INMODE Treatment Explained: MINI FX vs. FORMA, Benefits, Results, and Downtime

Written by:
Houreisen Skin Clinic – Specialists in Nasolabial Fold and Wrinkle Treatments
Osaka Houreisen Skin Clinic / Tokyo Houreisen Skin Clinic / Nagoya Houreisen Skin Clinic
Shinya Sasagawa, MD, Representative of Shingetsu Medical Corporation – Meet Our Doctors

“I want a slimmer, more defined jawline.” “I’m concerned about sagging skin and uneven skin texture.”
To address these concerns, we have introduced INMODE, a medical radiofrequency (RF) treatment device, at Tokyo Houreisen Skin Clinic.

INMODE is an advanced non-surgical lifting treatment designed to target fat cells while encouraging collagen remodeling.
It features two handpieces—MINI FX and FORMA—which can be selected according to each patient’s concerns for a customized treatment approach.

Please note: INMODE is available exclusively at our Tokyo clinic.

What Is INMODE?

INMODE is a non-surgical medical device that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to address skin laxity and unwanted facial fat. It was developed by InMode, an Israeli medical technology company.

Demand for natural-looking facial rejuvenation without surgery has been increasing in aesthetic medicine.
One of INMODE’s distinguishing features is its ability to target the dermis and subcutaneous fat without cutting the skin.

RF Energy: Heat-Based Treatment for Skin Firming and Facial Contouring

Radiofrequency (RF) treatment uses energy to heat tissue beneath the skin’s surface. Depending on the applicator and settings, it aims to achieve several effects, including:

• Disruption and reduction of fat cells
• Stimulation of collagen and elastin remodeling
• Firming effects on the treated tissues

By delivering controlled thermal energy to the skin and underlying tissues, INMODE is designed to improve firmness and elasticity while reducing excess fat around the facial contours.

Why Choose INMODE?

Non-surgical Treatment Without Incisions or Injections

INMODE treatments do not require incisions or injections. This may appeal to people who are concerned about anesthesia or recovery time. In many cases, makeup can be applied soon after treatment and daily routines can be resumed with little interruption.

Targeted Treatment for Specific Areas of Facial Fat

INMODE can target relatively superficial fat deposits and small areas such as beneath the chin or along the lower cheeks, making it an option for people who want to refine specific facial contours.

Addresses Fat, Laxity, and Skin Quality

By combining fat reduction, firming, and skin texture improvement, INMODE may be a useful option for patients seeking a non-surgical approach to several age-related concerns.

Different Handpieces for Different Treatment Goals

MINI FX targets localized fat, while FORMA focuses on warming and firming the dermis. The handpieces can be selected or combined based on each person’s needs.

What Is MINI FX? RF-Based Facial Contouring and Fat Reduction

MINI FX is an INMODE handpiece designed to reduce unwanted facial fat while also firming the skin. It combines radiofrequency (RF) energy, electrical pulses, and suction to target the treatment area.

How MINI FX Works

1. Suction and RF Heating

First, the handpiece uses suction to draw the skin and underlying fatty tissue toward the electrodes, creating contact with the treatment surface.
Bipolar RF energy then heats the tissue to approximately 40–43°C. This heating is intended to:

• Warm and soften the underlying fat tissue
• Stimulate the dermis to support collagen production and skin tightening

In this way, MINI FX is designed to address both unwanted fat and skin firmness.

2. High-Voltage Electroporation to Target Fat Cells

The treatment also uses an electroporation technique that delivers high-voltage electrical pulses, described as approximately 2 kV with nanosecond-scale duration, to tissue that has been heated by RF energy.
These pulses are intended to create changes in fat-cell membranes and induce irreversible cell damage and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Note: Conventional electroporation can be reversible. The MINI FX approach described here uses higher-voltage pulses intended to produce irreversible effects on the targeted fat cells.

Three Main Benefits of MINI FX

Who May Benefit from MINI FX?

• People concerned about a double chin or fat along the lower cheeks
• People who want a more defined facial contour without surgery
• People who feel that a heavy or less-defined jawline makes them look older
• People who are hesitant about thread lifting or liposuction

What Is FORMA? RF Treatment for Firmer, More Elastic Skin

FORMA is another INMODE handpiece. It uses bipolar radiofrequency energy to gently heat the dermis and underlying tissue, with the aim of improving skin firmness and elasticity.

It is particularly suited to concerns such as mild sagging, fine lines, and reduced firmness, offering a relatively gentle approach to age-related changes in skin quality.

Key Features of FORMA

1. Bipolar RF Heating to Support Collagen Remodeling

Controlled heat is delivered to the dermal and subcutaneous layers to stimulate collagen and elastin remodeling.
In addition to a firmer feeling shortly after treatment, patients may notice gradual improvement in skin elasticity over the following weeks.

