How Long Does ONDA Lift Last? A Guide to When Results Become Noticeable and How to Maintain Them

ONDA Lift is a fat-disrupting and tightening treatment that uses the noninvasive aesthetic medical device ONDA PRO, developed by DEKA in Italy.

Coolwaves®, built into this device, is DEKA’s patented 2.45 GHz microwave technology. It efficiently concentrates thermal energy in the subcutaneous fat layer while limiting excessive heating of the skin’s surface. This may provide a high fat-disruption effect while minimizing pain and downtime.

Microwaves selectively vibrate and heat the triglycerides contained in fat cells, destroying the fat cell membranes through bleb formation. The disrupted cells are eliminated through the body’s natural metabolism, making rebound less likely and providing longer-lasting effects.

In addition, heat reflection caused by the thermal energy warms the dermal layer to 40–42°C. As with RF (radiofrequency), increased collagen production and a skin-tightening effect have also been observed.

There are various approaches to facial slimming, ranging from invasive to noninvasive treatments. Representative methods include the following:

With so many options available, ONDA Lift is attracting attention as a new option that can provide a high fat-reduction effect with minimal pain and downtime.
Many people also say that it is difficult to understand the difference between InMode and HIFU.

InMode is a treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) and provides fat-disruption and tightening effects.

ONDA Lift, on the other hand, is a fat-disruption and tightening treatment that uses microwaves (Coolwaves®).

The action of microwaves makes it possible to deliver thermal energy to deeper fat layers while minimizing pain and downtime.

As a result, a higher fat-disruption effect, including an effect on deep fat, may be expected.

HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound), on the other hand, primarily focuses on the SMAS layer to achieve a lifting effect. This is a clear difference from ONDA Lift, which primarily acts on the subcutaneous fat layer.

One reason ONDA Lift has been adopted by many clinics and is gaining popularity is that it involves little pain and short downtime. In addition to the selective heating of fat by microwaves (Coolwaves®), the device itself is equipped with a powerful cooling function. This helps reduce discomfort during treatment, and the pain is mild enough that anesthesia is not necessary. Treatment takes approximately 15–30 minutes, and makeup can be applied immediately afterward, allowing patients to return to their daily activities right away. This is a significant benefit for people with busy schedules.

The treatment is also valued for its skin-quality improvement and tightening effects. It may provide comprehensive skin-enhancing benefits, including improved firmness and elasticity through increased collagen production, improved skin texture, and tighter-looking pores.

Another attractive feature is that it can effectively be used on both the face and body. For the face, it may help create a more defined facial contour, reduce sagging and puffiness in the cheeks, and create a slimmer-looking face overall. ONDA Lift Body treatments can address a variety of concerns, including localized slimming of the upper arms and thighs, improvement in the appearance of cellulite, and tightening around the abdomen.

How long the effects last after treatment is a point of concern for many people. In conclusion, although results vary from person to person, they are generally said to last approximately 3 months to 6 months. This period includes both the fat-cell reduction effect and the tightening effect produced by collagen regeneration.

However, it is important to understand that results can vary significantly depending on factors such as age, skin type, lifestyle, and metabolic rate. ONDA Lift can produce noticeable effects after a single treatment, but undergoing multiple treatments may provide greater effects and longer-lasting results. Maintenance treatments at appropriate intervals are also important for maximizing the effects of treatment.

The effects of ONDA Lift appear gradually. From immediately after treatment through approximately one week, immediate effects such as improved circulation from the warming effect and mild fat reduction may be noticeable. The effects then reach their peak over the course of 1 to 3 months, as the process of fat-cell reduction and collagen regeneration is completed.

As mentioned above, the duration varies from person to person, but it is generally said to be approximately 3 months to 6 months. The collagen-regeneration and skin-quality improvement effects may last for nearly one year in some cases.

In general, the initial course often consists of four treatments at 2-week intervals, targeting the middle and lower face, to make the effects easier to notice.

Thorough protection from ultraviolet rays is important for making the effects of ONDA Lift last longer. Ultraviolet rays break down collagen and can reduce the effects. Therefore, it is advisable to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day and physically block ultraviolet rays with a parasol or hat. Using UV protection near windows indoors may provide additional benefits.

