Onda vs RF radiofrequency,

where does the fat-destroying mechanism differ?

As soon as the clinics shed their padded coats,

we start getting busy with people feeling along their jawlines.

Many people ask,

'The fat under my chin doesn't go away even with exercise,

shouldn't we get rid of the fat itself?'

And that question comes up a lot.

Today, let me explain why, step by step.

Onda and regular RF,

they look similar, right?

But actually,

Onda uses microwave energy

to selectively

heat the subcutaneous fat layer.

Unlike the RF (radiofrequency) lifting you may already know,

Onda uses a different wavelength,

so it reaches fat cells more deeply and precisely.

Although both fall under the category of 'reducing fat with heat,'

in reality, where the heat goes

and how long it stays there are completely different.

Why does the same heat

work with Onda but not with RF?

"The Onda 7mm tip raises fat to 67°C or higher,

destroying it irreversibly.

Just as melted ice

doesn't freeze back into the same shape,

once fat cells are dead, they do not regenerate,

creating a result that is different from the rebound seen with dieting."

— Dr. Wi Young-jin (Beautystone Clinic, Hongdae)

The principle behind Onda is similar to

warming frozen dumplings in a microwave.

It heats by directly stimulating the moisture and fat inside,

rather than the surface.

Because only the target fat layer

rises to 67°C or higher,

irreversible destruction of fat cells occurs.

By contrast, with regular RF, because of its wavelength characteristics,

the main targets are the dermis and superficial fat.

It is strong for tightening, but it has limits

when it comes to 'eliminating' deeper fat deposits.

In today's consultation as well, a patient who had undergone

six RF-based treatments

came in saying the jawline fat was still there.

When we measured with ultrasound,

there was almost no change in subcutaneous fat thickness,

and in cases like this, switching to Onda

definitely gives better results.

For which areas and which people

is Onda most effective?

Check whether you fall into any of these categories.

Last week, a 52-year-old client

wanted to refine the abdominal line,

but since the subcutaneous fat was nearly 6 cm thick,

we did not recommend the procedure.

I honestly told her that the cost might not be worth it

relative to the expected result.

Onda is a powerful device that removes fat cells themselves,

but it is important to note that

suitability varies depending on the area and thickness.

The three questions

patients ask most often

Q1. Can I see results after just one session?

For areas with a thin layer, such as under the chin,

you can feel a change in the contour even after one session.

However, for larger areas like the upper arms,

you usually need 2 to 3 sessions

before you can see the difference in the mirror.

Q2. Once fat cells are destroyed,

do they really never come back?

That is correct—the destroyed cells themselves do not regenerate.

However, the remaining cells can enlarge, so

binge eating is a no-no.

That said, even if you eat the same amount, the area tends to gain less.

Q3. What about side effects or pain?

During the procedure, you may feel warmth,

and there is usually almost no pain that is difficult to tolerate.

In rare cases, bruising or a lumpy feeling may occur,

but it usually resolves naturally within 2 to 3 weeks,

so you can feel at ease.

If you take away just one thing today,

it is this: Onda is not a procedure that simply 'slims you down,'

but one that 'reduces the number of fat cells'

themselves.

In the next post,

I'll explain the time difference in fat elimination,

'4 weeks vs 8 weeks after Onda treatment.'

This has been Dr. Wi Young-jin.

Also read

• 'A jawline revealed by the spring breeze?' Ultherapy Prime vs Onda: which option is right for me?

Frequently asked questions

Q. Will I see results after just one treatment?

A. In areas with thinner tissue, such as under the chin, you can notice changes in the contour even after just one treatment.

Q. Do fat cells that have been destroyed really never come back?

A. It is true that the destroyed cells themselves do not regenerate.

Q. What are the possible side effects or pain levels?

A. During the procedure, you may feel a warm sensation, and there is hardly any pain that is difficult to tolerate.

Q. Does the Onda lifting treatment deliver the same effective results regardless of which area it is applied to?

A. The treatment varies depending on the area and its thickness. A 7mm tip works perfectly for the under-chin and double chin area to create a defined look, while the effects might be limited for deeper cheek fat or thicker areas of 5cm or more, like the abdomen.