InMode Lifting in Korea (FX & Forma) — The Complete Guide

Who it suits / who it doesn't

InMode is a lifting treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) heat to tighten skin and, in areas where fat collects such as under the chin and the lower cheeks, also reduces fat cells. It is especially popular for people whose sagging is still mild but whose jowls or double chin make the face line look heavy.

Who it suits

• You have fat under the chin or a double chin that blurs your side profile
• The lower cheeks (deep cheeks and jowls) are full and make the face look wider
• You are in your 20s–40s with sagging just beginning and want light maintenance rather than a major procedure
• You want to carry on with daily life and sightseeing right away, with no recovery period during your trip

When to consider other options first

• You have little cheek fat and an already slim face — fat-reduction modes should be avoided or used very gently
• Skin is so loose that it folds — deeper lifting, thread lifting or a surgical consultation may suit you better
• Your jawline looks wide because of bone or muscle (square jaw) — square jaw Botox may be the better fit

What is InMode? — Two modes: FX and Forma

InMode is the name of a radiofrequency device made by an Israeli medical device company. In Korea, facial lifting done with this device is commonly called “InMode lifting.” One device has several handpieces, and for facial lifting clinics mainly combine two of them: FX and Forma.

Forma's handpiece has a temperature sensor that checks skin temperature and adjusts the energy, so it is easy to repeat without strong pain. FX is used only on areas that have fat.

Compared with other lifting — Ulthera, Thermage, Shurink and InMode

In short, InMode is less about pulling up deep sagging and more about “tidying excess fat under the chin and cheeks while adding firmness.” If sagging is your main concern, it is often combined with a deep lifting such as Ulthera.

How many sessions, and how far apart?

InMode is a treatment built up over several sessions rather than one strong session. Fat reduction and changes to the contour often become clear over multiple sessions.

Combining with other treatments?

InMode barely irritates the skin surface, so it is easy to plan alongside other treatments on the same day. The order and spacing are decided by the doctor.

Treatment-day steps and pain

1. 1
   Consultation and design (20–30 min)the doctor pinches and checks your amount of fat and degree of sagging, then marks the areas for FX and the areas for Forma.
2. 2
   Cleansing and numbing cream (20–30 min)pain is not severe, so most people only need numbing cream.
3. 3
   Device and handpiece checkif you wish, you can ask to see the device and handpieces before treatment.
4. 4
   Treatment (20–40 min)Forma warms the skin and FX is used on fat areas, or the order is reversed. If the heat or tingling is too strong, tell the doctor right away and the intensity will be adjusted.
5. 5
   Cool-down and heading outonce the redness settles, you can go straight back to daily life and sightseeing.

Most people find the pain tolerable. Forma feels like a hot compress, FX like a rubber band snapping for a moment, and areas close to bone, such as along the jawline, are a little more sensitive.

Recovery timeline

• Same day
  Redness and warmth for a few hours. Many people can wash their face and wear light makeup right away.
• Days 1–3
  Mild swelling or tightness may appear in FX areas, and rarely a small bruise. It rarely gets in the way of sightseeing.
• Weeks 1–2
  The firm feeling from Forma lasts, and any rare leftover bruising mostly disappears.
• Months 1–2
  Fat cells damaged by FX gradually reduce, and the chin and cheek line begins to change.
• Months 3–6
  The effect slowly fades. Maintenance is usually done around this time.

Sample short-trip schedule

• Day 1 afternoon
  Arrive → consultation → InMode (FX & Forma) treatment
• Day 1 evening
  Rest at your hotel. Avoid saunas, jjimjilbang and heavy drinking
• Day 2
  Sightseeing and shopping are fine. If you like, add treatments such as a skin booster or pico toning
• Day 3
  Fly home. Flying is rarely a problem.

How to confirm a genuine device and handpiece

“InMode” refers to a specific company's device. Many similar RF devices exist, so the name alone doesn't tell you what you are getting. Check the following.

1. 1
   Before treatmentcheck that the quote or guide lists the device name (InMode), the handpieces to be used (FX, Forma, etc.) and the areas.
2. 2
   Device checkin the treatment room, ask to see the manufacturer marking on the device body and the handpiece names. You can ask whether it is okay to take a photo.
3. 3
   Setup checkconfirm again before treatment whether it is FX only or includes Forma, and which areas each is used on.

Side effects, precautions and aftercare

Side effects to know about

• Redness, warmth, mild swelling: usually settle within a few hours to a day.
• Bruising, tightness: rarely occur in FX areas and usually go away within 1–2 weeks.
• Burns or blisters: rare, but possible because this is a heat treatment. Appropriate intensity, a genuine device and an experienced practitioner matter.
• Hollow cheeks: strong FX on areas with little fat can make the face look gaunt, so choosing the right areas is the most important thing.

Care during your trip and after returning home

• Day of treatment to day 2: avoid saunas, jjimjilbang, hot baths, intense exercise and heavy drinking.
• Wash gently with lukewarm water and moisturize generously.
• Apply sunscreen thoroughly, and use a hat or parasol while sightseeing.
• The cabin air on a plane is dry, so bring a hydrating mist or cream.

Questions to ask at your consultation

1. Is my issue fat or sagging? Why do you think InMode is right for me?
2. Which areas will you use FX on and which Forma? What do you do for areas with little fat?
3. What is the exact name of the device and handpieces you use?
4. How many sessions, and how many weeks apart, would suit me?
5. Would it help to combine it with Ulthera, Shurink, Botox and so on?
6. What should I avoid after treatment, and how should I care for my skin after returning home?

What to look for in a clinic

• Uses a genuine device and shows the device and handpieces on request
• Writes the FX/Forma setup and areas specifically in the guide or quote
• A dermatology or plastic surgery specialist personally checks fat and sagging and decides the areas
• Doesn't push FX on people with little facial fat
• Offers foreign-language service and checks your progress after you return home

KBEAU connects you with partner clinics in Gangnam and Apgujeong that perform InMode lifting. Send us a photo of your face (front and side) and we'll tell you in advance whether InMode suits you or whether combining it with another lifting would be better. On the day, a dedicated manager stays with you, from confirming the device to interpreting. We can also arrange accommodation near the clinic and airport pickup.