Onda Lifting vs Ultherapy Prime Comparison at Yangjaeyeok | Shinyu clinic
Author: Dr. Kim Seong-eun (Director, Shinyu clinic)
This content has been prepared in compliance with relevant laws including the Medical Service Act.
Which procedure is right for you—Onda Lifting vs Ultherapy at Yangjaeyeok?
When researching lifting procedures, you may feel overwhelmed choosing between Onda Lifting and Ultherapy Prime. To summarize upfront, the two procedures use different energy methods, so they target different skin layers.
Ultherapy Prime is a HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) procedure that delivers energy to the SMAS fascia layer. According to relevant data, it is approved by the US FDA and the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and focuses on lifting sagging contour lines. Onda Lifting, on the other hand, uses microwave technology (2.45GHz) from Italy's DEKA company, targeting both the dermal and fat layers simultaneously.
In other words, if your primary concern is skin sagging and contour improvement, Ultherapy Prime may be the right choice, while if you want both fat reduction and elasticity improvement, Onda Lifting may be better suited. The choice varies depending on the degree of skin sagging, fat volume, and pain sensitivity, and combining both procedures is also possible.
| Category | Onda Lifting | Ultherapy Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Method | Microwave (2.45GHz) | HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) |
| Primary Target Layer | Dermal + Fat Layer | SMAS Fascia Layer |
| Main Effects | Fat Reduction + Elasticity Improvement | Skin Sagging Improvement, Contour Lifting |
| Pain Level | Relatively Low | Moderate~High (Sleep anesthesia option available) |
| Epidermis Protection | COOLWAVES™ Cooling System | Ultrasound-Guided Precise Irradiation |
| Suitable Concerns | Simultaneous Fat + Elasticity Concerns | Concentrated Sagging·Contour Improvement |
Two Procedures with Different Principles—Key Differences at a Glance
To understand the differences between the two procedures, it helps to first know how the energy moves within the skin.
Ultherapy Prime concentrates ultrasound energy at a single point and creates thermal coagulation points (TCP) of 65~70°C at the SMAS layer without touching the skin surface. According to clinical data, the upgraded Prime version has improved ultrasound image resolution, allowing precise examination of skin structure up to 8mm depth during the procedure. This makes it possible to deliver energy accurately to the desired layer.
Onda Lifting works differently. Microwave energy is not absorbed by the epidermis but concentrates heat directly in the dermal and fat layers. According to clinical data, the COOLWAVES™ cooling system protects the epidermis while promoting internal heat action, so epidermal irritation is minimal and recovery is relatively quick. The 2.45GHz microwave is known to simultaneously promote collagen production in the dermal layer and volume reduction in the fat layer.
▪ Primary goal is sagging·contour improvement → Ultherapy Prime (SMAS layer lifting)
▪ Simultaneous concern about fat reduction + elasticity → Onda Lifting (simultaneous dermal·fat layer approach)
▪ Have both concerns → Combined procedure allows synergistic effects
Selection Criteria for Both Procedures at Shinyu clinic
Once you understand the procedure methods, the environment in which you receive treatment is also important.
At Shinyu clinic, the director personally performs the procedures meticulously, with customized lifting designs for each individual. Both Onda Lifting and Ultherapy Prime proceed after verifying authentic products and appropriate dosages. In particular, Onda Lifting offers both 7mm and 12mm handpieces, allowing customized procedures from face to body, with no additional cost even when using the 12mm handpiece.
Before the procedure, the direction is designed through the following flow.
▪ Step 1 — Skin Condition Assessment: Directly confirm the degree of sagging, fat volume, and skin thickness to determine procedure priority
▪ Step 2 — Energy Method Selection: SMAS layer approach (Ultherapy Prime) / Fat·dermal layer approach (Onda Lifting) / Determine whether to combine
▪ Step 3 — Handpiece·Shot Count Design: Use 7mm handpiece for facial areas, 12mm handpiece for body areas with thicker fat layers to deliver energy with depth
▪ Step 4 — Pain Management Plan: For Ultherapy Prime sleep procedures, an anesthesiology specialist is stationed in the procedure room for safe monitoring
▪ Step 5 — Authenticate Product·Dosage: Verify authentic equipment·tip boxes are opened and appropriate dosage is used in front of the patient before the procedure
Even if you're sensitive to pain or concerned about both face and body, you can establish a procedure plan tailored to your individual condition.
