First-ever injection for cellulite just got FDA approved and will be available in 2021 and Dr. Anna Avaliani cannot be more excited to offer it to her patients. Dr. Avaliani heard about this drug about 3 years ago and is super excited to work with it in just a couple of short months. As a body contouring expert in NYC, Dr. Avaliani will be one of the first to have it once it becomes available
Who wants a permanent cellulite treatment? QWO ™ offers a permanent solution for very severe and moderately severe types of cellulite.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Over 90% of women have cellulite and the most common reason for it is the hardening of the fibrous septae (which provide structural support to our skin) They are responsible for dimpling or cottage cheese-like appearance of the skin.
Not all cellulite is the same and not all treatments are created equal. Careful and expert consultation must be performed to assess what causes cellulite to form and whether there is any skin laxity present.
QWO ™ vs. other cellulite treatments. Table by Dr. Avaliani.
| Cellulite target | Celulite Treatment |
| Fibrous bands | QWO ™ injection |
| Fibrous bands | Cellfina knife laser |
| Fibrous bands | Cellulaze. Hot laser |
| Fat lobules | CoolSculpting. laser |
| Fat Lobule | SculpSure, WarmSculpting. laser |
| Fat Lobule | Kybella injection |
| Fat lobule | Laser liposuction |
| Dermis, skin laxity | TempSure Envi. laser |
| Dermis, skin laxity | TempSure Firm laser |
| Dermis, skin laxity | Ultherapy. laser |
| Dermis, skin laxity | Genius RF. laser |
| Dermis, skin laxity | Sculptra Aesthetic injection |
| Dermis, skin laxity | Nova Threads injection |
| Muscle tone | Emsculpt laser |
| Muscle tone | CoolTone laser |
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Dr. Avaliani
How does QWO ™ (collagenase collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes) work?
It destroys those fibrous septae which cause skin dimpling! The exact mechanism of action is unknown but it contains proteinases ( enzymes that sort of work like bleach) which break down old collagen particles and help make new ones where the cellulite dimples are. This breakdown mechanism results in smoother skin surface and potential elimination of dimples.
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Dr. Avaliani
What is QWO ™?
It is an injectable medication that is FDA approved for treatment and correction of for moderate to severe cellulite for women ages 18 -78. It is meant for women who have moderate to severe Cellulite with Grade 2 or Grade 3. Please see an explanation before.
Cellulite Grades
- Grade 0: Perfect looking skin
- Grade 1 Cellulite is when you cannot visually see the cellulite skin changes but they are there when the skin is examined under a microscope.
- Grade 2 Cellulite is the most common and happens when the skin loses its elasticity and you start to visualize the early dimpling of the skin visible to the naked eye.
- Grade 3 Cellulite is the most severe and most difficult to treat and might require a combination of treatments to reduce the size of fat cells and to tighten the skin
• The first step is expert consultation to examine the cellulite and to discuss the most proper available options.
• We need to establish whether there is skin laxity or not because our management will be different.
• QWO ™ is meant to treat cellulite without any skin laxity. When there is skin laxity present, then we have to discuss skin tightening options.
How many sessions does one need with QWO ™ to see results?
In clinical trials, patients' treatments included 3 sessions that were scheduled 3 weeks or 21 days apart.
What are the most common side effects of QWO ™?
The most common side effect was bruising. Followed by tenderness, redness and swelling, and possibly some hardness in the treatment area.
What to expect during your QWO ™ treatment?
Once deemed a candidate for the treatment on of the first steps is take photographs and to review consent forms. Patient gown to change will be provided. The area to be treated will be carefully marked and then the patient will be asked to lay down. The treatment is performed in a laying down position. The patient is then asked to remain laying down for an extra 5-10 minutes.
How many QWO ™ injections does one need?
The treatment consists of 3 treatment visits where treatment should be repeated every 21 days.
How long do the results of QWO ™ last?
The results are permanent with a combination of an optimal diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
The development of cellulite is multifactorial. Women are more likely to get it than men. The causes of cellulite are multifactorial and hence the best treatments should be multitargeted as well.
What are the other possible treatments for cellulite?
There are many options and one treatment most definitely does not suit them all.
Dr. Avaliani’s state-of-the-art laser center offering everything one may need to help design the best possible treatment to help eliminate all possible causes of cellulite whether it’s the skin laxity or muscle laxity or fat! We have it all as we are the best for our best patients
Skin laxity options:
• TempSure Envi
• TempSure Firm
• Ultherapy
• Genius RF
• NovaThreads
• Sculptra Aesthetic
Muscle tone:
• EmSculpt
• CoolTone
Fat:
• SculpSure
• CoolSculpting
• Kybella
What is the difference between QWO ™ and Cellfina?
These two treatments are FDA approved for treatment of moderate to severe cellulite in the buttock and thigh area for women. QWO ™ is an injectable with minimal recovery and permanent results. Cellfina is a needle that cuts the same fibrous septae bands but has FDA clearance to keep results lasting for 3 years. It also has quite a bit of a recovery and possible scars are the needles are pretty large.
What is the difference between QWO ™ and Cellulaze?
QWO ™ is an injection into the fibrous septae bands. Cellulaze is a laser device similar to a hot knife which cuts the fibrous bands as well. Has many side effects and also quite a bit of recovery period.
What is the difference between QWO ™ and liposuction?
QWO is an injection for fibrous septae bands while liposuction simply removes the fat inside those septae. Different procedure categories and different outcomes and recovery times.
What is the difference between QWO ™ and subcision treatment for cellulite?
QWO ™ permanently destroys the fibrous septae band while subcision treatment may cause micro-tears and possibly release of the bands as well, but results vary and need multiple procedures with unpredictable results.
What is the difference between QWO ™ and Kybella injection?
Both are natural enzymes made in the human body. QWO ™ targets fibrous septae bands and breaks down the collagen in the bands. Kybella is an injection of an enzyme to target fat cells inside the fibrous septae bands. They do not compete with each other but rather may complement each other for the right candidates.
What is the difference between QWO ™ and Sculptra Aesthetic injection?
QWO ™ targets fibrous septae bands of the cellulite. Sculptra Aesthetic injection targets skin laxity component of the cellulite and restores support. They complement each other very well and should be considered for the right candidates, Only the best experts will be able to deliver this treatment for their patients. Dr. Avaliani is the #1 Sculptra provider in NY and belongs to the top 75 accounts in the entire US and her area of expertise is Sculptra Aesthetic injection for the entire body!
To learn more about QWO visit: www.dravaliani.com/cosmetic-treatments/qwo-cellulite-tx/
To Schedule your consultation with a renowned body expert Dr. Anna Avaliani, please call/text 212-673-8888. We also offer virtual consultations via Facetime, Instagram, WhatsApp and WeChat, and Skype. We look forward to assisting you in welcoming you in our office. We are state of the art laser center and we have it all!
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