What is Onda lifting?
Onda is a lifting and contouring device that uses microwave energy rather than laser light, radiofrequency or ultrasound. Its microwave technology, marketed as Coolwaves, is absorbed preferentially by tissue in the fat layer, where it heats and gradually reduces fat cells, while the connective tissue and deeper dermis are warmed enough to tighten. A cooling system keeps the skin surface comfortable.
That makes Onda different from most facial lifting devices: it is especially useful where sagging comes with soft fullness — a heavy lower face, a blurred jawline or a double chin — rather than thin, crepey skin alone.
People usually ask about Onda for:
- A jawline that looks round or heavy rather than defined
- Fullness under the chin and early jowls
- Puffy lower cheeks that make the face look wider
- Body areas such as the abdomen or arms, using Body ONDA
Choosing the dose, and who Onda suits
Onda is dosed in kilojoules. The doctor maps the areas of fullness and laxity and decides how much energy each zone needs:
| Option | Typical use | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Onda Lift 10KJ | Trial, or a small area such as under the chin | ₩120,000 |
| Onda Lift 60KJ | Lower face and jawline | ₩600,000 |
| Onda Lift 80KJ | Lower face, jawline and chin | ₩720,000 |
| Onda Lift 120KJ | Full lower face and contour with extra passes | ₩980,000 |
| Body Onda | Abdomen, arms, thighs and other body areas | From ₩700,000 (100KJ) |
Prices in KRW, 10% VAT not included, updated September 2026. Full list on the Onda price page.
Is Onda right for you?
Onda tends to suit faces with some fullness to refine. If your face is already slim or hollow, reducing fat can make it look more tired, and the doctor may suggest skin-tightening such as Thermage or volume support instead. For fullness concentrated in a small pocket, a targeted fat-loss injection may be more precise. Onda is often combined with Ultherapy for deeper lift.
What changes after Onda
Onda results appear gradually as the body clears treated fat cells and collagen remodels, so the jawline usually looks cleaner over 1–3 months rather than overnight. Some patients repeat after a few months for more refinement. For broader firmness, see our skin tightening options.
How an Onda visit works
- Doctor consultation We assess fullness, laxity and facial balance, then agree areas and KJ.
- Preparation Cleansing and a thin layer of oil or gel; the treatment zones are marked.
- Treatment The handpiece glides over each zone for about 20–40 minutes with surface cooling.
- Aftercare Soothing care and advice on gentle massage, hydration and sun protection.
Most patients feel heat building over the fuller areas, which the doctor balances by moving the handpiece and adjusting energy. Onda fits well into a short stay because there is little visible downtime, but contour changes appear over weeks, so plan follow-up photos at home.
Downtime, side effects and precautions
Onda is generally well tolerated, but because it works on the fat layer the recovery can feel slightly different from surface treatments:
- Common: warmth and redness for a few hours, and mild swelling or tenderness along the jaw and under the chin for a few days.
- Less common: firm, tender areas or a bruised feeling, temporary numbness or tingling, and slight unevenness while swelling settles.
- Rare: burns, blisters, nodules, or an over-thinned area if too much fat is lost in a slim face.
Not suitable, or tell the doctor first, if you
- Have a pacemaker or another implanted electronic device
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have metal implants, fillers or threads in the treatment area
- Have a very slim or hollow face, or recent rapid weight loss
- Have skin infection, open wounds or reduced sensation in the area
Afterwards, avoid saunas and hot baths for a couple of days and use sunscreen. Message us on WhatsApp with a photo if anything feels unusual.
Dr. Jimin Kang, Medical Director
Every onda lifting plan at Bailor starts with a face-to-face skin assessment by a doctor — not a sales counsellor. Dr. Kang's approach is "tailored, not templated": she chooses the product, dose and depth for your skin, and treats you herself or works alongside the other doctors on our in-house medical team.
Onda lifting FAQ
How much is Onda lifting in Gangnam?
At Bailor Clinic in Sinsa, Onda Lift for the face is ₩120,000 (10KJ), ₩600,000 (60KJ), ₩720,000 (80KJ) or ₩980,000 (120KJ). Body Onda starts at ₩700,000 for 100KJ. Prices exclude VAT; see the Onda price list.
Does Onda hurt?
Most patients feel strong warmth over fuller areas rather than sharp pain. Cooling is built in and the doctor adjusts energy; numbing cream is usually not needed.
Will Onda make my face look hollow?
It can if fat is reduced in an already slim face, which is why the doctor assesses your face first and may recommend tightening devices instead.
How many Onda sessions do I need?
One session can show a change, but many patients do 1–3 sessions a few months apart for more contouring.
Onda or Ultherapy?
Onda mainly refines fullness and tightens; Ultherapy focuses ultrasound at the deeper SMAS layer for lift. They are often combined for a heavy, sagging lower face.
Can Onda be used on the body?
Yes. Body ONDA treats areas such as the abdomen, arms and thighs at higher KJ doses.
