Qwo Cellulite Treatments; At A Glance
- Best Results3+ sessions
- Treatment Recovery1-7 days
- Procedure Time5 to 30 mins
- Skin SpecialistPossible future treatment
- Duration of ResultsNot yet studied
- AnaestheticLocal
- Back to Work0-1 days
- Cost $$
Qwo Cellulite Treatments
This novel injectable has recently been approved by the FDA for the management of cellulite in women. Together with subcision, radiofrequency devices, lymphatic massage, & dermal collagen stimulating fillers, Qwo adds to the armamentarium of cellulite treatments.
FactsFacts On Qwo
- This injectable solution contains clostridium (bacteria) derived enzymes
- Collagenase enzymes target vertical bands of cellulite walls
- Qwo works best on dimples, divots & deep depressions caused by cellulite
- Three injections constitute a course of treatment with Qwo
- This injectable should ideally be part of a cellulite management program
- Combination therapy works best
What is Qwo?
This is an injectable procedure available in the United States. It has been FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to severe cellulite in 2021. This injection contains an enzyme called collagenase & is derived from clostridium bacteria.
What forms of cellulite does Qwo treat?
This cellulite targeting injection targets focal areas of dimpling, divots & depressions caused by fibrous septae.
It is less effective on generalized cellulite (wavy cellulite), especially involving the inner thigh.
How does Qwo work?
The primary mode of action is breakdown of type 1 & 3 collagen via an enzyme called collagenase. Breakage of septal collagen can release tethering & dimpling. This injection causes secondary inflammation, in turn it can destroy adipose tissue (fat cells). Inflammation can also lead to rebuilding of normal collagen over time. This thickens the overlying dermal layer.
How many treatments will you need?
The current indication is for 3 treatments spaced 3 weeks apart. Each treatment may include 2 cosmetic areas affected by cellulite. Treatments take approximately 10 to 20 minutes to perform.
View our Treatment Gallery
What are the possible side effects from this treatment?
Qwo may cause side effects including allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, such as anaphylaxis, and injection site bruising.
The most common side effects of QWo include injection site bruising, pain, areas of hardness, itching, redness, discoloration, swelling and warmth in the treatment area. The majority will subside over a period of days.
Does this treatment really work?
Yes. (However, there are more efficient treatments). In order to pass FDA testing, the product must be safe & have a level of efficacy. The latter really depends on the definition of perception.
My colleagues in the United States are early adopters of this treatment. This is how they feel about Qwo-
- It can work for some cases of cellulite.
- Downtime and bruising is significant
- The use of physical modalities including subcision/Cellfina produces better & more reliable results compared to Qwo.
- This treatment can be a useful adjunct to the usual practice of cellulite treatment including collagens stimulating devices (RF, RFM, PEMF), collagen stimulating fillers & surgical procedures.
A slightly acidic skin environment optimizes skin barrier function & reduces the chances of infections as a low (ish) pH is disadvantageous to pathogens
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👉What about very low pH ingredients? Some formulations such as #ascorbic acid, lactic, glycolic, salicylic, mandelic, citric, and beta hydroxy acids function best in a low pH formulation as this increases bioavailability & skin penetration. Not an issue for most skin types, but maybe an issue for those with compromised skin barrier function- namely acne, rosacea, dermatitis-eczema patients.
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👉What about higher pH products? Fortunately the days of alkaline washes/cleansers/soaps are limited. Mainstream brands such as La Roche Posay, Paula’s Choice & CeraVe have cleansers ranging between pH 5.1 to 5.4.
