Qwo® Injections: Everything You Need to Know

Qwo® Injections: Everything You Need to Know

Cellulite is one of those problems that, until recently, many of us were resigned to living with. Given the fact that about 90% of women will develop cellulite, even those who eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise, many of our patients at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa come to us looking for answers on how to treat this unsightly problem. Dr. Bachilo is dedicated to keeping abreast of the latest treatment options for her patients and always looking for the newest solutions to age-old problems.

We are thrilled to announce that Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa can now make available the latest development in cellulite treatments for our Houston-area patients. Qwo® is a revolutionary new injectable treatment that is rapidly gaining popularity for its effectiveness in treating cellulite.

Here is our list of Frequently Asked Questions about Qwo® Injections

What are the causes of cellulite?

While the causes of cellulite are still being studied, it is evident that there are three primary factors involved in the production of cellulite.

• The skin becomes thinner over time due to loss of collagen and elastin as we age.
• Fat cells beneath the skin’s surface become enlarged and press against the outer layers of skin.
• Fibrous bands beneath the skin’s surface thicken and cause tension, causing dimpling on the buttocks

What are Qwo® Injections?

Qwo®, or Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum-AAES injections, as the treatment is known medically, is a prescription medication, and the first and only injectable treatment approved by the FDA, to treat moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women.

Qwo® injections produce visible results in about 10 weeks.

Have Qwo® Injections been studied clinically?

Qwo has undergone extensive research before earning FDA approval. In fact, this treatment has been tried clinically in more patients than any other injectable cellulite treatment, with over 1,800 women participating in two critical Phase 3 clinical studies. These 1,800 participants were adult women who had moderate to severe cellulite.  Of these, 424 participants received three treatments of Qwo® injections, delivered at intervals of 21 days, while 419 received a placebo treatment. At the conclusion of the study, a majority of participants, as well as their aesthetic treatment specialists, reported noting a significant decrease in dimpling after the Qwo treatment, in comparison with the placebo patients.

How do Qwo® Injections Work?

Because the science behind cellulite treatments remains a developing area in the field of aesthetic medicine, there is still more to discover regarding how Qwo injections work to diminish the appearance of moderate to severe cellulite.

Qwo® is composed of special enzymes known as collagenases, which are believed to treat the structural causes of cellulite beneath the surface of the skin.

Qwo® injections are believed to work in three ways:

• By releasing and loosening the fibrous bands that cause tension and dimpling beneath the skin’s surface
• By breaking down and redistributing fat cells so that their lumpy appearance beneath the skin is reduced, and
• By stimulating the production of collagen in the skin cells, contributing to thicker, plumper skin.

How is the treatment performed?

The special Qwo® formula is injected directly into targeted dimples in the buttocks through the use of a very fine needle.  Up to two areas may be treated at each treatment session. Treatments are quick and simple, taking as little as 10 minutes to administer.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The normal course of treatment involves three treatment sessions performed at intervals of 21 days.

Who is an ideal candidate for Qwo® Injections?

Upon examination of your condition, as well as an evaluation of your medical history, Dr. Bachilo can help you determine if Qwo® injections may be suitable for you.  Qwo® injections are safe for most healthy adult women; however, individuals who are allergic to any collagenase or to any of the ingredients in the Qwo® formula may require an alternative treatment. If you have an active infection in the treatment area, you will be advised to wait until the infection is cleared before starting Qwo® treatments.

Will I need any downtime to recover from Qwo® Injections?

No. In clinical trials, participants did not require any downtime or recovery period post-treatment and were free to continue their daily activities following their treatment sessions.

Are there any side effects?

As with most injectable treatments, the most common side effects of Qwo® injections include: bruising and soreness at the injection site. You may also experience areas of hardness, as well as itching, redness, swelling, discoloration, and a warming of the skin in the treatment area. In rare cases, Qwo® injections may cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, or sensitivity. For this reason, it is essential that you schedule your Qwo® injections with a qualified and experienced medical expert such as Dr. Bachilo, a board-certified plastic surgeon and specialist in cosmetic medicine.

How should I prepare for Qwo® Injections?

The first step to preparing for Qwo® injections is to consider your goals and expectations so that you can discuss them with Dr. Bachilo at your initial consultation. You must also inform Dr. Bachilo of the following:

• Any medications that you are currently taking, including prescription as well as over-the-counter medicines, and any nutritional supplements, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, particularly any medication that thin the blood or prevent blood clots, such as antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications

• Any history of bleeding problems or blood clots
• Whether you are currently pregnant or nursing, planning to become pregnant, and whether you plan to breastfeed in the future

You may be advised to suspend certain medications or supplements in preparation for your Qwo® treatment sessions.

How can I learn more about Qwo®?

If you’re ready to get rid of the unsightly cellulite on your buttocks, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bachilo at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa to discuss whether Qwo® injections may be suitable for you.  Contact our office today to set up your first appointment!