Comparison · Seoul dermatology
ONDA vs InMode FX:
Which Technology Is More Suitable for Facial Fat Reduction?
November 3, 2026
ONDA uses microwave energy (often called Coolwaves) to heat fat and tighten skin, while InMode FX uses bipolar radiofrequency with electrical pulses to target small localised fat pockets. For facial contouring, InMode FX is often chosen for small areas like the jowls and under the chin, and ONDA for broader areas combined with tightening. Neither is a substitute for liposuction, and results vary — a doctor should assess your fat and skin first.
ONDA vs InMode FX: what is the difference at a glance?
Facial fat reduction in Seoul has become a popular non-surgical alternative to buccal fat removal or facial liposuction. Two technologies frequently offered are ONDA and InMode FX. Both aim to reduce small amounts of unwanted fat and refine contours, but they work in different ways and suit slightly different faces.
| Feature | ONDA | InMode FX |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Microwave (Coolwaves) | Bipolar RF with high-voltage electrical pulses |
| Main target | Fat layer plus skin tightening | Localised fat pockets |
| Typical facial areas | Cheeks, jawline, double chin, lower face | Jowls, double chin, small cheek pockets |
| Sensation | Warmth, often moderate | Heat with brief zapping pulses |
| Often paired with | Skin tightening goals | InMode Forma for skin tightening |
| Typical price (2026) | ₩200,000–₩600,000 (face) | ₩100,000–₩400,000 per area |
Device names, handpieces and settings vary. Ask the clinic which handpiece will be used for the face, as some are designed specifically for smaller facial areas.
How does each technology work?
ONDA (microwave)
ONDA delivers microwave energy that is intended to pass through the skin surface and concentrate heat in the fat layer below. The surface is cooled during treatment to protect the outer skin. The heat may damage some fat cells, which the body then clears gradually, while the warming of the dermis may help tighten skin. For the face, clinics often use a smaller handpiece and lower settings than for the body.
InMode FX
InMode FX is a handpiece on an InMode platform that combines bipolar radiofrequency with short high-voltage pulses. The aim is to disrupt fat cells in a localised area. It is usually applied in multiple passes over a small zone such as the jowls or submental (under-chin) area. Many clinics pair it with InMode Forma, a separate RF handpiece focused on skin tightening, in the same session.
A useful way to think about the two technologies is that ONDA spreads heat across a broader zone, while InMode FX is designed for focused work on a small pocket. That is why clinics often use FX on a defined double chin or the jowl line, and ONDA when the whole lower face feels soft and slightly heavy. In both cases the doctor will usually adjust energy and passes to the thickness of the fat and the skin over it, because facial tissue is much thinner than the abdomen or thighs where these devices are also used.
Which suits which face or concern?
| Concern | Often considered | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small jowl fat pockets | InMode FX | Precise targeting of small zones |
| Double chin with mild skin laxity | Either, or FX + Forma | Fat and tightening both addressed |
| Full lower face with soft contour | ONDA | Treats broader areas with tightening effect |
| Very slim face | Often not recommended | Removing fat can make a face look gaunt |
| Prominent masseter (jaw muscle) | Masseter Botox instead | The bulk is muscle, not fat |
| Large amount of fat | Surgical opinion | Non-surgical options give modest change |
An important point is that a wide lower face is not always caused by fat. It may be muscle (masseter), bone structure, or sagging skin. A doctor can examine your face and, if helpful, use ultrasound to check fat thickness before recommending fat reduction.
Visitors sometimes arrive asking for a specific device after seeing it online. It is worth staying open-minded: if the doctor explains that your concern is mostly sagging rather than fat, an RF tightening or HIFU treatment may serve you better than fat reduction. Equally, if the bulk is muscle, masseter Botox (typically ₩50,000–₩150,000 with a Korean toxin or ₩150,000–₩400,000 with an imported brand in 2026) may be the more appropriate starting point.
What happens during a session?
- Registration and consultation. Bring your passport, explain your goals, and confirm the device, handpiece and areas in a written quote.
- Photos and marking. Before photos are taken and treatment areas are marked.
