Qwo is the first FDA-Approved Injectable Cellulite Treatment that releases deep dimples through dissolving the fibrous bands that cause them, with a simple injection of a safe drug that’s been used for years in other medical applications.
Our patients have loved using Sculptra injections and/or Exillis Ultra, a non-surgical ultrasound and radiofrequency (RF) energy treatment, to fix the orange-peel texture of cellulite, but the treatments for the deep dimples of cellulite have thus-far been pretty invasive, most surgical in nature – since they all included various ways of cutting these high-tension fibers that tether the skin to the fascia below. This exact formulation of collagenase has been used for years to release fibrous bands
Our patients have loved using Sculptra injections and/or Exillis Ultra, a non-surgical ultrasound and radiofrequency (RF) energy treatment, to fix the orange-peel texture of cellulite, but the treatments for the deep dimples of cellulite have thus-far been pretty invasive, most surgical in nature – since they all included various ways of cutting these high-tension fibers that tether the skin to the fascia below. This exact formulation of collagenase has been used for years to release fibrous bands
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a complex multi-factorial condition hallmarked by fat trapped in the dermal layer of your skin leading to dimpling, waviness, “orange peel” or “cottage cheese” appearing skin texture and/or overall less smooth contour irregularity. The dimpling is often caused by “fibrous septae.”
How Does Qwo Work?
QWO injected by Dr. Sam works by enzymatically disrupting the fibrous septae responsible for creating cellulite resulting in a smoother appearance of the treated skin.
What is ESR?
Enzymatic Subcision and Remodeling (ESR™) describes the mechanism of action of Qwo™injections. Qwo™is an injectable formulation that consists of two enzymes that degrade collagen molecules. When Qwo™ is injected into the area beneath a dimple, it stimulates the initiation of ESR. ESR involves the enzymatic degradation of collagen-rich fibrous septae which play a key role in the pathophysiology of cellulite. By disrupting thesesubdermal fibrous structures, Qwo™causes therelease of cellulite-associated skin depressions and smooths the surface of the skin. Furthermore, Qwo™stimulates the production of new collagen molecules (neocollagenesis) which further improves the appearance of the skin.
Where Can I Have Qwo Injected?
QWO injections with Dr. Sam have been FDA-approved to treat dimples aka cellulite on the buttocks. However, Dr. Sam routinely has patients voicing concerns of contour irregularity and cellulite on the back of their thighs. This is an off-label treatment area that can be done as well.
What is the Medication in Qwo?
Qwo is primarily comprised of CCH-Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum. Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum aka CCH aka QWO with Dr. Sam in Pasadena, California, is an enzyme that breaks down collagen (specifically Type 1 and Type 3) in specific tissues to help the body create new and better-quality skin.
Is Qwo Safe?
QWO has been studied in several hundred patients who have undergone a cumulative of over a thousand treatments. The treatment seems to be very safe with adverse events like other cosmetic injectable treatments, such as bruising.
How is Qwo Administered?
QWO is a clear, odorless water-like mixture that is injected through tiny needles into the dimples responsible for creating the appearance of cellulite.
How Long Does Qwo Last?
To-date, we have data to support longevity for a few years and will continue to monitor how many years patients can expect to see the substantial improvement.
Qwo Downtime/Recovery?
Patients who have undergone QWO injections with Dr. Sam at Ananya Aesthetics typically have bruising that can last one to two weeks after the first treatment. Patients report mild to moderate soreness alleviated with Tylenol or ibuprofen. There is mild to moderate swelling for the first few days, as well. Dr. Sam permits her patients to go to the gym and lead an active lifestyle the day after being treated with QWO at Ananya Aesethics. So as you can see, there really isn't any "downtime."
When Can I See Results?
Patients may see an improvement as early as three weeks after their injections. However, the improvement continues, and most patients require more than one treatment cycle of QWO. Up to a maximum of three treatments are needed spaced 3 weeks (21 days) apart.
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Is Collagenase Only Available in Injection Form?
Historically, collagenase as a TOPICAL is a cream that can be applied to severe burns or skin ulcers to help remove dead skin tissue. It will speed up your body’s natural healing process as it breaks up and removes the dead skin and tissue.
Do I Have Cellulite?
