FAQ
How Does Onda Reduce Fat? Microwave Contouring in Seoul
Quick answer
Onda uses Coolwaves microwave technology, which heats and damages fat cells in the subcutaneous layer while a cooling system protects the skin surface. The body then gradually clears the affected fat cells over the following weeks, and heat also tightens connective tissue. At The Heal in Jamsil, Seoul, we use Onda for lower-face fat. Send photos on KakaoTalk for a plan before you fly.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa , board-certified dermatologist · Updated October 2026
Technology
Coolwaves microwave
Targets
Subcutaneous fat
Sessions
Often 1–3
Results
Over weeks to months
The science behind Onda
Onda , developed by DEKA, delivers microwave energy at a frequency that is preferentially absorbed by fat. Fat cells heat up and are damaged, then gradually cleared by the body's normal processes over the following weeks. Surface cooling keeps the skin comfortable and protected during treatment. The heat also stimulates surrounding connective tissue, which can improve firmness. This dual effect is why Onda is used both for contouring and tightening.
Where Onda is used
- Face: double chin, jowl fat and fuller lower cheeks, see double chin reduction .
- Body: abdomen, flanks, arms and thighs, see Onda body contouring .
Onda is not a weight-loss treatment; it suits localized fat in people near a stable weight.
In the face, Onda is often planned around a lifting treatment, because removing excess fat and tightening skin together tends to give a cleaner, more defined jawline than either alone. Careful planning avoids over-thinning areas that need volume.
What treatment and recovery are like
You will feel warmth and the movement of the handpiece, generally tolerable with the cooling system. Mild redness, swelling or tenderness can follow for a few days, and occasional temporary numbness may occur. Most people return to normal activities right away. We avoid treating during pregnancy and over certain implants, and assess your medical history first.
Treatment time depends on the area, typically under an hour for the lower face, and no anesthesia is usually required.
Results and combining with lifting
Changes appear gradually over several weeks to a few months, and some people benefit from more than one session. When excess fat makes the lower face look heavy, reducing it first can help lifting treatments like Ultherapy Prime give a cleaner jawline. Results vary. Send us side-profile photos for an assessment .
Sun protection and a stable weight help maintain results.
The Heal approach
We check whether heaviness comes from fat, sagging or both, and only use Onda where fat reduction will genuinely improve your contour.
Expert review
Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa
Medical Director · Board-certified dermatologist · Seoul National University College of Medicine
Written for international patients and reviewed for medical accuracy. Individual results vary; your plan is decided in person after a skin assessment. Our review policy
Visit us
The Heal Dermatology Clinic Jamsil
4F, 329 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
5 min walk from Jamsil Station (Line 8), Exit 9
Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00
Tue–Thu 10:00–19:30
Sat 09:30–16:00 · Sun & holidays closed
International patients
Visiting Seoul? Get your plan before you fly.
English consultations with a board-certified dermatologist, 5 minutes from Jamsil Station. Treatments are scheduled around your downtime and flights. International patient guide
1
Message us
Concerns, optional photos and travel dates via form or KakaoTalk.
2
Get your plan
Suggested treatments and timing around your flights.
3
Consult & treat
In-person assessment with Dr. Yang in English, then treatment.
Frequently asked
Related questions about Onda
Is Onda fat reduction permanent?
Fat cells cleared by treatment do not regrow, but remaining fat cells can enlarge with weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve results.
How many Onda sessions do I need?
Many people need one to three sessions, depending on the area and amount of fat. The doctor will recommend a plan after assessing you.
Can Onda make my face look gaunt?
Treatment is planned conservatively and only where fat is excessive. Assessing facial volume first helps avoid over-treatment and hollowing.
Can I combine Onda with Ultherapy?
Yes. Onda reduces excess fat, while Ultherapy lifts deeper tissue. Combining them is common for a heavy lower face, planned in a suitable sequence.
Keep exploring
Related treatments & guides
English consultations in Jamsil, Seoul
Find out if Onda can refine your jawline
Send your photos and travel dates. We reply with a personalised plan before you fly.