- Preparation. The skin is cleansed. Gel may be applied for ONDA; InMode FX may also use a conductive gel.
- Treatment. The handpiece is moved over each area in passes. A face session typically takes 15–40 minutes.
- Aftercare. Mild redness and warmth are common. Soothing cream and sunscreen are applied.
What downtime and results timeline should you expect?
| Stage | ONDA | InMode FX |
|---|---|---|
| Immediately | Redness, warmth, mild swelling | Redness, warmth, mild swelling |
| First few days | Tenderness or swelling possible | Tenderness, occasional small bruising |
| Visible change | Gradual over 4–12 weeks | Gradual over 4–12 weeks |
| Typical course | Often 1–3 sessions | Often 3–5 sessions, a few weeks apart |
| Possible side effects | Swelling, numbness, rare burns or lumps | Swelling, tenderness, rare burns |
Swelling after facial fat reduction can temporarily hide the result, so most clinics suggest judging the outcome at around 6–12 weeks rather than in the first days. Taking your own before photos in consistent lighting can help you and the doctor evaluate change objectively. If you are planning a course of sessions, ask the clinic whether later sessions can be adjusted according to how your face responds.
How much do ONDA and InMode FX cost in Seoul?
| Treatment | Typical range (KRW, 2026) |
|---|---|
| ONDA face, per session | ₩200,000–₩600,000 |
| InMode FX, per area | ₩100,000–₩400,000 |
| InMode Forma, per area | ₩100,000–₩400,000 |
| Forma + FX combined | ₩200,000–₩700,000 |
| Consultation | Often free or ₩10,000–₩30,000 |
Prices are 2026 estimates in KRW and vary by clinic, area, device generation and the number of shots or lines. Always confirm the final written quote and whether VAT is included before treatment. Many clinics offer 3- or 5-session packages for InMode treatments at a lower per-session price, which can be useful if you live in Seoul or visit regularly.
How to decide and choose a clinic
- Confirm the cause — Ask the doctor whether your concern is fat, muscle, bone or skin laxity.
- Ask about handpieces — Check which facial handpiece is used and how many passes are planned.
- Discuss the number of sessions — Get a realistic plan and total cost before you start.
- Consider your trip length — A course over several weeks may not fit a short visit.
- Check English support — Clinics in Gangnam and Sinsa–Apgujeong–Cheongdam often have English coordinators.
Gangnam Station (Line 2, Sinbundang) and the Sinsa–Apgujeong–Cheongdam area (Sinsa Stn on Line 3 and Sinbundang, Apgujeong Stn on Line 3, Cheongdam Stn on Line 7) have a high concentration of clinics offering both ONDA and InMode devices. Many accept enquiries by WhatsApp, KakaoTalk or Line, which makes it easier to request a written quote before you arrive. For general travel help in English, the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline is available.
Frequently asked questions
Is ONDA or InMode FX better for a double chin?
Both can be used. InMode FX is often chosen for small, defined pockets, sometimes with Forma for tightening, while ONDA may be used when fat and mild laxity are both present. A doctor can recommend based on your anatomy.
How many sessions do I need?
It varies. ONDA may be done in 1–3 sessions and InMode FX often in 3–5 sessions a few weeks apart. Your doctor will suggest a plan based on your goals.
Is facial fat reduction permanent?
Fat cells that are destroyed are generally not replaced, but remaining fat cells can grow with weight gain. Ageing also changes facial contours over time.
Can these treatments make my face look hollow?
If too much fat is reduced in a slim face, it can look gaunt. This is why a careful assessment and conservative approach are important.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel warmth and some discomfort. InMode FX includes brief pulses that can feel like a zap. Clinics adjust settings for comfort.
Can I combine fat reduction with Botox?
Yes, if your wide jaw is partly due to masseter muscle, a doctor may suggest masseter Botox alongside fat reduction. Timing should be planned by the doctor.
Ready to compare clinics for facial contouring?
Tell us your contouring goal and preferred area of Seoul, and we will point you to English-friendly clinics offering ONDA or InMode treatments.
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