Laser Lifting

ONDA in Seoul: Planning Your Visit and Sessions

A planning guide for ONDA at RESUM Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul: how long each session takes, how the sessions are spaced and what to expect between them.

Plan a consultation

Published: 2026-10-15

Updated: 2026-10-15

At a glance

One ONDA session takes about 10-20 minutes and is done without anaesthesia.
The usual course is 3 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart, with change appearing gradually over 1-3 months.
ONDA is not a weight-loss treatment, and it may not suit a lean face with very little fat.

What is ONDA?

ONDA is a device from DEKA that works with 2.45 GHz microwaves, not radiofrequency or ultrasound. Microwaves at this frequency are taken up by fat cells, so the heat reaches the fat layer under the skin as well as the dermis. The aim is less localised fat and tighter skin in the same area.

On the face it is used for jowls, a double chin and the jawline. Coolwaves cooling and a contact temperature sensor keep the skin surface from overheating during the session.

How long does ONDA take, and how many visits?

Each ONDA session takes about 10-20 minutes, with no numbing beforehand and no recovery time to block off afterwards. The course listed by the clinic is 3 sessions, 3-4 weeks apart. If your stay covers only 1 session, tell us your travel dates so the doctor can explain in the consultation what a single visit can be expected to do.

Session	About 10-20 minutes
Numbing	None needed
Back to daily activities	Right after the session
Sessions	3 sessions, 3-4 weeks apart
How long it lasts	About 6-12 months

What ONDA cannot do

ONDA does not reduce body weight. It refines localised fat, contour and firmness one area at a time, and a dramatic change from 1 session is not promised. It can also be the wrong choice: on a lean face with hollow cheeks and very little fat, it may leave a tired look. Dr. Jin-Young Kim checks the facial structure first and suggests another option if ONDA does not fit.

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Purpose & suitability

Jowls or a double chin bother you and you are looking for a non-surgical option.

You have a pocket of fat and loose skin in the same area and want both addressed.

You prefer a short session that needs no anaesthesia.

You have looked at RF or ultrasound lifting and want to know whether microwaves suit you better.

You can return for regular sessions to keep the jawline defined.

Treatment process

Structure check. Facial fullness, where the fat sits and how the skin sags are examined to decide whether microwave treatment suits your face at all.
Plan. The target areas, such as the jowls or under the chin, are defined, and the intensity and number of sessions are set for the dermis and the fat layer.
Treatment. Microwaves at 2.45 GHz are delivered without numbing cream while Coolwaves cooling protects the skin surface.
Before you leave. The doctor explains the gradual change over 1-3 months, when the next session is due and how to care for the area day to day.

Time & recovery

Slight redness, mild swelling or a warm feeling in the treated area can last 1-2 days. It settles by itself and makeup usually hides it.

Strong heat, such as saunas and hot compresses, should be avoided for 1 week.

A light tightening may be felt right after the session. Fat cell reduction and new collagen show gradually over 1-3 months, and the change becomes steadier as sessions add up.

Limitations & precautions

ONDA is not given to people with an implanted electrical device such as a pacemaker. It is not recommended during pregnancy and is not used over an active skin infection or severe inflammation.

Temporary hyperpigmentation or itching where the skin was irritated is reported in rare cases. The cooling system and the temperature sensor keep the risk of burns relatively low.

When the change appears, and how much, depends on your constitution and fat distribution. Please consult Dr. Jin-Young Kim before treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fit ONDA into a short stay in Seoul?

A single ONDA session fits a short stay, as it takes about 10-20 minutes and daily activities continue right after. The course, however, is 3 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart, so talk to the doctor about how the remaining sessions fit your travel plans.

Is ONDA uncomfortable without numbing?

ONDA is generally done without numbing cream because discomfort is limited. Coolwaves cooling and a contact temperature sensor regulate the surface temperature, and a warm sensation may stay for 1-2 days.

How is ONDA different from RF or ultrasound lifting?

ONDA uses 2.45 GHz microwaves, which fat cells absorb selectively. The energy therefore acts on the subcutaneous fat layer and the dermis together, reducing localised fat while tightening the skin. Its mode of action is distinct from radiofrequency and ultrasound.

Is ONDA suitable for a slim face?

Not always. On a lean face with hollow cheeks and very little fat, ONDA can lead to a tired appearance, because it acts on fat cells. The facial structure is assessed first, and another option is explained when ONDA is judged unsuitable.

How long do the effects of ONDA last?

The effects of ONDA last about 6-12 months. Change appears gradually over 1-3 months and settles as sessions accumulate, and regular sessions are used to maintain the contour.