Many people who search for “ONDA” assume it’s a clinic—“South Korea ONDA” and “Hong Kong ONDA (Hong Kong, China)” seem like two competing brands. In fact, ONDA isn’t a clinic at all; it’s the name of a device: an ultramicrowave (microwave) system developed by the Italian company DEKA. Its core technology, called Coolwaves®, uses 2.45GHz microwave energy to achieve both fat melting and skin tightening in one treatment—non-invasive with almost no recovery time required. So “South Korea ONDA” and “Hong Kong ONDA” aren’t actually different brands but rather the same DEKA device being used in clinics in those two locations. This article clarifies the pricing, service packages, regulatory aspects, and ideal candidates for each location, while also debunking the common claim in Hong Kong that it’s an “upgraded version of Coolsculpting” (microwaves are not the same as cryolipolysis).
I. What is ONDA? Let’s first debunk the myths about “machines” and “clinics”.
ONDA is developed by DEKA (an Italian El.En. group), with the technical name Coolwaves®. Its core technology relies on 2.45GHz microwaves. How it works: The microwaves penetrate the subcutaneous fat layer, causing fat cells to undergo apoptosis due to heat, while simultaneously stimulating collagen contraction and regeneration in the dermis, thus achieving both fat reduction and skin tightening at the same time. Compared to other body sculpting techniques—Coolsculpting uses cryolipolysis (low temperatures to cause fat cell death), and radiofrequency devices like Thermage use high-frequency currents to heat the dermis—ONDA employs microwaves to heat the fat layer, meaning it operates through a different mechanism. It is suitable for addressing issues such as Double Chin, waist, abdomen, Thighs, as well as mild to moderate facial sagging. A single treatment session lasts around 20–40 minutes, and patients can return to their normal daily activities right after the procedure.
II. How is the price calculated at ONDA in South Korea: Gangnam Dermatology charges based on energy in kJ
In South Korea (especially in areas like Gangnam and Cheongdam in Seoul), most Dermatology clinics have adopted ONDA for body sculpting/toning treatments. The pricing is based on energy levels measured in kJ, rather than a fixed number of sessions. For facial treatments (such as addressing Double Chin or refining facial contours), the cost ranges from around 350,000 to 1 million KRW (approximately NT$8,050–23,000); for body treatments (waist, abdomen, Thighs), it starts at around 600,000 to 1.3 million KRW (approximately NT$13,800–29,900). The actual cost varies depending on the size of the treatment area and the amount of energy used (10,000 KRW is roughly equivalent to NT$230). One advantage of this treatment is that it can be combined flexibly with other procedures such as Rejuran or HIFU to create package deals, with 3 sessions usually being more cost-effective than a single session. The treatment is typically performed by specialized dermatologists or trained professionals, with clinics emphasizing that treatments are carried out personally by the clinic director. If you’d like to see samples first, you can schedule an appointment and check the prices. You might refer to guides like those for Benjamin Dermatology in Sinsa, which detail the pricing structure of clinics run by two directors there.
III. How is the pricing at ONDA in Hong Kong: Area-based packages in Central and Causeway Bay
Hong Kong (Hong Kong, China) also uses DEKA’s original equipment, with most clinics labeling it as “ONDA” or “ONDA PRO.” These clinics are located in Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui. Pricing is typically based on per-session or package deals: facial treatments using ONDA Pro start at around 990 HKD, while body treatments begin at approximately 780 HKD (these are approximate reference prices from brands like LAMBRE and Oasis; 1 HKD is roughly equivalent to 4.0 NT$). DR REBORN’s “ONDA Scientific Weight Loss” treatment costs around HK$911–980 per session. Clinics in Hong Kong emphasize the use of three different probes—Pocket, Shallow, and Deep—to target various depths and areas of the body. These establishments are medical beauty centers or registered medical clinics, staffed by doctors or therapists who prioritize patient privacy and avoid aggressive sales tactics, making it convenient to get treatments after work.
IV. A Quick Comparison: 5 Key Differences Between South Korea’s ONDA and Hong Kong’s ONDA
| Dimensions | South Korea’s ONDA | Hong Kong ONDA (Hong Kong, China) |
|---|---|---|
| The Essence of Equipment | DEKA ONDA Super Microwave Coolwaves® | The same DEKA equipment, with multiple ONDA PRO heads |
| Common Names | By energy level in kJ | ONDA PRO: Three probes for different depths of treatment |
| Pricing Options | ₩ Per kJ: Face 350,000–1,000,000 / Body 600,000–1,300,000 | HKD per treatment/package: Face starting from 990 / Body starting from 780 |
| Organizational Structure | Gangnam Dermatology offers personalized in-person consultations. | Cosmetic clinic/registered medical center, performed by doctors or therapists |
| Regulation | Registered with the Ministry of Health and Welfare + HIRA-licensed hospital | Registered medical center by the Department of Health, operated by qualified personnel |
| Ideal for these scenarios | You can get it done while in Korea for medical aesthetics, and it’s included in clinic packages. | Local/Independent trips: quick procedure with no recovery time — perfect as a side trip |
Note: The prices listed are approximate figures for reference only, varying depending on the treatment area, energy level, and promotional offers. 10,000 KRW is approximately equivalent to NT$230, and 1 HKD is roughly equal to NT$4.0. The actual cost will be subject to exchange rates and the clinic’s quoted prices.
