Michele S. Green M.D., FAAD., is a Board-Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and has been an international leader in cosmetic dermatology for over 25 years. Upper East Side patients and those from the surrounding areas of New York City flock to her practice for a variety of cosmetic dermatology treatments. A graduate from Yale University, with an MD and Chief residency from The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC, Dr. Green treats some of the most discerning, demanding women and men in the world, with issues ranging from premature skin aging to hyperpigmentation, rosacea, acne, skin laxity, hair loss, and sun damage.
Haute Beauty Expert Dr. Michele S. Green provides insight on the newest cellulite treatment in cosmetic dermatology.
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Are you tired of being reminded of cottage cheese and orange peels every time you go to put a cute pair of shorts on or when you are getting ready for a fun beach day? I’m 90% sure that the answer is yes, as cellulite affects 90% of women.
Cellulite presents itself as a dimpling on the skin commonly found on the upper thighs, abdomen, and buttock areas. It can occur in patients of any background, size, or age. The formation of cellulite (accumulation of fat) occurs when the septae also known as the fibrous bands (the connective tissue that connects the muscles to the skin) causes the fat to protrude resulting in the dimpling of the skin.
The appearance of cellulite can vary depending on the thickness and elasticity of one’s skin. Ultimately, the amount of cellulite an individual has is based on their percentage of body fat and genetics. However, the natural biological factors that lead to cellulite do not justify its presence. The one question that everyone asks Dr. Michele Green, is what is the best cellulite treatment?
Until recently, there were very few cellulite treatments that could remove cellulite on the skin. Thankfully, recent innovations have been able to improve the appearance of cellulite permanently. The hottest buttock and thigh cellulite treatment to date is QWO, known as the game-changer of cellulite reduction.
How does QWO work to remove cellulite?
In July of 2020, the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) approved the first-ever injectable to treat cellulite in the buttock of women: QWO. QWO, sometimes referred to as collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes, works in several ways to combat cellulite at its source. While QWO cellulite treatment was initially approved by the FDA in July of 2020 to treat cellulite of the buttocks, QWO treatment can also be used to treat cellulite on the thighs with stunning effectiveness.
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The QWO injectable fluid contains enzymes that occur naturally in the body, called AUX-I and AUX-II enzymes. These are collagenase enzymes, which target the type 1 and type 3 collagen found in the fibrous bands. When QWO is injected into treatment areas, our fibrous bands release the tension of the skin. As a result, the fat cells accumulated near the surface of the skin are redistributed giving us our goal skin.
What is the procedure for QWO?
When you decide that QWO is the procedure for you, you will start with a consultation to discuss your goals. For the best results, the treatment is performed three times, spaced 21 days apart. There is no downtime needed after the treatment, which means you can go back to your regularly scheduled activities right away. You may experience some minimal side effects like slight swelling or bruising around the injection site.
Unlike many other treatments for cellulite, which tend to last for, at most, one year, QWO treatment is PERMANENT. You should start to see the permanent, last effects of cellulite reduction within the first 10 weeks after you begin treatment. Once you complete the three sessions, you can officially say goodbye to cellulite in the buttocks and thighs.
Is QWO treatment the only option to remove cellulite?
While QWO is the first injectable treatment, there are other non-invasive treatments such as Thermage and Velashape.
Note: When you combine your QWO injections with other cutting-edge procedures for body contouring, it will enhance the effects of QWO.
The Thermage FLX treatment is a non-invasive radiofrequency therapy that can smooth, tighten and contour skin for an overall refreshed appearance in just one session. Unlike QWO, Thermage can address several skin concerns, such as wrinkles and loose skin on the face, around the eyes, as well as the body.
The Thermage laser utilizes radiofrequency technology to heat the deeper collagen-rich layers of the skin. Collagen is a protein in your body that keeps your skin firm and tight. As we age, the body naturally starts to break down the collagen in the skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. The applied heat from the treatment stimulates new collagen production, helping to create a smoother, tighter, firm appearance.
QWO injections can be combined with Velashape treatment for an overall cosmetic improvement in your thighs. Velashape is a body contouring procedure that utilizes two technologies: infrared light (IR) and bi-polar radiofrequency energy (RF). This energy is paired with vacuum suction and a deep-tissued massage.
During the treatment, the fat cells and the connective tissue in the targeted area are deeply heated. By heating the underlying dermal collagen fibers and surrounding connective tissue, new collagen and elastin production is induced, resulting in the ideal skin texture. Additionally, the deep tissue massage during the procedure helps improve lymphatic drainage, further improving the appearance of the cellulite dimples.
Pairing QWO treatments with VelaShape is one of the top strategies Dr. Michele Green utilizes for improving the look of cellulite. Dr. Green recommends five or more treatment sessions of Velashape with three injections of QWO to receive the best cosmetic results. The Velashape procedure does not require any recovery time.
If you’re frustrated with the appearance of your cellulite, there are non-surgical solutions that can help. Dr. Michele Green is an expert in cosmetic dermatology in New York. For over two decades, Dr. Green has been practicing the best non-invasive body contouring and cosmetic laser treatments in NYC. Consistently voted as Castle Connoly’s Best Dermatologist and NY Magazine Best Doctors, Dr. Green will help you provide the best tailored-made cosmetic treatments. If cellulite is an area of concern for you, please Contact Us online or call 212-535-3088 to learn more about whether cellulite treatment options such as Thermage®, Velashape, and QWO may be for you.
For more information, visit Dr. Michele S. Green's social media:
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