InMode FX vs. Forma: What's the Difference?
Forma targets the superficial Dermis, while FX goes deeper. Here's a breakdown of each InMode mode.
When researching InMode, you'll often come across recommendations like "try FX" or "go with Forma" — as if they're entirely different procedures. It's easy to get confused about why the same device has different mode names, and what actually sets them apart.
> This post covers procedure information from Beautystone Clinic in Hongdae.
The short answer: InMode is a single device with multiple modes, and FX and Forma differ in how deep they deliver Radiofrequency (RF) energy — and what they're designed to address. Forma targets layers closer to the skin's surface, while FX is aimed at deeper tissue.
What you'll learn in this post
· Why InMode is divided into different modes
· Where Forma actually works in the skin
· Where FX actually works in the skin
· How to choose the right mode for your concernsInMode Is One Device With Multiple Modes
InMode is an RF-based device that houses several handpieces — each designed for a different purpose — within a single platform. That's why the name "InMode" alone doesn't tell you much about what's actually being done. You need to know the specific mode (like FX or Forma) to understand what the procedure is targeting.
Radiofrequency (RF)*: An electrical energy that generates heat within the skin to stimulate Collagen production. The depth at which heat is delivered determines what kind of change you can expect.
The key distinction between modes comes down to depth — specifically, at which layer of the skin the heat is applied. Even with the same RF technology, targeting a superficial layer versus a deeper one produces meaningfully different results.
Where Does Forma Work?
Forma is a mode that gently heats the Dermis — the layer closest to the skin's surface — to a controlled temperature in order to stimulate Collagen. The handpiece glides across the skin while maintaining a target temperature, making it well-suited for improving Skin Texture and Elasticity.
According to a clinical study on bipolar RF facial devices, this type of temperature-controlled RF reaches its target temperature within 1–2 minutes, delivers heat consistently, and has been associated with increases in Collagen and elastic fibers in the upper Dermis. Pain levels were also reported to be relatively low.
Where Does FX Work?
FX targets deeper tissue than Forma. It delivers RF energy into the deeper Dermis and closer to the subcutaneous fat layer, making it more focused on addressing Lifting and recontouring areas that have begun to sag. The difference in depth becomes clear when you look at a cross-sectional view of the skin.
A peer-reviewed article on depth-specific RF mechanisms also explains that deeper RF energy targets the connective structures between subcutaneous tissue and deep Dermis to address laxity and sagging — a distinctly different goal from what a superficial mode achieves.
At Beautystone Clinic in Hongdae, We Start With the Mode
At Beautystone Clinic in Hongdae, we don't just say "get InMode" and leave it at that. We walk you through which mode targets which layer first — because someone concerned about Skin Texture and Elasticity may need a different approach than someone dealing with Facial Contour sagging.
Since we're within walking distance of Hapjeong Station, it's easy to stop by before your procedure to review your skin condition together and decide which mode makes the most sense for your goals. Matching the mode to your concern — not just the device name — is what makes the difference.
Choosing the Right Mode Depends on Your Goal
FX and Forma aren't a matter of one being better than the other — they target different layers and serve different purposes. The right mode depends on what you're looking to address.
- If Skin Texture and Elasticity are your main concerns, a mode targeting the superficial layer tends to be the right fit
- If Facial Contour sagging is your concern, a deeper-targeting mode is generally more appropriate
- If both concerns overlap, combining modes may be worth considering
RF stimulation also takes time for new Collagen to develop and settle, so results are typically more noticeable over a period of weeks to months — not immediately after the procedure. This post is intended as general information; the right mode for you should be determined in consultation with your provider before any procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which is better — FX or Forma?
A. It's not really a question of which is better — they target different layers. Forma focuses on Skin Texture and Elasticity in the superficial Dermis, while FX addresses Facial Contour sagging in deeper tissue. The right choice depends on your individual concerns.
Q. Do I need both?
A. Not necessarily. If you're dealing with both Skin Texture concerns and Facial Contour sagging, combining modes can make sense — but many patients find that just one mode is the right fit. It's best to discuss this with your provider before the procedure.
Q. When will I start noticing results from RF?
A. Because it takes time for new Collagen to form and mature, changes tend to become more noticeable over a span of weeks to months rather than immediately after the procedure. Evaluating results over time gives you the most accurate picture.
Q. Can I return to my daily routine right after the procedure?
A. Some mild redness or warmth immediately after the procedure is normal, but for most people it doesn't significantly interfere with everyday activities. That said, individual responses vary — be sure to follow the post-procedure care instructions provided by your medical team.
