
InMode Forma is a non-invasive skin-tightening treatment that restores tighter and more youthful-looking skin. This treatment addresses visible signs of aging and skin laxity by emitting controlled radiofrequency (RF) waves and gently stimulating the production of collagen, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
Joseph Michaels, MD, can help you achieve the rejuvenation you desire. Dr. Joseph Michaels is a board-certified plastic surgeon dedicated to helping each of his patients achieve their aesthetic and personal goals. He has years of extensive training and experience and can perform a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical treatments and procedures.
If you are ready to start working with Dr. Michaels and his team, please contact us online or call the office closest to you:
- Rockville, Maryland: (301) 468-5991
- Fairfax, Virginia: (703) 957-8610
Contents
- 1 What is Forma?
- 2 Benefits
- 3 Who Makes a Good Candidate?
- 4 Personal Consultation
- 5 How Can I Prepare for Forma?
- 6 Procedure
- 7 Recovery
- 8 Results
- 9 Corresponding Procedures
- 10 How Much Does Forma Cost in Washington, D.C?
- 11 FAQ
- 11.1 Does Forma hurt?
- 11.2 How does Forma work?
- 11.3 Forma works by delivering controlled RF energy into the skin to stimulate collagen production and skin remodeling. This allows you to achieve tighter, smoother, and more even skin overall.
- 11.4 Will there be any significant scarring after my Forma treatment?
- 11.5 How soon can I see the results of my Forma treatment?
- 11.6 What areas can Forma treat?
- 11.7 Can I combine Forma with another aesthetic treatment or procedure?
- 12 References
What is Forma?
InMode Forma is a non-surgical skin tightening treatment that can address loose skin and mild signs of aging around the body. This treatment applies focused radiofrequency waves to contract and tighten the skin, as well as heat underlying layers of tissue to stimulate collagen production. (1)
Collagen is a vital component for maintaining soft, firm, and healthy skin; however, our bodies produce less collagen as we age, resulting in the weakening of our skin’s support structures. (2) This reduction can result in loose skin and the development of wrinkles, both of which can diminish your overall appearance. The Forma system will address these concerns and more, leading to lasting improvements in your skin’s appearance, elasticity, and overall well-being.
What Areas Can Forma Treat?
Dr. Michaels can administer Forma to several areas of your body, including your:
- Face
- Neck
- Knees
- Upper Abdomen
- Chest
- Back
- Arms
- Thighs
If you are interested in tightening larger areas of the body, you may benefit from a variation called Forma Plus. This allows our team to tighten and contour larger portions of skin to restore a tighter, more contoured appearance.
Benefits
Forma can deliver several benefits for those interested in improving the condition and quality of their skin. Some notable benefits include:
- Refined Skin Quality: Forma tightens the skin and reduces visible signs of aging, restoring a more rejuvenated and youthful-looking appearance.
- Elevated Collagen Production: RF energy stimulates the production of collagen. This can lead to improvements in the quality, health, and overall appearance of the skin.
- Versatile Application: Dr. Michaels can use Forma to address both the face and body, including the neck, arms, forehead, chin, abdomen, and more.
- Non-Surgical Nature: This treatment can improve your skin’s appearance and quality without requiring incisions, general anesthesia, or a lengthy recovery time.
- Well-Tolerated Treatment: Forma is known to be well-tolerated and comfortable, especially when compared to other skin-tightening treatments.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Dr. Michaels tailors each Forma treatment around the patient’s specific concerns, ensuring customized solutions and results.
- Lasting Results: Forma creates long-lasting results, especially when patients maintain proper skin care.
Who Makes a Good Candidate?
Forma is highly effective for addressing various skin concerns, such as loose or sagging skin, as well as visible signs of aging. Candidates should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding what this treatment can achieve. They should also ideally be seeking a non-surgical treatment for their skin concerns. During each consultation, Dr. Michaels will help each patient finalize their candidacy for this treatment.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, Dr. Michaels will meet with you individually to determine whether Forma is right for you. He will ask several questions about your medical history, skin concerns, and treatment goals. He will also evaluate your desired treatment areas, as well as your overall anatomy.
Dr. Michaels will use this information to determine your candidacy and create your treatment plan. He will explain the benefits and limitations of this treatment, and he may suggest additional treatments that could enhance your results. Finally, he will also take time to answer any questions you may have about Forma or skin rejuvenation overall.
