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Onda Face microwave contouring in Seoul

Onda uses microwave energy to heat fat selectively under the chin and below the cheeks. When fullness rather than sagging is softening your jawline, it can help bring back a cleaner contour without surgery.

What Onda Face is and how it works

Onda is a microwave-based contouring device. Unlike ultrasound or radiofrequency, which are mainly used to tighten skin and support layers, Onda's microwave energy is designed to heat fat tissue selectively . Fat absorbs this energy differently from the surrounding skin, so the heat can be concentrated where fullness has built up while the surface is protected.

On the face, Onda is used in two main areas: under the chin, where a soft "double chin" can blur the line between face and neck, and below the cheeks, where localised fullness can make the lower face look heavier or rounder than you would like.

Which layer it targets and who it suits

In our 8-layer Skin Architecture model — epidermis, upper dermis, full-thickness dermis, lower dermis, subcutaneous fat, fascia, muscle and bone — Onda works in the subcutaneous fat layer. This is important, because a blurred jawline can come from very different causes. If fat is the main contributor, tightening the skin alone may not change much; if laxity of the support layer is the cause, reducing fat alone will not lift it.

Onda Face is often considered for:

  • Fullness under the chin that softens the jaw-neck angle
  • Localised fullness in the lower cheeks
  • A rounder lower face where fat, not muscle, is the main factor
  • People who want a non-surgical way to refine contour

If the width of your lower face comes mostly from a strong chewing muscle, jawline Botox is usually more appropriate. If sagging is the main issue, HIFU such as Ultherapy PRIME or OLIGIO HIFU may be recommended.

What happens on the day

A director sees you from the first consultation. The doctor examines your face from several angles, checks how much of the fullness is fat, muscle or laxity, and explains which approach suits each part. Your plan and every session are recorded in your Skin Library. At Obliv, the layer is identified first; the device follows.

The area is cleansed and the handpiece is moved across the treatment zone while the surface is cooled. You will feel warmth building in the area. Sensitivity varies from person to person, and the doctor can adjust the treatment for comfort. Afterwards, barrier-protecting care is applied to the skin.

Downtime, results and how long they last

Most people can return to their normal plans soon after treatment. Mild redness, warmth or tenderness in the treated area can occur and usually settles within a short time.

Contour changes from fat-focused treatments develop gradually rather than overnight. As with our other contouring treatments, improvement typically becomes more noticeable over 1–3 months, with the final result at around 3–6 months. The number of sessions depends on the area and your goals, and the doctor will explain this at consultation. Results vary from person to person, and keeping a stable weight helps the result hold.

Often combined with

A defined jawline usually depends on more than one layer. Onda is often combined with HIFU or RF to tighten the skin and support layer above the treated fat, or with masseter Botox when muscle bulk also contributes. Where the chin itself is set back, chin filler can improve the profile. The doctor will explain which combination and order makes sense.

Is it right for me?

Onda suits localised facial fat in people whose skin still has reasonable elasticity. If skin is very loose, reducing fat alone may not give the shape you are hoping for, and we will tell you if a different plan is more likely to help. Medical history, pregnancy and any implants in the area are reviewed before treatment.

For international visitors

Onda generally fits into a short stay in Seoul, as most people return to normal activities quickly. Message us on WhatsApp with side-profile photos and your travel dates so the doctor can advise in advance. Ask us on WhatsApp for a personalised quote.

Preparing for your visit

  • Bring front and side-profile photos, including one with your jaw relaxed.
  • Tell the doctor about any implants, medications and recent treatments in the lower face.
  • Mention whether you clench or grind your teeth, as this can affect which treatment suits you.
  • Keep your weight stable around treatment, as this helps the contour change hold.

At a glance

  • Type: Microwave energy
  • Layer: Subcutaneous fat
  • Areas: Under the chin, below the cheeks
  • Downtime: Usually minimal
  • Results visible: Gradually, over 1–3 months
  • Programme: Contour (energy lifting)

Questions about Onda Face

  • Can Onda help a double chin?

    Onda is used under the chin when the fullness there is mainly fat. The doctor first checks whether fat, skin laxity or chin shape is the main cause, because each needs a different approach.

  • How is Onda different from HIFU?

    HIFU focuses ultrasound on the deep support layer to lift and tighten. Onda uses microwave energy to heat fat selectively. They target different layers and are sometimes combined for a more defined jawline.

  • How many sessions will I need?

    It depends on the area and how much contour change you are hoping for. The doctor will suggest a plan after examining you at consultation.

  • Is there downtime?

    Most people return to normal activities soon after. Some redness, warmth or tenderness in the area is possible and usually settles within a short time.

Ask us about Onda Face

Message us on WhatsApp in English. Obliv Clinic Seoul Origin, Pagoda Tower, 93 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu — about 5 minutes on foot from Jonggak and Euljiro 1-ga stations, close to Myeongdong.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability, number of sessions and results vary from person to person and are decided with a doctor at consultation.