V. Why Does Hong Kong Call ONDA the “Upgraded Version of Coolsculpting”? Microwaves Are Not the Same as Cryolipolysis
Some clinics in Hong Kong, such as DR REBORN, market ONDA as “scientific weight loss/Coolsculpting’s upgraded version of cryolipolysis.” It’s important to understand that ONDA uses “microwave heating” to cause fat cells to die off, while Coolsculpting employs “freezing” to achieve the same result. The mechanisms are completely different, leading to variations in treatment speed, suitable areas, and post-procedure sensations. Labeling ONDA as “Coolsculpting’s upgraded version” is merely a marketing tactic—readers should not let the name mislead them when comparing options. What truly matters is the price per session and the overall treatment plan under identical conditions, including the same treatment area, energy level, and probe. If you want to see how anti-aging clinics in South Korea structure their services, you can refer to the pricing strategy of Antian Anti-Aging Hospital in Cheongdam.
VI. Who Is Suitable for ONDA Treatment in South Korea and Who Is Suitable for It in Hong Kong
Suitable for those flying to Korea: individuals who already have plans to undergo medical beauty treatments in Korea, want to get multiple procedures done at once (such as ONDA, hyaluronic acid injections, and HIFU in one package), and value personalized care by the doctor along with Korean-style technical expertise. The packages offered at Gangnam clinics are quite flexible, with more attractive prices per 3-session treatment. Suitable for those having treatments in Hong Kong: people who are staying in Hong Kong or traveling there as part of a free tour, prefer a quick and discreet process without the need to fly, and prioritize privacy and avoid unwanted sales pitches. There are numerous clinics in Hong Kong, allowing treatments to be done after work with no recovery time that would disrupt daily plans. Both options are non-invasive, but the differences lie in “treatment scheduling” and “pricing structures”.
VII. 6 Things to Check Before Choosing an ONDA Clinic
VIII. FAQ: Common Questions About ONDA in South Korea and ONDA in Hong Kong
Q1: Which clinic is ONDA?
A: It’s not a clinic—it’s a DEKA device; clinics using it can be found in both South Korea and Hong Kong (Hong Kong, China).
Q2: Are the results the same in South Korea as they are in Hong Kong?
A: It’s the same machine and the same principle—what differs is the technician performing the procedure and the planning approach, not the equipment itself.
Q3: Why do prices in Hong Kong seem so much cheaper?
A: Prices are usually set per treatment for small areas, and the currency used as well as the tax inclusion method differ, making them more expensive than treatments with the same energy applied to the same area.
Q4: Which is better, ONDA or Coolsculpting?
A: The mechanisms are different (microwaves vs. cryotherapy); there’s no absolute “better” or “worse” option—it depends on the area treated and individual tolerance. A in-person consultation is recommended for evaluation.
Q5: How soon can you see results?
A: Most people experience firming effects after just one treatment, while changes in the fat layer become more noticeable over 2–3 months, depending on individual constitution and lifestyle.
Q6: Is there a recovery period?
A: It’s non-invasive; patients can return to normal daily activities right after the procedure. In rare cases, mild localized redness may occur but it fades quickly.
📍 Available Clinics in South Korea | Cheongdam artii Dermatology
This premium anti-aging clinic located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, has introduced phototherapy treatments such as ONDA, and offers booking services in Chinese along with price inquiries.
- Introduction to Dr. Shin, Director of HEV Dermatology in South Korea | The Dual-Director Approach to Anti-Aging Treatments
- Cheongdam Antian Anti-Aging Hospital | Pricing List by Lead Physician
- Cheongdam Soyou Dermatology | Affordable Fat-Dissolving Injections and Contouring Services by a Female Director
- Guide to Making Appointments at Benjamin Dermatology in South Korea｜Two Chief Physicians at Sinsa Station Clinic
- Real Review of South Korea’s RE20 Collagen Hydrating Treatment | Anti-aging Solutions
If you’d like someone to help you compare prices, check available appointment times at various clinics, or figure out which treatment is right for you, feel free to add me on WeChat — I’ll share with you what I know about the current situation.
WeChat ID: xycheng2204
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and a comparison of ONDA (DEKA ultramicrowave) treatments in South Korea and Hong Kong. It is not intended as medical advertising, nor does it constitute any recommendation or ranking. The prices listed are based on public estimates and references from various clinics; the actual cost will depend on the quote provided by the specific clinic after an in-person consultation. Cosmetic procedures carry risks, and they should only be performed at reputable institutions by qualified professionals. It’s essential to fully understand the risks before the procedure and sign an informed consent form. Results may vary from person to person.
