Hongik Univ. Station Exit 1 · 8F · 1:1 Personalized Aesthetic Dermatology
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Body ONDA
Body ONDA in Seoul uses microwave energy on the abdomen, flanks, thighs and arms for fat, cellulite and firmness, performed by Dr. Chae-ho Lee in Hongdae.
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Body ONDA in Seoul
Medically reviewed by Dr. Chae-ho Lee, Medical Director, Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae; Member, Korean Obesity & Aesthetic Body Shaping
Doctor profile · Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae, Seoul
Body ONDA in Seoul is a non-surgical body-contouring treatment that uses microwave energy to heat and reduce subcutaneous fat while also improving the look of cellulite and the firmness of the skin. At Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae it is used on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and upper arms. A session takes about 15 to 20 minutes, needs no separate anesthesia, and you can go straight back to your normal activities afterward.
What Is Body ONDA?
Body ONDA is a microwave-energy body treatment that selectively targets the subcutaneous fat layer while protecting the skin surface, with the aim of reducing localized fat, improving cellulite, and tightening skin in a single non-invasive approach.
- Microwave energy. The device delivers controlled microwave energy into the body area being treated.
- Heat goes deep. The clinic describes the energy as delivering heat to the deeper fat layer while the skin surface is protected.
- Three goals at once. It is positioned to address fat reduction, cellulite improvement, and skin elasticity together, rather than fat alone.
- No incisions or needles. Body ONDA is non-surgical and non-invasive, with no incision and no required recovery period.
- Body areas. The clinic specifically lists the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and upper arms.
The device behind the treatment is ONDA, made by the manufacturer DEKA M.E.L.A, which the clinic lists among its in-house equipment. Many U.S. patients ask about device authenticity before booking; it is reasonable to ask to see the device during your visit.
How Body ONDA compares with injectable fat reduction
The clinic lists Body ONDA under Body Care and lists its fat-dissolving injections separately under Lipolysis. The difference is in how each works and what it addresses.
| Feature | Body ONDA | Fat-dissolving injection |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Microwave energy, no needles | Injected lipolytic solution |
| How it works on fat | Heats the fat layer with microwave energy | Breaks down fat-cell membranes chemically |
| Anesthesia | Not required | Ice cooling; numbing cream for some injections |
| Session time | About 15–20 minutes | About 5–15 minutes, depending on the injection |
| Return to activities | Immediately | Usually the same day, with some swelling |
Which approach suits your concern is decided by Dr. Lee after examining the area.
What the research shows
Clinical evidence for microwave body contouring is still modest in size. It also helps to keep fat and cellulite apart when setting expectations. The American Academy of Dermatology points out that cellulite differs from fat and that a treatment which removes fat often has no effect on cellulite. Of heat-based options, it notes that radiofrequency treatment can leave some patients with a little less cellulite, but that the change is short-lived and several treatments are needed. Body ONDA uses microwave rather than radiofrequency energy, and the clinic describes its own results as lasting approximately six months, with individual variation. An international advisory board has also published consensus recommendations on using this microwave technology for cellulite and localized adiposity (Advisory board recommendations, PMC). This supports the device category, but they do not predict how many sessions you will need or what your own result will be.
Who Performs Body ONDA at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae
Dr. Chae-ho Lee
Medical Director at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae
Body ONDA at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae is performed by Dr. Chae-ho Lee, the Medical Director and the clinic's only physician. This treatment area is offered as a clinic service led by the Medical Director rather than as one of Dr. Lee's stated core specializations. He belongs to the Korean Obesity & Aesthetic Body Shaping society. He reviews your body-contouring concerns, the treatment area, your skin and fat condition, your medical history, and your expectations, then decides whether Body ONDA is appropriate and plans the area and settings.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Body ONDA?
Body ONDA is designed for people who want to refine an area rather than lose weight overall. It may suit you if you are an adult with:
- Localized subcutaneous fat on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or upper arms.
- Concerns about the appearance of cellulite.
- Mild skin laxity or reduced firmness in the same area.
- A preference for a non-surgical approach without incisions or downtime.
- Realistic expectations of gradual change in body line.
- General medical suitability for energy-based body treatments.
Body ONDA should be avoided or postponed, unless a qualified medical professional advises otherwise, if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have an active skin infection or significant skin inflammation in the treatment area.
- Have an implanted electronic device, or certain metal implants depending on the area.
- Have medical conditions that make energy-based treatment unsuitable.
Final eligibility is confirmed by the treating doctor after the examination.
Why patients ask for Body ONDA
U.S. patients who request Body ONDA usually want non-invasive body contouring that targets a specific area of fat and improves skin firmness without surgery or significant downtime. That makes it a practical option for travelers who want to keep sightseeing or return to work immediately. Because it treats fat, cellulite, and elasticity together, it is often discussed by people whose concern is not just "fat" but the overall look of the skin over an area.
What to Expect: Procedure, Recovery, and Results Timeline
Before treatment
Keep the skin clean on the day of treatment and free from lotions or creams. Avoid applying irritating products to the area beforehand. In the days leading up to treatment, avoid sun exposure, tanning, and photosensitizing skincare products or medications. Tell the clinician about any medical conditions, medications, implants, or recent treatments, as these can affect suitability.
