Onda Lifting in Korea: Who It Suits, Cost per kJ, Results and Recovery for Double Chin and Jowls

Onda is a device made by DEKA, an Italian company. It uses microwave energy at 2.45GHz to heat the fat layer under the skin and the lower part of the dermis. The tip cools the skin surface at the same time, which protects the top layer and makes the heat easier to tolerate.

The heat does two things. Fat cells in the treated area are damaged and cleared by the body gradually over the following weeks, so the area slims down. The dermis tightens as collagen remodels. That combination is why Onda is used for a double chin, jowls, a heavy lower face and, with a different handpiece setting, for the abdomen, thighs and upper arms.

Onda is measured in kJ (kilojoules), the total energy delivered. More kJ means more energy spread over the area, which usually suits a larger or thicker area. It is not a measure of how intense each pass feels.

Onda fits well when the lower face looks heavy because of fat:

• A round face with soft fullness along the jawline
• A double chin that stays even at a healthy weight
• Early jowls where the skin is still reasonably firm
• Body areas with a stubborn layer of fat, such as the lower abdomen, inner thighs or upper arms

Onda is the wrong first choice in several common situations:

• A thin face with hollow cheeks (what I call a “peanut-shaped” face): taking away fat here makes the face look older. XERF (Serf) with Hylo-Wave usually suits this face better.
• Deep sagging with loose skin and marionette lines: reducing fat under skin that has already dropped can make the looseness more visible. Ulthera works on the deeper support layer, and sometimes I combine the two.
• A large amount of fat or a weight goal: Onda refines shape. It does not replace weight loss or liposuction.

I explain this face-shape guide in a short video on which lifting fits which face. Please tell me about pregnancy, a pacemaker or other implanted device, metal implants in the treatment area, active skin infection or recent procedures in the same area before we plan.

Because Onda mainly addresses fat, I often pair it with a device that works on a different layer. These are the combinations I use most, and most of them appear in the clinic’s winter 2026 packages:

• Onda + Ulthera: for a full lower face that is also starting to sag. Onda slims, Ulthera lifts the deeper layer.
• Onda + XERF (Serf): for a face that needs slimming along the jaw and firmer skin overall, without strong deep lifting.
• Onda + Titanium: for contour plus tone and texture, with very little downtime.
• Onda + Thermage: for slimming plus skin tightening over the whole face.

None of these is right for everyone. I choose the pair, or Onda alone, after seeing your face in person. More detail is on the Onda lifting treatment page, and if deep sagging is your main concern, read the Ultherapy PRIME page too.

1. WhatsApp consultation. Send photos from the front, the side and at a 45-degree angle, with your chin level. For body areas, describe the area or send a photo you are comfortable sharing.
2. Arrival. Consultation is on the 3rd floor, treatment on the 2nd floor in a private room.
3. EVE MUSE 3D skin scan. This gives an objective picture of the skin before we decide.
4. Consultation with me. I pinch and look at the area from several angles to judge how much is fat and how much is loose skin, then mark the area and agree on the kJ with you.
5. Preparation. Many people have Onda without numbing cream because the tip cools the surface. If you are sensitive, we can use numbing cream first.
6. Treatment. The handpiece moves continuously over the marked area. You feel building warmth, and some spots, especially near the jawbone, can feel sharply hot for a moment. Tell me and I adjust.
7. Aftercare. Soothing, sunscreen for the face, written instructions, and a WhatsApp follow-up after you leave.

Onda is priced by total energy in kJ. On our menu, lower-face plans use 40 to 100kJ and body plans use 100 to 200kJ, but the right amount for you depends on the size and thickness of the area.

These are Peachcell’s listed event prices for winter 2026. Event prices change, VAT (10%) is charged separately, and the final quote is confirmed after your consultation.

See the full winter 2026 price list.

Right after treatment the skin may feel a little tighter, but the area is also slightly swollen, so the first few days are not a fair judge. The slimming comes as the body clears damaged fat cells, gradually over several weeks to about two months. Patients usually describe a cleaner line under the chin and less heaviness at the jaw in side photos.

The change is real but moderate. One session will not reshape a face, and many people need more than one session to reach the result they want, spaced a few weeks apart. If you travel to Korea only once, I will tell you honestly what one session can do and whether a combination makes more sense for a single visit. Results vary between people, and the plan is always decided in consultation.

Before choosing a clinic for Onda, I suggest checking three things, which I explain in this short video: the doctor’s experience with the device, real case history, and whether you get a proper consultation before treatment.

• Same day: redness and warmth that usually fade within hours. You can wash your face and wear makeup the same day.
• Days 1 to 3: mild swelling, and the area may feel firm or tender to touch, especially under the chin.
• Weeks 1 to 2: tenderness settles. Most people are back to normal activities right away.
• Weeks 4 to 8: gradual slimming as fat clears.

Possible side effects include redness, swelling, tenderness, and temporary firmness or small lumps in the treated fat. Less commonly, there can be temporary numbness, or blisters if the skin overheats. For one week, avoid alcohol, smoking, saunas and strong massage on the area, and wear sunscreen on the face.

Peachcell is at 3F YK Tower, 121 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, near Sinsa Station (Line 3 and Shinbundang Line). We are open Monday to Friday 10:00 to 20:00 (lunch 13:30 to 14:30) and Saturday 10:00 to 16:00 without a lunch break. Closed on Sunday.

• Because downtime is short, Onda fits easily into a city trip. You can usually go sightseeing the same day.
• For body areas, wear loose clothing that you can change out of easily.
• If you plan more than one session, we can space them across trips, or I can suggest a combination that does more in one visit.

How to check it’s a genuine Onda

Ask which device is being used. Onda is made by DEKA, and the device shows the energy delivered in kJ on the screen. Ask how many kJ are planned for each area and look at the total at the end. At Peachcell we use genuine devices only. You can read about my training and lectures on Dr. Ha Chang-ik’s profile page.