Treatment comparison
Radio Frequency (Forma) vs Fractora RF Microneedling
Forma vs Fractora RF at The London Road Clinic, Newark. Compare how these InMode radiofrequency treatments work, what they treat, and which suits your skin concerns best.
Side by side
At a glance
| Compare | Radio Frequency (Forma) | Fractora RF Microneedling |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment type | Non-invasive external radiofrequency | Fractional RF microneedling |
| How it works | Warms the skin from the outside with radiofrequency energy to stimulate gradual collagen production | Delivers radiofrequency through 600-micron pins into the dermis, creating ablative resurfacing and deep thermal collagen remodelling in a single pulse |
| Main concerns | Mild laxity, fine lines, skin firmness | Acne scarring, skin texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, laxity, pigmentation |
| Downtime | None | 2 to 5 days |
| Sessions | A course, typically weekly | 1 to 6 sessions depending on the concern |
| Discomfort | Warm and comfortable throughout | Topical anaesthetic applied; manageable at standard settings |
| Results timeline | Builds gradually across the course of treatment | Visible improvement typically within 2 weeks; peak results at 2 to 3 months |
| Price from | From £100 | Consultation required, priced on assessment |
The science
How each treatment works
Radio Frequency (Forma)
Forma delivers controlled radiofrequency energy to warm the skin and stimulate collagen production over a series of sessions. The heat is precisely managed for comfort, and the effect on the skin builds gradually rather than appearing immediately. At The London Road Clinic it is used for mild laxity and fine lines on the lower face, jawline, neck and selected body areas. Results are intentionally modest and progressive, not a facelift alternative.
Full Radio Frequency (Forma) details →Fractora RF Microneedling
Fractora uses a handpiece containing a matrix of 600-micron pins to deliver fractional radiofrequency energy precisely into the dermis. At 1kHz, the RF current creates two simultaneous effects in a single pulse. First, ablative micro-lesions form at each pin tip, resurfacing texture, acne scarring and pigmented damage at a depth of 250 to 1000 microns depending on the energy setting selected. Second, as the current flows from the pin tips to the flat side electrodes, it exposes the entire non-ablated papillary and reticular dermis to a sub-necrotic thermal effect, reaching 2.7mm depth at 46 to 51 degrees Celsius. This heat stimulates neo-collagenesis and neo-elastosis, the formation of new collagen and new elastin, in the tissue between the ablation craters. Re-epithelialisation is complete within 48 hours; the deeper collagen remodelling continues for several months. Because the depth and energy are tunable, the treatment can be calibrated to your specific concern and Fitzpatrick skin type. The same tunable energy allows treatment on the body as well as the face, including the abdomen, where Lydia uses it to remodel stretch marks and the skin laxity that can follow pregnancy.
Full Fractora RF Microneedling details →Clinical perspective
Which is right for you?
Same technology family, very different clinical tools
Forma delivers RF energy from outside the skin with no downtime. Fractora delivers it through micro-pins directly into the dermis, with 2 to 5 days of recovery. The depth of effect is the defining difference.
Forma is a non-invasive treatment. The handpiece sits on the surface and warms the tissue externally to stimulate gradual collagen production over a course of comfortable sessions. There is no recovery period. Fractora is a fractional RF microneedling treatment. A matrix of 600-micron pins penetrates the skin and delivers radiofrequency energy directly into the dermis, creating two simultaneous effects in a single pulse: fractional ablation that resurfaces texture, scarring and pigmentation at the surface, and a sub-necrotic thermal zone that drives collagen and elastin remodelling at depths Forma cannot reach. Clinical study data shows 65% average improvement in skin texture and wrinkles at six months post-treatment.
Mild concerns vs meaningful change
Forma is appropriate for maintenance and early, mild concerns. For acne scarring, significant texture irregularities or notable laxity, Fractora will produce results Forma cannot.
If the concern is mild, if the goal is gradual firming as part of a regular routine, or if you are building on skin that is already in good condition, Forma is the right tool. If you have a concern that warrants resurfacing, where the damage is structural and needs a more significant clinical response, Forma is not the appropriate starting point. Choosing the less intensive treatment first to avoid the recovery period tends to produce neither the comfort of Forma nor the results of Fractora. Your clinician will be straightforward about which is warranted by your skin.
They can play different roles in the same plan
Fractora addresses the more significant concern. Forma can then support ongoing maintenance and collagen health in the same area.
In some treatment programmes, both technologies appear at different stages. Fractora is used first to address an established concern, then Forma sessions support the skin over time. Your clinician will advise on whether this combination is appropriate and in what order, based on what your assessment shows.
Finding the right fit
Who each treatment suits
Radio Frequency (Forma)
- Adults with mild laxity or early fine lines who want gradual firming with no recovery period
- Those who prefer a comfortable treatment they can repeat regularly as part of a skin maintenance routine
- Those layering radiofrequency alongside other treatments such as LED, facials or injectables
Fractora RF Microneedling
- Adults with moderate to significant acne scarring, enlarged pores or rough skin texture who need more than surface-level support
- Adults with fine lines, wrinkles or mild to moderate skin laxity who want clinically measurable change
- Those who can accept 2 to 5 days of visible recovery in exchange for more impactful and longer-lasting results
Common questions
Frequently asked
What is the main difference between Forma and Fractora?
Which treatment gives stronger results?
Can Forma and Fractora be combined?
Is Forma a good starting point before Fractora?
What downtime should I plan for with each treatment?
Which treatment is better for acne scarring?
Is Forma suitable for darker skin tones?
Can I have Forma or Fractora if I have a pacemaker?
Is there a point where neither Forma nor Fractora is enough?
Explore each treatment
Read the full treatment details
65 London Road, Newark
Still not sure which is right for you?
Your clinician will assess your skin, talk through both options and give you an honest recommendation, including if neither is the right choice. No obligation to proceed.
Medically reviewed by Dr Shahe Boghossian, Medical Consultant, GMC 5204600 . Last reviewed 23 May 2026.