Questions worth asking at the consultation
International patients often want clear answers before committing: what change is realistic for this area, how many sessions are suggested and how far apart, what the downtime will be before a flight, and how follow-up works once they are home. Ask each of these in English during the consultation. A good plan should also explain why Body ONDA is preferred over an injection or another body treatment for your specific concern.
The session, step by step
- Consultation. Dr. Lee reviews the area, your skin and fat condition, and your goals.
- Planning. The treatment area and device settings are chosen for your concern.
- Treatment. Microwave energy is delivered to the target area while the skin surface is protected.
- Finish. The area is checked, and aftercare guidance is given.
A session takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. No separate anesthesia is required. Most people feel warmth or heat during treatment, and the level of discomfort varies with the individual and the settings.
Recovery and results timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Immediately | Daily activities can be resumed straight away. |
| First day or two | Temporary warmth, redness, tenderness, or mild swelling may be noticeable and typically settles. |
| Within a few weeks | Visible change in the treated area typically starts to appear. |
| About 6 months | Stated maintenance period for results, with individual variation. |
The clinic does not publish a fixed number of sessions for Body ONDA; the plan is set at consultation according to the area and your goal.
Aftercare
Keep the treated area clean and hydrated. Avoid excessive heat and strenuous activity for the period the clinic recommends, and follow any specific instructions you receive. Mild redness, warmth, or swelling may appear temporarily and should gradually improve; contact the clinic if it does not.
Planning a trip
Because Body ONDA has no recovery period, a stay of one to two days in Korea may be enough for a consultation and a session, depending on the area and the number of sessions planned. Flying is generally possible once you feel comfortable. If there is redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising, waiting 24 to 48 hours before a long-haul flight may be reasonable; follow the clinician's advice for your treatment area and intensity. Weekday appointments run from 10:30 until 20:30 and weekend ones from 10:30 until 17:00 (Korea time); note the monthly closure on the final Sunday.
After you return home
If you notice anything unusual after flying back to the United States, contact the clinic through its website or by phone at +82-2-3144-7885. For a suspected burn, blistering, or rapidly worsening symptoms, see a local doctor promptly and inform the clinic afterward.
Safety, Precision, and Clinic Standards
- Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae has held Ministry of Health and Welfare recognition as an institution serving foreign patients since January 2023.
- The device, ONDA, is made by DEKA M.E.L.A and is part of the clinic's own equipment.
- Body ONDA protects the skin surface while delivering heat to the deeper fat layer.
- Each plan starts with a 1:1 consultation that considers skin condition and elasticity.
- English consultation and interpretation are available during the visit.
Possible side effects and risks
Common effects after Body ONDA include temporary redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, bruising, or mild discomfort in the treated area. Rare complications can include burns, changes in skin sensation, or uneven results. With energy-based body treatments, the risk of skin injury rises if inappropriate parameters are used, which is why the settings are chosen for each patient. The overall risk profile depends on the device, settings, treatment area, and your own health.
The Bottom Line
- Body ONDA uses microwave energy to target subcutaneous fat while protecting the skin surface.
- It addresses fat, cellulite, and skin elasticity on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and upper arms.
- Sessions take about 15 to 20 minutes, with no anesthesia and an immediate return to activities.
- Visible change typically starts within a few weeks, and results are stated to last about six months.
- Dr. Chae-ho Lee assesses every patient and leads the treatment as a clinic service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Body ONDA hurt?
Most people feel warmth or heat during treatment rather than pain. Discomfort depends on the person and the settings used. No separate anesthesia is required.
How long does a session take?
A Body ONDA session takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, which makes it easy to fit into a short trip.
When will I see results?
Visible change typically begins within a few weeks of treatment. Results are stated to be maintained for about six months, with individual variation.
Is Body ONDA a weight-loss treatment?
No. It targets localized subcutaneous fat, cellulite, and skin elasticity in specific areas. Overall weight still depends on diet, activity, and, where appropriate, medical weight management.
Who should not have Body ONDA?
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have skin infection or significant inflammation in the area, or have implanted electronic devices should avoid it unless medically advised otherwise. Certain medical conditions may also rule it out.
Can I go back to work or sightseeing the same day?
Yes. Daily activities can be resumed immediately after treatment. Avoid excessive heat and strenuous activity for the period the clinic recommends.
Will the consultation be in English?
Yes. English consultation and interpretation support is available, so you can discuss your goals, the plan, and aftercare in English.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Arrive with clean skin and no lotions or creams on the area. Avoid sun exposure, tanning, and photosensitizing products in the days before treatment.
Book a Consultation at Doctorpetit Clinic Hongdae
To find out whether Body ONDA in Seoul fits your body-contouring goal, start with an examination by Dr. Chae-ho Lee, who will look at the area, discuss fat, cellulite, and skin firmness, and suggest a plan. English interpretation is available. Head for Exit 1 of Hongik University Station; the Wookdo Building, 151 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, stands immediately outside, and the clinic is on the eighth floor. Send a booking request, and browse what other patients have said.
Disclaimer
Treatment suitability, expected results, recovery time, risks, and potential side effects vary by individual. The information provided is for general informational purposes and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. Patients should discuss their medical history, treatment goals, and individual circumstances with a qualified medical professional before undergoing treatment.
Sources & Further Reading
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