DEKA (Cartessa) Onda Coolwaves

RF body contouring · 2.45GHz microwave fat disruption

CurrentFDA status under reviewBe the first to review

What it's actually cleared for: Marketed under 510(k) clearance in the deep-heating/cellulite-appearance category rather than "fat destruction"; the exact K number isn't cleanly searchable under "Onda" — request the clearance letter from Cartessa and verify the indication language before writing marketing copy.

Last verified: August 6, 2026 · How we verify

New: $100k–$150k|Used: —market estimate, no email required

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Bottom line

The only microwave-based body device in the US market, and the differentiation is real: 2.45GHz energy preferentially couples to fat while sparing the dermis, so patients tolerate it better than deep RF. Cartessa launched the upgraded Onda PRO in the US in 2026 — which resets the platform but also means first-generation units will depreciate fast. Solid European literature on cellulite and localized pockets; near-zero US brand awareness means you'll educate patients. Buy it to differentiate in a CoolSculpting-saturated market, not for walk-in demand.

Overview

Microwave-based fat, cellulite, laxity

How it works

The science

Coolwaves are 2.45GHz microwaves — fundamentally different from RF (MHz) or laser — delivered through cooled handpieces. At that frequency energy deposits preferentially in subcutaneous fat and connective septa rather than the water-rich dermis, disrupting adipocyte membranes and remodeling the fibrous septa behind cellulite dimpling. Integrated contact cooling protects the epidermis, so deep heating happens with less surface pain than monopolar RF. Effect: cellulite smoothing, localized pocket reduction, secondary tightening over 3-4 monthly sessions.

Patented tech

Coolwaves is DEKA's patented 2.45GHz microwave delivery with depth-selective handpieces — Deep (fat), Shallow (laxity/cellulite), and the new Pocket applicator on Onda PRO for small fibrotic areas.

Origin

DEKA M.E.L.A. (El.En. Group), Calenzano, Florence, Italy; Cartessa is exclusive US/Canada distributor.

FDA & regulatory status

FDA status under reviewRegulatory status not yet verified

What it's actually cleared for:

Marketed under 510(k) clearance in the deep-heating/cellulite-appearance category rather than "fat destruction"; the exact K number isn't cleanly searchable under "Onda" — request the clearance letter from Cartessa and verify the indication language before writing marketing copy.

Regulatory data is compiled from public FDA 510(k) records and may lag recent clearances. Always confirm status with the manufacturer before purchase.

Treatment economics

What practices charge

~$400-800 per session per area, 3-4 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks; area courses $1,200-2,800; bundles with EMS or lymphatic treatments $2,500-4,000.

Consumables & recurring cost

No per-treatment disposables; the cost reality is handpiece cooling maintenance and eventual applicator replacement — verify handpiece lifetime pricing with Cartessa; that's where money hides on cooled-tip systems.

Ideal for

Best-fit practice

Derm/plastics-adjacent medspas wanting a defensible only-one-in-town story and treating cellulite seriously. Patients: women 25-55 with cellulite and localized pockets at near-normal BMI; also post-lipo irregularities.

Compliance

Medical director & delegation

Class II energy device; oversight mirrors RF — medical director with delegation where state law allows.

Contraindications & screening

Pregnancy, implanted electronic devices, metal implants in field, active malignancy, hernia at the site, impaired sensation or circulation.

Ownership

Warranty & service

Cartessa ships 1-2 year warranties with trade-in-friendly programs; DEKA parts come through Cartessa's US network — smaller than InMode's or BTL's, so get loaner policy and turnaround in writing.

Resale & used market

Thin US used market; the 2026 Onda PRO launch will push gen-one prices down hard — low liquidity, steep depreciation on the outgoing model.