Best XERF Skin Tightening in Los Angeles | Complete Guide

• August 2, 2026
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If you have recently searched for XERF in Los Angeles, you have probably noticed growing interest in this non-invasive radiofrequency skin-tightening treatment.

XERF is becoming a popular option for people who want to improve facial firmness, define the jawline, tighten the neck, or address mild skin laxity on the body, without surgery, needles, or an extended recovery period.

But online trends do not always explain the details that matter most:

• What does XERF actually do?
• Is it suitable for the face and body?
• How is it different from Thermage, Ultherapy, or Sofwave?
• How many treatments might you need?
• Is XERF appropriate for your specific type of skin laxity?
• How do you choose an experienced XERF provider in Los Angeles?

At BG Medical Aesthetics in San Gabriel, we serve patients throughout Los Angeles, Pasadena, Arcadia, Alhambra, Monterey Park, and the greater San Gabriel Valley. With 500+ XERF treatments performed, our team has developed extensive hands-on experience with customized XERF treatments for the face, jawline, neck, and body.

This complete guide explains what Los Angeles-area patients should know before scheduling XERF, how the technology works, treatment areas, candidacy, results, downtime, cost factors, safety, and how to decide whether XERF fits your goals.

What Is XERF?

XERF (pronounced “zerf”) is a non-invasive radiofrequency treatment used to improve the appearance of skin firmness and laxity.

Unlike laser treatments, XERF does not primarily target pigmentation. Unlike RF microneedling, it does not use needles to penetrate the skin. Instead, XERF delivers radiofrequency energy through the skin’s surface to heat targeted tissue.

The system was developed by Cynosure Lutronic over approximately six years of research and was used extensively across South Korea before entering the U.S. market. It is the world’s first multifrequency monopolar RF treatment, combining 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz. Its three depth settings and ten intensity levels allow a qualified provider to customize energy delivery to the patient’s skin profile and treatment area.

FDA clearance: XERF received 510(k) clearance in August 2025 (K251327) for use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures for electrocoagulation and hemostasis. Cynosure Lutronic states that all uses of the term “skin tightening” describe tightening effects that occur via soft tissue coagulation. Using a cleared device for an aesthetic application is ordinary dermatologic practice, but we would rather you hear the precise version from us than assume something we did not say.

XERF is commonly considered by patients who want to:

• Tighten mildly or moderately loose-looking skin
• Improve jawline definition
• Address early jowling
• Support facial and neck contours
• Improve the appearance of crepey skin
• Treat selected areas of body skin laxity
• Stimulate progressive collagen remodeling
• Maintain or extend results after facelift or other surgical procedures
• Achieve natural-looking improvement without surgery

The manufacturer describes XERF as performed without needles or topical numbing and with no expected procedural downtime. Individual experiences and reactions can vary.

How Does XERF Skin Tightening Work?

Collagen and elastin give skin structure, strength and resilience. Over time natural collagen production decreases, and skin may appear thinner, looser or less supported.

Skin laxity can also be influenced by sun exposure, genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, significant weight loss, smoking, lifestyle habits and natural aging.

XERF delivers controlled monopolar radiofrequency energy into targeted tissue. The RF current targets collagen in the dermis and the fibrous septa within subcutaneous fat, producing soft-tissue coagulation and initiating a remodeling response. This response is associated with neocollagenesis (new collagen), neoelastinogenesis (new elastin), and increased hyaluronic acid activity, together contributing to a thicker, more resilient dermis and reduced laxity.

The manufacturer describes XERF as delivering energy at shallow, middle and deep settings, incorporating Accurate Impedance Feedback for real-time skin analysis, ten intensity levels, Wave Fit™ pulse technology, and Integrated Cryogen Delivery (ICD) cooling.

In practical terms, the treatment is intended to produce two types of change.

An Initial Tightening Response

Some patients notice the treated area appears firmer or more defined shortly after treatment, heated collagen fibres contract at their contraction point.

On the face and neck, early change may be noticeable around the jawline, lower cheeks, under-chin area, neck and facial contours. On the body, treated skin may initially appear smoother or more supported.

