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Why compare ONDA and Ulthera?

Patients often ask whether they need lifting, slimming or both. A face can look heavy because skin and support tissue have loosened, because there is extra fat in the lower face and under the chin, or a combination. ONDA and Ulthera each address a different part of that picture, which is why they are frequently compared and sometimes combined.

What is Ulthera?

Ulthera (Ultherapy) is an FDA-cleared device that uses micro-focused ultrasound to create tiny heating points at precise depths, including the SMAS layer that surgeons tighten in a facelift. Built-in ultrasound imaging lets the operator see the tissue layers during treatment. The heat triggers contraction and gradual collagen remodeling. A newer generation, Ultherapy Prime, adds updated imaging and workflow; see Ulthera vs Ultherapy Prime.

What is ONDA?

ONDA is a device from DEKA that uses microwave energy at 2.45 GHz, branded Coolwaves, with skin cooling. Microwaves are absorbed strongly by fat, so the energy can selectively heat subcutaneous fat while the cooled surface is protected. ONDA was first known for body contouring and is now also used on the face, especially the lower face and under the chin. For the face treatment, see ONDA Face Lifting.

How do ONDA and Ulthera compare?

1. Mechanism and depth

Ulthera delivers focused points of heat at set depths, commonly around 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mm, targeting the dermis and SMAS. ONDA delivers more diffuse heat into the fat layer and lower dermis. In simple terms, Ulthera is a precision lifting tool, while ONDA is a volume-and-firmness tool.

2. What each is best at

Ulthera: Lifting the brow, cheeks and jawline, softening jowls and improving neck laxity.
ONDA: Reducing fullness in the lower cheeks, jawline and under the chin, and improving skin firmness.

3. Comfort

Ulthera can feel like sharp, deep heat at each shot, especially over bone; numbing cream and other comfort measures are commonly used. ONDA is usually described as warm or hot with cooling, and many people find it more tolerable. Pain tolerance varies widely.

4. Downtime

Both usually have minimal downtime. After Ulthera, mild redness, swelling, tenderness or temporary numbness can occur. After ONDA, mild redness, warmth and swelling are typical, and tenderness may last a few days. Most people return to normal activities quickly.

5. Results timeline

Results from both develop gradually. Ulthera's lifting effect typically builds over 2 to 3 months as collagen remodels, sometimes continuing up to 6 months. ONDA's contouring effect usually appears over 4 to 12 weeks, and some plans include more than one session. Results vary by individual.

6. Sessions and maintenance

Ulthera is often done as a single session with maintenance roughly every 12 to 18 months for many patients. ONDA face protocols may involve one to three sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Your doctor sets the plan.

Who should choose which?

Use these questions as a starting point for your consultation:

Is the main issue loose skin and drooping? Ulthera or Ultherapy Prime may be the better primary treatment.
Is the main issue fullness or fat under the chin and along the jaw? ONDA may be more suitable.
Are you young with good skin elasticity but a full lower face? ONDA, sometimes with jaw Botox, is often discussed.
Is your face already slim or hollow? Fat-targeting may not be wise, and lifting or filler may make more sense.

For double chin specifically, see ONDA Face Lifting for Double Chin. For jowls, read Sagging Skin and Jowls.

Can ONDA and Ulthera be combined?

Yes, and this reflects Re:berry's approach of designing a combination rather than relying on one procedure. A doctor may use ONDA to reduce lower-face fullness and Ulthera to lift and tighten the support layer, either on the same day or in stages. Combining requires careful planning of energy levels and areas, so the plan is personalized. Contour injections such as Berry Slim are another option sometimes paired with ONDA.

Who should avoid these treatments?

Both are generally avoided during pregnancy, over active skin infection or open wounds, and over certain implants. ONDA is typically avoided over metal implants and in people with pacemakers or other electronic implants. Tell the doctor about fillers, threads and previous surgery, as these affect planning. Thin or hollow faces need extra caution with fat-reducing energy.

Side effects to be aware of

Temporary redness, swelling and tenderness
Bruising or welts, more common with Ulthera
Temporary numbness or tingling
Rarely, burns, nerve irritation or uneven fat reduction

Report unusual pain, blistering or lasting numbness to the clinic.

Planning your consultation

Bring recent photos and a clear description of what bothers you most when you look in the mirror. Pricing depends on area, shot count and plan, and is confirmed in writing at consultation. See Location & Hours and request a time through the Booking page.

Does ONDA lift the face like Ulthera?

ONDA can firm the skin and slim the lower face, which may make the contour look tighter, but it is not primarily a deep lifting device. Ulthera targets the SMAS layer for lifting. Many doctors see them as complementary rather than interchangeable.

Can ONDA make my face look hollow?

If fat is reduced in a face that is already slim, hollowing is a risk. This is why careful assessment matters. ONDA is usually aimed at areas with excess fullness, such as under the chin and the lower jawline, rather than the whole face.

Which is more painful, ONDA or Ulthera?

Many patients describe Ulthera as more intense, with sharp heat at each pulse, especially over bony areas. ONDA usually feels like strong warmth with cooling. Comfort varies by individual, area treated and settings, and numbing or pain-relief options are discussed beforehand.