If you are ready to schedule this consultation, please contact us online or call the office most convenient for you:
- Rockville, Maryland: (301) 468-5991
- Fairfax, Virginia: (703) 957-8610
How Can I Prepare for Forma?
Once you decide to proceed with your Forma treatment, Dr. Michaels will provide preparation instructions. These instructions are straightforward, but to achieve the best results, you will need to follow them carefully.
Leading up to your procedure, you may need to refrain from using certain skincare products in the treatment areas. You will need to protect your skin using the proper sun protection, although it is best to avoid direct sun exposure and tanning in general. You may also need to discontinue taking certain medications or supplements that may thin your blood. On the day of the appointment itself, you will need to arrive with clean, product-free skin.
Procedure

When you arrive for your treatment, a member will first cleanse and sanitize your skin in a private treatment room. Dr. Michaels will use a handheld device to deliver targeted RF energy into the treatment areas. These software-monitored radio frequency waves will target the layers of skin responsible for collagen production, leading to natural tightening and smoothing effects. Dr. Michaels will continue to administer the RF energy until he addresses all the desired areas, which typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Recovery

Forma has almost no recovery time, which means you will be able to return to your regular activities as soon as your treatment is complete. You will need to keep the treated areas protected using sunscreen, and you should continue to avoid direct and excessive sun exposure. You will also need to stay away from hot water and handle your skin gently.
Dr. Michaels will provide additional recovery instructions so you understand how to care for your skin as it heals. If any questions or concerns arise, our team will remain available to provide you with support and guidance.
Results
You may notice improvements in the tightness of your skin as soon as your treatment concludes, but the full results of Forma become visible as your internal collagen levels rise. You will be able to enjoy smoother and tighter skin as looseness and laxity reduce. You may also notice a more radiant and youthful complexion as visible signs of aging soften and fade.
While patients see noticeable enhancements after just one treatment session, most patients will experience the optimal results after a series of treatment sessions. (3)
Corresponding Procedures
Skinpen Microneedling
If you are still seeking further revitalization after your Forma treatment, Dr. Michaels may combine your treatment with SkinPen Microneedling for added effects and benefits. SkinPen microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that can improve the health, quality, and overall appearance of the skin. This treatment uses a device fashioned with rows of fine needles to create controlled micro-punctures in the skin’s surface, activating the body’s regenerative properties and stimulating collagen production. It can address a number of different skin concerns and conditions, including enlarged pores, acne scars, age spots, wrinkles, creases, uneven skin tone and texturing, and more.
To learn more about the other procedures that can enhance your Forma results, we encourage you to read Dr. Michaels’ blog!
How Much Does Forma Cost in Washington, D.C?
The cost of your Forma treatment can vary depending on the extent of the corrections, the location and size of the treatment area, whether you undergo any additional procedures, and several other factors. After Dr. Michaels creates your treatment plan, he will provide a comprehensive cost estimate for your procedure. We additionally offer financing for those who qualify.
To learn more about the cost of your procedure, please contact us online or call the office closest to you:
- Rockville, Maryland: (301) 468-5991
- Fairfax, Virginia: (703) 957-8610
FAQ
Does Forma hurt?
Most patients describe Forma as a comfortable, well-tolerated experience.
How does Forma work?
Forma works by delivering controlled RF energy into the skin to stimulate collagen production and skin remodeling. This allows you to achieve tighter, smoother, and more even skin overall.
Will there be any significant scarring after my Forma treatment?
This treatment is non-surgical, meaning you will not need to worry about any scarring or incisions at all.
How soon can I see the results of my Forma treatment?
You will be able to experience immediate improvements in the tightness of your skin, with more significant improvements becoming more apparent within two weeks. It may, however, take several months for the full results of your treatment to develop as collagen stimulation occurs.
What areas can Forma treat?
Forma can effectively address concerns on the face, neck, upper arms, abdomen, and more, effectively enhancing both your face and body.
Can I combine Forma with another aesthetic treatment or procedure?
Yes, many patients choose to combine Forma with another cosmetic treatment for further rejuvenation. For more information on what other treatments you may be eligible for, please schedule a consultation online.
References
- InMode. InMode Australia. Published 2022. https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/forma
- Varani J, Dame MK, Rittie L, et al. Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin. The American Journal of Pathology. 2006;168(6):1861-1868. doi:https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302
- El-Domyati M, El-Ammawi TS, Medhat W, et al. Radiofrequency facial rejuvenation: Evidence-based effect. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2011;64(3):524-535. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2010.06.045