After treatment, care that strengthens the skin’s barrier function and protects newly generated collagen is also important. Use a ceramide-containing moisturizer and establish a thorough moisturizing routine morning and evening. Incorporating an intensive moisturizing mask once or twice a week may also be effective.

A healthy diet and sufficient sleep also contribute significantly to maintaining the effects. It is advisable to actively consume foods rich in protein, particularly fish and gelatin, and vitamin C, while avoiding excessive intake of carbohydrates and fats. Ensuring good-quality sleep is also essential for skin regeneration.

In addition, to maintain the effects for a longer period, additional treatment is recommended when the initial effects begin to diminish. Treatments 2 to 4 times per year can help maintain the effects.

Here, we introduce several before-and-after cases to show the types of effects achieved.

ONDA Lift is an effective treatment, but it is not suitable for everyone. To achieve the greatest possible effects, it is important to understand several important points before treatment.

Post-treatment care is also essential for maximizing the effects and preventing problems. Here, we explain important points that people considering ONDA Lift should know.

ONDA Lift is not suitable for everyone. It may be suitable for people concerned about facial fat, such as puffy cheeks or a double chin; people who want to improve sagging along the facial contour; people who wish to avoid incisional surgery; and people who want a treatment with almost no downtime.

On the other hand, it is considered unsuitable for patients whose epidermis or dermis is clearly thin. People who meet any of the following conditions should consult their primary physician in advance.

Even if none of the above applies, it is important to consult a physician in advance if you have any health concerns.

Post-treatment care is important for maximizing the effects and preventing problems. Avoid showering and washing your face on the day of treatment, and resume your usual care from the following day. For approximately one week, avoid excessive friction and irritation, and thorough moisturizing care is recommended.

You should also avoid strenuous exercise within 24 hours after treatment. It is recommended that you avoid saunas and hot stone spas for approximately one week. Excessive alcohol consumption and vigorous massage of the treated area should also be avoided. Following these precautions can help you obtain the effects more safely.

To maximize the effects of ONDA Lift, it is important to understand the appropriate treatment intervals and number of sessions. In general, many treatment plans consist of four sessions at 2-week intervals as one course. Although results vary from person to person, you may notice effects after this initial intensive course.

To maintain the effects afterward, maintenance treatments every 3 to 6 months are recommended. A general guideline is approximately 2 to 4 maintenance treatments per year.

However, these treatment intervals and numbers of sessions are general guidelines and may vary depending on the individual’s condition and the clinic’s policies. It is important to develop an appropriate treatment plan in consultation with a physician.

Combining ONDA Lift with other aesthetic treatments may further enhance its effects.

Because ONDA Lift and HIFU act on different layers, combining them may provide a synergistic effect. ONDA Lift primarily approaches the fat layer, while HIFU primarily approaches the SMAS layer (fascia). Combining both treatments may therefore provide both fat-reduction and lifting effects.

Combining ONDA Lift with injectable treatments, such as Botox, which suppresses facial muscle movement, or hyaluronic acid injections, which restore volume, may also be effective. Combining these treatments with ONDA Lift may provide a more comprehensive rejuvenating effect. However, care is required regarding treatment intervals, and it is important to leave an appropriate interval depending on the treatments being combined.

LIVELY CLINIC invited Dr. Federica, an internationally recognized KOL for this device, from Italy, the home country of ONDA Lift (PRO). Our physicians and staff received direct lectures and practical instruction.They acquired detailed clinical knowledge, from the theoretical background of the treatment and optimization of energy settings to site-specific application techniques.

Through hands-on seminars, they deepened their practical knowledge directly relevant to daily clinical care, including differences in approaches for individual cases and key points for ensuring safety.Through this ongoing training, we have established a system that enables us to provide more precise ONDA Lift treatments.

LIVELY CLINIC has physicians who have presented on the effects of ONDA Lift at an academic conference in cosmetic surgery.The clinic was among the first in Japan to introduce ONDA Lift (PRO), and has been chosen by many patients based on its extensive experience of more than 7,500 cases (November 2024–October 2025) and accumulated knowledge.
ONDA Lift is a treatment in which results can vary significantly depending on the practitioner’s skills and understanding. That is why it is important to receive treatment at a clinic with reliable skills and experience.