Why Celebrities Are Raving About FORMA
Chrissy Teigen, Kim Kardashian, and Emma Roberts are just a few of the celebrities to sing the praises of FORMA treatments. Haven’t heard of FORMA? It’s also referred to as the “lunchtime facial” or radio frequency facial.
Unlike cleansing treatments, FORMA is a noninvasive thermal skincare treatment that enhances, contours, and tightens the skin via deep tissue stimulation. In other words, no lasers, no injections, and no surgery. It is most often used on the face and neck, but it can be used to rejuvenate multiple areas of the body.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss across our Phoenix metro locations, we’ve helped countless individuals achieve remarkable skin rejuvenation results with this revolutionary treatment. Here is everything you need to know about FORMA treatments.
What Are FORMA Treatments?
FORMA is a revolutionary new skin-care wand designed to help you achieve a youthful, smooth, and glowing complexion. It is a non-invasive alternative to lasers, surgery, and injections. It can be utilized for both proactive and reactive skin rejuvenation.
How FORMA Works
This treatment utilizes a combination of radio frequency (RF) energy and heat to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The energy penetrates deep into the dermal layers of the skin to tighten and firm. The heat also helps improve blood flow, which nourishes your skin cells.
A conductive gel is applied to your treatment area, and our team glides the wand over each area for 30 minutes.
Benefits of FORMA Include:
- Improved skin texture and tone
- Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
- Tightened and lifted skin
- Enhanced facial contours
- Improved circulation and skin health
- No downtime required
- Safe for all skin types
- Natural-looking results
What is Radio Frequency?
Radio Frequency technology is an innovative treatment that has become increasingly popular in the skin care industry. It works by sending short, concentrated, and pain-free bursts of energy through the skin to target and stimulate collagen production.
Understanding Collagen
Not sure what collagen is? You aren’t alone if you aren’t sure what collagen is. Collagen is the most common protein in your body. Your body’s connective tissue (fascia) is made primarily of collagen. Fascia connects every bone, nerve, muscle, and organ in your body. It is what gives your body its framework, shape, and firmness.
The Aging Process and Collagen
Collagen production begins to slow around the age of 35, which is when your skin is likely to show the initial signs of sagging and fine lines. Production continually decreases as you age.
RF therapy stimulates the natural production of collagen, improving and maintaining your fascia, which improves your skin’s elasticity and firmness. Peak collagen production is typically achieved at around 2 weeks after your first treatment.
Through clinical experience, we’ve observed that individuals who start FORMA treatments earlier tend to maintain their youthful appearance longer.
Does Radio Frequency Hurt?
Radio Frequency is considered a generally pain-free treatment that is safe for all skin textures, tones, and types. If needed, a numbing gel can be applied during the treatment, but most people only require a standard conductive gel.
What to Expect During Treatment
The FORMA wand heats up to 109 degrees. The wand glides continuously over your skin. The wand’s temperature is manually adjusted when working on more sensitive areas, such as around your eyes. Many individuals compare their treatment to a relaxing hot stone massage.
Your skin will be red after your treatment. This is due to the combination of heat and increased circulation. The redness typically fades within the next hour, two hours maximum—but sometimes in as little as 15 minutes.
As with all skin care treatments, let us know if your skin is irritated before your treatment.
Is Radio Frequency Only For the Face?
No! While an RF facial is the most common treatment option, FORMA can be used to contour, tighten, and revitalize multiple areas of the body. Share your treatment objectives so that we can suggest your treatment options.
On the Face, RF is Used For:
- Forehead lines and wrinkles
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Under-eye area tightening
- Cheek lifting and contouring
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Marionette lines
- Jawline definition
- Neck tightening and “tech neck”
RF Can Also Be Used to Treat:
- Arms (upper arm sagging)
- Abdomen (post-pregnancy or weight loss)
- Thighs (inner and outer)
- Buttocks (lifting and tightening)
- Décolletage (chest area)
- Hands (age spots and texture)
How Long Do FORMA Treatments Take?
Nicknamed the “lunchtime facial” because treatment only takes 30 minutes. However, it takes 30 minutes per treatment area. So, that is only long enough for your face, jawline, and neck.
Planning Multiple Treatment Areas
For example, if you would like to treat both arms, that is 30 minutes per treatment area—60 minutes total.
If you have multiple areas you would like to treat, consider beginning with one region of your body. Once you’ve completed your treatment series, move on to the next region of your body that you want to revitalize.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss, we help individuals prioritize treatment areas based on their aesthetic goals and timeline.
How Many FORMA Treatments are Required?
Our team will advise on your treatment frequency. While you may see results after the first treatment, most people require 3 to 6 treatments for optimal results.
Treatment Schedule
The treatments need to be spread out at least every 2 to 3 days or once a week if that fits better in your schedule. Once complete, you can move on to another treatment area. Or continue with a maintenance schedule.
After the initial 3 to 6 treatments, you can continue with monthly, quarterly, or bi-annual maintenance on each treatment area. Our team will advise on your ideal maintenance schedule, which is typically 1 treatment to restimulate collagen production.
What Age Should You Start Doing FORMA Treatments?
This is entirely up to you! You can utilize radio frequency as a proactive and preventative approach to the visible signs of aging—or as a reactive approach.
FORMA in Your 20s
Head-down electronics use has led to the formation of premature neck creases, starting as soon as the late teens or early 20s. Electronics use can also contribute to premature crow’s feet, caused by a combination of squinting at the screen and overexposure to blue light.
In your 20s, RF can also be used for facial and body contouring, post-pregnancy spot treatment, and a proactive approach to anti-aging.
FORMA in Your 30s and Beyond
As collagen production begins to slow in the 30s, RF can be used to reverse and slow the initial signs of aging. As whole-body sagging begins to occur in the 40s, 50s, and beyond, RF is a non-invasive and pain-free way to lift, tighten, and tone.
