Onda Cold Wave Therapy

Cold wave therapy (Onda Coolwaves) is a non-surgical body contouring treatment that delivers microwave energy to the fat layer beneath the skin through a handpiece that cools the skin surface. It suits adults with stubborn localised fat, visible cellulite or mild skin laxity that resist diet and exercise. It is not a weight-loss method: it targets shape and circumference and needs no downtime.

How does cold wave therapy work?

Cold wave therapy heats the fat tissue under the skin with microwave energy while cooling the skin surface at the same time.

Onda Coolwaves is a device developed by DEKA. The handpiece directs the energy past the skin surface into the fat layer below, while its cooling system protects the upper layers of the skin and keeps the treatment comfortable. The name cold wave comes from this surface cooling; the actual effect is the controlled heat created deeper down.

Fat cells affected by the heat lose their structure and are cleared over the following weeks by the body's natural processes. The same heat also stimulates the connective tissue and collagen, which can help the skin look firmer. This is why Onda can target not only fat volume but also the appearance of cellulite and mild skin laxity.

Which areas can cold wave therapy treat?

Cold wave therapy is most often used for stubborn fat and cellulite on the abdomen, flanks, hips, buttocks and thighs.

• Localised fat: abdomen, flanks, back, hips and outer thighs.
• Cellulite: buttocks, hips, thighs and the area above the knees.
• Skin laxity: areas where the skin is thinner, such as the abdomen, inner arms, inner thighs and above the knees.

The treatment is planned by marking areas of 15 x 15 cm on the skin. Which areas are treated is decided at the consultation, based on the thickness of the fat layer, skin quality and your expectations. If there is general excess weight, addressing diet first usually gives a better outcome.

What happens during a session, and how many sessions are needed?

A session takes about 15 minutes for each marked 15 x 15 cm area, and most people need 1–3 sessions.

No anaesthesia is needed. As the handpiece moves over the skin you feel noticeable warmth deep down and a cool, massage-like sensation on the surface. If the heat becomes uncomfortable, the energy setting can be adjusted. The total time depends on how many areas are treated.

For some people a single session is enough, while more pronounced fat or cellulite may need a second or third session. Sessions are usually spaced at least 3 weeks apart, which gives the body time to clear the affected fat cells. The number of sessions and the interval vary from person to person.

When are results visible, and what should you do afterwards?

Results are not immediate: they usually start to show from the third week and can keep improving over the following weeks.

You can return to your daily routine straight away. Redness and warmth for a few hours, and tenderness, mild swelling or a feeling of firmness for a few days, may occur; these usually settle on their own. To support the result:

• Drink enough water and stay active; light walking is a good start.
• Postpone saunas, Turkish baths and very hot baths until any tenderness has passed.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit salt, sugar and alcohol.
• Avoid weight fluctuations, as the remaining fat cells can grow again.

How is cold wave therapy different from cryolipolysis and hot laser lipolysis?

All three are non-surgical ways to reduce localised fat; the difference lies in the energy they use to affect fat cells.

• Cold wave (Onda): Heats the fat tissue deep down with microwave energy while cooling the skin surface. Besides fat, it can also target cellulite and mild skin laxity.
• Cryolipolysis: Cools fat cells in a controlled way instead of heating them. It is usually applied to fat that can be pinched and mainly targets fat volume.
• Hot laser lipolysis: Heats fat cells with laser energy. Like Onda it relies on heat, but the type of energy and the handpiece are different; it can be a good choice for flatter areas.

None of these methods is better in general. The right choice depends on the area, the thickness of the fat layer, skin firmness and whether cellulite is present. At our clinic in Etiler we assess these options together and recommend a single method or a combination; you can see all the options on our regional slimming page.

Why do Onda cold wave therapy reviews vary so much?

Reviews differ mainly because the result depends heavily on each person's starting point and expectations.

• People with localised fat of moderate thickness tend to notice a clearer change; with general excess weight the difference can be limited.
• Because results develop over weeks, reviews written in the first days do not reflect the final outcome.
• The number of sessions, diet and activity level directly affect how well the result is maintained.
• When the treatment is for cellulite or skin laxity, the expected change is different from fat reduction.

Other people's experiences can be useful, but only a consultation can show what is realistic for you. Which methods can be combined for cellulite is also discussed at this stage.

Who is it not suitable for, and when should you see a doctor?

Cold wave therapy is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in people with electronic implants such as a pacemaker, or over areas with metal implants.

In the following situations the treatment is postponed or assessed separately by the doctor:

• Active infection, an open wound, eczema or another skin condition in the treatment area
• Recent surgery or a hernia in the area
• Ongoing cancer treatment
• A bleeding disorder or use of blood-thinning medication
• Conditions that reduce sensation in the area (for example nerve damage related to diabetes)
• Uncontrolled heart or vascular disease and other chronic conditions the doctor considers unsuitable

If you notice increasing pain, blistering, a burn-like appearance, or marked swelling and firmness that do not settle within a few days, contact your doctor without delay.

Frequently asked questions

What is cold wave therapy?

Cold wave therapy (Onda Coolwaves) is a non-surgical treatment that delivers microwave energy to the fat layer beneath the skin while cooling the skin surface. It is used for localised fat, the appearance of cellulite and mild skin laxity.

Does cold wave therapy hurt?

It is usually not painful. The cooling handpiece protects the skin while you feel warmth deeper down; if the heat becomes uncomfortable, the energy setting can be adjusted. No anaesthesia is needed.

How many sessions of cold wave therapy are needed?

Most people have 1–3 sessions, usually spaced at least 3 weeks apart. The exact number is decided at the consultation and varies from person to person.

When are the results of cold wave therapy visible?

Results usually start to show gradually from the third week. Because the affected fat cells are cleared by the body over time, the change can continue to improve in the following weeks.

Does cold wave therapy help you lose weight?

No, it is not a weight-loss method. It aims to reduce stubborn fat and the appearance of cellulite in specific areas; the change shows in measurements and shape rather than on the scales.

Is cold wave therapy the same as cryolipolysis?

No. Cold wave therapy (Onda) heats the fat tissue with microwave energy and only cools the skin surface, whereas cryolipolysis works by cooling the fat cells directly.

This content is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation. To find out which method suits your body and skin, get in touch with us.

Treatment time

About 15 Minutes per Area

Number of sessions

Usually 1–3 Sessions