Important context: this early effect is partly a temporary heat-contraction response and may soften over the following days. That is expected and is not treatment failure. Early changes should not be considered the final result.

Progressive Collagen Remodeling

Further improvement develops gradually as tissue remodeling continues. In most patients this becomes visible around 4–6 weeks, builds through 8–12 weeks, and peaks around 3–6 months.

Over that period patients may notice changes in skin firmness, texture, elasticity, jawline definition, facial contours, neck firmness, crepey-looking body skin and overall skin quality.

XERF After GLP-1 Weight Loss (“Ozempic Face” and “Ozempic Body”)

One of the fastest-growing reasons patients ask about skin tightening in Los Angeles is weight loss on GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Clinical trials of semaglutide have demonstrated average weight loss of roughly 15–20% of total body weight. Rapid loss of that magnitude reduces the subcutaneous fat that structurally supports the skin and the skin does not always retract at the same pace.

The result is often described as:

• “Ozempic face” — hollowing, softened jawline, loss of face-to-neck definition
• “Ozempic body” — loose-looking skin on the neck, arms, abdomen, thighs and buttocks

The distinction that matters most

“Ozempic face” is not one problem. It is two, and they need different treatments.

Most post-GLP-1 patients have some combination. XERF addresses only the middle row. A provider who recommends tightening alone for a patient whose main issue is volume loss will produce a disappointing result and one who recommends it for genuinely excess skin is wasting your money.

Practical guidance for GLP-1 patients

• Wait for weight stability where possible. Treating while weight is still moving means treating a moving target.
• If you’re early in your GLP-1 course: a moderate rate of loss (guided by your prescriber), adequate protein intake, hydration, and daily SPF all support skin structure.
• Body areas are treatable too — arms, abdomen, thighs, knees and flanks are all within XERF’s range for mild-to-moderate laxity.
• Be realistic about the ceiling. Non-surgical tightening meaningfully improves mild to moderate laxity. Significant hanging skin after major weight loss is a surgical conversation, and we will tell you that honestly.

Why Is XERF Trending in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has long been an early market for advanced aesthetic technologies, but patient preferences are changing.

Many patients no longer want dramatic changes that make it obvious they have had a procedure. They want to look firmer, more rested, better defined and naturally refreshed without appearing overtreated.

XERF appeals to that preference because it focuses on skin firmness and structural support without adding facial volume.

Interest is particularly strong among patients concerned about a softer jawline, early jowling and reduced face-to-neck definition and, increasingly, among patients addressing laxity after GLP-1 weight loss. Interest in XERF body treatments is also growing for mild laxity on the abdomen, arms, thighs and above the knees.

However, popularity does not mean XERF is correct for every concern. The change a patient notices may be caused by loose skin, excess fat, facial volume loss, muscle activity, skeletal structure, or a combination. A detailed consultation is necessary to determine whether XERF is likely to address the actual cause.

What Makes XERF Different From Traditional Radiofrequency?

Not every radiofrequency device delivers energy the same way.

XERF combines 6.78 MHz and 2 MHz monopolar RF, offers three depth settings and ten intensity levels, and uses impedance feedback to evaluate skin during treatment.

This flexibility matters because skin thickness and anatomy vary significantly between areas the jawline is not the neck, and neither is the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, knees or flanks.

A customized XERF treatment may involve adjustments to energy depth, intensity, number of passes, treatment pattern, area coverage, pulse delivery and overall strategy. Integrated Cryogen Delivery cooling helps control surface temperature throughout.

Technology matters, but provider assessment and technique remain central.

What Areas Can XERF Treat on the Face and Body?

Every treatment plan at BG Medical Aesthetics begins with an assessment of skin condition, tissue thickness, existing facial volume, anatomy, degree of laxity, previous procedures and treatment goals.

Not every area should be treated with the same depth, intensity, number of passes or schedule.

Lower Face and Jawline

The most requested area. XERF may be appropriate for early jowling, a softer jawline, reduced facial definition, mild lower-face laxity and reduced separation between face and neck.

The goal is not to change the shape of the face, but to improve the appearance of firmness and support a more defined contour. Patients searching for jawline tightening should first determine whether the concern is caused by skin laxity, if softness comes from facial structure, excess fat, muscle activity or volume loss, another treatment may be more suitable.

