Cellulite is a harmless but aesthetically frustrating condition that creates dimples in the skin. In areas affected by cellulite, the skin’s surface is often lumpy and resembles the texture of cottage cheese.
While cellulite is common and a normal condition, it can be embarrassing and bothersome. If you’d like to reduce the appearance of your cellulite, California Dermatology Care can help.
What Is the Main Cause of Cellulite?
Cellulite is caused by a combination of factors rather than a single issue. This condition becomes apparent when the fibrous bands that connect the skin to the underlying tissues pull and create dimples in the skin.
Your Body Composition
The visibility of your cellulite can be affected by the amount of fat you have beneath the surface of your skin, how thick your skin is and the length and thickness of your connective bands. If you have more subcutaneous fat and thinner skin, you are more likely to have visible cellulite than someone with thicker skin and less fat.
Factors that can affect your body composition and cellulite visibility include:
- Weight gain
- Pregnancy
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Hormones
Your Sex
Women are more commonly affected by cellulite because their bodies naturally store more fat and have thinner skin compared to men. In fact, 80 to 90 percent of women who’ve gone through puberty have cellulite, while less than 10 percent of men are affected by it.
Hereditary Factors
Your genetic makeup also plays a part in whether you develop cellulite, where it appears and how severe it is; if members of your family have cellulite, you’re likely to be affected by it.
Where Does Cellulite Develop?
While the bothersome condition of cellulite can appear on almost any body surface, it is most commonly found on the backside of the lower body. Cellulite can be seen in the following areas:
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Abdomen
- Breasts
- Arms
What Is the QWO Treatment for Cellulite?
QWO is an FDA-approved and clinically proven nonsurgical treatment for cellulite. It consists of an injectable formula specifically designed to treat moderate to severe cellulite on the buttocks in female patients over the age of 18.
With QWO cellulite injections, you can reduce the appearance of your cellulite without anesthesia, surgery or downtime.
What Is Injectable QWO Made Of?
The QWO formula consists of the following:
- Collagenase clostridium histolyticumaaes
- Mannitol
- Sucrose
- Tromethamine
- Hydrochloric acid (as needed to adjust pH)
How Does QWO Work to Treat Cellulite?
QWO works by addressing the connective fibrous bands that create the dimpling of cellulite in the skin. When injected beneath your skin during the 10-minute treatment process, the collagenase enzymes in QWO break down the bands, allowing the skin of your buttocks to smooth out.
How Many Injections of QWO Are Given During Each Session?
You can have up to 12 QWO injections administered in each butt cheek. This is the maximum number of injections allowed per session, which is recommended for those with severe cellulite. If you have mild to moderate cellulite, you will likely see ideal results from fewer injections.
How Many QWO Treatment Sessions Do I Need?
A series of three QWO treatments is recommended per patient. We perform these treatments at three-week intervals (every 21 days).
Can I Work Out After QWO?
QWO has the benefit of requiring virtually no downtime for recovery, but there are some initial restrictions on physical activity. While you can resume your typical leisurely activities immediately, we advise you not to perform strenuous exercises or other arduous physical activities for a day or two. Resting your body after your treatment will promote the best cellulite-smoothing results and reduce the risk of side effects.
How Long Does It Take to See Results From QWO?
Improvements in the appearance of your cellulite will be noticeable approximately three weeks after each injection. Your initial results will improve with each subsequent QWO treatment. About three weeks after your final treatment session, you will be able to see your final results.
How Long Does QWO Last?
QWO is designed to be long lasting and may provide permanent results since it breaks down the fibrous bands that create cellulite. As the most effective nonsurgical cellulite treatment, results should last at least one year. However, most patients see an improvement in their cellulite for up to two years. Many experience a permanent improvement in their cellulite.
Does QWO Really Work for Cellulite?
Yes, QWO has been proven to be an effective treatment for cellulite. Unfortunately, it does not fully eliminate cellulite but can significantly reduce its appearance and create smoother butt contours.
Is QWO Only for Buttocks Cellulite?
QWO was FDA approved in June of 2020 for treating cellulite on the buttocks, but it has been shown to effectively treat cellulite on the thighs as well.
Is QWO Painful?
No, patients typically say that QWO treatment isn’t painful at all. In fact, anesthesia and topical numbing cream are not usually needed. A fine needle is used to inject the formula beneath the skin, and discomfort levels are often compared to that of BOTOX and other similar cosmetic injectable treatments.
What Are the Side Effects of QWO?
While rare, potential QWO side effects may include bruising, redness, nodules, itching, swelling and warmth in the treated areas. If these side effects develop, they are generally mild to moderate and resolve within a week or two.
At your consultation, we will review all of the risks and benefits of QWO to help you decide if this cellulite treatment is right for you.
Get Rid of Your Cellulite and Smooth Your Buttocks With QWO
Contact our office in Hercules, San Ramon or Livermore to learn more about this innovative cellulite treatment. Schedule your QWO consultation by calling or texting California Dermatology Care at 925-328-0255.
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