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😎Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane/Sydney🇦🇺
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#skincare #skincarescience #skinscience #dermaltherapy #dermatology
#healthyskin #skinhealth #drdavinlim #davinlim #dermatoloigstsydney #brisbanedermatology
Picosecond fractional resurfacing with Picosure Pro, 2 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart
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👉Indication: Pigment in all skin types. Our pilot study suggests that off label picosecond laser in the 755 wavelength, delivered in full beam to select spots & high powered fractional is superior to IPL & non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing💯
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👉Cons: It’s off label. Downtime of 48+ hours (still less than 1927 Fraxel & IPL). With the marked cytokine release, I now give a short sharp application of topical CS post treatment to reduce post treatment swelling. For patients with pigment > solar dysplasia, I prefer pico to thulium lasers (& TCA-Jesser peels). The Picosure Pro by #Cynosure is really that good👍🏻
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😎Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane/Sydney🇦🇺
.
#picosure #skinscience #dermatology #picosurepro #picolasers #skinrejuvenation
#drdavinlim #davinlim #dermatoloigstsydney #brisbanedermatology
How should you approach cellulite treatments?
A simple classification of cellulite is as follows-
Generalised cellulite: wavy & undulating areas characterised by ripples. This form of cellulite responds to energy devices including radiofrequency, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic fields), intermittent suctioning, infrared treatments & shock wave therapy. The use of collagens stimulating dermal fillers can help thicken the dermis to reduce extrusion forces from the hypodermal layer.
Focal cellulite: divots, depressions, dings, & deep dimples. This form of cellulite can occur in isolation & with generalised cellulite. Best treated with subcision, focal RF, laser assisted cannulas, Cellfina, Celluerase instrumentation. Energy devices & dermal fillers can be invaluable.
What devices can treat cellulite?
RF devices are best suited for cellulite treatment. I did use the Velashape by Candela in the past, I also used ePrime also known as Profound. I have replaced these devices with Multipolar RF & (PEF) Pulsed electromagnetic Field, namely with Venus Legacy.
I also use Tempsure – Pelleve as well as RFM or radiofrequency microneedling from Genius by Lutronic.
We are constantly testing new technologies at Clinic Cutis, to ensure that patients are treated with the best devices.
Is Qwo available in Australia?
At the time of writing (late 2021), Qwo is not available in Australia. Given our TGA guidelines Australia is usually behind the rest of the World by 2 to 15 years.
This can be advantageous as it gives me time to assess various treatments, paying particular attention to both efficacy & side effects.
Do cellulite creams work?
There is a dearth of cellulite creams, without robust clinical evidence. The majority claim miraculous improvements with overnight use. Review the section on cellulite creams for more information. As a guide, creams contain-
Retinol: this can improve dermal collagen, in turn reducing outpocketing of adipose tissue found in cellulite.
Niacinamide: can reduce inflammation, which is a secondary phenomena in cellulite.
Caffeine: can aid in fat metabolism as well as optimising microcirculation.
Ginkgo & botanicals: are antioxidants & anti-inflammatory.
Marine algae such a bladderwrack: can increase collagen production.
Methylxanthines: Include a mix of aminophylline, theophylline & caffeine.
DIY formulations can be found on Youtube, most contain coffee grounds. Caffeine cream at around 3% is equal to one quarter a cup of coffee.
Eaoron Slim Shapes Anticellulite Cream. Bioten Cellufight Anti Cellulite Cream. Available at most pharmacies. Apply with adjunctive deep tissue massage.
Davin’s Viewpoint on Qwo Injections for Cellulite
This review is brought to you from experience by my colleagues in the United States as Qwo is not yet available in Australia.
The market for non-invasive cellulite reduction is huge, ranging from garments, clinical devices such as radiofrequency, microneedling, side firing lasers, combined liposuction, ultrasound, pulsed electromagnetic field treatments, infrared devices, massage as well as home remedies including devices, & creams. The bottom line is that cellulite treatment is hard, reproducible results are difficult to achieve, and candidate selection is critical to getting good results.
Qwo, is a unique proposition to the injectable market. The science is sound, & its safety backed by FDA approval. I do believe that it could play a role in adjunctive management of cellulite (much like everything else for this condition). To date, word has it that results, though quantifiable, are clinically modest. Nevertheless, Qwo could be a worthy addition to the fight against cellulite.
