Thermage vs Onda in Korea — The Complete RF Lifting Comparison
Thermage FLX and Onda are two of the most advanced radiofrequency-based lifting technologies available in Korea. Both use energy to stimulate collagen and tighten skin, but their mechanisms, depth of action, and ideal use cases differ significantly. RE:BERRY Myeongdong’s aesthetic medicine specialists break down every detail to help you choose.
Thermage or Onda — Which RF Lifting Should You Choose?
Thermage FLX is best for overall skin tightening and collagen renewal across the full face. Onda is ideal when you need both fat reduction and skin tightening, particularly along the jawline and submental area. At RE:BERRY Myeongdong, most patients get the best results combining Onda + Titanium + Inmode (₩1,550,000) for multi-layer energy delivery.
Thermage FLX uses monopolar radiofrequency to heat the deep dermis uniformly, triggering long-term collagen remodeling. Onda uses patented Coolwaves (microwave energy at 2.45 GHz) to selectively target fat cells while simultaneously tightening skin. Thermage is a single-session maintenance treatment; Onda excels when volume reduction along the jawline or body is also a goal. RE:BERRY Myeongdong’s aesthetic physicians often combine Onda with Titanium and Inmode to address superficial, mid, and deep tissue layers in one session.
Thermage & Onda Before-and-After Gallery
Actual patient results from RE:BERRY Myeongdong. All photos taken under standardized clinical lighting with patient consent.
How Thermage & Onda Treatments Work at RE:BERRY
Both treatments follow our standardized clinical protocol for safety and optimal results.
1. Comprehensive Skin Analysis
Your skin specialist uses visual and digital analysis to assess skin laxity, fat distribution, and tissue depth. This determines whether Thermage, Onda, or a combination protocol is ideal for your specific concerns.
2. Treatment Planning & Numbing
A customized shot map or energy plan is created. Topical anesthesia is applied 20-30 minutes before treatment for comfort. Treatment areas are marked precisely.
3. Energy Delivery
Thermage FLX delivers monopolar RF through a vibrating handpiece with integrated cooling. Onda delivers Coolwaves through a specialized handpiece that selectively heats fat at 2.45 GHz while cooling the skin surface.
4. Post-Treatment Assessment
Immediate skin response is evaluated. Mild redness is normal and resolves within hours. Your doctor provides aftercare instructions and schedules follow-up.
5. Results Timeline & Follow-Up
Initial tightening is visible immediately. Collagen remodeling continues for 3-6 months. A follow-up appointment at 4-6 weeks confirms progress and determines if additional sessions are beneficial.
Thermage vs Onda — Benefits and Expected Timeline
- Thermage: Full-Face Collagen Renewal Monopolar RF heats the entire dermal layer uniformly, stimulating widespread collagen production for overall tightening and a lifted appearance.
- Onda: Selective Fat + Skin Tightening Coolwaves selectively target fat cells through lipolysis while simultaneously tightening the overlying skin, making it ideal for jawline and submental contouring.
- Zero Downtime for Both Both Thermage and Onda are walk-in, walk-out procedures. You can return to daily activities immediately. Mild redness resolves within a few hours.
- Long-Lasting Results Collagen remodeling from both treatments continues for months. Thermage results last 12-18 months; Onda fat reduction results are permanent as destroyed fat cells do not regenerate.
- Combination for Maximum Effect Combining Onda + Titanium + Inmode addresses multiple tissue depths and mechanisms in a single session for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Treatment completed. Mild warmth and redness. Resume normal activities immediately. |
| Week 1-2 | Redness fully resolved. Initial tightening effect visible. Skin feels firmer to touch. |
| Month 1 | Early collagen remodeling begins. Jawline appears more defined. Follow-up appointment recommended. |
| Month 3 | Significant improvement in skin laxity. Fat reduction from Onda becomes clearly visible. Continued collagen building. |
| Month 6 | Peak results achieved. Full collagen remodeling complete. Thermage patients see maximum tightening. |
| Month 12-18 | Results maintained. Annual maintenance session recommended to sustain collagen levels and prevent further laxity. |
Thermage FLX vs Onda — Complete Feature Comparison
| Feature | Thermage FLX | Onda Coolwaves |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Type | Monopolar Radiofrequency (RF) | Coolwaves (Microwave 2.45 GHz) |
| FDA / CE Clearance | FDA-cleared for skin tightening | CE-marked for fat reduction & tightening |
| Primary Target Layer | Deep dermis (2-4mm) | Subcutaneous fat + dermis (variable depth) |
| Mechanism of Action | Volumetric heating of collagen fibers for contraction and neocollagenesis | Selective fat cell apoptosis via microwave + simultaneous skin tightening |
