After undergoing Forma radiofrequency treatment three times, the sagging problem still persisted. A friend recommended that I try INMODE. Here are my real experiences after completing the FX+Forma package at Betterme Gangnam in Gangnam.

I have been practicing radiofrequency treatment for about three years. I started in Taiwan and later moved to Seoul to continue my work. I tried several different brands, but every time, I felt that the results were not quite satisfactory – although my skin did appear tighter, the sagging areas did not really improve. At the end of last year, a friend told me that she had undergone INMODE treatment at Betterme Gangnam in Gangnam, and after the treatment, she felt that the overall contour of her lower face had changed significantly. That’s when I really began to research what INMODE was all about.

What exactly are INMODE FX and Forma? How do they differ from regular radiofrequency treatments?

The biggest question I had during my research was: What is the difference between INMODE and the radiofrequency treatments I had previously used? After conducting some research, I finally understood that INMODE is actually a radiofrequency platform that includes a variety of applicators. The two most commonly used ones for the face are FX (MiniFX / AccuSculpt) and Forma, and their mechanisms of action and intended purposes are completely different.

INMODE FX is a lipolysis technique that combines vacuum aspiration with bipolar radiofrequency. Simply put, it uses thermal energy to directly destroy the cells in the subcutaneous fat layer, thereby reducing the volume of fat. The effect is permanent, as fat cells once destroyed will not regenerate. This treatment is particularly suitable for areas where fat accumulates, such as the Double Chin, baby fat, or thick cheeks, as it helps to define the contours more clearly after the procedure.

INMODE Forma uses bipolar radiofrequency thermal energy to stimulate the regeneration of Collagen in the dermis. It does not damage the fat layers but instead helps the skin tighten and lift from within. There is no recovery period required; any slight redness that may appear on the day of the treatment will subside soon after. However, 3 to 6 treatments are necessary to achieve cumulative effects, with each treatment providing results that last for approximately 6 to 12 months. This treatment is suitable for people with loose skin or mild signs of aging.

Therefore, the “radiofrequency” treatments I used to perform were actually mostly collagen-stimulating techniques based on the Forma principle, and they had no effect on fat at all. If you, like me, have round cheeks and a less defined jawline, you need FX rather than just Forma.

Why choose Betterme Gangnam INMODE? I compared several options before making my decision.

After deciding to choose INMODE, I compared several clinics in Gangnam that offered this service. There were several reasons why I chose Betterme Gangnam:

• Complete equipment: Betterme offers a complete range of INMODE products; both FX and Forma models are available, so there’s no need to worry about arriving at the clinic only to find that the desired tool is not available.
• FX+Forma package plan: While many clinics offer individual treatments, Betterme provides well-designed packages that are more cost-effective than purchasing these treatments separately.
• Environment and doctors: Based on reviews, the doctors are very attentive during consultations; they do not blindly promote treatments but instead analyze which areas and how many sessions are suitable for each patient based on their facial features.
• Convenient transportation: Located near Jiangnan Avenue and Qiangnan Station, it is easily accessible for foreign tourists.

I made my appointment through BeautsGO, and the entire process went smoothly. The customer service was available in Traditional Chinese, and translation assistance was also provided upon my arrival at the clinic. The clinic is located on the 11th floor; the lobby is spacious and tastefully decorated, and the overall experience was even better than I had expected.

Full record of the INMODE FX+Forma treatment on that day: How much time was spent from the consultation to the end?

The process on that day was roughly as follows:

1. Upon arrival at the clinic + reception by a nurse: Verify the reservation details and complete a health questionnaire – this process takes approximately 5 minutes.
2. Doctor’s consultation: With the assistance of a translator, the doctor analyzed my facial features and explained which areas were suitable for FX treatment and which areas would be better suited for Forma. This process took approximately 15 minutes and was conducted in great detail.
3. Anesthetic patch: Apply the anesthetic and wait for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
4. FX treatment: First, the FX procedure is performed, focusing on the area of the Double Chin and below the cheeks. The doctor will inform you where the heat sensation is located; you just need to let them know when you feel it. The entire process takes approximately 25–30 minutes and may cause a slight stinging sensation, but it is tolerable.
5. Forma treatment: Next, the Forma full-face treatment is performed using a circular sliding technique, which is much more comfortable than the FX treatment. It feels somewhat similar to applying a hot compress and lasts for approximately 20 minutes.
6. Postoperative care: Apply ice packs and use a soothing facial mask for approximately 10 minutes.

The entire process, from entering the clinic to leaving, takes approximately 2 hours. After the procedure, my face was slightly red, and there was some mild swelling around my chin, but it wasn’t severe enough to prevent me from going out. The next day, the swelling had mostly subsided, although one or two areas still felt a bit hard to the touch. The doctor explained that this was a normal reaction related to fat metabolism and that it would gradually disappear within a week.

