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Cellulite is a harmless yet cosmetically frustrating condition that affects up to 90% of women. This condition causes the skin to appear dimpled in a manner that is sometimes compared to the skin of an orange or cottage cheese, and does not noticeably respond to diet or exercise.
For women in the Tampa Bay area who are troubled by the appearance of cellulite on the buttocks and thighs, we are pleased to now offer QWO. QWO is the first and only injectable treatment for cellulite to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of cellulite on the buttocks. As specialists in non-surgical body sculpting, we are confident that this minimally invasive treatment helps reduce moderate to severe cellulite and enhance women’s self-esteem by revealing skin that looks smoother and firmer.
How Does QWO Treat Cellulite?
QWO is approved by the FDA to treat cellulite on the buttocks. Cellulite isn’t a harmful condition, but it does cause cosmetic concerns for many women, especially on the thighs and buttocks. Cellulite’s exact cause is not known. The dimpled, uneven appearance of cellulite is a result of tension between the fibrous cords that connect the skin to the muscle which causes fat cells to push up against the skin.1
Cellulite cannot be eliminated through weight loss or exercise. However, a pair of enzymes in QWO help to break down the collagen in the fibrous cords between skin and muscle of the buttocks. By easing this tension, QWO reduces the appearance of cellulite dimples. QWO may also prompt the redistribution of fat cells and stimulate new collagen growth, leading to a firmer appearance to the skin.2
QWO: What to Expect
Preparing for Treatment
The first step in preparing for QWO cellulite treatment is to attend a private consultation with one of our body sculpting experts. Following a candid discussion of your cosmetic frustrations and goals, we’ll help you decide whether QWO is the right treatment for you. Before your QWO treatment session, you may be asked to stop taking medications like pain relievers or aspirin, which may increase the likelihood of post-treatment bruising.
The QWO Treatment Experience
Treatment with QWO is a fast procedure, performed in only about 10 minutes in one of our comfortable treatment rooms. There will be no need for anesthesia as your practitioner uses a small needle to administer 10-12 injections of the QWO formula directly into the treatment area.
Recovery After QWO
In clinical trials, 84% of subjects treated with QWO experienced injection site bruising. Bruising can be significant and last 10-14 days. Bruising will lessen with each treatment.
QWO Results
Visible results may be achieved in 10 weeks, though optimal results may not be visible until after the third treatment. The skin of your buttocks will gradually begin to appear less dimpled, tighter, and firmer.
Combine QWO with Acoustic Wave Therapy™ for Optimal Results
We offer complimentary AWT treatments with QWO packages to give our patients the most comprehensive cellulite reduction for the very best results. Acoustic Wave Therapy can help smooth cellulite on many areas of the body, including the buttocks, thighs, arms, and abdomen, and it may also improve skin texture, firmness, and elasticity. AWT will also help dissipate any bruising from the QWO injectable treatment speeding up recovery time along with enhancing results.
Frequently Asked Questions About QWO
Am I a good candidate for QWO?
If you are a woman troubled by moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks, you may be a good candidate for treatment with QWO. The FDA has approved QWO for treatment of female patients who are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to collagenase.
How many treatments until I see results?
The current recommendation is for women to undergo three QWO treatments, spaced three weeks apart. 12-24 injections are given at each treatment, depending on the severity of the area being treated.
What are the risks and side effects associated with QWO?
The most common side effects associated with QWO cellulite treatment are discomfort and bruising at the injection sites. Most patients will experience significant bruising in the treatment area which will significantly diminish with each treatment. Some women may also encounter redness, firm skin, redness or discoloration, and/or swelling.
Contact Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay
If you are a woman who is interested in learning more about how you can reduce the appearance of cellulite with QWO, please contact us at Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay to schedule a consultation.
1 Mayo Clinic. Cellulite. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulite/symptoms-causes/syc-20354945. Accessed April 12, 2021.
2 Endo Aesthetics. How does QWO work? Available: https://www.qwo.com/how-does-our-cellulite-injectable-work. Accessed April 12, 2021.
3 Endo Aesthetics. QWO FAQs. Available: https://www.qwo.com/faqs#side-effects. Accessed April 12, 2021.
The Doctors at Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.