For cellulite, QWO is a first.
QWO is the first and only FDA-approved injectable for moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women.
After long last, a company has developed a treatment to permanently treat cellulite that is comfortable, does not involve surgery and is considered permanent after only 3 treatments. The company is Malvern, PA based Endo International and the product is QWO.
WHAT IS QWO®?
QWO is a prescription medicine used to treat moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women. QWO is collagenase, an enzyme that dissolves the fibrous bands that cause the appearance of cellulite, which are primarily made of collagen. QWO is injected, with a needle no larger than a typical Botox needle, into the area of cellulite, with on average 12 injections per area per session. No prior numbing is required. The dissolving effect of the collagenase begins to dissolve the fibrous bands right away and improvement is seen within days. It is typical to require more than one treatment and a package of 3 treatments spaced 21 days apart is recommended.
Here is a great video from the company on QWO Cellulite Treatment | RefinedMD Los Gatos - Bing video
Is there downtime after a treatment with QWO?
When the collagenase dissolves the fibrous bands that cause cellulite, these fibrous bands also support small capillaries in the treated area, which can break and then cause bruising. Like most bruising, it will take 1-2 weeks for the bruising to resolve. Since the most commonly treated area is the buttock, the bruising should not interfere with most social engagements.
How good are the results after a treatment with QWO?
As per my colleagues who are already using QWO, they say it works great, and they do confirm to beware of the bruising. As per the studies from the company, they utilized the Cellulite Severity Scale to rate the results and their studies showed a 2 point improvement of patients with severe and moderate cellulite, meaning for those with moderate cellulite - they had almost no cellulite after 3 treatments, and those with severe cellulite - they had mild cellulite after 3 treatments.
-
0 - no cellulite
-
1 - almost no cellulite
-
2 - mild cellulite
-
3 - moderate cellulite
-
4 - severe cellulite
How long do the results last after a treatment with QWO?
The fibrous bands that were dissolved with QWO were shown to not grow back after 18 months and currently there is no expectation that they would, making the improvement in cellulite after treatment with QWO to be long term.
Are there any other treatments for cellulite?
There are other treatments for cellulite, including Cellulean, topical caffeine, mesotherapy and surgical resection of these fibrous bands. We at Renove have been treating cellulite with off label CoolSculpting. Due to the accompanying thinning of skin seen with cellulite, and the strengthening and thickening of living skin after treatment with CoolSculpting, I believe this is why we have seen improvement with cellulite after CoolSculpting. Areas we have treated for cellulite with CoolSculpting include the thighs and upper arms. However, we have not been able to mechanically treat the buttock with CoolSculpting for cellulite which is where QWO will be a great addition to our treatments.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not receive QWO if you: are allergic to collagenase or to any of the ingredients in QWO, or have an active infection at the treatment area.
QWO may cause serious side effects, including:
-
Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including anaphylaxis. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have hives, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, swollen face, chest pain, dizziness or fainting after receiving QWO;
-
Injection site bruising
Before receiving QWO, tell your healthcare provider if you:
-
have a bleeding problem
-
are pregnant or may become pregnant, nursing or plan to nurse. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will receive QWO or breastfeed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take a medicine that prevents the clotting of your blood (antiplatelet or anticoagulant).
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.
These are not all the possible side effects of QWO. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
Click for Full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.
