Why is everyone talking about QWO (a.k.a. collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes), a new treatment that recently received FDA approval to treat cellulite in the buttocks of women. Because QWO is the first and only FDA-approved injectable for moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women.
This new “shot for cellulite” promises to allow plastic surgeons to smooth dimpling on the buttocks with an injectable treatment, making treating cellulite simpler than ever before.
Basics about cellulite
- Cellulite is not skin laxity, or sagging skin, it is the dimpling of the skin around pockets of fat.
- Cellulite is caused by bands of collagen, or septae, that bind the skin to the muscle. As fat deposits between the skin and the muscle, “dimples” are caused by the septae pulling the skin to the muscle between the pockets of fat, making the fat appear encircled in divots, or dimples.
- Treatments that remove fat, like liposuction, do not necessarily treat cellulite.
- About 85% to 90% of women experience cellulite, regardless of their weight. Men do not experience cellulite as often because the septae beneath their skin form differently.
Can you reduce cellulite naturally?
The only non-medical cellulite-reduction treatment that works is specialized massage. However, the results are both subtle and temporary.
What are cellulite injections?
As patients become comfortable with BOTOX®, Restylane®, and other injectable treatments, it follows that injectables may be developed for other skin issues, like cellulite. While the mechanism behind QWO is comparable to currently-available cellulite treatments, such as those that use lasers, this treatment is the first injectable for cellulite—and the least invasive treatment to show tangible results.
How does QWO work?
It is thought that QWO works in 3 ways: releasing fibrous bands, redistributing fat cells, and stimulating the growth of new collagen.
To administer QWO, Dr. Edward S. Kole injects directly into cellulite dimples on the buttocks—up to 12 areas of cellulite for a single treatment. Once injected, the enzyme in QWO—called collagenases— targets collagen to release the septae, releasing the dimple and making the skin appear smooth.
How does QWO compare to existing cellulite treatments?
Other available cellulite treatments also work by severing septae. These treatments employ lasers, tiny blade incisions, and energy treatments that use radio frequency or infrared technology.
The major difference with QWO is that it loosens the septae chemically. QWO is less invasive and requires less downtime after treatment.
Is QWO an effective cellulite treatment?
QWO is FDA approved to treat cellulite in the buttocks of women. Although it has only been studied in the buttocks, QWO has shown to be an effective treatment for cellulite in that area of the body. In clinical trials, it reduced the severity of “dimpling” in this area. In these studies, participants received three injections, each 21 days apart.
How many women have taken part in QWO studies?
QWO was studied in more patients than any other FDA-approved injectable cellulite treatment, with over 1,800 women participating.
What kind of results can I expect from QWO?
With any treatment, it’s important for patients to have realistic expectations. With evidence from initial studies, it appears that QWO—much like other cellulite treatments—will significantly reduce but not totally eradicate cellulite. Visible results are achieved in 10 weeks.
How is QWO given?
QWO is injected by Dr. Kole directly into targeted dimples in the buttocks using a small needle. You should not receive QWO if you are allergic to any collagenase or the ingredients in QWO or have an active infection in the treatment area.
How many treatments will I receive?
If Dr. Kole determines that QWO is right for you, he will decide on a treatment plan, including the total number of treatments.
Each treatment visit may include up to 2 treatment areas. QWO injections are given 21 days apart for 3 treatment visits.
How long do the injections take?
At each office visit, injections take as little as 10 minutes.
How much bruising can I expect after each treatment?
In clinical trials, women required no post-treatment downtime. Most bruising lessened after each treatment. Side effects lasted less than 3 weeks.
Are there any side effects associated with QWO injections?
Most patients experienced some level of injection site bruising after treatment with QWO, other common side effects of QWO include injection site pain, areas of hardness, itching, redness, discoloration, swelling and warmth in the treatment area. In clinical studies, side effects lasted less than 3 weeks.
QWO may cause an allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, including anaphylaxis, swelling, and rash. If you have any sensitivity/allergy to collagenase, please check with your doctor before proceeding with this treatment.
How should I bring up cellulite to my Plastic Surgeon?
It can be hard to talk about something as personal as your cellulite. Dr. Kole is there to listen and help you find a solution. You can take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone in your struggles with cellulite. Approximately 90% of women have cellulite, no matter what they eat or how much they exercise.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kole. To discuss how your cellulite makes you feel, and why you want to try a different treatment. Ask if he thinks QWO may be right for you.
How much will QWO cost?
To find out if QWO for cellulite reduction is a viable option for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Bucks County PA-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Edward Kole, who has advanced medical training and a distinguished record of success in aesthetic medicine.
Now is a great time to discuss your cosmetic needs. Learn if QWO treatment is right for you as well as other body contouring options available at Kole Plastic Surgery. Call 215 354-1010 today
