What Are the Disadvantages of ONDA Lift? An Illustrated Explanation of Cheek Hollowing and the Reality of Results

To accurately understand the disadvantages, you must first understand the principles behind how ONDA Lift works. Once you understand the type of energy used and how the concept of treatment depth applies, it becomes easier to see why specific risks can occur. Let’s take a closer look.
For more information about ONDA Lift, please also refer to the following article.

ONDA Lift uses electromagnetic waves called microwaves (Coolwaves), which reach the subcutaneous fat and dermal layers and thermally alter the tissue. The energy is considered likely to act selectively on fat cells, while thermal stimulation in the dermal layer promotes new collagen production.
This is similar to the way a microwave oven heats food from the inside. A major feature is that it can approach deeper tissue while limiting damage to the epidermis. In other words, while HIFU heats and coagulates tissue at specific points, ONDA Lift is closer to heating across an area, resulting in differences in how pain and stimulation are perceived. Its action on fat is also the reason behind the risk of cheek hollowing discussed below.

ONDA Pro has a “Face handpiece” and a “Body handpiece,” allowing the treatment depth to be changed for the face and body. For tightening the jawline and cheeks, a shallower setting is generally used, while a setting that reaches deeper is generally used for reducing fat on the body, with each handpiece used according to its intended purpose.
However, although the flexibility to adjust the depth in detail is an advantage, decisions about the settings are left to the practitioner. Even when the same device is used, the result can vary depending on how the energy level and number of shots are planned. Remember that the practitioner’s experience is particularly likely to be reflected in the outcome of this treatment.

Although its benefits are widely discussed, ONDA Lift also has weaknesses that are easy to overlook. These include the following:

From here, we will examine the disadvantages you should know about in advance, one by one. The more you understand beforehand, the less likely you are to feel uncertain on the day of treatment.

The risk that requires the greatest caution is cheek hollowing. Because ONDA Lift can reduce fat cells themselves through microwaves, repeated treatment at high energy levels in people who already have little facial fat may eliminate the cheeks’ natural fullness and create an older-looking appearance. In particular, from the late 30s onward, cheek fat gradually decreases with age, so reducing additional fat can make it easier to lose three-dimensional definition.
If cheek hollowing occurs, possible approaches include waiting for natural recovery or restoring volume with hyaluronic acid injections or fat injections. However, recovery takes time and additional costs may arise. Therefore, determining suitability and planning the energy level at the initial consultation are the most important points for avoiding regret.

Because ONDA Lift promotes new collagen production through thermal denaturation, changes appear gradually as tissue remodeling progresses. There is generally little dramatic immediate lifting immediately after treatment, and the peak of the perceived results is generally said to occur 2–3 months later. For people seeking a dramatic change after a single treatment, this gradual process may feel frustrating.
For example, ONDA Lift is not suitable for a short-term goal such as wanting a smaller-looking face by next week’s event. Satisfaction depends on whether you can approach the treatment with the understanding that skin texture and facial contours will be gradually refined over the medium to long term. Make sure to align your expectations about the timeline with your doctor.

Responses vary depending on the thickness of the subcutaneous fat, the condition of the dermis, and lifestyle habits. In some cases, people whose fat is distributed unevenly or whose sagging is mainly caused by looseness of the supporting tissues rather than the amount of fat may not see the changes they expected.
In particular, when sagging is caused by drooping of the deeper fascia (SMAS), HIFU or Thread lift may be more appropriate. Repeating treatments without matching the cause to the approach is unlikely to lead to satisfaction. Before treatment, discussing with your doctor whether the main cause of your concern is fat or sagging can help prevent a mismatch.

ONDA Lift is often introduced as a “pain-free lifting treatment,” but it does not produce absolutely no sensation. During treatment, the skin’s surface becomes warm, and most people experience a sensation of heat similar to being in a sauna. In areas close to the bone or where the skin is thin, some people may feel a prickling sensation. Although it is certainly milder than the intense pain associated with HIFU, anyone who expects the treatment to be completely painless may feel uncertain on the day.
It is psychologically easier to remain calm if you anticipate that some degree of warmth is normal. If you are sensitive to pain, it may be reassuring to ask in advance whether the energy level can be adjusted.

Immediately after treatment, the skin may become red or develop mild swelling. In many cases, these symptoms settle within several hours to about one day, but they may continue for several days in people with sensitive skin. It is therefore essential to tell the clinic about your skin type.
Very rarely, bruising may occur, in which case it generally takes 1–2 weeks to be gradually absorbed. It is practical to avoid scheduling treatment immediately before an important event such as a wedding or photoshoot and to leave sufficient time in your schedule. If you plan to conceal any changes after treatment, confirm in advance whether they can be adequately covered with makeup.

