Why Do Some People Develop Sunken Cheeks or Hollow Cheeks After Onda Lifting?

Hello. I’m Dr. Taeo Park, Director of Lilliv Clinic.

“I’m worried because I heard Onda lifting can cause sunken or hollow cheeks.”

“Can it make my face look more gaunt?”

If you are looking into lifting procedures, you may have heard this at least once.

However, in actual clinical practice, it is not as common as you might think to directly encounter such cases.

Rather, positive feedback such as “My facial line became more defined” or “My face looks more refined” is more common after the procedure.

So why do changes like sunken or hollow cheeks after Onda lifting occur only in certain people?

Today, I will clearly address the misconceptions and reality surrounding sunken or hollow cheeks after Onda lifting from the perspectives of facial structure and treatment method.

Sunken or hollow cheeks after Onda lifting,

Why does it happen only to some people?

Is Onda lifting a procedure that burns fat?

First, let me explain the part many people misunderstand.

Many people mistake Onda lifting for a procedure that burns fat.

To be precise, Onda lifting is a procedure that uses Microwave energy to selectively stimulate the subcutaneous fat layer just beneath the skin.

Rather than burning fat, its purpose is to naturally refine facial volume.

In particular, it is a lifting method mainly applied to shape prominent fat layers such as a double chin or deep cheek area.

The problem occurs when the same level of stimulation is applied to someone whose face naturally has little fat or whose skin is thin.

In such cases, the skin may contract too much, creating the feeling that the cheeks have sunken.

Who is more likely to develop sunken or hollow cheeks?

The sunken or hollow cheek phenomenon after Onda lifting is not so much a problem with the device itself as it is caused by differences in a person’s facial structure, skin thickness, and fat distribution.

In particular, if you have one of the following three face shapes or skin types, a more detailed plan is needed before treatment.

• A face with naturally little cheek volume below the cheekbones

• A slim body type, or skin that is thin and sensitive

• A three-dimensional face shape with a more pronounced outer contour than the central part of the face

For people with these features, the depth and intensity of stimulation must be adjusted carefully.

In addition, if the treatment area is limited or if a combined procedure is planned to support skin density and elasticity, a more stable result may be expected.

How should Onda lifting be performed? The key factor that determines the result is not simply the use of the device, but the treatment method suited to the individual’s face.

When performing the procedure, I usually consider three things, and I think it may help if you keep these in mind when consulting with medical staff later.

① Adjusting the depth and intensity of stimulation

The depth and intensity of stimulation are adjusted according to skin thickness and sensitivity.

In areas where the skin is thin and sensitive, the intensity is lowered so that heat stimulation does not penetrate too deeply.

The 3 mm handpiece for improving elasticity and the 7 mm handpiece for reducing fat are used in combination as appropriate for the situation.

② Limiting the treatment area

The treatment area may be limited depending on the person’s facial structure and condition.

For areas where sunken cheeks are a concern, only minimal stimulation is applied, or the area may be excluded from treatment if necessary.

③ Combining with other procedures

If necessary, procedures to improve skin condition, such as Rejuran, Juvelook, and Serf, may be performed together.

The approach is made while taking into account various factors, such as skin thickness and density.

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Onda lifting is a procedure aimed at harmonizing the entire face. Therefore, it is important to remember that accurately understanding your own facial structure is essential.

If you have these concerns,

Onda lifting is recommended.

• If you are concerned about a double chin or jowls

• A face shape with thick skin and noticeable sagging

• If you want to naturally refine your facial contour without surgery

• If you found conventional radiofrequency or ultrasound lifting procedures (HIFU) uncomfortable because of pain

Onda lifting is a procedure that concentrates Microwave energy on a specific layer within the skin, lowering stimulation while still providing a lifting effect.

So it can be a good option for people who are sensitive to stimulation or were worried about the pain of existing lifting procedures.

If your skin is thin and you have little cheek volume, do not forget that before the procedure, you must consult with medical staff and sufficiently adjust the treatment area and intensity.

The most important thing is “understanding my own facial structure.”

Onda lifting is a procedure that can improve both elasticity and a slimmer facial line at the same time.

Even with the same Onda lifting procedure, the results can appear completely different depending on each person’s facial shape and skin characteristics.

Rather than asking, “Is the procedure the problem?”

it is better to first check, “Was the procedure performed in a way that is appropriate for my face?”

If you are considering Onda lifting,

I recommend consulting with medical staff about which treatment method is best suited for your face.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Taeo Park

Director, Lilliv Clinic