QWO Cellulite Treatment

QWO (Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum) is a prescription injectable approved to treat moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women. It contains enzymes that dissolve the fibrous collagen bands, known as septae, that create the dimpling effect. This reduction treatment is thought to work in three ways: degrading fibrous bands, redistributing adipose cells, and stimulating collagen production.

To gain FDA clearance, QWO was studied in more than 840 women in a three-phase clinical trial. The safety profile is commendable, with adverse event rates in line with other cosmetic injectables. Since the medication is brand-new, long-term results have yet to be documented further than 90 days.

The most common side effects of QWO include bruising, redness, areas of hardness, itching, swelling, discoloration, tenderness, and warmth at the injection sites. While the injections are not painful, there can be a “bee-sting” sensation and discomfort starting an hour after the procedure that may last up to a week and is exacerbated by pressure. Bruising can be significant and may last up to two weeks. In clinical studies, the post-injection bruising decreased with each subsequent session.

Ideal candidates for QWO cellulite treatments have pronounced cellulite dimples on their buttocks caused by dense fibrous bands, not skin laxity that comes naturally with age or weight loss.

No. Cellulite has very little to do with body mass index and weight loss usually does not improve cellulite.

Target areas of the skin are cleansed and circled to mark injection sites. QWO is administered in the buttocks using a fine gauge needle. Up to 12 injections may be given on each side, and the entire treatment takes around 15 minutes. The majority of women studied in the clinical trial needed no post-treatment downtime.

For optimum results, most patients will need a total of three QWO treatment sessions, spaced three weeks apart. However, this will depend on the location and severity of the cellulite dimpling being targeted.

Bruising and soreness are common side effects, but there is also a risk of severe allergic reactions. Trouble breathing, hives, low blood pressure, swelling of the face, dizziness, and chest pain are signs of allergic reaction. Please discuss any medications you are taking-- especially blood clotting drugs, during your dermatology consultation.

According to the QWO manufacturer, visible results in cellulite reduction may be seen in 10 weeks, although some individuals see improvement after 3-4 weeks. It’s important to note that this non-surgical treatment reduces the appearance of cellulite but doesn’t promise to eliminate it completely.

Patients can expect moderate soreness and bruising that is alleviated with over-the-counter medication but are otherwise free to resume their normal activities the day after being treated with QWO.