XERF vs 4Plus RF: Which RF Device Fits Your Clinic?
If you've been looking at XERF, you've probably noticed how much attention it's getting at conferences and on social media. It's a strong device. But before you compare quotes, it's worth asking a more basic question: what job do you need your next RF machine to do?
XERF and 4Plus RF are both radiofrequency devices, but they're built for different clinics. XERF is a dedicated monopolar skin-tightening system. 4Plus RF is a multi-application RF platform that covers face and body RF, RF microneedling and fractional RF from one console.
This guide lays out what each device does, where each one fits, and how to think about the investment for an Indian dermatology practice.
What is XERF?
XERF is a non-invasive skin-tightening device from Cynosure Lutronic. The company calls it the first multifrequency monopolar RF system. It sits in the same category as Thermage, but delivers two frequencies (6.78 MHz and 2 MHz) in a single shot instead of one.
According to Cynosure Lutronic, XERF offers:
Three depth settings and ten intensity levels
WaveFit pulse technology, which spreads energy over several pulses for a steadier rise in temperature
Integrated cryogen cooling to protect the epidermis
No numbing cream needed for most patients
Full-face treatment in about 45 minutes
Face and neck laxity, jawline and jowls, submental area, brow and fine lines as the main indications
The recommended protocol is usually two sessions a few weeks apart, followed by once- or twice-yearly maintenance.
In short: XERF is a specialist device. It's built for one premium treatment, structural face and neck tightening, and it does that one job well.
What is 4Plus RF?
4Plus RF is an Italian-engineered RF platform from Novavision Group, the same company behind MShape. Instead of a single treatment, it combines four RF technologies and multiple handpieces in one system (source):
DQRF (Dynamic Quadripolar RF): heats tissue at different depths for tightening and localised fat
VRF (Variable RF): preset frequencies for deep thermal effect without overheating the epidermis
UPR (Ultra Pulsed Radioporation): helps topicals such as hyaluronic acid and vitamins penetrate the skin
RSS (RF Safety System): monitors electrodes, handpiece movement and skin temperature to prevent overtreatment
On top of that, two fractional handpieces with 32 gold-plated pins each, both with autoclavable tips:
4RFH (Fractional RF): 384 contact points for non-needle fractional resurfacing
4NFR (Needled Fractional RF / MNRF): reaches deeper layers for wrinkles and striae
Indications: skin laxity on the face and body, wrinkles, striae, localised fat, cellulite (combined with carboxytherapy) and overall skin quality. Novavision's published protocols run 4–7 sessions for laxity and 5–8 for wrinkles and striae.
In short: 4Plus is a workhorse platform. One console covers tightening, body contouring, MNRF and fractional resurfacing, and you choose the configuration that matches your patients.
XERF vs 4Plus RF at a glance
XERF | 4Plus RF | |
Manufacturer | Cynosure Lutronic | Novavision Group (Italy) |
Device type | Dedicated monopolar RF tightening system | Multi-application RF platform |
RF technology | Dual-frequency monopolar (6.78 + 2 MHz) | Dynamic quadripolar RF, variable RF, radioporation |
Fractional / MNRF | No | Yes (4RFH fractional, 4NFR needled) |
Body treatments | Not a primary indication | Yes: laxity, localised fat, cellulite, striae |
Main face indications | Structural tightening, jawline, jowls, neck | Tightening, wrinkles, texture, striae |
Anaesthesia | No numbing for most patients | No anaesthesia needed |
Typical protocol | ~2 sessions + yearly maintenance | 4–8 sessions depending on indication |
Best fit | Premium, single-treatment tightening practices | Clinics that want one device across several services |
Specs are taken from each manufacturer's published material. Always confirm the current configuration with your distributor.
The real question: how often will the machine be used?
A capital device pays for itself through utilisation, not specs. The machine that earns most is the one that's booked most days of the week.
A single-treatment device like XERF works best when you already have strong demand for premium tightening. Each session is high value, but all of the device's revenue depends on that one service. If tightening demand is slow in a given month, the machine sits idle.
A multi-application platform like 4Plus spreads the investment across several services. A patient who comes in for facial laxity can also be offered MNRF for wrinkles, or body RF for post-pregnancy laxity and striae. That means more patients, more sessions per patient and fewer idle days. Each session may be priced lower than a premium tightening treatment, but the device is busier.
Before you buy either device, ask the distributor these five questions:
What is the per-session consumable or tip cost?
How many treatments on my current menu can this device take on?
How many sessions a month do I need to recover the investment in 18–24 months?
What training and clinical support do I get after installation?
How fast is service and part replacement in my city?
Which one fits your practice?
XERF may suit you if:
Your clinic already has premium patients asking for non-surgical face and neck lifting
You already offer MNRF and fractional on other devices
You want a single high-ticket tightening service to market on its own
4Plus RF may suit you if:
You're buying your first or second RF device and want it to cover several services
You treat body concerns such as laxity, striae and localised fat, as well as the face
You want MNRF and fractional RF without buying separate machines
You'd rather start with one configuration and add handpieces as demand grows
Many established practices end up with both kinds of device: a specialist tightening system and a versatile platform. If you're choosing one first, start with the treatments your patients already ask you for.
Frequently asked questions
Is XERF better than 4Plus RF?
Neither is better across the board. They're built for different jobs. XERF focuses on monopolar face and neck tightening. 4Plus covers tightening, body RF, MNRF and fractional RF on one platform.
Can 4Plus RF do RF microneedling?
Yes. The 4NFR handpiece delivers needled fractional RF (MNRF), and the 4RFH handpiece delivers non-needle fractional RF.
Does 4Plus treat the body as well as the face?
Yes. Its indications include body laxity, localised fat, striae and cellulite, alongside facial tightening and wrinkles.
Do patients need anaesthesia for 4Plus?
No. Novavision describes 4Plus treatments as performed without anaesthesia and with no recovery time.
What is the price of XERF or 4Plus in India?
Prices depend on configuration, handpieces and service terms, so ask each distributor for a written quote. For 4Plus RF pricing and configurations, contact NW Aesthetics.
Is 4Plus RF available in India?
Yes. NW Aesthetics distributes Novavision's 4Plus RF across India, with installation, training and service support.
See 4Plus RF in your clinic
Want to see how 4Plus would fit your treatment menu? NW Aesthetics can arrange a live demo and walk you through the configurations and ROI for your patient flow. Contact our team to book a demo.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes for medical professionals. Device specifications are taken from manufacturers' publicly available material as of November 2026. XERF is a trademark of its respective owner. NW Aesthetics is not affiliated with Cynosure Lutronic.
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