Non-Surgical Skin Tightening in Edmonton: XERF vs Potenza vs LaseMD Ultra

Loose skin rarely appears overnight. It starts with a softer jawline, a little crepiness on the neck or cheeks that no longer bounce back the way they used to. The good news is that you no longer need surgery to see a real, natural-looking change. At Refine MediSpa in south Edmonton, three of our signature treatments work on skin laxity, each in a different way: XERF, Potenza RF microneedling and LaseMD Ultra.

Here is how they compare, and how we decide which one is right for you.

Why skin loosens

Firm skin depends on collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin. From our mid-twenties, the body gradually makes less of both. Sun exposure, stress and dry Edmonton winters speed that process up. Non-surgical tightening treatments work by gently heating or stimulating the skin so your body produces fresh collagen of its own. That is why results look natural, and why they build over weeks rather than appearing all at once.

XERF: structural lift with no downtime

XERF is a multifrequency monopolar radiofrequency treatment. It combines two frequencies, 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz, in a single shot so energy reaches the shallow, middle and deep layers of the skin, including the SMAS, the foundational layer that surgical facelifts address.

• Best for: mild to moderate laxity, early jowls, a softening jawline, crepey neck skin and body areas such as the abdomen, arms and thighs
• Comfort: no needles and no numbing; integrated cooling with every pulse
• Downtime: none; mild pinkness usually fades within hours
• Plan: typically 2 initial sessions 4 to 6 weeks apart, then once a year for maintenance

Potenza: tightening plus texture

Potenza RF microneedling delivers radiofrequency energy through ultra-fine needles. Because it works both in the dermis and closer to the surface, it tightens while also improving acne scars, enlarged pores and uneven texture.

• Best for: laxity together with acne scars, pores or rough texture
• Comfort: we apply numbing before treatment
• Downtime: redness and mild swelling for 1 to 3 days, then light flaking
• Plan: usually a series of 3 sessions

LaseMD Ultra: the finishing touch

LaseMD Ultra is a non-ablative thulium laser. It is not a lifting device on its own, but it refines what sits on top: fine lines, dullness, pigmentation and texture. When skin is firmer underneath and smoother on the surface, the overall result looks noticeably fresher.

• Best for: fine lines, sun damage, uneven tone and dull skin
• Downtime: a few days of redness, dryness and light flaking
• Plan: 3 to 6 sessions about a month apart

At a glance

	XERF	Potenza	LaseMD Ultra
Main goal	Lift and firm	Tighten and smooth	Refine surface
Needles	No	Yes	No
Numbing	Not needed	Yes	Yes
Downtime	None	1 to 3 days	A few days
Also helps	Neck and body laxity	Acne scars, pores	Pigment, fine lines

Our favourite combination

For most clients over 40, we recommend a plan rather than a single treatment. XERF plus LaseMD Ultra lifts from deep beneath the surface while refining tone and texture on top. If acne scarring or pores are part of the picture, our stacked Potenza + LaseMD Ultra treatment addresses both in one visit. You can compare every option on our skin tightening and lifting page.

Protect your investment at home

Collagen keeps building for weeks after treatment, and the right skincare supports it. We often recommend AUTEUR Definitive Collagen Activator to support firmness, Epicutis Lipid Serum to keep skin calm and comfortable after Potenza or laser, and a daily SPF such as AUTEUR Definitive Sun Drop SPF 50.

Frequently asked questions

Is non-surgical tightening as effective as a facelift?

No treatment replaces surgery for significant sagging. For mild to moderate laxity, though, XERF and RF microneedling can create a visible, natural lift with no downtime or very little, and results improve over the following three months.

When will I see results?

Many clients feel tighter skin right after XERF. Collagen continues to build over 4 to 12 weeks, so most people see their best results around three months.

What age is right to start?

There is no single right age. Many clients start in their late thirties or forties, when they first notice softening along the jawline. Starting early makes it easier to maintain results.

Not sure which treatment fits your skin? Book a consultation at Refine MediSpa, #102 9271 34 Ave NW, Edmonton, or call 587-458-0939. We will assess your skin and build a plan around your goals.