What Is Forma?
Forma is a noninvasive, FDA-cleared skin rejuvenation treatment that uses radiofrequency energy and heat to improve skin elasticity and build collagen in the dermal layers via deep tissue stimulation. It is the the only auto-adjusting thermal skin treatment for collagen remodeling and skin tightening for the face, and smaller areas of the body. Forma stimulates the formation of new collagen and improves the skin’s elasticity for long-lasting and remarkable results.
The mechanism used by the Forma skin tightening treatment platform to stimulate collagen production involves precisely heating the dermal layer with radiofrequency energy while preserving the surrounding tissues. Collagen, a key structural protein that contributes to the structure and elasticity of healthy skin, responds to the heat by increasing its activity, producing results that improve over time. By the “auto-adjusting” capability of Forma, we’re referring to a sophisticated sensory array built into the platform that monitors and adjusts temperature to ensure a consistently comfortable and effective treatment.
Benefits of Forma RF Skin Tightening
Skin contraction is a very sought-after tool in the aesthetics world that lends itself to many useful applications and areas of the body. As loosening skin is a natural part of the aging process, radiofrequency treatment is well-suited for a wide range of patients, including those with different skin types and aesthetic concerns.
Forma radiofrequency skin tightening can be used to great effect throughout many regions of the body, including the face, torso, arms, thighs, knees, and more. In one or more of these areas, it can treat a number of skin concerns associated with unwanted laxity, including the following:
- Oversized pores — One key benefit associated with increased collagen activity is the “shrinking” effect it has on pores. As Forma skin tightening treatment signals collagen production, pores are tightened closed, leaving the skin smoother.
- Sagging skin — Collagen activity is directly associated with increased skin elasticity, which refers not only to the skin’s capacity to stretch and sag, but also to rebound and retain a more “lifted” appearance.
- Stretch marks — The radiofrequency energy emitted by Forma skin tightening treatment can reach the deeper layers of tissue in which stretch marks tend to form. Multiple sessions may be required to significantly reduce or eliminate the appearance of stretch marks, but radiofrequency treatment has demonstrated its applicability to this common issue.
- Fine lines — Similar to how it resolves enlarged pores, radiofrequency treatment can fill in fine lines by enhancing the skin’s elasticity and structural integrity.
- Uneven skin tone — Yet another benefit of collagen stimulation (noticing a trend here?) includes improving the overall texture and tone of superficial skin layers. Uneven skin tone and texture can manifest in many ways, including hyperpigmentation, sun spots, age spots, and more, all of which may be treated by radiofrequency skin tightening.
What Does Forma Feel like?
Patients describe Forma treatments as similar to a hot stone massage–your specialty trained aesthetic provider will use the patented thermal applicator to massage radio frequency heat into your areas of concern for 5-10 minutes until a uniform, therapeutic thermal index is achieved. On the topic of uniformity, the Forma radiofrequency skin tightening platform is specially designed to maintain a precise temperature throughout the treated tissue for the entirety of the treatment. This ensures both effectiveness and comfort, so you don’t have to worry about the temperature spiking (or dropping down).
Areas such as the face and neck take 30-45 minutes to treat; and treatment should be repeated 4-6 times. Similar to Morpheus8, Forma will help your skin produce and replace lost collagen and elastin, but unlike Morpheus there is ZERO downtime and the procedure is truly pain-free!
What Treatments Can I Pair Forma With?
Thanks to its minimally invasive nature, Forma RF skin tightening is often paired with other popular aesthetics treatments to allow for more comprehensive results. These treatments include the following:
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Dermal filler injections
- Neuromodulator (i.e., Botox) injections
- Microneedling
Depending on whether an ablative or non-ablative laser is used, laser skin treatments can target both superficial skin issues (acne scars, uneven tone, fine lines, etc.) as well as issues affecting the deeper layers of skin.
Both dermal filler and neuromodulator injections allow treatment providers to precisely target areas of static and/or dynamic fine lines. Radiofrequency skin tightening neatly complements the effects of these injectables by tightening the underlying skin.
Microneedling and radiofrequency energy is a highly touted combination among both patients and providers, as this pairing can greatly enhance the depth and potency of the collagen-stimulating effect for significantly improved overall results.
Finally, it’s important to confirm with your treatment provider that you are eligible for both Forma radiofrequency skin tightening treatment and whichever treatment(s) you wish to pair it with. Combining treatments introduces a new set of safety and logistical factors, and may require a different pre-treatment and post-treatment approach.
How Do I Know If Forma Is Right for Me?
Forma RF skin tightening is a very gentle, well-tolerated treatment that accommodates a wide range of skin types and aesthetics concerns. Still, as with any other procedure, there are some circumstances under which this skin tightening procedure may not be a safe or effective option.
The gold standard for determining your eligibility for forma skin tightening or any other procedure is to consult with a qualified treatment provider. At Aledo Empowered Wellness, we will comprehensively assess your unique health status, aesthetics concerns, and all other relevant areas to make a confident determination on your eligibility for this treatment.
Some of the factors that may affect your eligibility for Forma RF skin tightening treatment include, but are not limited to the following:
- Some skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis, etc.)
- Active infections near the treatment area
- Various disorders (cancer, autoimmune disorders, etc.)
- Certain medications (anti-inflammatory meds and others)
- Recent procedures
- Implants or other hardware in the area
Each person’s health status is unique, and not all of these factors necessarily disqualify you from RF skin tightening treatments. If our team determines that you are not eligible for Forma RF skin tightening treatment, we will work with you to offer any possible alternatives so that you can still achieve the results you’ve been searching for.
How Quickly Will You See Forma Results, and How Long Do They Last?
How quickly you see results following radiofrequency skin tightening and how long they last can vary depending on several individualized factors, including skin type, age, lifestyle and/or aftercare practices, and more. Some people see initial results from a Forma facial (tighter and firmer skin, smaller pores, fewer wrinkles) within two weeks of their first treatment, but it takes up to three months to see optimal results from boosted collagen production. This is because collagen fibers mature over time. Results from a series of treatments can last up to a year. After that, you’ll need at least one maintenance treatment every year to keep up your results.
Why Should I Consider Aledo Empowered Wellness For My Forma Treatments?
At Aledo Empowered Wellness we care about each individual treatment needed for each individual patient. There is no one cookie-cutter treatment plan that will guarantee optimal results for everyone. Rather, every patient is treated as an individual with the help of a holistic approach that takes into account both their presentation and their aesthetics aspirations. We want to help patients achieve their wellness goals inside and out, so you can trust that your safety and satisfaction are our top priority. If you have questions about how Forma could benefit you, please set up an aesthetics consultation with one of our incredible providers so we can discuss!
