Onda Coolwaves: How the Technology Works
Onda uses Coolwaves microwave energy at 2.45 GHz, a technology developed by DEKA for non-invasive body contouring. This page explains what the technology is and how it works.
About Onda Coolwaves
Onda is a non-invasive body contouring system built around Coolwaves, a patented microwave technology developed by DEKA. It is worth being precise about this, because Onda is often described as a laser and it is not. It works with microwave energy at 2.45 GHz, and that difference is exactly why it reaches fat the way it does.
Microwaves at this frequency are preferentially absorbed by fat cells. The energy passes through the surface and concentrates in the adipose tissue underneath, disrupting the membranes of fat cells so the body clears them through its own metabolic processes. Because the absorption is selective, the surrounding structures are largely left alone.
That same energy does two other things at once. It stimulates the connective tissue surrounding fat lobules, which is what softens the dimpled appearance of cellulite. And it causes thermal contraction of collagen in the dermis while prompting new collagen to form, which firms and tightens the skin above the treated area. Fat reduction, cellulite and skin laxity are usually approached as three separate problems requiring three different devices. Onda addresses all three with a single energy source.
An integrated cooling system holds the skin surface at 5°C throughout, so the energy is delivered where it is intended and the surface stays protected.
Where the technology is used
Onda is most commonly applied to the abdomen, flanks, hips and thighs. It is also used on the submental area under the chin, and on the face with a smaller handpiece designed for lifting and firming rather than fat reduction.
Three handpieces work at different depths. The Deep handpiece targets larger areas of localised fat. The Shallow handpiece addresses cellulite and skin tightening closer to the surface. The Pocket handpiece is used for the face and under the chin.
How the technology is typically scheduled
Onda is generally described as a course of treatments rather than a single visit, because the body needs time to clear treated fat and to build new collagen between sessions. Published protocols commonly describe multiple sessions of the same area, spaced apart.
What Onda is not
Onda is not a weight loss technology and is not described as a substitute for one. It is a contouring technology intended for localised areas, and it does not address overall body weight.
This page is provided for general information about the Onda Coolwaves technology and how it works. It is not medical advice, and it is not an offer, recommendation or guarantee of any particular outcome. Onda and Coolwaves are trademarks of DEKA. TONIIK is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a distributor for DEKA.
FAQ
No, and this is the most common misconception. Onda uses microwave energy at 2.45 GHz, marketed as Coolwaves technology. Lasers work with light. Microwaves behave differently in tissue, which is what allows Onda to reach fat beneath the surface while the skin above stays cool.
Microwaves at this frequency are preferentially absorbed by fat cells, disrupting their membranes so the body clears the contents metabolically. The same energy contracts collagen in the dermis and stimulates new collagen, which is the lifting and firming effect. Published descriptions note that results build over weeks rather than appearing immediately, and vary by area and individual physiology.
That is the stated advantage of the technology. Fat reduction, cellulite and skin laxity are usually approached as three separate problems requiring three different devices. Onda addresses all three with one energy source, because the same energy that disrupts fat cells also stimulates the connective tissue around fat lobules and contracts dermal collagen.
Most commonly the abdomen, flanks, hips and thighs. The submental area under the chin and the face can also be treated using a smaller handpiece designed for lifting and firming rather than fat reduction. Three handpieces work at different depths: Deep for larger areas of fat, Shallow for cellulite and tightening, Pocket for the face and chin.
Onda is non-invasive, with no needles and no incisions. An integrated cooling system holds the skin surface at 5°C throughout, and the technology is generally described as producing a warming sensation rather than pain. Published protocols describe a same-day return to normal activity.
Because the body clears treated fat gradually through its own metabolic processes, results are described as building over several weeks rather than appearing straight away. Skin firmness continues improving as new collagen forms, so the final result takes longer than the first visible change.
Onda is generally described as a course rather than a single visit. Published protocols commonly describe multiple sessions of the same area, spaced to allow the body time to clear treated fat and build new collagen between visits. The number varies by area and by individual.
No. Onda is a contouring technology aimed at localised areas rather than overall body weight. Where weight loss is the primary goal, a supervised medical weight loss programme is an entirely different approach.
