InMode FX & Forma

InMode FX & Forma in Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Chae-ho Lee, Medical Director, Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae; Member, Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Laser Medicine

Doctor profile · Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae, Seoul

InMode FX & Forma is a two-mode radiofrequency (RF) treatment for the lower face: FX targets stubborn fat such as a double chin, and Forma heats the dermis to firm the skin. At Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae in Seoul, InMode treatment takes roughly 15 to 40 minutes, usually without numbing, and most people return to their plans the same day.

What Is InMode FX & Forma?

InMode FX & Forma is a non-invasive facial contouring treatment that combines two radiofrequency applicators, one aimed at reducing localized fat and one at tightening the skin, so that a fuller lower face and early laxity can be addressed in the same visit.

• FX for fat. The clinic describes Mini FX as combining RF with high-voltage electrical pulses that break down stubborn fat cells, which the body then clears gradually over the following weeks.
• Forma for firmness. Forma delivers controlled heat into the dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and springy.
• Vacuum assistance. The FX handpiece uses suction to hold tissue during treatment, which explains the temporary suction marks some people notice.
• Real-time temperature control. Integrated sensors check skin temperature up to 1,000 times per second, keeping the sensation to a deep, tolerable warmth.
• Flexible sessions. One mode can be used alone, or both can be applied in a single appointment, depending on what your face needs.

InMode is an Israeli manufacturer of RF devices. In the United States, the MiniFX and Forma applicators are included in a 510(k) clearance for the InMode Multi System; the indications listed there are relief of minor muscle aches and pain, relief of muscle spasm, and temporary improvement of local blood circulation, with temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite added for MiniFX (FDA 510(k) K221571). Facial fat reduction and skin tightening are not among those listed U.S. indications, so their use for facial contouring rests on clinical experience and published studies rather than on that clearance.

For Forma specifically, a small study of 14 women who received four to six weekly treatments of the face and neck with this bipolar RF dermal-heating handpiece found that all showed some improvement, ranging from mild to significant, with no pain, side effects, or adverse events reported (Nelson et al., Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy). The study had no control group and a short series, so it shows tolerability and a general direction rather than a predictable result.

FX and Forma side by side

Applicator	Main target	What you feel	Typical after-effect
Mini FX	Localized lower-face fat, such as a double chin or jowl volume	Suction with warmth and brief pulses	Redness; possible suction marks or light bruising
Forma	Dermal collagen and elastin for tightening	Steady, controlled warmth	Mild redness or warmth

Dr. Lee decides whether you need one applicator or both after examining fat thickness and skin quality.

How InMode compares with other lifting devices

The clinic names ONDA, which uses microwaves to dissolve fat, and Ultherapy, which uses focused ultrasound for deep SMAS lifting, as the main alternatives. InMode's distinguishing feature is that it pairs RF fat reduction under vacuum with surface-level thermal firming. People comparing InMode with Ultherapy are usually choosing between slimming a full lower face and lifting deeper structural sagging, and those are different goals.

Who Performs InMode FX & Forma at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae

Dr. Chae-ho Lee
Medical Director at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae

At Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae, InMode FX & Forma is carried out by Dr. Chae-ho Lee, who is the Medical Director and the only physician at the clinic. InMode lifting is named among his subspecialty techniques. His 1:1 skin evaluation measures how thick the fat under the skin is, how symmetrical the face is, and how much elasticity remains, which decides the mode combination and settings. Earlier in his career he held director posts at two other clinics, Lienjang Clinic Hongdae and Doctorpetit Clinic Gangnam. Given the fat-reduction side of this treatment, it is relevant that his memberships include Korean Obesity & Aesthetic Body Shaping.

Who Is a Good Candidate for InMode FX & Forma?

InMode FX & Forma may suit you if you have:

• A double chin or stubborn fat in the lower face.
• Full, chubby, or sagging cheeks, including deep cheek fat.
• Sagging jowls or a jawline that has lost definition.
• Mild skin laxity, or thin skin that would benefit from firming and smoother texture.
• A goal of a slimmer V-line contour without surgery.

It may not be suitable, or should be postponed, if you have:

• Severe skin laxity that needs open surgery.
• Open facial lesions, an active skin infection, or severe skin inflammation.
• A pacemaker or other electronic implant, or metallic implants in the area.
• A current pregnancy.

A consultation is needed to confirm whether InMode suits your skin condition and goals.

What U.S. visitors are usually looking for

U.S. patients often ask for InMode because it can reduce a double chin, slim the face, and firm the skin at the same time, with limited discomfort and virtually no travel downtime. The results the clinic describes are a slimmer V-line, less double chin and jowl volume, firmer skin, and smoother texture. Improvements build gradually rather than appearing all at once.

Realistic limits

RF contouring can refine a moderately full lower face and tighten mild laxity, but it is not a substitute for surgery when skin is very loose. It does not add volume where the face has hollowed. If your main concern is deep sagging rather than fullness, a different lifting approach may serve you better, and Dr. Lee will explain why.

What to Expect: Procedure, Recovery, and Results Timeline

Before the appointment

Keep your skin well hydrated. Avoid harsh physical or chemical exfoliants, deep chemical peels, and aggressive retinoids beforehand. Avoid heavy sun exposure and tanning. Skip alcohol and blood-thinning supplements right before the session. Tell the medical staff about recent facial procedures and about any implants.