The exact cause of cellulite is unknown but some studies show that the interaction between connective tissue and the fat below it cause cellulite to appear. When the fat cells protrude into the layer of skin, lumps and dimples will form. Hormones may also play a role. For example, one theory is that the decrease of estrogen in aging women, blood flow to the connect tissue decreases and lower circulation results in lower collagen production. Diet and lifestyle may also cause cellulite as a high fat and carbs will cause excess fat in the skin.
Will My Cellulite Improve If I Lose Weight?
Your body cannot use up cellulite fat as fuel, which is why this fat remains in its place and diet and exercise are not a solution. When dieting and exercising, the body burns through stored fat but not through fat trapped in the layers of your skin. Hence why cellulite is difficult to get rid of.
Are There Natural Ways to Get Rid of Cellulite?
Currently, there are no scientifically-proven natural remedies to treat or permanently reduce cellulite. However, manual massage is a natural technique that may temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite. Massaging the area where cellulite is present stimulates blood circulation and encourages lymphatic drainage which may reduce the appearance of dimples for a short period of time. This can be done at home or in a professional setting using devices or machines that massage the area. Drinking water is another option that may help to reduce the appearance of cellulite by increasing circulation and improving lymphatic flow. Herbal body wraps are often advertised as a treatment for cellulite, but this method is not proven to be effective in the scientific literature. While there are many anti-cellulite creams and topical products on the market, topical treatments have not been proven to provide long-lasting results and are not capable of permanently reducing cellulite
How Can I Get Rid of My Cellulite Fast for Smoother Skin?
Cellulite is an exceedingly common aesthetic condition that is characterized by dimples and contour irregularities of the skin. Several therapies have been used in an attempt to treat cellulite, including various pharmacological agents, pulsation- and massage-based devices, powered subcision, mesotherapy, and lasers. Unfortunately, data on the efficacy of these techniques is lacking and many of these treatments have undesirable side effects.
In 2020, Qwo™ (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes) was FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to severe buttocks cellulite. Qwo™ is an injectable formulation consisting of two enzymes (AUX-I and AUX-II) that degrade collagen. Fibrous septae are collagen-rich structures beneath the surface of the skin that contribute to cellulite formation. When Qwo™ is injected into the area beneath a dimple, it stimulates the degradation of subdermal fibrous septae. By causing the breakdown of fibrous septae at the site of injection, Qwo™effectively targets the underlying cause of skin dimpling and improves the appearance of cellulite. Patients undergoing treatment with Qwo™ injections can see results as early as 3 weeks after treatment
In 2020, Qwo™ (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes) was FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to severe buttocks cellulite. Qwo™ is an injectable formulation consisting of two enzymes (AUX-I and AUX-II) that degrade collagen. Fibrous septae are collagen-rich structures beneath the surface of the skin that contribute to cellulite formation. When Qwo™ is injected into the area beneath a dimple, it stimulates the degradation of subdermal fibrous septae. By causing the breakdown of fibrous septae at the site of injection, Qwo™effectively targets the underlying cause of skin dimpling and improves the appearance of cellulite. Patients undergoing treatment with Qwo™ injections can see results as early as 3 weeks after treatment
What Kinds of Treatments are Available for Cellulite?
There are both non-invasive and invasive treatments available for cellulite.
What other Non-Invasive Treatments are Available for Cellulite?
Topical creams can be applied to the area to increase blood flow, which would temporarily reduce cellulite. You can use rollers to reduce swelling and inflammation in the tissues, which also temporarily reduces cellulite. If you are looking for a less invasive and more effective approach, there are many laser treatments that can reduce cellulite by tightening skin. This is more of a camouflage approach and will require maintenance treatments.
What is Sculptra and Can it be Used to Treat Cellulite?
Sculptra is an injection made from a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid. The body naturally absorbs this injectable as it works to replace lost collagen. Collagen is a protein that gives structure to the skin, and provides the foundation for the retention of volume and skin laxity. To treat cellulite, Sculptra is injected into the area to cause the body to produce collagen, which will fill the creases and dimples on the skin
Are Lasers Used to Treat Cellulite?
Laser therapy uses extreme heat that can melt the fat and cut through the bands that cause the skin dimpling. There are results but the procedure requires some downtime as this not only causes bruising and swelling in patients but also requires an incision to insert the laser deep to the skin.
Can Lipsuction Be Used to Treat Cellulite?
While liposuction can remove unwanted fat very effectively, it's not recommended for getting rid of cellulite. It can make the dimpling more obvious.
What is Cellfina?
