How Onda Lifting Works

Onda Lifting delivers Coolwaves microwave energy at 2.45 GHz through 3 specialized handpieces to selectively heat tissue at depths of 2-4mm. A typical session treats the full face in 30-45 minutes, with a built-in cooling system maintaining epidermal temperature below 42 degrees Celsius while the target tissue reaches 55-65 degrees Celsius to trigger collagen contraction and neocollagenesis.
How Onda Lifting Works

Understanding Coolwaves Microwave Technology

Onda Lifting operates on a fundamentally different mechanism than radiofrequency or ultrasound-based lifting devices. The system generates Coolwaves at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, which corresponds to the resonant frequency of water molecules in human tissue. This selective targeting allows the energy to bypass the epidermis and concentrate heating at the dermal and subcutaneous layers between 2mm and 14mm deep, depending on the handpiece selected.

The device features 3 interchangeable handpieces, each calibrated for a specific tissue depth and clinical indication. The shallow handpiece targets the dermis at 2-4mm for skin tightening. The medium handpiece reaches 4-8mm for localized fat reduction. The deep handpiece penetrates to 14mm for cellulite treatment. For facial lifting procedures, practitioners primarily use the shallow handpiece to stimulate collagen contraction and remodeling.

Pre-Treatment Consultation and Preparation

Every Onda Lifting procedure begins with a clinical assessment lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. The practitioner evaluates skin laxity, identifies target zones, and determines the appropriate energy protocol measured in kilojoules. Standard facial lifting protocols range from 40kJ for mild laxity to 100kJ for moderate sagging across multiple zones. At RE:BERRY Incheon Airport, Aesthetic Medicine Specialist Sung-Jun Cho photographs treatment areas under standardized lighting for accurate before-and-after documentation.

No special preparation is required before an Onda Lifting session. Patients arrive with clean skin free of makeup and sunscreen. Unlike some energy-based treatments, Onda does not require topical numbing cream because the integrated cooling system maintains comfort throughout the procedure. Patients with active skin infections, open wounds, or implanted electronic devices in the treatment area are not eligible and must wait until these conditions resolve.

Step-by-Step Procedure Walkthrough

Stage 1: Marking and Setup

The practitioner marks treatment zones on the face using a white pencil, dividing the area into grid sections of approximately 3cm by 3cm. This grid ensures uniform energy distribution across the entire treatment field. The Onda device is powered on and the shallow lifting handpiece is attached. Energy parameters are programmed into the console, typically set at 150-200 joules per pulse with a pulse duration of 3-5 seconds.

Stage 2: Energy Delivery

The handpiece is placed flat against the skin with firm contact. Each pulse delivers microwave energy for 3-5 seconds while the integrated Peltier cooling system simultaneously cools the epidermis to protect it from thermal damage. Patients report feeling a deep warming sensation rated 3-4 out of 10 on average. The practitioner moves systematically through the grid, delivering 150-300 pulses across the full face. Total active treatment time ranges from 20-35 minutes depending on the area covered and energy protocol.

Stage 3: Post-Treatment Assessment

After completing energy delivery, the practitioner removes the grid markings and examines the treatment area for uniform response. Mild erythema across all treated zones indicates appropriate energy absorption. The entire appointment, including consultation, treatment, and post-assessment, takes 45-60 minutes from arrival to departure.

Comfort Measures During the Procedure

Onda Lifting ranks among the most comfortable non-surgical lifting treatments available. The dual cooling mechanism operates continuously during each pulse, maintaining surface skin temperature below 42 degrees Celsius even as deeper tissue reaches therapeutic temperatures of 55-65 degrees Celsius. This 15-20 degree differential between surface and target depth is the key engineering feature that eliminates the need for topical anesthesia.

For patients with heightened sensitivity, practitioners can reduce pulse energy by 10-15% without significantly compromising clinical outcomes. Sensitive areas such as the perioral region and temples may receive adjusted parameters. Communication between patient and practitioner throughout the session ensures comfort levels remain manageable, with brief pauses available between treatment zones if needed.

What Happens After the Session

Collagen contraction begins immediately during energy delivery, producing a subtle tightening effect visible within the first week. The deeper biological response, neocollagenesis, starts at approximately day 14 and continues for 3-6 months. Peak results from a single Onda Lifting session appear at 8-12 weeks when newly synthesized collagen fibers mature and organize along natural tension lines. Patients at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport receive post-care instructions and a follow-up appointment at 4-6 weeks to assess response and discuss whether additional sessions are indicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during a Onda Lifting session?
A session involves 150-300 microwave energy pulses delivered through a specialized handpiece across grid-marked treatment zones. Each pulse lasts 3-5 seconds with simultaneous cooling to protect the skin surface. The practitioner systematically covers the entire face, delivering controlled heating at 2-4mm depth to trigger collagen contraction.
How long does the procedure take?
The full appointment takes 45-60 minutes from arrival to departure. Active energy delivery occupies 20-35 minutes depending on the treatment area and energy protocol in kilojoules. Pre-treatment consultation and marking add 15-20 minutes. No recovery waiting period is required before leaving the clinic.
Does Onda Lifting hurt?
Pain scores average 3-4 out of 10 during treatment thanks to the integrated Peltier cooling system that maintains epidermal temperature below 42 degrees Celsius. No topical numbing cream or local anesthesia is required. Sensitive areas like the temples may receive 10-15% reduced energy for additional comfort.
How many sessions do I need?
Most patients achieve noticeable lifting with 1-3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. A single session at 100kJ produces measurable collagen stimulation with peak results at 8-12 weeks. Moderate skin laxity typically benefits from 2-3 cumulative sessions for results lasting 12-18 months.
What technology is used?
Onda uses patented Coolwaves microwave technology operating at 2.45 GHz, the resonant frequency of water molecules in tissue. Three interchangeable handpieces target depths from 2mm to 14mm. The shallow handpiece at 2-4mm depth is used for facial lifting, delivering selective heating without epidermal damage.
Is Onda Lifting suitable for all skin types?
Onda Lifting works safely across all 6 Fitzpatrick skin types because microwave energy targets water molecules in tissue rather than melanin. Unlike laser treatments, there is no increased pigmentation risk for darker skin types IV-VI. The cooling system provides consistent epidermal protection regardless of skin tone.
When do Onda Lifting results become visible?
Initial tightening appears within 7 days due to immediate collagen contraction during treatment. Neocollagenesis begins at approximately day 14 and continues for 3-6 months. Peak results from a single session appear at 8-12 weeks when mature collagen fibers organize along the skin's natural tension lines.

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