The session

1. Consultation. Dr. Lee assesses your skin, fat distribution, and treatment needs.
2. Preparation. The skin is cleansed and prepared.
3. InMode treatment. RF energy is applied to the planned areas with the FX applicator, the Forma applicator, or both.
4. Contouring and tightening. Fat cells targeted by FX begin to break down, while Forma heat starts collagen renewal.
5. Finishing. The treated area is soothed.
6. Aftercare. You receive simple instructions for the coming week.

Sessions take about 15 to 40 minutes, depending on whether one mode or both are used. Separate anesthesia is generally unnecessary; if you are sensitive to warmth, a topical anesthetic cream can be applied.

Recovery and results timeline

When	What usually happens
Same day	Most people resume daily activities, travel, and makeup straight away; some prefer to wait a day or two.
2–7 days	Redness and warmth fade quickly; suction marks or light bruising from the FX handpiece can take 2 to 7 days to clear.
First week	Use daily sunscreen and a gentle moisturizer; avoid hot saunas, steam rooms, and heavy drinking.
1–2 weeks	Visible tissue firming begins.
2–4 weeks	The body naturally removes fat cells damaged in FX mode.
About 4 weeks	Fat reduction and collagen regeneration reach their peak.
6–12 months	Results last approximately 6 to 12 months per treatment sequence.

Repeat treatment intervals range from about 3 to 4 months up to a year, depending on your skin laxity. A stay of 1 to 2 days in Seoul is enough for a single session. If you have visible suction marks, plan photos and events accordingly.

Back home

Keep using sunscreen and a gentle moisturizer. If anything looks wrong after you return to the U.S., contact the clinic by website or phone, and see a local doctor for any severe or worsening symptom.

Combining InMode FX & Forma with Other Treatments

InMode slims and firms, but other treatments address different layers. After assessment, it is frequently combined with:

• Shurink Universe HIFU Lifting — focused ultrasound for deeper lifting alongside RF contouring.
• Skin Botox — to refine skin texture and elasticity.
• Fat-Dissolving Injection / Lipolysis — to support V-line slimming in stubborn areas.

Dr. Lee confirms whether a combination is appropriate and how to time it.

Safety, Precision, and Clinic Standards

Foreign patients are treated here under a Ministry of Health and Welfare registration the clinic has held since January 2023. A 1:1 consultation with the Medical Director precedes every plan. Continuous skin temperature monitoring during InMode treatment is designed to prevent overheating. English consultation and interpretation are available.

Side effects and risks

Typical temporary effects are localized redness, mild warmth, vacuum suction marks, or light bruising from the FX handpiece. Other possible effects include mild tenderness or transient skin dryness, particularly if aftercare is skipped. Depending on the device and settings, burns or changes in skin pigmentation may also be possible with RF energy, which is why settings are adjusted to your skin. Discuss any concerns with the doctor before treatment.

The Bottom Line

• InMode FX & Forma pairs an RF fat-reduction applicator (FX) with an RF skin-tightening applicator (Forma).
• Sessions take about 15 to 40 minutes and usually need no anesthesia.
• Suction marks or light bruising from FX can last 2 to 7 days; otherwise downtime is minimal.
• Results build over about 4 weeks and last approximately 6 to 12 months.
• In the U.S., the cleared indications for these applicators do not include facial fat reduction or skin tightening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between InMode FX and Forma?
FX is designed for localized fat, using RF with suction to treat areas such as a double chin. Forma heats the dermis to stimulate collagen and firm the skin. Many people receive both in one session.

Is InMode FDA-cleared for facial contouring?
In the U.S., the MiniFX and Forma applicators are 510(k)-cleared for indications such as minor muscle aches, muscle spasm, and local circulation, plus cellulite appearance for MiniFX. Facial contouring is not among the listed indications.

Does InMode hurt?
Most people feel a deep warmth rather than pain. Built-in sensors track skin temperature continuously, and numbing cream can be used if you are sensitive to heat.

Will I bruise after InMode?
The FX handpiece uses suction, so redness, suction marks, or light bruising can appear. These typically fade within 2 to 7 days. Forma alone usually leaves only brief warmth or redness.

How long do InMode results last?
Results generally last about 6 to 12 months per treatment sequence. Repeat sessions are spaced anywhere from three or four months to a year, depending on your skin.

How long should I stay in Seoul for InMode?
One to two days is enough for a single session. If you want to avoid visible suction marks at events, allow a little more time before important plans.

Can InMode be combined with HIFU?
Yes, it is often paired with Shurink Universe HIFU Lifting for deeper lifting. Dr. Lee decides whether combining suits your face and how to schedule it.

Who should avoid InMode?
It is not recommended during pregnancy, with a pacemaker or other electronic implant, with metallic implants in the area, or with open lesions, infection, or severe inflammation on the face. Very loose skin that needs surgery is also unlikely to respond enough.

Book a Consultation at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae

To see whether InMode FX & Forma in Seoul is right for your lower face, book an assessment with Dr. Chae-ho Lee. The clinic's home is the Wookdo Building's 8th floor at 151 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, and Exit 1 of Hongik University Station opens just outside. Contact the clinic to arrange a visit, and explore patient before-and-after photos and written reviews.

Disclaimer

Treatment suitability, expected results, recovery time, risks, and potential side effects vary by individual. The information provided is for general informational purposes and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. Patients should discuss their medical history, treatment goals, and individual circumstances with a qualified medical professional before undergoing treatment.

Sources & Further Reading

• FDA — InMode Multi System 510(k) K221571
• PubMed — A Novel Non-invasive Radiofrequency Dermal Heating Device for Skin Tightening of the Face and Neck