Have Deep Creases?
While deep wrinkles and skin creases can’t be reversed without surgery, RF may help to drastically reduce them. This is achieved by tightening the skin, providing a lift that minimizes deep creases. It can also slow the ongoing formation of creases.
Is FORMA Safe For All Skin Types?
Yes! FORMA is safe and effective on all skin tones, textures, and skin types, including sensitive skin and dark skin.
Why FORMA is Different from Lasers
Unlike laser treatments, RF doesn’t use light waves or technologies that target pigmentation. Laser treatment can cause hyperpigmentation in those with sensitive and dark skin. Clinical trials have found that because RF uses radio waves instead of light waves, it is generally safe and effective for dark skin.
This makes FORMA an excellent option for individuals across our diverse Phoenix metro community.
What are the Side Effects of FORMA Treatments?
Side effects are rare, with the most common being redness that fades within an hour. For sensitive skin, it may take up to 2 hours for the redness to fade.
Other Side Effects Include:
- Mild swelling (temporary)
- Tingling sensation (brief)
- Temporary sensitivity
Let us know if you are experiencing any side effects. Swelling, tingling, and sensitivity typically fade within 1 to 2 days.
Important: You Must Notify Our Office Before Your Treatment If You:
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have a pacemaker or metal implants in the treatment area
- Have active skin infections or conditions
- Have recently had facial surgery
- Are taking blood thinners
- Have a history of keloid scarring
What are Pre and Post-RF Care?
Pre and post-care is minimal. Advise our team of the bullet points above and follow the instructions below:
Before Treatment Instructions
- Arrive with clean skin (no makeup or lotions)
- Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours before treatment
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid alcohol 24 hours before treatment
- Inform us of any skin sensitivities
Post-Treatment Care
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 24-48 hours
- Apply SPF 50 or higher daily
- Stay well-hydrated
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, or steam rooms for 24 hours
- Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare products
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
Can I Wear Makeup After FORMA?
Touted as the “lunchtime facial”, you will need to wait 30 to 90 minutes post-treatment before applying your makeup. This allows your skin to fully cool and the redness to subside.
Combining FORMA with Other Aesthetic Treatments
At Valley Medical Weight Loss, we’ve found that FORMA works beautifully alongside other treatments for comprehensive facial rejuvenation:
Complementary Treatments:
- Smooth dynamic wrinkles while FORMA tightens skin
- Restore volume while improving skin quality
- Combine RF with microneedling for enhanced results
- Address pigmentation while tightening
- Enhance collagen production naturally
Questions People Ask About FORMA
How long do FORMA results last?
Results typically last 6-12 months, depending on your age, skin condition, and lifestyle factors. Maintenance treatments help prolong results indefinitely.
Is there any downtime with FORMA?
No! That’s why it’s called the “lunchtime facial.” You can return to normal activities immediately, though you may have temporary redness for 1-2 hours.
How soon will I see results?
Some people notice immediate tightening, but optimal results develop over 2-4 weeks as collagen production increases. Results continue to improve for up to 3 months after your treatment series.
Can FORMA replace a facelift?
While FORMA provides significant tightening and lifting, it cannot replace surgical results for severe sagging. However, it’s an excellent non-surgical alternative for mild to moderate concerns.
Does FORMA work for weight loss and skin tightening?
Absolutely! FORMA is excellent for tightening loose skin after weight loss. Many individuals in our weight loss programs use FORMA to address skin laxity.
Success Stories from Our Phoenix Metro Locations
Many individuals have achieved remarkable skin rejuvenation with FORMA treatments. One person shared, “I tried FORMA for my neck and jawline. After 5 treatments, I look 10 years younger! No surgery, no downtime—just beautiful results.”
Another told us, “I was skeptical about non-surgical skin tightening, but FORMA exceeded my expectations. My skin is firmer, smoother, and I feel so much more confident.”
Thao Messinger
About Valley Medical Weight Loss
Valley Medical Weight Loss has been helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals for over 15 years, with more than 80,000 patients served across the Phoenix metro area. Our four convenient locations in Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, and Chandler offer physician-supervised weight loss programs, advanced treatments, and personalized support—all with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. We believe in making effective weight loss accessible, affordable, and sustainable for everyone
In Summary
FORMA facials and skincare treatments offer a variety of benefits, including improved skin texture and elasticity, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and better overall skin health. With the help of RF, you can achieve a more youthful and radiant complexion with minimal effort or risks.
While we encourage aging with grace, we understand the importance of looking as youthful and energetic as you feel!
FORMA Facials in the Phoenix Area
Don’t let our name fool you, as Valley Medical Weight Loss also offers a variety of anti-aging treatments. If you live in Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, or Chandler, you can schedule a FORMA facial and discuss a variety of anti-aging treatment options
Visit us at any location:
Walk-In Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9am-4:30pm Sat: 8am-1:30pm Wed, Sun: Closed
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More Aesthetic Treatment Options
Non-Invasive Facial Rejuvenation:
- FORMA Skin Tightening – Radio frequency treatments
- Morpheus8 – RF microneedling
- Lumecca IPL – Skin tone correction
- PRP Rejuvenation – Natural collagen stimulation
- PDO Thread Lift – Non-surgical lifting
Injectable Treatments:
- BOTOX – Wrinkle reduction
- Dermal Fillers – Volume restoration
- Sculptra – Collagen stimulation
- RHA Collection – Dynamic facial fillers
- All Injectables – Complete treatment options
Body Contouring:
- Evolve Tone – Muscle toning
- Evolve Trim – Fat reduction and skin tightening
- Lipo Laser – Non-invasive fat reduction


