Most onda lifting before and after photos show faces, but the same microwave device is also used on the body, on areas such as the abdomen and upper arms. Below are four real Body ONDA cases from Kondae PPEUM Clinic in Seoul: two upper arms and two abdomens, all photographed from the side. For each case we explain what the photo shows and what it cannot tell you. We also cover how ONDA works, what it feels like, how it compares with Thermage and InMode, and what our medical director, Dr. Park Hwonham, tells patients about energy, sessions and pain.
Body ONDA at a glance
- What it is: ONDA (Onda Coolwaves) by DEKA, Italy. It uses 2.45GHz microwaves to heat the fat layer and dermis while the handpiece keeps the skin surface cool
- Body areas: the abdomen and upper arms, as in the cases below
- Measured in: total energy (kJ), not shots
- Sessions (general ONDA guidance): Dr. Park recommends about three sessions, roughly a month apart, then maintenance based on how your skin responds
- When you see it: some tightness right after from heat. Fat thinning and collagen renewal continue over weeks to months
- Common reactions: temporary redness, swelling and warmth
Onda Lifting Before and After: 4 Body Cases
These four patients of Kondae PPEUM Clinic received a Body ONDA event package. The package combines Body ONDA with an SS fat-dissolving injection and, for some patients, InMode FORMA. The photos do not record which of these items each patient had, the energy used (kJ), the number of sessions, or how long after treatment the after photo was taken. Each result therefore reflects the combination, not ONDA alone. Clothing, posture, breathing and lighting also differ between the before and after photos, and we point these out case by case. No faces are shown.
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Case 1: Upper arm, side view
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- Before: the patient wears a navy sleeveless top. The back of the upper arm curves outward, the arm looks full from shoulder to elbow, and the lower abdomen presses slightly against the top.
- After: she wears the same top. The outline of the upper arm looks straighter and narrower, and the waist area under the top looks flatter.
- Keep in mind: the after photo is framed differently, with a higher crop and a plain wall in place of the panel behind her. Framing can change how large the arm appears.
Case 2: Abdomen, side view
- Before: in a black sports top and black pants, the abdomen shows a rounded bulge below the navel that sits over the waistband.
- After: the profile below the navel is flatter, and the line from the ribs down to the waistband looks straighter.
- Keep in mind: the waistband sits at a different height in the two photos. Posture and breathing can also change how far the abdomen sticks out.
Case 3: Upper arm, side view (different tops)
- Before: in a loose navy sleeveless top with her hair tied back, the patient’s upper arm looks full along the back, from shoulder to elbow.
- After: in a fitted beige ribbed knit top with her hair down, the back of the upper arm looks slimmer and its contour smoother.
- Keep in mind: a loose top and a fitted top change how the arm and body look, so compare only the outline of the arm.
Case 4: Abdomen, side view
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- Before: in a black ribbed crop top and loose pants, the lower abdomen is rounded and sticks out below the navel, just above the waistband.
- After: the abdomen looks flatter from below the ribs down to the waistband.
- Keep in mind: she wears different pants with a fitted waistband, the top is pulled higher, and the lighting differs. Posture and breathing also affect the profile.
These cases show a visible difference in outline. They cannot show how much of it came from ONDA, from the injection, from FORMA, or from changes in clothing and posture. Results vary between individuals, and one case does not predict another. If you are interested in ONDA on the face, you can read a patient’s own account in My ONDA Lifting Face Treatment in Seoul.
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DR.BAQUO’s Answers on ONDA
Dr. Park Hwonham, Medical Director of Kondae PPEUM Clinic, gave these answers in October 2026 to questions patients ask about ONDA and Thermage. Most were asked in the context of the face. We say so where it matters, so that face amounts are not read as body amounts.
How many kJ of ONDA do I need? (asked about the face)
“ONDA is usually measured by total energy (kJ), while Thermage is measured in shots, such as 300 or 600. We split the amount across areas depending on face size, fat distribution and how much sagging there is. For a full face, I recommend 60–80kJ for ONDA and 600 shots for Thermage as the standard.”
