BIPOLAR RF: STEADY SKIN SUPPORT, SESSION BY SESSION

FAQ

• Is bipolar RF safe, and who is it for??

  Forma and MiniFX are used under InMode’s TGA-listed RF skin-treatment and skin-contouring system (ARTG 331820 and 331683, sponsored by InMode Australia Pty Ltd). Bipolar RF is generally suitable for adults looking to support mild skin laxity on the face, chin, neck, upper arms or knees. It isn’t suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with a pacemaker or other implanted cardiac device, with metal implants in the treatment area, with active skin infection, with a history of keloid scarring, or within six months of finishing isotretinoin. If you’ve recently had injectable treatments in the area, please mention this at your consultation — we generally recommend a two-week gap either side. Your clinician assesses suitability in your consultation.

• Does it hurt?

  Bipolar RF is widely described as one of the more comfortable energy-based treatments. The sensation is warm — often compared to a hot stone massage — and most people don’t need numbing cream. MiniFX adds a measured suction feeling that can leave faint marks for a few hours. If anything becomes uncomfortable during a session, your clinician adjusts the settings.

• What's the downtime?

  Downtime is typically none to minimal. Expect mild warmth and redness for a few hours, sometimes small vacuum-pattern marks from MiniFX that fade the same day. Most people return straight to work or normal activities, including makeup from that afternoon. Avoid very hot showers, sauna and steam for 24 hours.

• How many sessions will I need?

  A typical course is six sessions spaced weekly or fortnightly. Some body areas may benefit from six to eight. Collagen continues to build over the three to six months after your final session, and many clients choose to book maintenance sessions quarterly or as advised. Your clinician plans the specific course in consultation. Individual results vary.

• How is bipolar RF different from Thermage or RF microneedling?

  They’re different tools for different goals, not a better-or-worse ladder. Bipolar RF (Forma and MiniFX) sits across two electrodes on a single handpiece and warms the dermis in short, series-based sessions with typically minimal downtime. Monopolar RF (Thermage FLX, offered at our Sunnybank clinic) uses one electrode plus a grounding pad, delivering deeper heat in a single longer session with results building over several months. RF microneedling (Quadessy at Toowong, Morpheus 8 at Sunnybank) delivers bipolar RF through tiny needles directly into the dermis for more pronounced remodelling, with some downtime. Your clinician will walk through which is most appropriate for your skin, your goals, your comfort preferences and your downtime window.

• What's the difference between Forma and MiniFX?

  Forma is designed for the face and delicate areas — forehead, around the eyes, nasolabial folds, jowls, jawline, neck. MiniFX adds a measured suction to the same bipolar RF approach and is designed for smaller, curved body zones like the chin, submental area, upper arms and knees. Many sessions combine the two — Forma on the face, MiniFX on the chin or jawline — in a single visit. The right combination is mapped in consultation.

• Who performs the treatment?

  Bipolar RF at our Toowong clinic is performed by our Registered Nurses. Your clinician will cover the consent process, the risks and the aftercare at your consultation.