| Best For | Overall skin tightening, fine lines, mild laxity across full face | Jawline contouring, double chin, areas with excess fat + skin laxity |
| Treatment Area | Full face, neck, eyelids, body | Face (jawline, submental), body (abdomen, flanks, arms) |
| Pain Level | Moderate — built-in vibration and cooling reduce discomfort | Mild to moderate — Coolwaves include integrated skin cooling |
| Session Duration | 45-60 minutes (full face) | 30-45 minutes (full face) |
| Number of Sessions | 1 session annually recommended | 1-3 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart |
| Downtime | None — mild redness for a few hours | None — mild redness and warmth for a few hours |
| Results Onset | Immediate tightening + gradual improvement over 3-6 months | Gradual fat reduction + tightening over 2-3 months |
| Peak Results | 3-6 months post-treatment | 2-3 months post-treatment |
| Result Duration | 12-18 months | Fat reduction is permanent; tightening lasts 12+ months |
| Collagen Stimulation | Strong — primary mechanism | Moderate — secondary to fat targeting |
| Fat Reduction | No direct fat reduction | Yes — selective fat cell destruction |
| Ideal Age Range | 30-60+ with mild to moderate laxity | 25-55 with localized fat + laxity |
| Combination Potential | Pairs well with Ultherapy, fillers, Botox | Pairs well with Titanium, Inmode, Revinas |
| Treatment Comfort | AccuREP vibration system for comfort | Built-in cooling system protects epidermis |
| Repeat Treatment Frequency | Once per year | 1-3 sessions initially, then annual maintenance |
| RE:BERRY Myeongdong Price | ₩1,990,000 (600 shots) | ₩1,550,000 (Onda 80kJ + Titanium 80kJ + Inmode) |
Thermage & Onda Pricing at RE:BERRY Myeongdong
All prices are promotional rates for April 2026. Tax excluded. Prices subject to change.
Titanium 60kJ (First Visit)
- Titanium 60kJ
- Consultation with dermatologist
- Post-treatment care
Onda + Titanium + Inmode Package
- Titanium 80kJ
- Onda 80kJ
- Inmode FX or FORMA (full face)
- Consultation with dermatologist
- Post-treatment care
Thermage 600 Shots
- Thermage FLX 600 shots
- Full face coverage
- Consultation with dermatologist
- Post-treatment care
Aesthetic Medicine Specialists at RE:BERRY Myeongdong
Every lifting treatment at RE:BERRY Myeongdong is performed by or under the direct supervision of a aesthetic medicine specialist.
Dr. Baek Seung-Jae
- Aesthetic Medicine Specialist
- Thermage Certified Provider
- Onda Certified Provider
- 10+ Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Son Hoon-Sung
- Aesthetic Medicine Specialist
- Energy-Based Device Specialist
- RF Lifting Expert
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baek Seung-Jae, Head Director, Myeongdong Branch, RE:BERRY
How Thermage and Onda Work at the Cellular Level
Understanding the science behind each technology helps you make an informed decision.
Thermage FLX uses monopolar radiofrequency energy at 6.78 MHz to heat the deep dermis to approximately 65-75°C. At these temperatures, existing collagen fibers contract immediately (producing instant tightening), while controlled thermal injury triggers the wound-healing cascade that produces new collagen (neocollagenesis) over the following 3-6 months. The AccuREP (Accurate Repetitive Pulses) technology in the FLX generation automatically tunes energy delivery based on tissue impedance, ensuring consistent heating across all treatment areas.
Onda uses Coolwaves — a patented form of microwave energy at 2.45 GHz — which are selectively absorbed by fat cells due to their higher water content compared to surrounding tissue. This causes targeted fat cell apoptosis (programmed cell death) without damaging the dermis or epidermis. The three specialized handpieces (Shallow, Deep, and Skin Tightening) allow aesthetic physicians to treat different tissue depths in a single session. A built-in cooling system maintains epidermal temperature at safe levels throughout treatment.
At RE:BERRY Myeongdong, we frequently combine Onda with Titanium (another RF-based device operating at higher energy levels for deeper heating) and Inmode (a bipolar RF + light-based platform) to create a multi-layer treatment that addresses fat, deep dermis, and superficial skin simultaneously. This combination protocol delivers more comprehensive results than any single device alone.
What Our Patients Say About Thermage & Onda
“I had the Onda + Titanium + Inmode combo and my jawline looks completely different after 2 months. The staff explained everything in English and the procedure was surprisingly comfortable.”
“Was debating between Thermage and Onda for months. Dr. Baek recommended the Onda combination for my double chin concern and I’m so glad I listened. Visible fat reduction within 6 weeks.”
“Got Thermage 600 shots at Myeongdong branch. The new FLX version was much more comfortable than the old Thermage I had years ago. Skin feels tighter already and it’s only been 3 weeks.”
“The combination approach at RE:BERRY is what sets them apart. They don’t just do one device — they layer multiple technologies for the best result. My skin has never looked this firm.”