How long do results last, and how often should I go?
“It depends on your skin and the amount used, but many people feel it lasts several months. Most start with two to three sessions three to four weeks apart, then continue with maintenance depending on their skin. I recommend about three sessions, roughly a month apart.”
Does it hurt? Do you use numbing cream?
“I describe it as bearable. Heat spreads and then a brief throbbing pain can rise, and you may feel a heavier ache close to bone, along the jawline and cheekbones. Every device has a cooling function, and we adjust the energy if pain is a concern. Numbing cream only dulls the skin surface and does little for pain from deep heat. It can even reduce the effect, so we try not to use it. Sedation is a better option, and for patients who are sensitive to pain, I recommend sedation.”
Will ONDA make my cheeks look hollow? (asked about the face)
“Microwave heat reaches the fat layer and the fascia, so if your skin is thin and you have little fat to begin with, your face can look too gaunt. We only recommend it after checking at the consultation that it suits your face. If someone is slim and their skin is loose, I usually recommend monopolar RF such as Thermage first.”
The kJ figures above are for a full face. The photos in this post do not record the energy used on the body. The only body item on our standing price list is Body ONDA Lifting 60KJ (see the price section below).
What Is Onda Lifting? How the Microwave Works
ONDA (Onda Coolwaves) is a 2.45GHz microwave device made by DEKA in Italy. A microwave oven warms the water inside food, and ONDA works in a similar way: it heats tissue from within while the handpiece keeps the skin surface cold. Most of the heat gathers in the fat layer rather than the dermis, which sets ONDA apart from radiofrequency devices.
- Fat layer: microwave heat stresses fat cells, which release fat that the body slowly clears. The fat layer thins gradually, so the contour can look neater.
- Dermis: heat makes collagen contract, and new collagen forms afterwards, so the skin firms up.
On the face, ONDA is used most where fat blurs the contour: cheek fullness, jowls and a double chin. The same principle is applied to the body, on areas such as the abdomen and upper arms. An international advisory board on Onda Coolwaves has published recommendations on using this microwave device for cellulite and localized fat (Hoffmann et al., 2024; see Sources).
ONDA spreads heat evenly over a wide area, as radiofrequency devices do. Ultrasound lifting devices such as Ultherapy and Shurink work differently: they focus heat into small points. If you are comparing the two approaches for the face, see our HIFU before and after case.
When Results Show and How Long They Last
| Time | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Right after | The area can feel tighter as heat contracts collagen. Redness and warmth are common |
| Weeks to months | Fat thinning and collagen renewal continue gradually |
| After that | Ageing carries on, so the effect fades gradually and maintenance is planned around your skin |
The change develops over time, so a photo taken soon after treatment and one taken months later can look quite different. That is one more reason the missing time interval matters when you read the cases above. Dr. Park's general guidance is to start with about three sessions, roughly a month apart.
Before
Months laterOnda Face Lifting vs Body ONDA
Onda face lifting and Body ONDA use the same device and the same principle. The difference is where the energy goes and how much is used. On the face, Dr. Park's standard for a full face is 60–80kJ, split across areas according to face size, fat distribution and sagging. Because the heat reaches the fat layer, a slim face with thin skin can end up looking too gaunt, which is why he checks suitability at the consultation and often suggests Thermage first for slim faces with loose skin.
On the body, the goal is usually the outline of the abdomen or upper arm. Our photos do not record the body energy, so we do not give a body kJ figure here beyond the 60KJ item on our price list. Patient accounts of the face version are in My ONDA 20KJ Face Treatment in Seoul. If the concern is fat under the jaw, see our double chin treatment guide.