Although a certain degree of improvement can be expected after a single ONDA Lift treatment, the recommended approach is generally 3–5 ongoing treatments at intervals of 1 to 1.5 months. While the price per treatment varies depending on the treatment area and clinic, the total cost of a multiple-treatment course can commonly reach several hundred thousand yen.
People often say that “the total cost was higher than expected,” so you need to consider the overall budget, including household finances, whether you can continue treatment, and maintenance costs to preserve the results. Some people use a medical loan to reduce their monthly burden, but if you do so, make your decision only after understanding the total amount payable, including interest.

The effects and safety of ONDA Lift can vary significantly depending on how the handpiece is applied, the energy settings, and how the number of treatment shots is planned. Even when the same device is used, differences in the practitioner’s experience can produce different outcomes. This is the reality of medical treatment.
It would be risky to assume that “if the device specifications are the same, the results will be the same wherever I receive treatment.” Rather, choosing the practitioner—not just the device—is key to reducing the disadvantages.
Checking the practitioner’s number of cases, years of experience, and track record specifically with ONDA Lift is essential for avoiding risks. The care and detail of the explanation provided during the consultation can also help you assess their level of experience.

Separate from discussions of the disadvantages, it is essential to confirm whether you are suitable for the treatment in the first place. For safety, people who meet the following conditions should either postpone treatment or make a careful decision.

Because sufficient data regarding the effects on fetuses and infants is not available, the general policy is to refrain from ONDA Lift during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If there is no need to receive treatment urgently, waiting until after weaning or until your physical condition has stabilized may provide greater reassurance.

Because the thermal effects of microwaves may affect implanted devices, people with pacemakers, cochlear implants, metal plates, or similar devices are often excluded from treatment. Dental implants may be judged differently depending on their location, so be sure to disclose them in advance and follow your doctor’s decision.

If you have eczema, herpes, severe acne inflammation, or an open wound in the treatment area, temporarily postponing treatment is recommended to avoid worsening the symptoms. Rescheduling after the skin has settled is ultimately a safer and more reliable choice.

As mentioned above, careful assessment of suitability is necessary for people with a slender build because the risk of cheek hollowing is higher. Depending on the circumstances, another treatment may be proposed. Even if you are declined for treatment, viewing this positively as a sign of “a conscientious clinic that honestly explains the risks” may ultimately lead to a better choice.

Although risks cannot be reduced completely to zero, they can be greatly minimized by taking the right approach. Even being mindful of the following three points can affect your level of satisfaction.

Let’s look at each point in more detail.

Please share with your doctor not only your body type and skin quality, but also any cosmetic medical treatments you have previously received, medications you are currently taking, lifestyle habits, and even plans to go on a diet. The more information you provide, the more appropriately the energy level and treatment area can be planned.
If the proposed treatment feels standardized, seeking a second opinion from another doctor is also an option. Whether the treatment plan has been optimized for each individual’s condition can be one indicator of a clinic’s reliability. Please note that withholding information out of hesitation can make risks more difficult to identify.

Try asking, “Will the entire face be treated at the same energy level?” and “Will the settings differ for the cheeks, jawline, and area under the chin?” The answers can reveal the doctor’s approach to treatment planning. Experienced doctors generally make careful adjustments for each area.
If the clinic repeatedly responds only that “the treatment is simply applied evenly,” it may be better to look for a clinic that provides a more informative explanation, which may lead to a result you feel more confident about. In particular, people with a slender build should specifically confirm whether care is taken to reduce the energy level on the cheeks.

After treatment, collagen production becomes more active. Getting sufficient sleep, eating a diet that includes vitamin C and protein, and thoroughly moisturizing the skin can support the stabilization of the results.
As a general precaution, it is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol on the day of treatment only. Sun protection is also essential. Skin after thermal denaturation is more prone to pigmentation, so continue basic measures such as using sunscreen and a parasol regardless of the season.
Please note that neglecting daily care may make it more difficult for the results to become established.

If hearing about the disadvantages has made you uncertain, understanding how ONDA Lift differs from other options may make it easier to decide. When the underlying mechanisms differ, the concerns each treatment is best suited to address also differ. In this article, we explain the differences between ONDA Lift, HIFU, InMode, and Volnewmer.

HIFU delivers ultrasound energy precisely to the SMAS layer, or fascial layer, and aims to lift the skin through intense thermal coagulation. While it can provide a strong lifting effect, it is also characterized by pain that may feel as though it resonates through the bone.
ONDA Lift, on the other hand, acts on the fat and dermal layers, with tightening and improved firmness as its primary aims. The appropriate treatment differs depending on whether your goal is to “lift sagging strongly” or “tighten the jawline and refine the facial contour.” Combining both treatments is also an option, so consult your doctor according to your goals.