Cheeks

May address gradual loss of firmness through the cheek area, helping the face appear more supported without adding filler. XERF does not replace volume, patients with significant hollowing may need a different treatment or a carefully planned combination.

Forehead and Upper Face

May be used to support firmness across the forehead and improve the appearance of fine lines and mild upper-face laxity.

Delicate Areas: Under-Eyes, Crow’s Feet, Upper Eyelids, Around the Mouth

Selected protocols may be used on these thinner-skinned zones to improve tone and the appearance of fine lines. These areas require conservative settings and careful assessment, the skin is thinner and underlying volume is easier to affect. Not every patient is a candidate for periorbital treatment.

Under the Chin

When the concern is partly loose skin, XERF may improve firmness and create a clearer chin-to-neck transition.

Loose skin and excess fat are different concerns. XERF is not a weight-loss procedure and should not automatically be chosen when under-chin fullness is primarily fat. Assessment should determine whether the issue involves skin laxity, excess fat, chin projection, jaw structure, muscle anatomy, or a combination.

Neck

Often shows changes in firmness and texture because the skin is delicate and sun-exposed. May be considered for mild neck laxity, crepey-looking skin, fine lines, reduced firmness and a less-defined jaw-to-neck transition. Advanced neck laxity may need combination treatment or surgical consultation.

Décolletage and Chest

Sun exposure and sleeping position make the chest a common site for crepey texture and fine lines. Selected XERF protocols may be used to improve the appearance of firmness here.

Upper Arms

May be considered for mild-to-moderate upper-arm laxity, including the loose skin above the triceps sometimes called “bat wings.” It does not remove a large amount of excess skin and cannot reproduce the results of an arm lift in advanced laxity.

Abdomen

May be appropriate for mild abdominal skin laxity, crepey texture, reduced firmness, early loss of elasticity, and skin that appears less smooth after moderate weight changes or pregnancy. It does not repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), provide weight loss, or remove significant excess skin.

Inner and Outer Thighs

Selected protocols may be used on inner, outer, upper and lower thigh near the knee. The objective is improving the appearance of mild-to-moderate laxity, not surgical-level contouring.

Skin Above the Knees

Loose or crepey skin above the knees often cannot be improved through exercise. XERF may support tissue remodeling and improve the appearance of mild wrinkling and laxity here. Careful planning matters because the area is anatomically specific.

Flanks, Bra Line, Back and Buttocks

Selected areas around the flanks (love handles), back, bra line and buttocks may be treated when skin laxity is the primary concern. When fullness is caused mainly by fat, another body-contouring option may be more appropriate.

After Facelift or Surgical Procedures

Some patients use XERF to help maintain or extend results from facelift surgery or other procedures, once fully healed and cleared by their surgeon. Timing should always be coordinated with the operating surgeon.

Is XERF a Body-Contouring Treatment?

XERF may improve the appearance of body skin, but it is primarily a skin-firming and tissue-remodeling treatment.

It is not intended to provide significant weight loss, major fat reduction, muscle building, surgical removal of excess skin, or repair of abdominal muscle separation.

XERF body treatment may suit patients who are close to their desired weight, have mild-to-moderate loose-looking skin, are concerned about crepey texture, prefer a non-invasive procedure, want gradual natural-looking improvement, and do not have a large amount of excess skin.

Patients whose primary concern is excess fat, significant skin overhang, muscle separation or major contour change may need a different or combined approach.

Am I a Good Candidate for XERF?

XERF may suit adults with mild-to-moderate skin laxity who want a non-surgical treatment with minimal interruption to normal routine.

You may be a potential candidate if you have noticed early sagging or reduced firmness, want a more defined jawline, are seeing early jowling, have mild neck laxity, have loose or crepey body skin, want to improve firmness after moderate weight fluctuations, prefer to avoid needles and incisions, want natural-looking improvement, understand that collagen remodeling takes time, and have realistic expectations.

