Cellulite is a fat deposit beneath the skin that women have been trying to get rid of for decades. The main symptom is the appearance of lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks and belly. While weight loss and exercise can help improve the appearance of cellulite, there’s been no cure for the condition that often messes with women’s self confidence. Luckily, the FDA has approved an injectable treatment that treats moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women called QWO (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes). QWO is expected to be the most sought-after aesthetic treatment in 2022 because the results have been so positive. Here is some additional information about QWO before deciding if the treatment is right for you.
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How does QWO work?
The enzymes in QWO – called collagenases – are believed to target a structural cause under the skin. They work in three ways: releasing fibrous bands, redistributing fat cells and stimulating the growth of new collagen. QWO works by breaking up those fibrous bands that cause the appearance of cellulite.
What are the active ingredients in QWO?
QWO is made from collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes. To translate, it’s an enzyme which is known to break peptide bonds in collagen allowing the stubborn fibrous bands to release, lessening the appearance of cellulite. Injecting the collegeases into cellulite will work to dissolve the collagen bands that fat is protruding through.
How is QWO given?
QWO is injected by your aesthetic specialist directly into the targeted dimples in the booty using a small needle; the same size needle that is used for Botox injections. Each QWO treatment will consist of somewhere between 12 and 24 injections, depending on the amount of cellulite on the surface of the skin.
How many treatments should patients expect to receive?
The number of treatments a patient receives is individualized and will be determined by your aesthetic specialist. However, in general, each treatment visit may include up to two treatment areas and three treatment visits that will be scheduled approximately 21 days apart.
How long should the injections take?
At each office visit, the actual injections should take as little as 10 minutes. However, it is important that your aesthetic specialist does a full consultation prior to treatment to ensure that you’re a good candidate, as well as to create your personalized treatment plan to get the results that you want.
What are the most common side effects of QWO?
Side effects are common when it comes to most, if not all procedures. The most common side effects of QWO include injection site bruising, pain, areas of hardness, itching, redness, discoloration, swelling, and warmth in the treatment area. QWO may cause serious side effects if the patient is allergic to collagenase or any of the ingredients. Before receiving QWO be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
How much bruising can be expected after each treatment?
Bruising is nothing dangerous to be concerned about, but it can last for about two weeks. Thankfully bruising is relatively painless and temporary. Blood vessels around the area get slightly leaky, causing internal bruising. Your aesthetic specialist will take special precautions to minimize this side effect and help speed up the bruising as it occurs.
QWO injections may be the perfect solution you’ve been searching for. If you are still on the fence or have any further questions about this aesthetic procedure contact your aesthetic specialist for more information and an individualized treatment plan specific to your concerns.
Authors: As former team members of Dr. 90210 in Beverly Hills and go-to injectors for celebrities and the Hollywood elite, Marissa Abdo, MS, RN, CANS and Morgan Renfro, RN, CANS have combined their expertise to create Lumen + Bevel Aesthetics in Scottsdale. At this one-of-a-kind aesthetic practice, the duo focuses on the anatomy of their client’s facial structures to enhance their overall beauty. Marissa and Morgan are all about empowering women, not only through their services but through training too. As top national trainers for Galderma and Allergen, Marissa and Morgan have trained providers at more than 100 locations in the Scottsdale area – sometimes even their own competition. Marissa and Morgan believe every injector should have a seat at the table and they are consistently doing their part to create an empowered community of practitioners to provide safe injections to all clients. They are leading the charge and setting the bar for the injection industry to provide exemplary service and results.
