Radiofrequency is usually considered before the change becomes severe. Patients tend to point to the same places: the jawline, the skin under the chin, the lower cheeks and the neck. It may be a softer outline in profile, fine creasing, early jowling or looseness after weight loss.
At our Knightsbridge clinic, we use Forma by InMode. It is a needle-free radiofrequency treatment for mild laxity on the face and neck. The treatment warms the deeper layers of the skin while the surface temperature is monitored. There are no needles and topical anaesthetic is not normally needed.
A single area starts at £200. Most people need a course rather than one appointment. We confirm the number of sessions after assessment.
Written by Katie Barrett, Senior Aesthetician
Medically reviewed by Dr Jules Nabet, Doctor, MD BCAM GMC: 4554558
Last reviewed 30 September 2026 · Next review 30 September 2027
The first question is whether the problem is actually laxity. A softer jawline may come from loose skin, but it can also come from volume loss, fullness under the chin, or the way the lower face has changed with age. Those are different treatment problems.
If the issue is early skin looseness, Forma may be a sensible option. Pigmentation, thread veins and redness usually take us towards laser or light-based treatment. Acne scarring, enlarged pores or stronger textural change may point to Morpheus8 or microneedling instead.
We also check whether the skin is suitable on the day. Recent peels, laser, injectables, irritation, active infection or a strong reaction to skincare can all change the plan.
Forma is used for firmness rather than reshaping. It may help the area look tighter as appointments progress, particularly along the lower face, jawline and under the chin. Fine lines can look softer where laxity is part of the cause.
It will not replace volume. It will not remove fat under the chin. It will not lift loose skin in the way surgery can. We would rather say that clearly at consultation than put you through a course that is not right for the concern.
Forma uses bipolar radiofrequency. The handpiece passes energy into the tissue below the skin surface and creates controlled heat. We work across the area in sections, keeping the handpiece moving while the skin warms.
Some patients notice a firmer feeling straight away. That is usually the short-term response to heat. The change we are trying to encourage is slower, as the skin produces new collagen over the weeks that follow. A single appointment may give us an indication of response. Visible tightening normally needs a course.
The device has temperature control built in. Your clinician watches the skin closely: how quickly it warms, whether redness is building, whether one area is more sensitive than another, and whether the heat feels comfortable.
Forma may suit patients with early laxity who want to avoid needles and recovery time. Because the treatment heats below the surface rather than targeting pigment, it can be considered across a broad range of skin tones. Suitability is still assessed each time.
Radiofrequency is not suitable if you have a pacemaker, implantable defibrillator or another implanted electronic device. Pregnancy, metal or permanent implants in the treatment area, active infection, active inflammatory skin disease, reduced or altered sensation, poorly controlled diabetes, current or recent cancer, recent isotretinoin and photosensitising medication all need to be assessed before treatment is planned.
Please tell us about prescribed creams, oral medication, recent injectables, laser, peels or microneedling. If you have had dermal filler in the treatment area, tell us when. Do not stop prescribed medication unless your prescriber has advised it.
If you are unsure whether your concern is laxity, texture, pigmentation or volume loss, a skin analysis may be the better first appointment.
We begin by looking at the area that concerns you and asking about your skin, medical history, current skincare and previous treatments. We then decide whether Forma is suitable, which areas to treat and how often you should come.
The skin is cleansed and a conductive gel is applied. The handpiece is passed over the area in sections. The sensation is warmth with a light tingle. It should not feel sharply painful. If one area feels too hot, tell us and we can adjust it.
Allow about 60 minutes for a single area. Treating the jawline, cheeks and neck together takes longer.
A firmer feeling straight after treatment can happen, but it is not the final result. Collagen remodelling takes longer, so we review the result across the course and in the months afterwards.
A usual plan is three to six sessions, two to four weeks apart. Where a result is achieved, it is commonly held for around six months. Maintenance is often planned every two to three months. Age, sun exposure, smoking, skincare, general health and the amount of laxity at the start all make a difference.
Before your appointment, avoid strong sun on the area and arrive well hydrated. Bring the names of skincare products and medication, especially retinoids, prescription creams and anything that has made your skin reactive before.
Afterwards, the skin may look pink and feel warm for a short time. Mild swelling is possible. Keep the skin hydrated, protect it from the sun and follow the aftercare you are given. We will tell you when to restart active skincare and when to return to exercise, saunas or other heat exposure.
Temporary warmth, redness and mild swelling are the usual effects. Less commonly, treatments that heat the skin can cause blistering, burns, pigmentation change or prolonged tenderness. Scarring is rare, but it is a recognised risk.
We reduce those risks by checking your skin and medical history, choosing controlled settings and monitoring the skin during treatment. We will go through the risks that apply to you, and take your written consent, before your first session.
Forma is the needle-free option when early face or neck laxity is the main concern.
Morpheus8 also uses radiofrequency, but delivers the energy through microneedles. It needs topical anaesthetic and usually a few days of recovery. It is often the better choice for acne scarring, enlarged pores or stronger texture remodelling.
HydraTite combines HydraFacial with radiofrequency in one appointment, so it may be better when the skin also needs cleansing, exfoliation and hydration. Laser and light-based treatments are chosen for pigment, redness, resurfacing or sun damage, depending on the device and settings.
varies per patient
Yes, RF treatments can be safely combined with other treatments to enhance results. A popular option at Omniya Clinic is the HydraTite treatment, which combines Radiofrequency with HydraFacial. This synergistic approach allows us to hydrate and cleanse your skin to prepare for the skin tightening treatment. A personalised treatment plan will be developed during your initial consultation at Omniya Clinic.
The treatment feels like a warm, tingling sensation. It is generally not painful, with most patients finding it quite comfortable.
RF treatment is suitable for most individuals looking to tighten and rejuvenate their skin. It is ideal for those experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity.
Most patients see noticeable results after 3 to 6 sessions, though this can vary depending on individual skin conditions and goals.
Results can last 6 months+, with maintenance every 2 to 3 months, depending on factors like age, skin condition, and lifestyle. Maintenance sessions can prolong the effects.
Radiofrequency (RF) treatments and laser treatments both aim to rejuvenate skin but use different technologies.
RF treatments utilise radio waves to heat deeper skin layers, stimulating collagen production and offering minimal downtime, making them suitable for all skin types.
Laser treatments use focused light to target various skin issues; ablative lasers are great for deep resurfacing and have more downtime, while non-ablative lasers focus on mild rejuvenation with less recovery time.
The choice between the two depends on specific skin concerns, desired results, and personal downtime tolerance.
Preparation is minimal. You should avoid sun exposure and refrain from using skin irritants such as retinoids or exfoliants for a few days before the treatment. Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and to avoid diuretics prior to the treatment. Following these guidelines will help ensure your skin is in the best condition for the procedure.
Post-treatment care includes keeping the skin hydrated, avoiding sun exposure, and following any specific instructions given by your aesthetician.
Yes, RF treatments are safe and effective for all skin types and tones. They are particularly beneficial for individuals from age 25 onwards when collagen levels begin to decline. This treatment helps stimulate collagen production, making it suitable for maintaining youthful and firm skin across diverse skin types.
RF treatment heats the deeper layers of the skin by targeting water molecules, causing micro-vibrations that result in advanced dermal heating. This process stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, which strengthens and firms the dermal tissue, leading to subtle lifting and tightening for a more youthful appearance.
RF treatment is generally suitable for sensitive skin, but a consultation with an aesthetician is recommended to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific needs.
Omniya offers a variety of RF treatments, including Morpheus8 and OmniSculpt (which combines Radiofrequency with facial massage), to address various skin concerns.
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