Who Is Not a Candidate — Contraindications

Tell your provider if any of the following apply. Some exclude treatment; others change the plan:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• A pacemaker, ICD or other implanted electronic device — a specific concern with radiofrequency
• Metal implants or permanent dermal fillers in the treatment area
• Active infection, open wounds or irritated skin in the area
• History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
• Autoimmune or connective tissue disease
• Uncontrolled diabetes or impaired wound healing
• Recent isotretinoin use
• Active or unstable melasma in the treatment area — heat can be a melasma trigger
• Recent injectables in the area — energy treatments are typically spaced about two weeks from neurotoxin or filler
• Significant excess skin better addressed surgically

This list is not exhaustive and does not replace a medical consultation.

XERF for Asian and Deeper Skin Tones (Fitzpatrick III–VI)

This matters for our community specifically. San Gabriel and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Rosemead, Temple City, Arcadia, have a large Asian-American population, and most of our patients fall into Fitzpatrick skin types III through V.

Why radiofrequency is a favourable technology for melanin-rich skin: unlike lasers and IPL, RF energy is not absorbed preferentially by melanin. It heats tissue through impedance rather than targeting pigment, so the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is substantially lower than with many light-based devices. The manufacturer states XERF can be used across skin types.

What still requires care:

• Melasma and heat. Melasma is triggered by heat as well as UV light. If you have active or unstable melasma, aggressive RF over affected zones can aggravate it. The plan should stabilize pigment first, use conservative settings over melasma-prone areas (cheeks, forehead, upper lip), and consider focusing on non-overlapping zones such as the jawline and neck.
• Photoprotection. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+, ideally a tinted mineral sunscreen with iron oxides, since visible light also drives pigment in deeper skin types.
• Provider experience with your skin type is a fair question to ask. Ask it.

No energy-based procedure is completely risk-free. Possible reactions include temporary redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, temporary changes in sensation, burns or skin injury, uneven results, and unsatisfactory improvement. Risk is affected by settings, technique, skin condition, patient selection, treatment area, device operation and aftercare.

What Does a XERF Treatment Feel Like?

Most patients describe a gradually building warm or deep-heating sensation several compare it to a hot stone massage. Brief sharper sensations are commonly reported over bony areas such as the jawline.

During treatment the provider moves the handpiece over the selected areas while monitoring patient feedback, skin response, energy delivery, treatment pattern, surface temperature and overall comfort. Integrated Cryogen Delivery cooling and Wave Fit™ pulse technology manage energy delivery and surface temperature.

Sensation varies with treatment area, energy level, individual heat sensitivity, skin and tissue thickness, number of passes, and technique. Body areas may feel different from facial areas because they involve different tissue depths and larger surface areas.

Communicate throughout. Settings should be adjusted, not endured.

Does XERF Require Numbing?

XERF is designed to be performed without topical numbing — the manufacturer markets it as a “Never-Numb™” treatment. Protocols vary, so follow your treating professional’s instructions.

How Long Does a XERF Appointment Take?

The manufacturer notes a typical session may take approximately 45 minutes; providers commonly report 45–60 minutes for full face and neck. Actual length varies with the number and size of treatment areas, whether face, neck or body is treated, the selected protocol, whether photography and consultation are included, and whether XERF is combined with another service.

A focused jawline session takes less time than a complete face-and-neck appointment. Larger areas such as the abdomen or thighs require additional time.

Is There Downtime After XERF?

XERF is generally selected as a minimal-downtime treatment, and the manufacturer markets it as having no downtime, though individual responses vary.

Immediately afterward, treated skin may appear slightly pink, warm, mildly swollen, temporarily sensitive or slightly tender. Most patients return to regular work and social activities without extended recovery.

Your provider may recommend temporarily avoiding saunas, steam rooms, very hot showers, excessive heat, intense exercise, aggressive exfoliation, strong active skincare ingredients, unprotected sun exposure, and friction over treated body areas.

When Will I See XERF Results?

A general timeline:

Timing and degree of improvement are influenced by age, baseline laxity, skin and tissue condition, treatment area and size, settings, provider technique, sun exposure, smoking, weight fluctuations, lifestyle, previous procedures and individual biological response.

Body skin may respond differently from facial skin, and larger areas may require a different schedule.