Caution Required for These Cases
Both procedures are effective, but there are cases that require prior confirmation. Please review the following items first.
▪ Acute skin inflammation, wounds, or active acne at the treatment site → Medical staff judgment needed before treating that area
▪ Metal implants, gold needles, or other artificial inserts at the treatment site → Prior disclosure and consultation absolutely necessary
▪ Pregnant or breastfeeding → Medical staff judgment is essential before both procedures
▪ Extremely thin skin or areas with almost no fat layer → For Onda Lifting, effects can be expected in areas with adequate fat layer; suitability is determined after consultation
▪ Recent other energy procedures (laser, radiofrequency, etc.) → Need to coordinate procedure intervals
"Precautions and Limitations": The timing and degree of effect from any lifting procedure may vary depending on individual skin condition, lifestyle habits, and age. After the procedure, basic skin care such as sun protection and hydration maintenance affects the duration of results.
Residents near Gangnam Station, Dogok-dong, and Seocho are also welcome to visit Yangjaeyeok Shinyu clinic to confirm a customized procedure plan through consultation tailored to your skin condition. Those considering lifting in Gangnam Station, Dogok-dong, or Seocho can also visit.
If You're Curious About the Right Direction for You—Confirm Through Consultation
If you're unsure which direction is right for you, visit Yangjaeyeok Shinyu clinic to confirm through transparent procedure pricing and a 1:1 director consultation.
Onda Lifting and Ultherapy Prime target different layers, so when combined, you can expect synergistic effects of simultaneously approaching the SMAS layer and fat layer. The optimal combination for your skin at this moment can only be accurately designed after actual skin assessment.
▪ All care rooms operate as private 1-person spaces
▪ The director personally executes everything from consultation through procedure to completion
▪ Procedure costs are announced clearly in advance with transparent fixed pricing
▪ Add @Shinyu clinic to your KakaoTalk channel to access June event pricing for consultations
Questions You Might Have
Q1. Can I receive both Onda Lifting and Ultherapy on the same day?
Yes, according to clinical data, since Ultherapy targets the SMAS fascia layer and Onda Lifting targets the dermal·fat layers, they can be combined without negative interactions. However, whether to proceed on the same day depending on individual skin condition and treatment scope should be determined after consultation.
Q2. I'm worried about pain—which of the two procedures is more comfortable?
Generally, Onda Lifting is relatively comfortable for many patients thanks to the COOLWAVES™ cooling system, which minimizes epidermal irritation. Some patients may experience discomfort with Ultherapy Prime, but if you choose sleep procedure, an anesthesiology specialist will be stationed in the procedure room for safe monitoring.
Q3. When can you feel the effects, and how long do they last?
Ultherapy Prime gradually regenerates collagen after the procedure, and effects often become noticeable within 1-3 months. Some patients feel changes in skin elasticity immediately after Onda Lifting. The duration of effects can vary depending on individual skin condition and lifestyle habits, and whether proper care is maintained also affects it.
Q4. I'm concerned about both facial sagging and double chin fat—which procedure is right for me?
If you have both concerns, you may want to consider combining Ultherapy Prime and Onda Lifting. A design where Ultherapy Prime lifts the SMAS layer and Onda Lifting focuses on managing double chin fat is possible. It's recommended to determine the exact combination after assessing skin condition.
Q5. What's different about the 12mm Onda Lifting handpiece compared to standard procedures?
The commonly used 7mm handpiece is suitable for relatively shallow layers such as the face. The 12mm body-specific handpiece is designed to effectively deliver energy even to deep layers in areas with thicker fat. Shinyu clinic possesses both handpieces simultaneously, and no additional cost occurs even when using the 12mm handpiece.
This content has been prepared in compliance with Article 56 of the Medical Service Act and Article 23 of the Enforcement Decree, and results may vary depending on individual condition.