What is QWO?​​

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QWO® cellulite treatment is the first and only FDA-approved injectable for treating and reducing cellulite in the buttocks in women, a common and stubborn area of cellulite.

Unlike other invasive surgical treatments that reduce the appearance of cellulite, QWO is minimally invasive, safe and requires little downtime. Treating cellulite and creating a smooth, dimple-free backside is easier than ever with the introduction of this cutting-edge treatment.

 

What is Cellulite?​

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Cellulite is a very common condition that affects up to 90% of women regardless of their size or weight and makes areas of fat on the skin appear lumpy and dimpled. There are many factors that can affect a woman’s cellulite development, including low-grade inflammation, genetics, hormonal changes and areas of restricted blood flow.

The dimpling of cellulite is caused by fibrous septae underneath the skin. Cellulite appears when areas of the skin (commonly around the buttocks, thighs and hips) are pulled down to deeper tissue levels, creating an uneven and bumpy surface. The pulling on the skin creates a hardening of the connective fibrous septae, which is made of collagen. The septae begins to harden and contract over time and eventually leads to lymphatic blockage in the blood vessels, producing the caved in, dimpled appearance of cellulite.

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How Does QWO Work To Reduce Cellulite?​

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QWO cellulite treatment (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes) works by addressing the underlying cause of cellulite. During the treatment, an active enzyme called collagenase is injected directly into the targeted area (the cellulite dimple), which initiates a process called Enzymatic Subcision and Remodeling (ESR). The ESR process degrades cellulite-causing collagen molecules chemically by releasing enzymes that target collagen types 1 and 3. This process releases the septae (that is responsible for cellulite dimples) while simultaneously stimulating collagen production, resulting in firmer and smoother skin.

During the treatment, QWO injections are administered directly into the treated cellulite dimples on the buttocks. We can treat a maximum of 12 cellulite dimples per buttock at one time, each dimple is treated once.

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Is QWO Safe to Treat Cellulite?​

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QWO is a generally safe, effective, FDA-approved treatment. Mild side effects of QWO are injection site-related and typically include bruising and sensitivity in the treatment area. Side effects are temporary and do not affect the outcome of the treatment.

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How Many Treatments Will I Need?​

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QWO requires 3 treatments, 21 days apart (43 days total). Each treatment may include up to two treatment areas (up to 12 dimples per buttock).

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Is There Downtime with QWO?

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There is little downtime required with QWO; the treatment is non-surgical and does not require any general anesthesia. You can return to your normal daily activities after the treatment. However, we advise you not to perform any strenuous activities for a couple of days following the treatment.