FORMA SKIN TIGHTENING

What is Forma and how does it work?

Forma is a non-invasive radiofrequency skin treatment for skin tightening of the face and neck, as well as improvement of skin texture, with no downtime.

It is a new technology that works by using radiofrequency to heat the dermis of the skin to a controlled temperature which has been shown to induce collagen production and collagen contraction, which in turn causes tissue tightening.

What conditions can be treated or improved with Forma?

Forma is known to improve many aspects of the skin including, but not limited to:

• Tightening – Skin tightening is the most visible result.

• Wrinkles and lines – Fine lines respond better than deep wrinkles.

• Skin quality – An improvement in skin quality, specifically glowing and radiant skin surfaces is common.

What areas can Forma be used on?

Forma is designed for use on the face and neck.

How does Forma work?

Forma is a non-invasive radiofrequency skin treatment for skin tightening of the face and neck, as well as improvement of skin texture, with no downtime.

As skin matures, the production of its structural proteins collagen and elastin begins to slow down. Over time, this causes skin to lose its firmness and elasticity. Skin gradually begins to sag and our contours lose definition.

The forma device glides across the skin and emits radiofrequency into the dermis (the deeper layers of skin), which then causes the dermis to heat up. At certain temperatures, the process triggers your body’s natural healing response and this promote new collagen and elastin reproduction to tighten and rebuild the skin. Over time, fine lines and wrinkles are diminished, skin tone improves, and your skin becomes healthier, plumper and stronger.

How long does Forma take to work?

You may start to see the benefits of Forma straight after your treatment. However, complete results will be visible about three months after your final session.

What is the downtime for Forma?

Downtime is minimal with Forma procedures, and you can return to most normal activities right away. You may experience some mild redness and swelling at the treatment area. This is natural and will likely disappear after a few hours.

Is the procedure painful?

During the treatment, you will notice the skin will feel warm. If this becomes uncomfortable, measures can be taken to decrease how warm this feels.

Numbing cream is not required for this procedure.

Advice prior to treatment

• For two weeks prior to treatment, avoid waxing or chemical depilatories in the area to be treated.

• For one week prior to treatment, avoid excessive sun exposure or the use of sunbeds.

• For 48 hours prior to treatment, avoid using topical products containing retinol, AHA’s (eg glycolic acid), acidic or “active” ingredients.

• On the day of treatment, arrive to the clinic with a clean face and free of make-up.

What can I expect when I have a treatment?

Your face will be divided into different zones, and each zone will be treated for a period of time, usually 10 minutes.

For each area being treated, a layer of ultrasound gel is applied to the skin, and then the hand held Forma device is glided across the skin in either a circular motion or back and forth. You will notice the skin will begin to feel warm. The device will continue to be passed over the same area, until the designated time has passed, before the same process is repeated on the next area.

The procedure takes about 40 minutes to perform but this will depend on the areas being treated.

What can I expect directly after the treatment?

Most people will notice redness and mild swelling immediately after the treatment. This usually doesn’t last more than a couple of hours.

You are advised not to cool the area post treatment.

Makeup and moisturiser can be applied immediately after each treatment.

It is advised that you avoid exposing the areas to direct sunlight and that you use a high SPF suncream every day on the treated areas.

Usually you don’t need to take any time off and can resume normal work and social engagements the same day.

Are there any risks to the procedure?

Forma is an extremely safe treatment.

The new Forma technology measures the skin temperature 1,000 times a second, and cuts off when the skin gets too hot, which keeps the skin temperature safe.

There is a very small chance of excessive skin redness and/or swelling, damage to natural skin texture (crust, blister, burn), change of pigmentation (hyper- and hypo-pigmentation), and scarring.

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Am I a candidate for Forma?

Forma can be safely performed on all skin types and all skin colours.

The ideal patient for Forma is someone who is beginning to see the visible signs of ageing including wrinkles and mild to moderate sagging skin. It is also suitable for those who are looking to improve the quality of their skin, skin texture, and help pores appear smaller.

Forma may not be suitable for patients who:

• Have a pacemaker or internal defibrillator, or any other metallic or electronic implant anywhere in the body;

• Have a permanent implant in the treated area such as metal plates, screws and metal piercing, silicone implants or an injected chemical substance, unless deep enough in the periosteal plane;

• Have had intra-dermal or superficial sub-dermal areas that have been injected with fillers/collagen/fat injections or other augmentation methods with bio-material during last 6 months, unless deep enough in the periosteal plane;

• Have used Roaccutane (Isotretinoin) within the last six months;

• Have Eczema, Psoriasis, active Acne, Rosacea, or other chronic skin conditions in the area to be treated;

• Have had facial Botox within the last six weeks;

• Have had a chemical peel within the last two weeks;

• Facial dermabrasion, laser resurfacing and deep chemical peeling within the last 3 months;

• Have open wounds, cuts, abrasions, sunburn, or active skin infection in the area requiring treatment;

• Have had radiation treatment to the skin on or around the area to be treated within the last year;

• Are prone to Herpes Simplex or Zoster infections as treatment can trigger breakouts;

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding;

• Have raised moles, warts, or lesions within the area to be treated;

• Have a current or previous history of skin cancer, or current condition of any other type of cancer, or pre-malignant moles:

• Have any severe concurrent conditions, such as cardiac disorders, sensory disturbances, epilepsy, uncontrolled hypertension, and liver or kidney diseases.

The best way to see if you are suitable for treatment is to come in for a consultation.

How many Forma treatments are needed?

​How many Forma sessions you require will depend on your own goals and needs, your individual response to the treatments, the severity of the problem, as well as the size of the area being treated.

The number of treatments is typically 6-12 sessions, once weekly. Single maintenance sessions may be needed every 1-3 months.