After spending several months struggling with it, I finally understood the differences between INMODE FX and Forma! A detailed record of my experience using Gangnam Betterme.
I had read many reviews about medical beauty treatments in Gangnam, South Korea, online. The name “INMODE” always caught my attention, but whenever I tried to learn more in detail, I would find myself confused: what were the differences between FX, Forma, Minifx, AccuSculpt, and so on? Some people I knew who had undergone these treatments in South Korea said they were very effective, while others claimed that they didn’t notice any difference at all. With so many questions lingering in my mind, I finally decided to go to two popular clinics in Gangnam to learn more firsthand. In this article, I will share what I learned and my personal experiences.
Why did I start paying attention to INMODE? The popular programs offered by Gangnam Academy of Dermatology and Cosmetology
To be honest, what really made me want to learn more about INMODE was a friend from Hong Kong. Last year, she went to a dermatology clinic in Seoul to have FX lipolysis treatment on her chin and double chin areas. A month later, when the results were shown in the photos, there was indeed a noticeable difference. I immediately searched for information online and found that INMODE is extremely popular at dermatology clinics in Gangnam, especially those located in areas like Gangnam Station and Eulsam-dong. Almost every clinic lists INMODE as one of their featured treatments.
Simply put, INMODE is an RF platform device developed by an Israeli company specializing in medical aesthetics equipment. It is not a single machine, but rather a system that, through various handpieces, can achieve the following objectives:
- Tightening and lifting treatments (primarily using the Forma/Forma Plus treatment heads)
- Fat reduction (mainly using FX, AccuSculpt, or Minifx treatment heads)
- Improvement of skin quality (Fractional RF microneedling radiofrequency)
Gangnam Betterme Skin Science Institute is one of the institutions that have introduced INMODE equipment. I visited their official website and saw that in addition to INMODE, they also possess devices such as Thermage FLX, ultrasonic scalpels, and Pico lasers. It can be considered one of the institutions in Gangnam District that is well-equipped with various medical devices.
INMODE FX Lipolysis vs Forma Lifting: What exactly are the differences between the two?
This is probably the part that most people find confusing. When I first started researching, I read a lot of information but still didn’t understand. It wasn’t until I actually asked a translator from a relevant institution that I finally figured it out. Simply put, FX and Forma address different issues.
FX Lipolysis (AccuSculpt): This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to target and destroy fat cells. Once destroyed, these fat cells will not regenerate, ensuring permanent results. It is suitable for individuals with double chins, baby fat, or significant fat accumulation around the jawline. Results are usually visible after just one treatment, but the recovery period lasts approximately 3 to 7 days, during which mild bruising and swelling may occur.
Forma Lifting: This treatment uses bipolar radiofrequency to evenly heat the dermis, stimulating the production of new collagen. Its effect is not to destroy fat, but rather to “tighten the skin.” It is suitable for people with loose skin, fine lines, and blurred facial contours who do not have much excess fat. There is almost no recovery time after a single treatment, but usually 3 to 6 sessions are required to see noticeable results, which last for approximately 6 to 12 months.
Can FX and Forma be used together?
Absolutely! In fact, many dermatology clinics in Gangnam recommend the sequence of “FX first, then Forma.” The reason is that FX removes excess fat first, and after 4 to 6 weeks, Forma is performed to further tighten the skin that has become loose due to the reduction in fat. Combining the two procedures usually yields better results than performing just one. Gangnam Betterme offers a combined treatment plan that includes both FX and Forma.
What is the price difference between FX and Forma? Analysis of the market situation in Gangnam for 2026.
According to a market survey conducted in April 2026 in the areas of Gangnam and Cheongdam-dong, the pricing of INMODE at major clinics is as follows:
| Treatment programs | Reference price (Korean won) | around New Taiwan dollars | Approximately HKD |
|---|---|---|---|
| FX Lipolysis (for a single area) | ₩300,000 to ₩500,000 | Approximately $8,100 to $13,500 | Approximately $2,000 to $3,200 |
| FX Lipolysis Treatment (for the entire face) | ₩600,000 to 800,000 | Approximately $16,200 to $21,600 | Approximately $3,800 to $5,100 |
| Forma Lifting (for the entire face) | ₩200,000 to ₩400,000 | Approximately $5,400 to $10,800 | Approximately $1,300 to $2,500 |
| FX+Forma Package (Recommended Combination) | ₩800,000 to 1,200,000 | Approximately $21,600 to $32,400 | Approximately $5,100 to $7,700 |
Prices may vary depending on the age and condition of the equipment in the clinic, the experience of the physicians, and any promotional activities available. It is recommended that foreign tourists make reservations through BeautsGO, as this usually results in more favorable prices than going directly without a reservation.
Who is the INMODE treatment program of Gangnam Betterme suitable for?
At the Betterme clinic in Gangnam, I specifically inquired about the actual operation process of INMODE. The translator told me that they usually start with a skin assessment, and then the director recommends the appropriate treatment options based on the results of that assessment. Below is the list of suitable candidates that I have compiled:
Perfectly suitable for people who use INMODE FX.
- The double chin is quite noticeable, with fat accumulating around the jawline.
- Troubled by baby fat, the facial contours are not well-defined.
- Without considering surgical interventions, I am looking for non-invasive methods to reduce fat.
- I have already undergone other lifting treatments and would like to further enhance the definition of my facial contours.
Perfectly suitable for those who use INMODE Forma.
