Cellulite on the thighs and buttocks can make anyone feel self-conscious, particularly when it feels like you’ve tried everything to reduce cellulite but none of your efforts have paid off. The fact of the matter is that cellulite rarely improves with only toning exercises. At Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN, Shelbyville, IN, Danville, IL, Healdsburg, CA, and Ukiah, CA, we know that QWO is a revolutionary treatment for cellulite smoothing.
What Is QWO?
QWO is an FDA-approved treatment that reduces the appearance of cellulite on the buttocks. This injectable treatment works by using a special enzyme that dissolves the tense fibrous bands that contribute to the appearance of cellulite, which creates smoother-looking skin. This cellulite treatment was specifically designed to treat exercise-resistant moderate cellulite.
What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite is a benign condition that makes fatty areas of the body, such as the buttocks, have a dimpled appearance. Having cellulite does not mean you are unhealthy, overweight, or out of shape, although this condition does occur more frequently in those who have higher body fat percentages.
In general, cellulite is caused by a combination of depleted collagen in the skin allowing fat cells to be more visible and tense fibrous bands of the skin that tighten with age. Cellulite itself is characterized by dimples on the surface of the skin; these dimples are part of areas where fat has built up beneath the surface of the skin and is pushing up against the fibrous bands.
Why Is Cellulite More Common in Women?
Women typically encounter cellulite more frequently than men. This is partly because men and women have different patterns of connective tissue between the sub-dermal layers of skin, and partly because women tend to have higher percentages of body fat than men. Some women are also predisposed to cellulite or may develop cellulite during pregnancy. Dermatologists estimate about 85% of women experience cellulite.
How Does This Treatment Work?
This injectable treatment is completed during an office visit. Your provider will make several small injections, up to 12 different spots of cellulite per treatment, into the affected area. During your appointment, your desired areas of treatment may be prepared with a topical numbing cream for your comfort. After your treatment, you will be allowed to return to all of your normal daily activities, including light exercise.
Most people will require a series of three treatments for each area of cellulite being treated. Your appointments will be spaced three to four weeks apart. If you have more severe cellulite or have more areas you want to treat, you may require additional treatments to achieve optimal results. We will examine your skin during each appointment to assess how well you are responding to this treatment.
Is This Treatment the Same as a Dermal Filler?
Although both this treatment and dermal fillers are injectable therapies, the principles behind each treatment are very different. Dermal fillers increase the volume of the skin to promote a smooth, youthful appearance. This treatment, however, works to dissolve fibrous bands that force fat cells to become visible through the skin. Additionally, dermal fillers are not traditionally used on the lower half of the body.
When Will You See Results?
It will take some time to see visible results with this treatment. You may not see any visible results until your initial three rounds of treatment are complete. Most people will need to wait 10 weeks before cellulite visibly smooths. The results of this treatment may continue to improve for several weeks after this point, particularly if you carefully follow any post-treatment instructions we give you.
How Long Will Results Last?
To date, there haven’t been many effective treatments to smooth cellulite and most treatments are either uncomfortable or do not produce long-lasting results. This injectable treatment, however, can produce results that can last up to one to two years. In clinical trials, some participants experienced results that lasted much longer. Some areas of cellulite may even benefit from permanent results according to clinical studies.
Real Patient Results
Who Are Good Candidates?
The ideal candidate for this treatment are patients who have moderate to severe cellulite on the buttocks, particularly women who are currently at a healthy weight. Candidates for this treatment must have true cellulite and not skin laxity that creates the appearance of cellulite. During your consultation, this will be tested by examining the skin to see if the cellulite dimple disappears when the skin is pulled taut; if the dimple disappears, then your concern is likely related to skin laxity and will require another treatment.
Most people who have true cellulite are qualified candidates for this treatment. You may not be considered a candidate if you have a known allergy to collagenase, if you have a bleeding disorder, if you are pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. You should also wait to have this treatment if you have any current skin condition, such as psoriasis, anywhere on the body.
When Should You Have This Treatment?
Although you can have this treatment at any point in your life, most people who use this treatment are over the age of 35. In your mid-20s and early 30s is when the production of collagen slows and your skin becomes thinner; this is also usually around the time when cellulite dimples become visible. The appearance of cellulite will likely continue to worsen when left untreated.
Effectively Treat Cellulite
If you have tried toning exercises and weight loss to reduce the appearance of cellulite, but have not found the results you are looking for, this injectable treatment may be right for you. QWO is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for the reduction of cellulite. Treating cellulite effectively can be essential to restoring your confidence in your appearance.
