This non-invasive Exion treatment transformed my jawline

beauty editor rebecca fearn pictured before and after having exion treatment with a more defined and sharp jawline in the after picture — (Image credit: Future / Rebecca Fearn)

We all have things we’re a little insecure about, even if to others, they seem inconsequential – and for me, that’s my chin and neck. I worry about photos taken of me in profile, and even tend to tuck my chin into my T-shirt if I’m relaxing at home around a friend or partner.

For this reason, I’ve long been on the lookout for something to target the skin here. I’ve tried plenty of "firming" neck creams and went through a very strict gua sha phase, but nothing really seemed to make a difference.

This is when I started considering my aesthetic options. I didn’t want anything too invasive, or that came with any worrying potential side effects. I was also seeking a treatment that didn’t require a ton of downtime, didn’t take ages to take effect and wasn’t super painful.

Aesthetic doctor, Dr Christine Hall of Taktouk Clinic, suggested Exion Fractional RF, a procedure that combines radiofrequency with microneedling (and uses AI). Now, after four sessions, with several months passing after my last, I'm far more confident about my jawline and not nearly as self-conscious about my profile. For this reason, I don’t want to gatekeep it, so here’s what you need to know.

What is Exion Fractional RF Microneedling, and how does it work?

This treatment uses a machine that combines two of the most prevalent aesthetic approaches for skin: microneedling and radiofrequency. “Microneedling alone helps with collagen stimulation and is often done as a standalone treatment because it creates controlled areas of trauma. When the body experiences trauma, it responds by repairing the area and producing new collagen,” explains Dr Hall.

“What the radiofrequency does is break down the collagen slightly and denature it by introducing heat. As a result, your fibroblasts, or collagen-producing cells, start creating new collagen and elastin.” This results in smoother, and often tighter, skin.

The idea is that you receive around three or four treatments over a period of months (I had one a month) before seeing the final result, which usually comes around three months after. Dr Hall notes that the Exion Fractional RF Microneedling device is special because it “incorporates AI to ensure that the energy being delivered and the depths are appropriate [for the specific patient].” This offers a personalised approach for bespoke results.

My experience of trying the treatment

At each appointment, I was numbed with cream 30 minutes prior to the treatment itself. This meant only feeling a slight discomfort rather than any pain. After the area was numbed, I was linked up to the machine, which then showed a graphic beneath my skin for Dr Hall to personalise depth and energy. She then used a small ‘wand’ of sorts, which had very small needles that pierced the skin. The process is repeated until all areas of the skin have been covered.

Despite the numbing, you can definitely feel the needles, but it’s more of a dull discomfort than real pain. It’s also over so quickly (around 10 minutes per session), so it’s very easy to handle.

The improvement in skin firmness around the area was definitely gradual, and I didn’t notice much until after the third session. It was around a month after my last appointment, however, when I recognised the biggest difference in definition. I’m now at around two months post-procedure, and I’m told results will become even more noticeable – so I look forward to that.

beauty editor rebecca fearn pictured before Exion treatment and after, with a more defined jawline — (l-r) The Exion device; Rebecca before trying Exion; two months post treatment

Would Exion be right for you?

When compared to other options for double chins and jawlines, Dr Hall explains that this is a perfect "in-between" approach for those who want maximum impact with minimal downtime and side effects. “If you consider other treatments for this area, such as fat-dissolving injections, these can be a bit unpredictable because you cannot precisely control where the product spreads. They also tend to involve more downtime, with significant swelling and often the need to wear compression bandages,” she says.

“Similarly, options like FaceTite or other procedures are generally considered minor surgery, such as liposuction. While these treatments are very effective, they come with significantly more downtime and higher risks.”

For me, a lack of skin ‘tightness’ was my primary concern. This made me an ideal candidate, particularly because it was a fairly mild ‘issue’ and would therefore likely be pretty responsive. “In terms of being a good candidate, you are fit, you do not smoke, and you do not drink much alcohol. There was no reason why you would not respond well to the treatment,” Dr Hall tells me of my case. “You had a very small pocket of fat, which wasn’t large at all – even though it felt that way to you. I think that is why you responded so well.”

She continues: “I am pleased with the results. However, I would say that between months three and six is when you will continue to see the most improvement – I would expect it to continue to get better.”

Downtime, cost and availability

I was warned that my skin would feel red, hot, itchy and inflamed following the treatment, but this only lasted for up to 12 hours, meaning the next day I felt nothing. The worst side effect was the itching immediately afterwards, but it was very manageable, and I didn’t experience swelling, inflammation or any other discomfort (outside of a little redness) following any of my four sessions.

As my experience showed, there is minimal downtime with Exion Fractional RF Microneedling. Following a session, you cannot work out or use saunas, steam rooms, et cetera, and you need to be careful with skincare; it’s advisable to use nothing on the area for the next 24 hours, only products like Clinisoothe which can soothe the area and accelerate the healing process. As long as you don’t mind a little redness, you can really go about your day pretty normally following the procedure.

This treatment is available at specific clinics with the Exion Fractional RF Microneedling machine, and prices start at around £600. It can be used to treat “a variety of concerns, including lines and wrinkles, general rejuvenation, acne scarring, scars and stretch marks,” says Dr Hall.

“Areas that can be treated include both the face and body, such as the cheeks, forehead, around the mouth, around the eyes, scarring on the body and the jawline, as mentioned,” she adds. Results, she confirms, last around a year, when you’ll likely need a "top-up" session or two.

Rebecca (best known as Becky) is a freelance beauty editor and features writer with a decade worth of experience in the industry. She started her career at Glamour UK and has since worked in roles at titles and brands such as Eliza, Bustle and Space NK. She has written for British, US and Australian publications, from Marie Claire and Refinery29 to Stylist and The Coveteur.

She is a keen traveller and often works on the road, covering everything from beauty and fashion to sex, love and dating. Her favourite pieces to write are first person features born from her experiences in the world. She is proudly queer, feminist and pro-choice, and advocates for mental health issues and women's rights. You can check out her work at her portfolio and on her Instagram.