2. Real-Time Temperature Monitoring for Treatment Comfort

FORMA uses a real-time temperature sensor to monitor the treatment area.
Treatment aims to maintain a skin temperature of approximately 42–43°C, often producing a comfortably warm sensation similar to a heated facial massage.

3. Minimal Downtime Without Breaking the Skin

Since FORMA does not use needles or cut the skin, it is designed to improve tissue firmness without physically disrupting the surface.
Makeup can generally be applied on the day of treatment, making it a convenient option for patients with busy schedules.

Potential Benefits of FORMA

Who May Benefit from FORMA?

• People noticing a loss of skin firmness or elasticity
• People concerned about fine lines around the eyes or cheeks
• People seeking gentle, natural-looking facial tightening
• People who prefer treatments with minimal discomfort and downtime
• People who have little excess facial fat but want to improve skin laxity and texture

MINI FX vs. FORMA: Which One Should You Choose?

Combining MINI FX and FORMA: The “INMODE Lift”

At our clinic, we offer a combined treatment known as the INMODE Lift. It combines MINI FX for fat reduction and contouring with FORMA for skin tightening and improved firmness.

✓ MINI FX: helps address excess fat and heaviness around the jawline.
✓ FORMA: helps improve skin texture, elasticity, and mild sagging.

The main advantage of combining these techniques is the ability to address three concerns—facial fat, skin laxity, and overall skin quality—in one treatment plan.

INMODE FX Compared with Other Facial Contouring Treatments

What Happens During an INMODE Treatment?

1. Consultation and examination
   We review your concerns and assess the areas to be treated.
2. Cleansing and gel application
   The skin is cleansed and prepared for treatment.
3. MINI FX and/or FORMA treatment
   Treatment takes approximately 40–60 minutes, depending on the area.
4. Cooling and finishing
   The treated skin is cooled and aftercare is completed as needed.

Downtime and Possible Side Effects

MINI FX

MINI FX combines suction, radiofrequency energy, electrical stimulation, and high-voltage pulses. As a result, the following temporary reactions may occur in the treated area.

Common Side Effects and Downtime

• Redness: May occur immediately after treatment and last for several hours or until the following day. In many cases, it can be concealed with makeup.
• Swelling or puffiness: Mild swelling or a puffy sensation may persist for approximately 2–3 days.
• Warmth or flushing: The skin may feel warm on the day of treatment.
• Bruising: Suction can affect small blood vessels and cause bruising. This usually fades naturally within about one week.

Face Washing and Makeup

Face washing and makeup are generally permitted on the day of treatment. However, avoid rubbing the treated area vigorously.

Aftercare Tips

On the day of treatment, we recommend taking a shower rather than a hot bath.
Moisturize thoroughly and use appropriate sun protection, as the skin may be temporarily more prone to dryness and sensitivity after treatment.

FORMA

FORMA is a warming RF treatment intended to tighten the skin without breaking its surface. Downtime is generally minimal, and the sensation is often described as similar to a warm facial treatment.

Common Side Effects and Downtime

• Temporary redness or warmth: Usually settles naturally within approximately 1–2 hours.
• Dryness: Some patients may notice mild dryness after treatment. We recommend using a moisturizer.

Face Washing and Makeup

Makeup and face washing are generally possible immediately after treatment.
Some people also feel that makeup applies more smoothly afterward.

Aftercare Tips

Use moisturizer and sunscreen to protect the skin following treatment.

Precautions After Treatment

• Temporary acne breakouts or worsening of existing acne may occur if inflammation or swelling blocks the pores after treatment.
• Avoid alcohol, saunas, hot baths, and strenuous exercise on the day of treatment.
• Showering is permitted on the day of treatment, and face washing is generally permitted immediately afterward.
• Wait at least one week before resuming exfoliating treatments, tretinoin, high-strength vitamin A products, or hydroquinone.
• Because the skin may be drier than usual after treatment, moisturize thoroughly. A hydrating sheet mask may be helpful.
• Protect your skin from ultraviolet exposure with adequate sun protection.
• Avoid strong pressure or vigorous massage of the treated area for one week.

INMODE V-Lift Treatment Prices at Our Clinic

For the latest treatment prices, please see our price list.

Summary: Who Is INMODE Recommended For?

INMODE may be suitable for people who:

• Want to reduce localized facial fat without surgery
• Prefer a natural-looking lifting and contouring treatment
• Are hesitant about HIFU or thread lifting
• Are concerned about a heavy-looking jawline, mild sagging, or skin laxity
• Want to improve skin quality as well as facial contours

INMODE is a next-generation, non-surgical facial treatment designed to address both facial fat and skin quality.
It offers a customized approach to age-related concerns, with MINI FX focusing on localized fat and FORMA on skin firmness.

If you have concerns about your skin or facial contours, please feel free to contact our clinic. Our team will help you explore a suitable treatment plan.

INMODE is available at Tokyo Houreisen Skin Clinic only.

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