A responsible provider should not promise that every patient will experience the same percentage of improvement or reach a final result by an identical date. Standardized before-and-after photography helps document gradual change, insist on it.

Individual results vary. No specific outcome or duration can be guaranteed.

How Many XERF Treatments Will I Need?

The common convention: many providers recommend two treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart, and Cynosure’s own published before-and-after imagery is captioned “after 2 treatments.” Some providers use a single annual session with optional touch-ups instead.

That variance is real, and it is worth knowing that protocols differ between clinics rather than assuming one number is universal.

Your recommended schedule may depend on degree of laxity, age and tissue condition, treatment location and size, desired result, previous procedures, response to the initial session, and whether XERF is part of a combination plan.

More treatment is not automatically better. The schedule should be based on anatomy, clinical response and appropriate intervals and your provider should tell you the full protocol, and its full cost, before you begin.

How Long Do XERF Results Last?

Commonly cited duration is 12–18 months, though XERF cannot stop the natural aging process.

The remodeling response may provide lasting improvement, but skin continues to be influenced by time, sun exposure, hormonal changes, weight changes, pregnancy, genetics, lifestyle and natural collagen loss.

Protect your results by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, avoiding tanning, maintaining a stable weight, following an appropriate skincare routine, keeping body skin moisturized, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and scheduling maintenance when appropriate.

Sun protection matters most, UV degrades the collagen the treatment was designed to build.

Does XERF Melt Fat?

No. XERF should not be presented as a fat-reduction or weight-loss procedure. Its purpose is improving the appearance of skin firmness through controlled tissue heating and remodeling.

This is by design: the system’s temperature control and impedance feedback are calibrated to reach the range that stimulates collagen while remaining below the level that would destroy fat cells. Preserving facial volume is a feature, not a limitation — tightening skin over a deflated structure does not read as younger, it reads as drawn.

For facial treatment, a provider should consider existing facial volume, tissue thickness, areas of hollowing, natural contours, previous fat-reduction treatments and previous filler placement.

For body treatment, the provider should determine whether the concern is primarily loose skin, excess fat, muscle tone, cellulite, scar tissue, or a combination. When excess fat is the primary concern, XERF alone will not deliver the desired result.

Can XERF Replace Filler?

XERF and dermal filler address different concerns.

XERF may be more appropriate when the main concern is: loose-looking skin, early jowling, reduced firmness, a softer facial outline, mild neck laxity.

Filler may be more appropriate when the main concern is: volume loss, facial hollowing, structural imbalance, reduced cheek or chin projection, folds related to lost support.

Some patients benefit from both, but treatment order, timing and product placement should be carefully considered.

Can XERF Replace Body-Contouring Surgery?

No. XERF cannot replace surgery for patients with substantial excess skin. It may be considered for mild-to-moderate body laxity. Patients with advanced laxity after major weight loss, pregnancy or substantial size change may require surgical removal of excess tissue to achieve a dramatic result.

XERF vs Thermage vs Ultherapy vs Sofwave: Specifications Compared

How to read this honestly: Ultherapy reaches deepest and holds the only true FDA lifting clearance. Sofwave has the broadest aesthetic clearances and strong published biopsy data. Thermage has the longest track record and excellent comfort. XERF’s differentiators are dual-frequency multi-depth delivery in one pass, no numbing, no downtime, and broad face-and-body versatility.

Patients should not choose according to which brand name they recognize. The first priority is identifying the cause of the concern.

XERF vs RF Microneedling

RF microneedling combines needles with RF energy and is often selected for acne scars, enlarged pores, textural irregularities, fine lines and certain scars. XERF uses no needles and is selected primarily for non-invasive structural tightening. Patients focused on scarring and texture may benefit from RF microneedling; patients focused on laxity may be better candidates for XERF. Both may feature in a broader plan at different times.

XERF vs Laser Treatments

Lasers and light-based treatments such as PicoSure Pro, fractional lasers and IPL address pigmentation, sun damage, uneven tone, redness, acne marks, texture and clarity. XERF addresses firmness and laxity. Patients with both pigment concerns and loose skin need a plan that addresses each separately and in an appropriate sequence.

