If you’ve been researching non-surgical body contouring lately, chances are you’ve seen ONDA everywhere.
From sleek European clinics to celebrity Instagram posts, ONDA has quickly become one of the most talked-about body sculpting technologies in recent years. Developed by Italian medical device company DEKA, ONDA is often promoted as a “three-in-one” solution for fat reduction, cellulite improvement, and skin tightening, all without surgery or downtime.
At the same time, another name has been steadily gaining traction in medical aesthetic clinics worldwide: Cooltech Define.
Unlike trend-driven technologies, Cooltech Define belongs to a more established and heavily researched category known as cryolipolysis, or fat freezing. Instead of promising a little bit of everything, Cooltech Define focuses on doing one thing extremely well: permanently reducing stubborn fat cells, safely and predictably.
So how do you choose between the two?
Is ONDA really the future of body contouring?
Or does Cooltech Define remain the gold standard for fat reduction?
In this guide, we break down Cooltech Define vs ONDA in clear, non-technical terms so you can make an informed decision based on science, safety, results, and value.
What’s the Difference – and Why All the Buzz?
Although both treatments are often grouped under “non-invasive body sculpting,” ONDA and Cooltech Define work in fundamentally different ways and are designed for different goals.
- ONDA uses microwave energy (Coolwaves) to heat tissues, aiming for combined improvement in fat, cellulite, and skin firmness
- Cooltech Define uses controlled cooling (cryolipolysis) to freeze and permanently destroy fat cells
This distinction matters.
If your main concern is fat volume reduction in areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or arms, the treatment approach should be very different from someone whose primary concern is cellulite texture or skin laxity.
The current buzz exists because patients now have more choices than ever. The key is choosing the right technology for the right indication.
What Is ONDA?
ONDA is a non-invasive body contouring device developed by DEKA, a well-known Italian manufacturer of medical lasers and energy-based devices.
ONDA Technology: Coolwaves
ONDA uses microwave energy at 2.45 GHz, branded as Coolwaves. This energy is delivered through contact handpieces with integrated cooling to protect the skin surface.
Different handpieces are designed to target:
- Subcutaneous fat
- Fibrous septae involved in cellulite
- The dermal layer for skin firmness
How ONDA Works
- Microwave energy is delivered into the tissue
- The energy produces controlled heating in targeted layers
- Heat affects fat cells and connective tissue
- The body gradually clears affected fat cells and remodels collagen
ONDA treatments are typically performed over multiple sessions, with gradual changes over weeks to months.
What Is Cooltech Define?
Cooltech Define is a medical-grade cryolipolysis system, designed specifically for fat freezing.
Cryolipolysis is based on a well-established scientific principle: fat cells are more sensitive to cold than surrounding tissues. When exposed to controlled cooling, fat cells undergo a process called apoptosis (programmed cell death), after which they are naturally eliminated by the body over time.
How Cooltech Define Works
- A suction applicator draws fat tissue into the handpiece
- Fat cells are cooled to a precise therapeutic temperature
- Fat cells crystallise and are permanently damaged
- Over the next 8–12 weeks, the body clears these fat cells via the lymphatic system
Unlike temporary fat shrinkage, cryolipolysis permanently reduces the number of fat cells in the treated area.
What Results Can You Expect from ONDA?
Clinical Evidence for ONDA
ONDA’s published clinical studies generally report:
- Modest but visible reductions in localised fat
- Improvement in cellulite appearance
- Some degree of skin firmness or tightening
These effects are usually seen after multiple sessions, and results tend to be more subtle rather than dramatic.
Importantly, many ONDA studies are:
- Small-scale
- Conducted on limited patient numbers
- Short to medium-term follow-up
That does not mean ONDA is ineffective, but it does mean the level of clinical evidence is lighter compared to more established technologies.
In simple terms: ONDA’s studies commonly report modest but visible reductions in localised fat, plus improvements in cellulite and skin firmness, usually over multiple sessions, with results that may persist when weight is stable and lifestyle supports it.
ONDA shines most when:
- Cellulite texture is a major concern
- Skin quality improvement is desired
- Fat reduction needs are mild to moderate
What Results Can You Expect from Cooltech Define?
Clinical Evidence for Cooltech Define
Cryolipolysis is one of the most extensively studied non-surgical fat reduction technologies in aesthetic medicine.
