What Is ONDA Lifting? The CoolWaves™ Principle in One Line
ONDA lifting is a lifting procedure that uses microwave-based CoolWaves™ technology to target the dermis and the subcutaneous fat layer at the same time while keeping damage to the outer skin to a minimum.
STEP 1 — How Microwave Energy Is Delivered to the Skin
ONDA lifting starts with microwave energy. Microwaves have a shorter wavelength than ordinary radiofrequency (RF) and can concentrate energy at a specific tissue depth, so they reach below the dermis while the surface temperature stays stable. A cooling system inside the CoolWaves™ handpiece chills the outer skin in real time, which is designed to lower the risk of surface damage.
At this stage, the depth of energy delivery is adjusted according to the treatment area and tissue composition, and the actual settings used can be confirmed during a consultation.
STEP 2 — How Collagen Regeneration Begins in the Dermis
When microwaves reach the dermis, water molecules in the tissue vibrate and convert that motion into heat. This heat stimulus activates collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts), and new collagen forms over time. Collagen regeneration generally appears gradually over several weeks rather than right after the procedure, and the timing and degree of change you notice may vary with your skin condition and age.
Repic Clinic in Gangnam offers ONDA lifting for the purpose of dermal collagen regeneration, and it is applied to concerns such as sagging in the cheeks and jawline.
STEP 3 — How Fat Reduction Occurs in the Subcutaneous Layer
When energy also reaches the subcutaneous fat layer beneath the dermis, direct heat damage to the fat cell membrane induces fat cell death (such as apoptosis). The destroyed fat cells are gradually cleared through the body's natural metabolic processes, which is the principle applied to reducing fat in the double chin or cheeks.
Because this fat-reduction mechanism runs at the same time as collagen regeneration, a feature of ONDA lifting is that both "fat reduction and improved skin firmness" can be expected from a single procedure. However, the fat-reduction effect may differ depending on the amount of fat, metabolism and lifestyle.
STEP 4 — Working Depth Compared with Ulthera and InMode
Even within the same lifting category, the type of energy and working depth differ. Refer to the table below to see how the principles of each procedure differ.
| Procedure | Energy type | Main target layer | Features | Guidance at consultation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ulthera lifting | Focused ultrasound (HIFU) | Fascia (SMAS) layer | Performed while checking depth with DeepSee™ real-time imaging | Explained at consultation |
| InMode lifting | RF (radiofrequency) | Fascia (SMAS) layer | Fat cell reduction, collagen production and tightening at once. FDA-cleared device | Explained at consultation |
| ONDA lifting | Microwave | Dermis + subcutaneous fat layer | Protects the outer skin with CoolWaves™ while reducing fat and regenerating collagen at the same time | Explained at consultation |
All three procedures are available at Repic Clinic in Gangnam (B1–B2, 318 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul). Whether to use one alone or in combination is decided at a consultation based on your skin condition and goals.
STEP 5 — Things to Check Before the Procedure
- Clarify your goal: The suitable type of lifting may differ depending on whether your main concern is reduced skin firmness or fat reduction.
- Check your skin condition: The procedure may be limited if you have active acne, skin inflammation or are pregnant. Sharing your skin condition accurately at the consultation comes first.
- Plan your recovery: Temporary redness or swelling may appear after ONDA lifting, and recovery time varies from person to person. If you have an important event coming up, ask about timing at the consultation first.
- Consider combination treatment: Whether to use Ulthera, InMode or ONDA alone, or in combination depending on your skin condition, is decided at a consultation.
Following this order — understand the principle, set your goal, check your skin condition, then consult — can help you choose the lifting that suits you. You can find more about how ONDA lifting and CoolWaves work, and whether it may suit you, on the official page of Repic Clinic in Gangnam or through a direct consultation.
Related official information
You can find more details on the official website.
Repic Clinic official website →
※ This content is for general information only and does not replace a medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before any procedure. Results, downtime and side effects vary from person to person.