Prices of INMODE FX+Forma in South Korea: How much cheaper are they compared to Taiwan and Hong Kong?

The price differences among INMODE clinics are quite significant. I have compiled a rough overview of the market in 2026 for your reference (prices may vary among different clinics; the following figures are for reference only):

region	INMODE FX (Double Chin)	INMODE Forma (full face)	FX+Forma Package
Seoul, South Korea (2026)	₩400,000 – 600,000	₩300,000 – 500,000	₩800,000 – 1,200,000
Taiwan	NT$15,000–25,000	NT$8,000–15,000	NT$20,000–35,000
Hong Kong	HK$4,000–7,000	HK$2,500–5,000	HK$6,000–10,000

The exchange rate between Korean won and Taiwanese dollars is approximately 1 Korean won = 0.023 Taiwanese dollars. Therefore, the amount of ⩩800,000 to ⩩1,200,000 Korean won is roughly equivalent to NT$18,000 to NT$27,600. This price is about 30% to 40% cheaper than similar treatments at clinics in Taiwan. When you add in the costs of airfare and accommodation, and if other treatments can be scheduled together during the same trip, the overall cost-per-value is still quite favorable.

Real changes after one month using INMODE: The contours of the face have become much more distinct.

Within a week after the procedure, there will be some mild swelling. At this stage, it is still not possible to notice any significant differences in the results, so there is no need to worry.

Around the second week after starting the treatment, I noticed that the lines of my chin began to become clearer, and the rounded appearance of the lower half of my face seemed to diminish when viewed from the front. By the fourth week, the V-shaped contour of my face became more distinct, and many people said that my face “looked smaller” or that I must have lost weight. However, in reality, my weight remained unchanged—it was simply the contour of my face that had changed.

The effects of Forma are relatively mild. Mainly, you will notice an improvement in skin elasticity, and the skin will feel firmer to the touch, but it’s not a dramatic Lifting effect. If your primary goal is to achieve a more firm skin, it is recommended to use Forma for at least 3 sessions before observing significant cumulative results.

For those who want to undergo INMODE treatment in Seoul: make sure you understand these things first.

If you are also considering flying to Seoul to undergo INMODE treatment, I think these things are worth knowing in advance:

• FX is a permanent fat-dissolving treatment, while Forma is a regular maintenance procedure. These two treatments serve different purposes. If your goal is to define your body contours, then FX is the right choice; if you simply want to maintain firmness and elasticity, Forma is more suitable. Make sure you understand the differences before making a decision.
• INMODE FX requires a recovery period of 3 to 7 days. After the procedure, there may be slight swelling and a feeling of firmness at the treatment site. It is recommended not to schedule the procedure on the day before returning to Taiwan; allow at least 3 days for recovery.
• Suitable for: FX is most suitable for people with a prominent Double Chin and excess fat in the cheeks; Forma is suitable for those with loose skin who need long-term collagen supplementation. If you are very thin and have little fat, the effects of FX will be limited.
• Make an appointment through BeautsGO: You can communicate in Traditional Chinese, and translation assistance will be available upon arrival at the clinic, so there will be no language barriers.
• Clearly state your requirements during the consultation: Tell the doctor which area concerns you the most – whether it’s the Double Chin, baby fat, or the overall body shape – and they will help you determine the most suitable combination of treatments.

FAQ: The most frequently asked questions about INMODE in South Korea

Q1: Is the effect of INMODE FX permanent?

The fat-dissolving effects of FX are permanent, as the damaged fat cells do not regenerate. However, if you experience a significant increase in weight later on, the remaining fat cells will still enlarge. Therefore, it is very important to maintain a healthy weight.

Q2: How many treatments are required for INMODE Forma to be effective?

It is generally recommended to undergo 3 to 6 sessions as part of one treatment course, with each session spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. Effects can be noticed after just one session, but significant and lasting improvements usually require the completion of the entire treatment course.

Q3: What side effects should be watched out for when using INMODE?

After an FX procedure, there may be slight swelling and localized hard lumps; these are normal reactions related to fat metabolism and usually subside within a week. With Forma, there is virtually no recovery period; although there might be mild redness or heat, it will disappear on the same day.

Q4: Can foreign tourists undergo INMODE treatment at Betterme Gangnam in Gangnam?

Certainly. When making an appointment through BeautsGO, you can enjoy the services of Taiwanese-speaking customer support staff and on-site translation services, so language barriers won’t be an issue at all.

Q5: What are the differences between INMODE and Thermage?

Thermage uses monopolar radiofrequency to tighten the entire face; it does not have lipolysis effects, and the results usually last for 1 to 2 years. A single treatment yields noticeable results. INMODE FX, on the other hand, has lipolysis capabilities. Forma produces milder effects than Thermage but requires multiple treatments to achieve the desired results. If you only have mild skin laxity and want to tighten and Lifting your skin, Thermage might be more suitable for you; if you have excessive fat on your face, then INMODE FX is the better choice.