ONDA vs Thermage vs InMode
| ONDA | Thermage FLX | InMode (e.g. FORMA) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maker | DEKA, Italy | Solta Medical, USA | InMode, Israel |
| Energy | Microwave (2.45GHz) | Monopolar RF | Bipolar RF |
| Main target | Fat layer + dermis | Dermis and the tissue below | Dermis |
| Counted in | Total energy (kJ) | Shots (e.g. 300, 600, 900) | Area and time |
| Suited to | Contour where fat is the concern, plus firmness | Firmness, fine lines, texture | Firmness and texture, frequent care |
Thermage cools the surface and then spreads radiofrequency heat through the dermis, so collagen contracts and then regenerates. Monopolar RF was first cleared by the US FDA in 2002 for wrinkles around the eyes, and its use later widened to facial laxity. In a Korean university hospital study of 66 women aged 40–60, three sessions reduced wrinkle area around the eyes by about 15% on average, and the only side effects reported were temporary redness and swelling. That study was on Thermage-type RF around the eyes, not on ONDA or the body. More on Thermage is in our Thermage FLX Korea guide.
Dr. Park's starting point for first-timers on the face: fullness with a blurred contour suggests ONDA, thin skin with fine lines and laxity suggests Thermage, and lower cost with regular care suggests InMode. This is a guide, not a rule. The body package in our photos pairs ONDA with InMode FORMA for some patients, which matches his general view: devices from different energy families are more often combined than two devices of the same type.
Pain, Downtime and Side Effects
Dr. Park describes the pain as bearable: heat spreads, then a brief throbbing can rise. The handpiece cools the surface, and the energy can be adjusted. Numbing cream does little for pain from deep heat, so sedation is considered for patients who are sensitive to pain.
| Reaction | Usually lasts |
|---|---|
| Redness, warmth | Hours to a day |
| Mild swelling, stiffness | A few days |
| Tenderness when pressed | One to two weeks |
- Common: temporary redness, swelling and warmth.
- Rare: burns, blisters, firm nodules or fat atrophy. Tell the clinic straight away if symptoms last.
- Tell the clinic first if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, metal implants, fillers or threads in the area, a skin condition or wound, or if you are pregnant.
- Limits: a lot of loose skin may need more than heat-based treatment.
Fat Dissolving Injections Korea: What the Package Adds
Many people searching for fat dissolving injections in Korea end up comparing them with energy devices like ONDA. In the cases above, Body ONDA was part of an event package that also includes an SS fat-dissolving injection and, for some patients, InMode FORMA. Because the photo records do not say which items each patient had, we cannot separate the effect of the injection from that of the device.
This article's director-reviewed source covers ONDA and Thermage, not fat-dissolving injections. We therefore do not describe how the injection works or how long it lasts. If you are considering it, ask at the consultation what is in the plan for your area, how many sessions are expected and what reactions to watch for.
Onda Lifting Seoul: Planning Your Visit
Kondae PPEUM Clinic is directly connected to Konkuk Univ. Station Exit 1 in Seoul. ONDA is widely available in Seoul, so when you compare clinics, compare on the same basis rather than on the headline price alone.
Onda Korea trips: one session per visit is normal
- One session per trip: the first course is about a month apart, so most visitors have one session per visit.
- Same-day plans: redness and warmth usually settle within hours, though mild swelling or tenderness can last longer (see the table above).
- Combining treatments: if an ultrasound device is also planned, Dr. Park usually advises the device that reaches deeper first and the one that concentrates heat near the surface afterwards. Injections come last.
If this is your first treatment abroad, our first-time Korean clinic guide covers booking, consultation and aftercare questions.
Onda Lifting Cost and Fat Dissolving Injections Price
Kondae PPEUM Clinic's standing price for Body ONDA Lifting 60KJ is KRW 590,000 (regular price, not an event price; subject to change). Event packages, including the one that combines Body ONDA with an SS fat-dissolving injection and InMode FORMA, are not listed here on purpose. Their conditions change, so ask for the current terms at the consultation. A standalone fat dissolving injections price is not on our standing price list either.
Body ONDA events in Korea
Kondae PPEUM Clinic regularly updates its events and packages, including first-visit prices and bundles with other treatments. The prices above are standing prices. For the latest Body ONDA event prices and conditions, check the packages page.
