Forma: What You Need to Know

At the start of the procedure, your aesthetician or specialist applies a numbing conductive gel to the treatment area, to allow the wand to glide more easily over the skin. They will move the wand in a circular motion over each section of the area, delivering heat. RealSelf members say the treatment feels relaxing, similar to a hot-stone massage. The treatment takes up to 30 minutes.

While the wand automatically adjusts the temperature so it never gets too hot, your provider can lower the heat settings for people with more sensitive skin or on delicate areas, like under the eye. 

When the procedure is done, your provider will place a cool towel over your face, to gently remove the gel. Then they’ll apply moisturizer and sunscreen. 

Forma has no downtime, but your face will look flushed, like you’ve just had an intense workout. This can last anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on your skin sensitivity. Some patients also have mild swelling and tingling. 

Some people see initial results from a Forma facial (tighter and firmer skin, smaller pores, fewer wrinkles) within two weeks of their first treatment, but it takes up to three months to see optimal results from boosted collagen production.

Results from a series of treatments can last up to a year. After that, you’ll need at least one maintenance treatment every year to keep up your results.

• Average Cost:
• $1,136

• Range:
• $151 - $3,500

While Forma uses radiofrequency energy, Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to heat the dermal layers, stimulating collagen production. Because Ultherapy is a more intense treatment than Forma, it’s also significantly more painful and costly. 

However, you’d need only one Ultherapy session, with a maintenance treatment only every two years. New York City dermatologic surgeon Dr. Ronald Shelton says that Ultherapy “doesn’t duplicate the results of a facelift, but it can postpone the need for surgery for many years.”