When Do the Effects of ONDA Lifting Show Up Compared to Ulthera in Terms of Pain?

I’m Dr. Taeo Park of Relive Clinic, and I don’t like pain.

When I consult with patients about lifting, I often hear this question:

"I heard ONDA lifting hurts less than Ulthera. If so, is the effect weaker too?"

There is one premise here that must be addressed.

Lifting is not a matter of "how strong it is," but of "who it suits."

ONDA lifting is not a treatment that works like a universal solution for everyone. Its strengths become especially clear on the faces and skin it suits well.

What kind of procedure is ONDA lifting?

ONDA uses an energy method that is fundamentally different from existing lifting devices. While Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) and Ulthera uses ultrasound (HIFU), ONDA uses microwaves (Microwave, 2.45Hz).

This energy vibrates water molecules in the skin to generate heat,

and that heat is selectively and effectively delivered to the subcutaneous fat layer and deeper layers of the dermis. Because the epidermis is protected by a cooling system, the surface feels cool while the inside feels warm. That is a defining feature of ONDA.

During this process, two changes occur at the same time.

One is that thermal damage is applied to fat cells, gradually leading to fat breakdown,

and the other is that the fibrous septa supporting the fat contract, creating immediate tightening.

So ONDA is not simply a lifting treatment that pulls the skin taut,

but rather a lifting treatment that helps "reduce weight and organize unnecessary structures."

Faces and skin types that suit ONDA lifting well

• Faces with relatively more subcutaneous fat, such as full cheeks or a double chin

• Cases where lifting does not seem to work well because of the weight of the fat

• Skin that is somewhat thick and has both sagging and fat

• People who hesitated to get lifting because of the pain of Ulthera or Thermage

I would say it is more suitable for people with these concerns.

On the other hand,

• Faces with very little fat

• Thin skin

• Faces that already have sunken cheeks

For people like this, ONDA may not be the best choice. A different lifting approach or one that considers volume may be needed.

That is why I always say that facial diagnosis comes first, rather than asking, "Is ONDA good?"

Why pain and recovery are less of a burden

One of the biggest advantages of ONDA lifting is the level of pain.

Unlike Ulthera, there is no need to consider risky deep sedation because of severe pain.

In fact, Ulthera at Relive Clinic is less painful than at other clinics. There has never been a single person who needed deep sedation.

(A proud director -> just a little bragging..)

Most procedures can be done without anesthesia, and even people who are sensitive to pain can receive ONDA relatively comfortably if numbing cream is used sufficiently.

In addition, there is almost no swelling or bruising immediately after the procedure, and recovery is quick enough to return to daily life right away.

For this reason, it is often chosen even before important events, and it has also earned the nickname "celebrity lifting."

When do ONDA effects start to be felt?

ONDA lifting is a procedure whose effects appear in stages.

Of course, results vary from person to person, but if you judge it without knowing this flow, you can easily be disappointed.

For about 2 to 3 days after the procedure, you may feel that the face is tightened due to contraction of the fibrous septa. However, swelling is also present during this period, so it is difficult to see the actual changes accurately.

Around 2 weeks later, as swelling subsides, the fat breakdown effect begins to be felt gradually. Around this time, many people notice that the double chin has reduced and the jawline looks more defined.

After 2 to 3 months, collagen and elastin regeneration begin in earnest, leading to improved skin elasticity, skin texture, and fine lines. The final assessment is usually made at around the 6-month mark.

In other words,

Change felt from 2 weeks → peak satisfaction at 2 to 3 months → gradual improvement up to 6 months

This is the average effect timeline of ONDA lifting.

ONDA lifting: one thing you must keep in mind

ONDA is a less painful procedure, but it is not a weak one.

If the energy is set too low, pain may be reduced, but the effect will also inevitably be limited. The energy design matched to facial fat distribution and skin condition, the handpiece depth, and the treatment speed all influence the result.

In the end, ONDA is

not a lifting treatment that "anyone can get without pain,"

but rather the most efficient lifting treatment when accurately applied to faces with fat and sagging while minimizing pain.

If you receive enough explanation about whether it suits your face type and what results you should expect, you can experience a change that is less painful but clearly noticeable.

Thank you. This was Dr. Park.