Multiple large-scale clinical studies and systematic reviews have consistently shown:
- 20–30% fat layer reduction per treated area (in just one session)
- Permanent reduction of fat cells
- High patient satisfaction
- Long-term durability of results
A 2023 peer-reviewed publication (PubMed ID: 37654091) further reinforced the safety, efficacy, and predictability of cryolipolysis for localised fat reduction.
Unlike ONDA, cryolipolysis evidence spans:
- Thousands of patients
- Multiple body areas
- Long-term follow-ups
- Consistent reproducibility across devices
In short: Cooltech Define benefits from decades of cryolipolysis research and represents one of the most advanced systems, making it one of the most scientifically validated fat reduction treatments available today.
Safety Comparison: ONDA vs Cooltech Define
Is Microwave Energy (ONDA) Safe in Aesthetics?
Microwave energy has been used in medical and aesthetic applications for years. In ONDA’s clinical studies, reported side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discomfort or tenderness
- Occasional bruising
ONDA includes built-in cooling to protect the skin surface during treatment.
Is ONDA Safe for the Face?
ONDA is most commonly studied and used for the submental area (double chin) rather than full-face fat reduction. Protocols are conservative and target superficial tissues.
How Deep Does ONDA Penetrate?
Published data suggest that 2.45 GHz microwave energy penetrates approximately 1–1.5 cm into subcutaneous tissue, depending on tissue type and settings.
- It is not designed to penetrate bone
- It is not intended to heat muscle deeply
- Energy deposition occurs primarily in soft tissue layers
That said, some doctors and clinical therapists adopt a more cautious approach when it comes to using microwave technology on the face, as facial anatomy is more delicate and opinions differ regarding optimal penetration depth and tissue selectivity. Proper training and patient selection are critical.
Safety of Cooltech Define (Cryolipolysis)
Cooltech Define is designed with multiple redundant safety systems, which is one reason cryolipolysis has such a strong safety record.
Key safety features include:
- 360-degree controlled cooling for even temperature distribution
- Patented gel pads that protect the skin barrier
- Suction monitoring systems that detect improper contact
- Automatic shut-off protocols if parameters are not met
Clinical literature reports an extremely low incidence of serious complications, with most side effects being mild and temporary:
- Redness
- Temporary numbness
- Mild bruising
Skin burns and complications are rare when performed correctly, and cryolipolysis does not damage skin, muscle, or nerves.
Cost Comparison: ONDA vs Cooltech Define
Costs vary by clinic, region, and treatment area, but general market observations show:
- ONDA treatments are often priced per session and may require multiple sessions, especially for cellulite and skin concerns
- Cooltech Define is usually priced per applicator per session, with fewer sessions needed for fat reduction
In many markets, ONDA sessions can be similar or slightly higher in cost when multiple sessions are required to achieve noticeable results.
Quick Comparison Table: ONDA vs Cooltech Define
| Feature | ONDA | Cooltech Define |
| Technology | Microwave (Coolwaves) | Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing) |
| Main Target | Fat, cellulite, skin | Fat |
| Fat Reduction | Mild to moderate | Significant & permanent |
| Cellulite | Yes | Limited |
| Skin Tightening | Mild | No |
| Evidence Base | Small-scale studies | Large, robust clinical studies |
| Safety Profile | Generally safe | Extremely well-established |
| Sessions Needed | Multiple | Often fewer |
Our Take: Which Should You Choose?
If your primary goal is fat reduction, especially for stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, Cooltech Define (and CryoMax) offers:
- More targeted fat destruction
- Stronger scientific backing
- More predictable, permanent results
- A longer safety track record
If your goal is overall tissue improvement, particularly cellulite texture and mild skin laxity, ONDA can be a useful option.
That said, it’s worth noting that cellulite and skin quality can also be addressed using other technologies, such as RF and HIFU, which may be layered after fat reduction.
For patients who can afford it, combination treatments often deliver the most powerful results: first reducing fat volume with cryolipolysis, then refining skin and texture with complementary technologies.
Final Thoughts
There is no single “best” body contouring treatment, only the right treatment for the right concern.
If you are considering Cooltech Define vs ONDA, a personalised consultation is essential to assess:
- Fat thickness
- Skin quality
- Cellulite severity
- Body goals
At our clinic, we believe in evidence-based, targeted treatments, not one-size-fits-all solutions.
Book a consultation today to find out whether Cooltech Define, ONDA, or a combination approach is best suited for your body goals.
Your body deserves a plan, not a trend.
