What Is Forma Skin Tightening? Its Benefits And How It Works

Learn all about the non-invasive cosmetic procedure that can transform your look.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sravya Tipirneni Dr. Sravya Tipirneni, MBBS, MD DVL
By Ramona Sinha Ramona Sinha, Certified Skin Care Coach • Feb 16, 2023

What Is Forma Skin Tightening? Its Benefits And How It Works

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Are you ready to freeze time and keep your skin firm and youthful? Luckily, there is a solution. Forma skin tightening is a non-invasive procedure that can improve the texture and look of your skin. It has anti-aging properties. Forma is also known as the “new age” non-surgical facelift procedure, and it has recently attracted a lot of attention. But, what exactly is Forma skin tightening? What is the mechanism behind it? Is there a risk of side effects? How much will it cost? Keep reading to learn the answers to all of your queries.

In This Article

What Is Forma Skin Tightening?

Forma™ is a device developed by InMode Aesthetics that uses radiofrequency technology and heats the dermal and fat/subcutaneousⁱXAlso known as hypodermis, it is a tissue layer that lies beneath the skin or between the skin and the muscle. layer of the skin to promote collagenⁱXThe protein contained in the skin that maintains its elasticity, and often is introduced artificially into the skin to rejuvenate it. development, reduce fat cells, and contour your face and neck.

Radiofrequency (RF) technology is widely used to minimize wrinkles, improve skin laxity, stimulate collagen development, and give you a more youthful appearance. (1) Forma skin tightening or Forma facial also has similar effects. It has multiple benefits.

The Benefits Of Forma Facial Or Forma Skin Tightening

Woman with flawless skin after Forma skin tightening treatment

Image: Shutterstock

The main benefit of Forma facial treatment are:

It improves skin elasticity.
It promotes collagen development.
It improves skin tightness, giving a sculpted look.
It is a targeted treatment.
It is safe for all skin types.
It is quick and has minimum downtime.
The results are long-lasting.

Did You Know?

Celebrities including Emma Roberts, Kim Kardashian, Chrissy Teigen, and Britney Spears have tried the Forma skin tightening.

Eager to know how the Forma treatment works? Keep reading.

How Does Forma Skin Treatment Work?

Professional performing Forma skin treatment on a woman's face

Image: Shutterstock

Forma facials work on the principle of radiofrequency technology, which involves a controlled rise in the skin tissue temperature using a high-frequency alternating current (between 0.3 and 10 MHz). The heat affects the targeted skin tissues at various depths to stimulate the collagen fibers. This helps improve the skin tone, texture, and firmness (1).

Forma skin treatment is an excellent alternative to minor facelift surgeries. It can minimize the appearance of deep wrinkles and lines, especially the nasolabial folds (laugh lines), give you a brow lift, sculpt the jawline and cheekbones, and improve skin health and appearance.

Quick Tip

Forma skin tightening treatment can also be done on rough elbows, stretch marks on the abdomen, and bat wings under the arms.

The RF waves are delivered using a hand-held device (Forma), moving in smooth and broad strokes, eventually heating the skin tissues. Depending on your skin type, a topical cooling agent may be used to shield the superficial skin from excess heat.

Forma facials do not have any major side effects when performed by a licensed and experienced estheticianⁱXA person who specializes in skin beautification and performs cosmetic skin treatments such as facials and superficial chemical peels, or doctor. However, you may experience minor initial side effects.

Side Effects Of Forma Skin Tightening

Forma facials are safe for the skin and offer promising results with minimal downtime. However, right after the treatment, you may experience:

Redness
Swelling
Mild tingling sensation

However, these are temporary and go away after 24 hours. The long-term side effects of Forma facials and other RF treatments are not known yet, and there is no conclusive evidence. So, consult your doctor before undergoing Forma skin tightening treatment. Here are the answers to a few more queries you may have.

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Forma Treatment?

The Forma facial is suitable for all skin types, especially mature skin.

How To Prepare For A Forma Treatment

Woman applies moisturizer on her skin before Forma treatment

Image: Shutterstock

You do not need to prepare for this non-invasive treatment. However, it is good to avoid excessive sun exposure for two weeks before the treatment and keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Aftercare

There are no strict guidelines about the aftercare associated with the Forma facial. However, follow these tips for at least two weeks after the treatment:

Use mild cleansers.
Avoid exfoliators and active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and retinol.
You can apply makeup. However, keep it minimal.
Apply sunscreen religiously.

How Much Does Forma Skin Treatment Cost?

Woman paying at the reception desk of a Forma skin tightening center

Image: Shutterstock

The cost of a Forma facial depends on several factors, including:

The size of the area to be treated
The number of sessions required
The severity of the skin issue

Usually, one session costs around $600, which may go up, depending on the number of sessions.

How Long Do Forma Facial Results Last?

Mature looking in the mirror after Forma skin tightening treatment

Image: Shutterstock

The results of one session may last for a few weeks. However, with multiple sessions (including yearly maintenance), the results may last four years.

We hope this article has helped you understand the Forma skin tightening procedure and what to expect from it. This is a safe and reliable procedure to address signs of aging and has minimal downtime compared to other procedures. Moreover, it is best for mature skin and for anyone who wants to avoid fillers and Botox. However, before opting for this treatment, consult a dermatologist to understand whether or not it is suitable for you and the associated risks. This will help you avoid any serious complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Forma the same as Ultherapy?

No, Forma and Ultherapy are excellent for tightening the skin, but they are not the same. Ultherapy employs ultrasound energy to heat the dermal layers and stimulate collagen formation, whereas Forma uses radiofrequency energy. In addition, Ultherapy is more expensive and painful than Forma because it is a more intense treatment.

Is Forma the same as Thermage?

No. The primary difference between Thermage and Ultherapy is the type of energy used to stimulate collagen formation. Thermage employs radiofrequency, while Ultherapy uses ultrasound. This difference in energy is significant since ultrasound can generally penetrate deeper into the dermis layer.

Key Takeaways

Forma is a device that uses a high-frequency alternating current to produce heat that targets skin tissues to stimulate collagen production and makes your skin look youthful.
Forma Skin Tightening promotes skin elasticity and tightness, minimizes wrinkles, and is suitable for all skin types.
While it does cause side effects like redness and swelling, they are temporary and only last for about a day.
It is important to use only mild cleansers and skin care products and apply sunscreen religiously for two weeks after the treatment. Post procedure care is important.

Sources

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