Article
Onda vs Ultherapy in Korea — Choose the Best for Your Skin Type
Introduction
In Korea’s advanced aesthetic market, Onda and Ultherapy are two popular non-surgical treatments used for skin tightening, contouring, and anti-aging. While both improve appearance without surgery, they use different technologies and serve different purposes — making it important to match the right treatment to your skin type and goals.
This guide breaks down Onda vs Ultherapy, compares their benefits and limitations, and helps you choose the best option for your skin.
What Is Onda?
Onda uses Coolwaves™ — a proprietary microwave (or specialized radiofrequency) technology — to tighten skin and reduce localized fat. It is commonly used in Korea for body contouring and facial skin tightening, with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Onda treats both superficial tightening and deeper subcutaneous fat layers, making it popular for jawline contouring, under-chin tightening, and small body areas like knees or arms.
What Is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy is a micro-focused ultrasound (MFU) procedure designed to lift and tighten skin by stimulating collagen deep within the skin — including the SMAS layer, the same layer addressed by surgical facelifts.
Ultherapy is especially effective for lifting the brow, cheeks, jawline, and neck, and is one of the most trusted non-surgical lifting treatments used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons in Korea.
Technology Differences
Onda Technology
• Uses microwave or specialized RF energy called Coolwaves™
• Targets superficial skin layers and subcutaneous fat
• Warming effect helps reduce fat and tighten skin
Ultherapy Technology
• Uses micro-focused ultrasound energy
• Penetrates deeper layers including SMAS
• Targets collagen regeneration for lift and support
Who Each Treatment Is Best For (by Skin Type & Concern)
Best for Onda
Onda is ideal for people who:
• Want skin tightening + fat reduction
• Have mild to moderate laxity, especially around lower face or jawline
• Are targeting contouring areas (e.g., under chin, jowls, small body regions)
• Prefer gentler treatments with minimal discomfort
• Want quick recovery
π Best skin types for Onda:
• Combination skin with localized fat
• Slightly sagging skin but good overall elasticity
• Younger to mid-age patients (20s–40s) with early signs of aging or contour needs
Best for Ultherapy
Ultherapy is ideal for people who:
• Want deep lifting and structural support
• Have moderate to noticeable sagging, especially in jawline or neck
• Want longer-lasting collagen regeneration results
• Don’t mind more intense treatment for stronger lift
π Best skin types for Ultherapy:
• Mature skin with laxity
• Sagging jawline or neck area
• Thicker skin that needs deeper stimulation
• Anyone aiming for visible lifting without surgery
Pros & Cons — Onda
Onda Pros
• Good for fat reduction + skin tightening
• Minimal discomfort and downtime
• Effective for localized contouring (chin, jawline, body)
• Often more affordable per session
• Can improve skin texture
Onda Cons
• Less deep lifting power than Ultherapy
• May require multiple sessions for optimal results
• Best for mild to moderate laxity
Pros & Cons — Ultherapy
Ultherapy Pros
• Strong deep lifting and collagen stimulation
• Targets SMAS level (structural layer) without surgery
• Long-lasting results
• Excellent for jawline, neck, and brow elevation
Ultherapy Cons
• Can be more intense during treatment
• Results take longer to fully appear
• Usually higher cost than Onda
• Requires experienced provider for best outcomes
Results Timeline
Onda Results
• Subtle improvements may show early.
• Best results typically appear over several weeks as fat reduction and new collagen form.
Ultherapy Results
• Initial result may show within weeks, but the full lift develops over 2–3 months.
• Results often last 12 months or longer.
Is One Treatment “Better”?
There is no single best for everyone — it depends on your skin type and concern:
• Choose Onda if you want contouring + tightening with minimal discomfort.
• Choose Ultherapy if your main goal is significant lifting and deeper collagen regeneration.
For many patients, combining treatments strategically gives the most balanced outcome — for example, Ultherapy for deep lift and Onda for surface tightening and fat reduction.
Korean Clinic Insights
In Korea, both treatments are widely available in dermatology and aesthetic clinics. Many providers customize protocols based on:
β Your age and elasticity
β Degree of sagging
β Areas of concern
β Desired downtime and comfort level
Always ensure your provider has experience with the specific device (especially for ultrasound and Coolwave technologies) to tailor the energy settings correctly.
Final Tips Before Treatment in Korea
• Ask which device model and handpieces will be used.
• Confirm your treatment goals with a specialist.
• Discuss comfort options (topical numbing or cooling).
• Understand your expected downtime and aftercare plan.