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When it comes to maintaining a youthful and radiant appearance, investing in your skin is always the best bet. Experts say to look no further than a combination of regular treatments and a consistent skincare routine to maintain a glowing complexion. Choosing the right treatments to fight the aging process can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but the good news is some of the best treatments are also the most versatile. If you're looking for an all-around tightening, brightening, and retexturizing treatment we've got exactly what you need. Enter: Forma.

What is Forma

Forma is an FDA-approved non-invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency technology to stimulate collagen production, tighten dermal layers, and improve skin tone and texture. When used by a trained professional, Forma's proprietary device uses thermal energy to trigger multi-active benefits for a refreshed and youthful appearance.

What Does Forma Treat

Forma's innovative technology remodels the skin from the inner layers to achieve a variety of complexion-enhancing benefits. Wrinkles, fine lines, loose or saggy skin, uneven skin tone, and inflammation are just a few of the complexion woes that Forma facials can help combat.

One of the primary benefits of a Forma facial is natural collagen stimulation. Collagen is a primary component of the skin, its key functions include strengthening the skin and maintaining its elasticity and hydration. Over the years as we age, our bodies produce less collagen which can result in dry skin and the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and the appearance of sagging. Forma turns back the clock on aging by stimulating natural collagen production which your skin uses to restore a supple and youthful appearance.

San Diego-based Licensed Esthetician, Anna Arnone, gave us an inside look at the popular treatment. She explained, "the noninvasive facelift has been the most popular Forma treatment to date - it provides a refreshed and lifted look that's instantly noticeable."

Forma facials are widely known to tighten the skin in the face and neck, but its benefits aren't limited to the shoulders and up. Its skin tightening and anti-inflammatory benefits can yield the same benefits in other common problem areas such as the arms, abdomen, and thighs.

Some of the most popular treatment areas include:

• Facial contouring
• Crows Feet
• Laugh & smile lines
• Jowls
• Forehead
• Eyelids
• Arms
• Inner thighs
• Glutes
• Abdomen
• Love handles
• Neck

How Does Forma Work

Forma skin tightening falls under the category of heat treatment and harnesses proprietary technology to produce its wide variety of benefits. Forma treatments use a subdermal heating applicator which sends radiofrequency (RF) waves into the deep layers of the skin. Heating the underlying layers of the skin and sustaining the high temperature for varying amounts of time works by stimulating collagen fibers and inducing other anti-inflammatory benefits. See an example with the below video on the process.

The state-of-the-art RF device has a variety of safeguards in place to ensure optimal and even treatment that is safe on all skin types, even sensitive skin. Its thermal temperature sensor allows clinicians to monitor the exact skin temperature throughout the treatment by updating in real-time every second. Once the skin's required temperature has been reached, the handheld device automatically reduces the RF energy output to ensure an even, balanced treatment throughout.

What to Expect

As opposed to the discomfort of lasers and chemical peels, Forma skin tightening treatments provide a relaxing and peaceful experience. Facial Lounge in Orange County offers Forma treatments and Forma facials that patients describe as calming and relaxing, comparing the experience to a warm massage. Also unlike other common anti-aging treatments, Forma facials require absolutely no downtime.

Before treatment, a cool conductive gel is applied to the treatment area. After this, a clinician begins to glide the handheld Forma device across the area, releasing the RF waves which heat the skin to a predetermined temperature. This is when the collagen fibers in the deep layers of the skin are stimulated and the skin's youthful qualities begin to naturally restore.

While some benefits of Forma treatments may be noticeable to the naked eye after only one treatment, experts recommend a series of treatments for significant and sustained results. Anna Arnone recommends starting with a series of 4-6 treatments.

Arnone explains: "To get the best results and also the best bang for your buck, a series of treatments is the way to go. The tightening benefits of Forma facials become more and more visible with each session, and they also last longer with each subsequent treatment."

Who is a Candidate

If skin tightening and anti-aging is what you're seeking in a treatment, chances are high that a series of Forma facials is right for you. Not only are Forma facials ideal for mature patients experiencing the realities of aging, but they're also an effective preventative treatment that is highly recommended for those in their 20's and 30's.

While Forma is FDA-approved, painless, and requires zero downtime, there are still several contraindications. Anyone that is pregnant, has a pacemaker or defibrillator, or has melasma should not use Forma. Additionally, Forma is not recommended for patients who have recently received Botox or undergone a surgical facelift. All candidates for Forma will have a consultation with an experienced clinician who will thoroughly assess for any contraindications.