consultations about facial contours, there is one concern that comes up repeatedly.

Many patients say that even though their weight has not changed significantly,
their facial impression looks different from before.

In particular, more people mention that their jawline is no longer well-defined
or that the lower part of their face appears wider in photos.
This has become a common topic during consultations at dermatology clinics in Yeoksam as well.

Rather than the entire face appearing sagged,
patients often describe the lower facial contour as feeling heavier
or less refined than before.

These changes do not occur suddenly.
They develop gradually as the internal environment of the skin shifts over time.

In this post, we will explain why changes in facial contours
are often first noticed in the lower face,
along with an overview of the XERF lifting method
frequently discussed during consultations.

Why changes in facial contours appear first in the lower face

The skin is composed of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat layer.

Among these, the dermis plays a key role
in supporting the overall shape of the face.

Within the dermis, collagen and elastin fibers are densely arranged,
helping to counteract the downward pull of gravity.

Over time, the environment that maintains this structure gradually changes.
As skin density decreases, its supportive strength weakens,
and facial contours begin to shift.

These changes do not occur evenly across the entire face,
which is why they are often first noticed in the lower face —
the area most affected by gravity.

Common signs include a blurred jawline boundary,
a heavier appearance from the side view,
or a wider look in the lower facial volume.

These are not simply surface-level issues,
but part of a deeper change in the skin’s internal support system.

The principle of XERF lifting explained in consultation

XERF is a non-invasive lifting device
based on radiofrequency (RF) energy.

It works by generating a controlled thermal response within the skin
without any incisions.

RF energy induces molecular movement within the skin tissue,
creating heat that stimulates the dermal environment
and supports elasticity management.

One key characteristic of XERF is its dual-frequency system.
It utilizes both 6.78MHz and 2MHz frequencies,
allowing energy to be delivered according to skin thickness
and the characteristics of different facial areas.

Rather than targeting a single depth,
it can address both mid and deeper layers of the skin simultaneously.

During consultations, this structure is used as a basis
to explain approaches for refining lower facial contours.

Energy delivery and stability considerations

In radiofrequency lifting devices,
the key factor is not simply output strength,
but how the energy is delivered to the skin.

Since each facial area has different moisture levels
and tissue density,
the perception of heat can vary even under the same conditions.

For this reason, the following factors are carefully considered:

• A control system that maintains stable energy delivery
• Adjustable intensity based on individual skin condition
• A cooling mechanism that helps regulate surface temperature

XERF incorporates a cooling system
that helps moderate surface temperature
while allowing thermal activity to form within the skin.

During consultation, factors such as skin thickness,
changes in lower facial structure,
and areas where heat is concentrated
are evaluated before determining the treatment range.

When XERF lifting is considered

Consultations for XERF lifting are often conducted
in the following situations:

① When the jawline has softened, but stronger lifting procedures feel burdensome

Patients may notice a less defined jawline
but prefer to avoid surgical or aggressive lifting methods.

In such cases, the goal is to refine contours
within the natural appearance.

② When the lower face begins to appear heavier

If photos show a wider lower face
or a dull contour from the side view,
this often reflects changes in elasticity
and structural balance in the lower face.

③ When facial lines appear more spread out

A wider appearance of the face
and a softer, less defined jawline
may indicate a stage where contour flow is becoming less distinct.

④ When starting lifting treatments for the first time

For those without prior lifting experience,
or those who prefer to assess their condition first,
consultation helps determine the appropriate approach
based on skin thickness, elasticity, and structural changes.

XERF lifting is generally used not to dramatically alter facial shape,
but to refine contour balance based on the existing facial flow.

This is why consultation focuses on evaluating
skin thickness, structural changes in the lower face,
and areas of reduced elasticity
before establishing a treatment plan.

Key factors considered during XERF consultation

Many patients share similar concerns,
often related to changes in the jawline
or shifts in lower facial impression
rather than overall sagging.

Additionally, those new to lifting procedures
or seeking subtle refinement over dramatic change
are carefully evaluated based on:

① Skin thickness and areas of reduced elasticity
② Structural changes in the lower face
③ Facial symmetry
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