Cellfina is a treatment that targets the bands that cause dimpling and depressions in the buttocks and thighs. It is an effective treatment for cellulite dimples of the buttocks and back of the thighs. It is less effective in the treatment of generalized waviness. To perform the procedure, a vacuum hand piece is placed over the dimpled tissue through which the surgeon will deliver a local anesthetic. Then a blade is inserted to release the fibrous bands causing the cellulite.
What is Collagenase?
Collagenase is an enzyme that can be injected that breaks down collagen in damaged tissues to help the body create new, healthy tissue. Collagenase topical is a cream that can be applied to severe burns or skin ulcers to help remove dead skin tissue. It will speed up your body’s natural healing process as it breaks up and removes the dead skin and tissue.
What is Xiaflex?
Xiaflex (another trade name for Collagenase clostridium histolyticum is an injection that is used to break down collagen when the body forms too much in an area of the body. When collagen builds up under the skin, it may thicken and form a tight cord under the skin. This is called Dupuytren’s contracture and Xiaflex has been used to treat this condition. It is also used to help treat Peyronie's Disease in men. Peyronie's Disease is a noncancerous condition resulting from fibrous scar tissue that develops on the penis and causes curved, painful erections. More recently, Xiaflex has been used to help remove cellulite. After aging or the other factors mentioned above, collagen hardens and contracts, causing cellulite. Xiaflex is used to break down that hardened collagen to loosen the tissues and decrease the lumps/ cellulite on the skin.
Real Questions From Patients
Does Body Weight Affect Cellulite?
While body weight itself does not directly cause cellulite, the severity of skin dimpling associated with cellulite may increase or decrease in response to weight gain or weight loss. In general, fluctuations in body weight tend to have a minimal effect on the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is heavily influenced by genetic factors and anybody can struggle with cellulite, regardless of body weight or BMI.
Can Skinny People Get Cellulite?
Yes. It is a common misconception that cellulite only affects people that are overweight. Cellulite is a very prevalent condition that affects people of all body sizes and weight classes–including people who are thin (of a low or normal BMI). While excess body weight can worsen the condition, the occurrence of cellulite largely depends on genetics, diet, hormones, age, and activity level.
Does Certain Foods Cause Cellulite? Does Eating Carbs Like Pizza Cause Cellulite?
Overconsumption of fatty foods such as pizza can increase adipose tissue (body fat) and lead to weight gain which may worsen the appearance of cellulite. While there is not a specific diet that causes or prevents cellulite, a balanced diet can improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.
Can Men Get Cellulite?
While cellulite is more common in women, men can also develop cellulite. Many of the treatments used to improve the appearance of cellulite in women can also be used to treat cellulite in men.
Is Cellulite Preventable? How Can I Prevent Myself From Getting Cellulite?
Cellulite is influenced by several uncontrollable factors (e.g. genetics, hormones, and age) and, as such, there are not any preventative measures that can be taken to avoid the development of cellulite. Nevertheless, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a wholesome diet, regular exercise, and the avoidance of tobacco and alcohol may help to minimize the appearance of cellulite.
How Do I Get Rid of My Cottage Cheese Thighs?
The appearance of “cottage cheese” thighs is often due to several factors including: swelling, excess fat, strong fibrous septae aka cellulite bands, and edema. Treatments like QWO may help in improving the appearance of cellulite by treating the fibrous bands.
How Do I Get Rid of Lumpy Thighs?
Lumpy thighs are often indicative of cellulite. There are several treatment options for this complex cosmetic problem. Dr. Sam favors using Qwo, an injection to help improve the appearance of cellulite.
How Do I Get Rid of My Dimpled Thighs and Butt?
There are several options for dimples on the thighs and buttocks. Dr. Sam can aptly inject Qwo, the world’s first and only FDA-approved medication to improve the appearance of cellulite.
How Do I Smoothen My Skin?
There are several skin smoothening treatment options available at Ananya Aesthetics. From microneedling to injections like Qwo, Dr. Sam will help you on your journey.
What are the Best Ways for Cellulite Removal?
Cellulite is a complex aesthetic issue that impacts 9/10 women in the United States. There are several options for cellulite removal and/or cellulite improvement. They are listed on this page. Dr. Sam favors using Qwo to improve the appearance of cellulite.
To Remove Cellulite, What Can I Do?
There are several treatment options to remove cellulite or at least improve the overall appearance. Many are listed on this page!