Can XERF Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Yes, when services are selected and scheduled appropriately. Depending on goals, a plan might include medical-grade skincare, corrective facials, neuromodulators, dermal fillers, biostimulatory injectables, pigment-correcting lasers, RF microneedling, body-contouring procedures, muscle-stimulation treatments, or other tightening technologies.

Combination treatment does not mean performing every service on the same day. A thoughtful plan considers tissue response, inflammation, treatment depth, healing time, injectable placement, previous procedures, treatment area, patient priorities and proper sequence.

What Should I Do After XERF?

Aftercare should support hydration, skin-barrier health and sun protection:

• Gentle cleanser and a supportive moisturizer
• Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily — the single most important step
• Avoiding unnecessary heat exposure for 24–48 hours
• Avoiding harsh scrubs
• Temporarily pausing strong acids or retinoids; resume after 2–3 days
• Keeping skin hydrated
• Adequate protein intake to support collagen synthesis
• Avoiding tight or irritating clothing over treated body areas
• Following all personalized instructions

Contact the clinic if you experience an unexpected, severe or worsening reaction.

How Much Does XERF Cost in Los Angeles?

Published U.S. clinic pricing as of mid-2026 generally runs:

• Full face: commonly around $2,500
• Per session, face: roughly $1,500–$3,000
• Focused single zone (jawline only, submental only): typically from $1,300
• Body areas: priced by area size; larger zones such as the abdomen or thighs require more time and coverage

Los Angeles County generally runs above national averages. Because protocols vary, two sessions versus one annual session — compare the total plan cost, not the per-session price. XERF is cosmetic and not covered by insurance.

Your cost depends on whether the face, neck or body is treated; number and size of areas; full-face versus focused jawline; whether the neck is included; degree of laxity; number of recommended sessions; provider experience; plan complexity; and whether another procedure is included.

A lower advertised price may reflect a smaller treatment zone, fewer passes, less appointment time, or a different protocol. Energy-based treatments only work if enough energy is actually delivered, by someone applying it well, so compare what is actually included rather than comparing prices alone.

At BG Medical Aesthetics we provide an exact written quote at consultation, once we have determined which areas should be treated and whether the concern is genuinely caused by skin laxity.

Why Choose BG Medical Aesthetics for XERF in Los Angeles?

BG Medical Aesthetics & Beautiful Glow is located in San Gabriel, within Los Angeles County, serving patients throughout the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles.

We have performed 500+ XERF treatments, across the face, jawline, neck and selected body areas.

Patients visit our San Gabriel practice from Los Angeles, Pasadena, Arcadia, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Rosemead, Temple City, San Marino, South Pasadena, El Monte, Rowland Heights and communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

Before recommending XERF, we evaluate facial and body anatomy, degree and location of skin laxity, existing facial volume, jawline and neck definition, skin and tissue thickness, body treatment area size, weight stability, previous cosmetic procedures, and both short-term concerns and long-term goals.

This assessment determines whether XERF should be performed alone, combined with another service, or replaced with a more suitable option and we will tell you honestly if a device is not your best route.

Is XERF Worth It?

XERF may be worth considering if you want non-surgical skin tightening, prefer natural-looking improvement, and understand that tissue remodeling develops progressively.

It may be particularly appealing if you are concerned about: a softer jawline · early jowling · mild neck laxity · reduced facial firmness · crepey upper-arm skin · mild abdominal laxity · loose-looking thigh skin · wrinkling above the knees · reduced firmness after moderate weight changes or GLP-1 weight loss.

Schedule a XERF Consultation in Los Angeles or San Gabriel

During your consultation we will assess your face, jawline, neck or body treatment area, degree of skin laxity, existing facial volume, skin and tissue condition, previous aesthetic treatments and desired outcome then explain what XERF may realistically accomplish and develop a personalized plan.

BG Medical Aesthetics & Beautiful Glow 626-282-8822, Hilton San Gabriel, 225 W Valley Blvd, Suite H288, San Gabriel, CA

Serving Los Angeles, Pasadena, Arcadia, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Rosemead, Temple City, San Marino, South Pasadena, El Monte, Rowland Heights and the greater San Gabriel Valley.