- The skin becomes loose, and fine lines begin to appear (early signs of aging in the skin).
- The contours are a bit blurred, but the amount of fat is not significant.
- I want to maintain anti-aging effects without going through a recovery period.
- After undergoing FX treatment, it is necessary to tighten the loose skin.
What sets Betterme apart is the thoroughness of their consultation process. According to the translator, they adhere to the principle of “no sales pressure” and recommend appropriate treatments based on the actual test results, thus preventing customers from undergoing unnecessary treatment procedures.
How long does it take to see results after INMODE treatment? A complete record of my recovery period.
Some friends of mine who went to Gangnam for INMODE treatments had very different experiences during the recovery period. It was only later that I realized the key factors determining these differences were whether the procedure involved FX or Forma, as well as each person’s individual physical condition and the thoroughness of their post-treatment care.
Recovery period after FX lipolysis surgery (personal experience for reference)
- Immediately after the procedure: The face will become slightly red and swollen, as if it has been firmly squeezed.
- Days 1-3: This is the peak period for swelling and bruising. It is recommended to apply ice packs, drink plenty of water, and avoid foods high in salt.
- Days 4-7: The bruises begin to fade, and you can start wearing light makeup.
- Weeks 2 to 4: The contours begin to become visible, and the fat layer noticeably thins.
- Weeks 6-8: The final results stabilize, and the contours take their final form.
Recovery period after Forma lifting treatment
- Immediately after the procedure: The face may turn slightly red, but this effect subsides within about 30 minutes.
- On the same day: Normal activities can be resumed almost immediately, and makeup can be applied.
- After 3 to 6 treatment sessions: The effects of collagen regeneration accumulate, and the skin becomes noticeably tighter.
After the procedure, it is important to pay attention to sun protection and moisturization for both methods. It is also not recommended to undergo other thermal treatments (such as Thermage or ultrasound knife) in the short term.
A comprehensive comparison of the two popular medical beauty institutions in Gangnam: Betterme vs Peishu
When it comes to choosing an INMODE clinic in Gangnam, many people face a decision between Betterme and Peishu. Each of these two clinics has its own unique features. Here is my summary:
| Comparison items | Gangnam Betterme | Gangnam Peche |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning of the institution | Comprehensive Dermatology Institute, equipped with a full range of facilities | Specialized clinic for lifting and anti-aging treatments |
| INMODE | Complete FX+Forma treatment course | Primarily using ultrasonic scalpels and Thermage. |
| Translation services | There is a Chinese translation available. | Includes Chinese translation and the name of the Chinese department head. |
| pricing strategy | Transparent pricing, with special discounts during promotions. | Same price in both China and Korea, open 365 days a year. |
| Transport convenience | Gangnam Subway Station (Seocho-dong) | Exit 4 of Gangnam Station (E-sam-dong) |
If your primary goal is to use INMODE FX for fat reduction, Betterme offers a more comprehensive range of equipment and treatment packages. If you prefer a combined anti-aging treatment using ultrasound and Thermage, Peishu is a highly recommended option with an excellent reputation.
How do foreigners make an appointment at Gangnam Academy of Dermatology and Cosmetology? Sharing practical experience.
The method I personally recommend the most is to make reservations through BeautsGO. The entire process can be completed through a Traditional Chinese interface, which provides detailed information about the clinics’ operating hours, price ranges, and the doctors working there. Foreign tourists can easily make reservations without knowing any Korean.
- Advantages: Traditional Chinese language interface, transparent pricing, the ability to add multiple medical institutions, and fast customer service responses.
- Suitable for: Visitors who are going to South Korea for medical beauty treatments for the first time, those who do not speak Korean, or those who are not familiar with the systems of local medical institutions.
It is recommended to make an appointment at least 3 to 5 days in advance, as popular treatment packages may be fully booked on weekends. If there is a particular treatment you would like to undergo, please mention it when making the appointment; the clinic will arrange for the relevant director to receive you.
Sincere advice for those who want to undergo INMODE treatment in Gangnam
After going through a lot of trouble, I finally understood what INMODE is. Here are some of the most important suggestions I have compiled:
- First, understand your own issues: excess fat (choose FX) vs loose skin (choose Forma); choosing the wrong option means wasting your money.
- FX is not about weight loss: INMODE FX reduces localized fat accumulation, not overall body weight loss. It cannot replace a healthy diet and exercise.
- Be mentally prepared during the recovery period: After the FX procedure, bruising is inevitable; it is advisable to avoid attending important events within one week after the surgery.
- Choose qualified institutions and genuine equipment: Regular institutions in Gangnam usually use equipment certified by the manufacturers, and this is very important.
- Choose a reliable option with the same prices in both China and Korea: Currently, many medical institutions in Gangnam offer the same prices as those in Korea, helping you avoid becoming a victim of unfair practices.
- Translation services are of great importance: only with reliable Chinese translators can smooth communication with the hospital director be ensured, as well as the effectiveness of the treatment process.
Overall, INMODE represents a highly cost-effective non-invasive anti-aging treatment option for those in the Gangnam medical aesthetics industry. Choosing the right clinic, the appropriate treatment device, and providing proper post-treatment care can truly yield visible results. I hope this information can be of some help to you if you are currently hesitating!
Last updated in April 2026: The market conditions in Gangnam INMODE may change due to various promotional activities offered by different clinics. It is recommended to check the latest prices on BeautsGO before making your trip.
