What is QWO?

QWO is the first and only injectable approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe cellulite. QWO, or collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes, is a first-of-its-kind prescription medicine that can effectively reduce and treat cellulite on the buttocks of adult women.

Benefits of QWO cellulite treatment

Clinically proven to reduce moderate and severe cellulite
See visible results within ten weeks
Just three sessions needed
Non-surgical treatment
The QWO procedure takes as little as 10 minutes
No downtime or recovery period
FDA approved

For decades women have struggled to banish cellulite from their thighs and buttocks. These stubborn dimples can be impossible to shift, even with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Now, with the revolutionary QWO treatment, you can rid your butt of pesky cellulite.

Millions of women have tried everything to reduce their cellulite: From diet and exercise plans, creams and scrubs, massages, cleanses, and more. And yet, whatever you try, the cellulite won’t budge.

QWO is the cellulite solution you’ve been waiting for.
There has never been an injectable solution like this before.

How Does QWO Work?

QWO is an injectable treatment administered with small needles into cellulite dimples. The enzymes in QWO are called collagenases. These collagenases work by targeting the structural cause of cellulite underneath the skin.

QWO works* in three key ways to reduce cellulite.

By releasing fibrous bands
By redistributing fat cells
By stimulating the growth of new collagen

*It’s not yet fully understood exactly how QWO works on moderate to severe cellulite.

The injectable formulation in QWO consists of two collagenase enzymes that degrade collagen molecules. When injected into the area with cellulite dimples, the enzymes stimulate Enzymatic Subcision and Remodeling (ESR) initiation. During this ESR process, these subdermal fibrous structures are disrupted.

QWO is administered over three treatment sessions, spaced three weeks apart. This revolutionary new injectable treatment helps release the cellulite-associated skin depressions or dimples to smooth the skin’s surface. QWO also stimulates the production of new collagen molecules which can further improve the appearance of cellulite.

There has never before been an injectable solution for cellulite, and there are currently no other non-surgical cellulite options that are as effective as QWO.

QWO FAQs

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What causes cellulite?

Cellulite is a very common skin condition and one that’s difficult to treat. The uneven texture of cellulite looks like a series of dimples on the skin. It is known as “cottage cheese” or “orange peel thighs.” The backs and sides of the legs and the buttocks are the most common problem areas.

Around 90% of women have cellulite. Men do not experience cellulite to the extent that women do because the septae beneath men’s skin forms differently.

Women of all shapes, weights, and sizes can have cellulite, even if they have low body fat and lead a healthy lifestyle. Even if you’ve lost weight or overhauled your lifestyle, many women find that the cellulite sticks around. That’s because the causes of cellulite are simply genetic. It’s not your fault that you have cellulite; it’s merely part of women’s biology.

Although it’s natural to have cellulite, many women have tried every means available to get rid of it. If you want to banish your “cottage cheese thighs,” you should understand what causes cellulite in the first place.

There are three main causes for those pesky dimples. The first factor is fat cells that push against the skin. The second is fibrous bands found under the skin, which thicken and cause tension, causing dimpling on the skin on your butt or thighs. The third factor is the skin itself, which thins over time. As we get older and skin things, the fat cells, and tension from the fibrous bands will show more prominently.
What is Collagenase?

Collagenase are the enzymes used in QWO, which breaks down collagen in damaged tissues. Breaking down the collagen in these tissues helps the body create new, healthy tissue. Before the FDA approval of QWO as an injectable, collagenase was mostly used in topical creams.

Collagenase has been used to treat severe burns or skin ulcers by helping to remove dead skin tissue. Collagenase helps treat these conditions because it can help speed up your skin’s natural healing process, so it can break up and remove dead skin and tissue.
Can QWO treat skin laxity?

It’s essential to understand the difference between skin laxity and cellulite. If you have uneven, lumpy skin on your thighs and buttocks, it is usually a result of cellulite, skin laxity, or a combination of both. Cellulite is specifically the dimpling of the skin that forms around pockets of fat, usually on the thighs and butt. Cellulite is not the same as skin laxity or sagging skin. Skin laxity is more common as we age, and the skin loses its natural elasticity. QWO is only suitable for treating the dimples caused by cellulite; it is not effective at tightening loose skin.
Is QWO treatment safe?

Yes, QWO is a safe, FDA-approved treatment. It’s a prescribed injectable for the effective treatment of cellulite. QWO does not require any surgery or anesthesia, and there is no recovery period. QWO is less invasive than many other cosmetic cellulite treatments and requires less downtime. You can walk out of our offices after treatment and go about your day.

Some allergic reactions can occur, so check with your doctor or give us a call to see if you are a suitable candidate.
When will I see results?

In clinical studies, women received a series of three QWO treatments. Treatments during clinical studies were administered 21 days apart. Patients saw results from the QWO treatment after around ten weeks.
What kind of results will I see?

QWO patients should have realistic expectations about the reduction of cellulite from this treatment. QWO, like other cellulite treatments, can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite but will not completely eradicate cellulite.
How long does QWO last?

Data from clinical trials suggest the results from QWO treatment will last for a few years.
Are there any side effects of QWO treatment?

In clinical trials, women experienced bruising at the injection site but required no post-treatment downtime. The bruising lessens after each treatment and resolves in less than 21 days. Some women may experience minor swelling, itchiness, redness, or soreness around the injection site which should pass after a few days.

Some women may be allergic to the ingredients used in QWO. Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions can be serious and cause anaphylaxis or injection site bruising.

You should always tell your healthcare provider and aesthetic specialist about all and any medications you are taking. Medications include prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins. It is essential that you let your healthcare provider know if you are taking any medicine. Particularly medicine that prevents the clotting of your blood (known as an antiplatelet or anticoagulant).
Who is a good candidate for QWO?

Adult women who suffer from mild to severe cellulite can see effective results from QWO. The treatment has been studied and is currently only approved to treat cellulite in the buttock area of women. QWO is suitable for the treatment of cellulite, not skin laxity. If excess or sagging skin is your primary concern, you should seek a skin-tightening cosmetic treatment.
Who should not have QWO?

QWO is suitable for adult women, and the product is not currently indicated for men.

You should not receive QWO treatments if you are allergic to collagenase or any of the ingredients found in QWO. Treatment is not suitable if you have any active infections in the treatment area.

Women who are nursing, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant should seek advice from their doctor before having QWO treatments.
Where can I get more information on QWO?

Our friendly team can walk you through the procedure and answer any questions you may have about QWO treatment; give us a call today to book a consultation and determine if QWO is the best cellulite treatment for you.
Who makes QWO?

Endo International plc manufactures QWO.