See current events →When comparing quotes, line up the same conditions:
- Total kJ, and how it is split across areas
- Which areas are included: the whole abdomen, part of it, or the arms
- What else is in the package, such as an injection or another device
- Who treats you, and whether a doctor does it
- For event prices, conditions such as first visit only
FAQ: Onda Lifting Before and After
Q: How long does onda lifting last?
A: Dr. Park says it depends on your skin and the amount used, but many people feel it lasts several months. Most start with two to three sessions three to four weeks apart, then continue with maintenance. Ageing carries on, so the effect fades gradually.
Q: Is one session enough?
A: You may feel tighter right after, but fat thinning and collagen renewal continue over weeks to months. How many sessions you need depends on your body and goals. Dr. Park's general recommendation is about three sessions, roughly a month apart.
Q: I've read fat dissolving injections Korea Reddit threads. How do they compare with these photos?
A: Personal posts are single experiences, and they often leave out what we also cannot show: the exact combination of treatments, the energy or dose, the number of sessions and the time between photos. Read them, and these cases, as examples rather than predictions. Results vary between individuals.
Q: How much do fat dissolving injections cost at Kondae PPEUM Clinic?
A: The injection is offered within an event package with Body ONDA, and event prices are not published in this article. The standing price we list is Body ONDA Lifting 60KJ at KRW 590,000. Ask for the current package terms at the consultation.
Q: Does Body ONDA hurt?
A: Dr. Park describes it as bearable, with a brief throbbing as heat builds. The handpiece cools the skin and the energy can be adjusted. Numbing cream does little for deep heat, so sedation is the option for patients who are sensitive to pain.
Q: Can I go sightseeing after treatment?
A: Usually yes. Redness and warmth tend to settle within hours to a day. Mild swelling can last a few days, and tenderness when pressed can last one to two weeks. Tell the clinic straight away if symptoms last.
Q: How do I see the full-resolution before and after photos?
A: Create a free account on this site. Members can view every case in this post without blur.
Related Before & After Cases and Guides
- Hollow Temples Treatment in Korea: Gouri & HILO WAVE Before and After
- Skin Booster Before and After Korea — Gouri + HILO WAVE Results
- Lip Filler Before and After Seoul — DR.BAQUO Results
- Cheek Filler Korea: Get Natural Volume in One Day
- Double Chin Treatment Korea: Seoul's Most Effective Fix
- Before & After gallery (members)
Sources
- Hoffmann K et al. Microwave-Energy-Based Device for the Treatment of Cellulite and Localized Adiposity — Recommendations of the "Onda Coolwaves" International Advisory Board. Bioengineering (Basel), 2024. PubMed 39768067
- Han SH et al. Usefulness of Monopolar Thermal Radiofrequency Treatment for Periorbital Wrinkles. Ann Dermatol, 2018. PubMed 29853743
- Sukal SA, Geronemus RG. Thermage — the nonablative radiofrequency for rejuvenation. Clin Dermatol, 2008. PubMed 18940540
- Weiss RA et al. Monopolar radiofrequency facial tightening — a retrospective analysis of efficacy and safety in over 600 treatments. J Drugs Dermatol, 2006. jddonline.com
Photos are real patients of Kondae PPEUM Clinic; only body areas are shown, with no faces. Each result reflects a package that may include Body ONDA, an SS fat-dissolving injection and InMode FORMA. Results vary between individuals, and one case does not predict another. Doctor's answers: Dr. Park Hwonham, Medical Director, Kondae PPEUM Clinic, October 2026.
DR.BAQUO | Hanlim Tower 2F, 229 Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | Konkuk University Station Exit 1 (Line 2) | Google Maps | LINE: @364kbfyj | global.drbaquo.com
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Kondae PPEUM Clinic
Dr. Park Hwonham (DR.BAQUO), Medical Director
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- Hanlim Tower 2F, 229 Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
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- Line 2 Konkuk Univ. Station Exit 1 (directly connected)
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- Mon–Fri 10:00–20:30 · Sat 10:00–16:30 (KST)
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