InMode combines radiofrequency (RF) with electrical stimulation. In addition to tightening the skin, it is also characterized by its approach to the muscles. Volnewmer is also a radiofrequency-based device, but it is designed to deliver stronger heat to the deeper dermal layers and subcutaneous tissue.
Although these treatments are positioned similarly to ONDA Lift, they differ in the type of energy and treatment depth, so they also differ in the concerns they are best suited to address. For people with a slender build or sensitive skin, taking each device’s characteristics into account when choosing may help prevent regret.

After reading this far, some people may feel that ONDA Lift “might not be right for me.” If any of the following three points apply to you, treatments other than ONDA Lift may be worth considering.

If lifting is the main priority, options may include HIFU or Thread lift, while hyaluronic acid injections may be considered if a lack of cheek volume is the concern. The appropriate choice varies depending on the main cause of the concern.
The important point is not to become fixed on a single treatment, but to compare options after asking your doctor to present multiple plans. A doctor who can confidently explain, with supporting reasons, that “this treatment is most appropriate for this concern” may have the knowledge and experience to support that recommendation.
When you are uncertain, discussing a broader range of options can help prevent regret. Work with your doctor to bridge the gap between your wishes and what is realistically achievable.

The results of ONDA Lift can vary depending on the practitioner’s skill. For this reason, choosing the clinic itself is central to reducing the treatment’s disadvantages. Check the following three points.

In addition to the clinic’s years in operation and the doctor’s career history, check the number of ONDA Lift cases specifically. The amount of experience using the same device is directly related to the precision of energy-level settings. If possible, ask to see before-and-after case photographs and check whether there are cases with conditions similar to yours. This may make it easier to decide. By contrast, less experienced practitioners tend to use more standardized settings, which may increase risks such as cheek hollowing.

It is important to know how far the clinic will assist you if you experience discomfort or anxiety after treatment. Confirm in advance whether telephone or online consultations are available, who bears the cost of follow-up visits, and how the clinic responds to problems. A clinic that clearly explains its pricing structure, including aftercare, may provide an indication of how sincerely it operates. It is sensible to avoid clinics that take the attitude that they are “not responsible after treatment.”

A clinic that repeatedly gives only abstract answers such as “results vary from person to person” or “side effects are rare” may have shortcomings in its ability to explain. Doctors who answer using specific figures, cases, and examples of how they handled problems tend to be more trustworthy. Viewing the consultation not as a place where a treatment is sold, but as a place to assess the doctor’s attitude, may help you make a more informed choice.

From Italy, the country of origin of ONDA Lift (PRO), we invited Dr. Federica, an international KOL for the device. Our doctors and staff received direct lectures and practical training.From the theoretical background of the treatment to optimizing energy settings and treatment techniques for each area, we acquired the details necessary for clinical practice.

During the hands-on seminar, we deepened our practical knowledge directly related to daily medical care, including differences in approaches for each case and key points for ensuring safety.Through this ongoing training, we have established a system that enables us to provide more precise ONDA Lift treatment.

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

We have compiled questions that commonly arise during the consideration stage.

Some people notice mild tightening after a single treatment. However, multiple treatments are generally required when considering stable results and maintenance. Rather than signing up for a course immediately, trying one treatment first and then deciding is also an option.

In many cases, cheek hollowing can be avoided by assessing suitability during the initial consultation and carefully planning the energy level and treatment area. However, the risk cannot be reduced completely to zero. If you recognize that you have a slender build, please tell your doctor honestly.

Please avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol on the day of treatment. In most cases, you can return to your usual routine from the following day, but waiting 2–3 days before using a sauna or taking a long bath may make it easier to monitor your recovery.

Although results vary from person to person, approximately six months to one year is a general guide. Many people continue treatment once or twice a year to maintain the results. The duration can also vary depending on lifestyle habits and care.

ONDA Lift can be combined with Botox or hyaluronic acid injections, but the timing and order of treatments may cause their effects to interfere with one another. If you plan to combine treatments, be sure to tell your doctor in advance and discuss the overall plan.

The disadvantages of ONDA Lift center on the risk of cheek hollowing, limitations in immediate results, and individual differences in response. None of these are fatal shortcomings; they are risks that can be greatly reduced through appropriate assessment of suitability and careful treatment planning. What matters is not regretting a decision because you were unaware of the disadvantages, but choosing with understanding and confidence.
Organizing information before treatment and communicating with a trusted doctor determine how satisfied you will be with the result. If you want to determine “how high my risk of cheek hollowing is” or “whether ONDA Lift is truly right for me compared with other treatments,” consider starting by having your condition assessed during a consultation at LIVELY CLINIC. Our specialist doctors carefully determine suitability and treatment planning according to each person’s condition. A treatment chosen with confidence and understanding is more likely to lead to a satisfying result over time.