References: doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000192 | doi:10.1001/archderm.140.2.204 | doi:10.1001/archderm.144.9.1136
Frequently Asked Questions: Thermage vs Onda
Answers from RE:BERRY Myeongdong’s aesthetic medicine specialists.
Thermage FLX uses monopolar radiofrequency to tighten skin by heating the deep dermis. Onda uses Coolwaves (microwave energy) to selectively destroy fat cells while also tightening skin. Thermage is primarily a tightening treatment; Onda combines fat reduction with tightening.
Both are well-tolerated. Thermage FLX has a built-in vibration and cooling system that significantly reduces discomfort compared to older versions. Onda includes an integrated cooling system. Most patients rate both as 3-4 out of 10 on a pain scale.
Thermage 600 shots is ₩1,990,000 at RE:BERRY Myeongdong (April 2026 promotional price, tax excluded).
The Onda + Titanium 80kJ + Inmode combination package is ₩1,550,000 (April 2026 promotional price, tax excluded).
While theoretically possible, it’s generally not recommended to do both in one session due to cumulative thermal load on the tissue. Your skin specialist may recommend spacing them 2-4 weeks apart for a comprehensive approach.
Thermage FLX results typically last 12-18 months. Annual maintenance sessions help sustain collagen levels and prevent further laxity progression.
The fat reduction from Onda is permanent — destroyed fat cells do not regenerate. The skin tightening effect lasts 12+ months. Maintenance sessions may be recommended for continued anti-aging benefits.
Neither treatment requires downtime. Mild redness and warmth are common immediately after treatment and typically resolve within a few hours. You can apply makeup and return to normal activities the same day.
Onda is generally more effective for double chin because its Coolwaves technology specifically targets and destroys fat cells in the submental area. Thermage can tighten the skin but does not reduce fat volume.
Thermage FLX is typically the better choice for overall face tightening when fat reduction is not a primary concern. Its monopolar RF delivers uniform heating across the full face for comprehensive collagen renewal.
Yes. Both Thermage FLX and Onda are safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI). The energy delivery mechanisms of both devices are color-blind, meaning they work equally well on light and dark skin tones.
Most patients see significant results after 1-3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Your skin specialist will recommend the optimal number based on the amount of fat and degree of laxity in the treatment area.
Absolutely. Thermage pairs well with Ultherapy, dermal fillers, and Botox. Onda is frequently combined with Titanium and Inmode at RE:BERRY Myeongdong for multi-layer treatment (₩1,550,000 package).
Titanium is a diode-based RF device that delivers deep heating for collagen stimulation. Combined with Onda’s fat reduction and Inmode’s superficial tightening, it creates a three-layer approach that addresses all tissue depths.
Thermage provides some immediate tightening from collagen contraction, with full results developing over 3-6 months. Onda results are more gradual, with fat reduction becoming visible over 2-3 months as destroyed fat cells are metabolized.
For Thermage, one session annually is the standard protocol and provides significant improvement. For Onda, 1-3 sessions may be needed depending on the volume of fat to be reduced.
Thermage is ideal for patients aged 30-60+ with mild to moderate skin laxity. Onda is suitable for ages 25-55 with localized fat deposits combined with skin laxity. Your skin specialist will assess your specific needs during consultation.
Yes, both treatments are popular among male patients. Men commonly seek Thermage for overall skin tightening and Onda for jawline definition and submental fat reduction.
Avoid retinoids for 3-5 days before treatment. No special preparation is otherwise needed. Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, sunscreen, or moisturizer on the treatment area.
Minimal aftercare is needed. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. Avoid excessive heat exposure (saunas, hot baths) for 48 hours. Stay well-hydrated to support collagen synthesis.
Yes. Both Thermage and Onda produce gradual, natural-looking improvements. There is no sudden change — results develop progressively as collagen remodels and fat cells are metabolized.
Yes. RE:BERRY Myeongdong is open 365 days a year and located in central Seoul. Both Thermage and Onda are single-session treatments with no downtime, making them ideal for medical tourists.
Contact RE:BERRY Myeongdong via WhatsApp at +82-2-776-2822 for English-language consultation and booking. We offer consultations in 8 languages.
Yes. Initial consultations with our aesthetic medicine specialists are complimentary. We’ll assess your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend the optimal treatment plan.
RE:BERRY Myeongdong provides follow-up assessments at 4-6 weeks post-treatment. If results are not meeting expectations, your doctor will discuss additional treatment options or adjustments to your protocol.
Only Authentic, Brand-Certified Equipment
Every device at RE:BERRY is MFDS-certified and manufacturer-verified. We never use counterfeit or grey-market equipment.
Ready to Lift and Tighten?
Book a free consultation with RE:BERRY Myeongdong’s aesthetic medicine specialists. We’ll help you choose between Thermage, Onda, or a customized combination protocol for your best results.
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Book Your RF Lifting Consultation at RE:BERRY Myeongdong
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