Can You Really Get a Smooth Butt Without Cellulite Using Qwo Injectable Treatments?

Injectables have been on the rise, transforming many cosmetic procedures into non-invasive and non-surgical options. And finally, cellulite is one of them. People have been calling the Qwo injection the latest "hot shot" to combat cellulite. 

Cellulite is a very common condition in men and women that creates dimple-like indentations on the backside and thighs. Most people relate cellulite to being overweight, but that is not necessarily true. Your bodyweight could be ideal for your height, but you can still have cellulite on your butt. 

Luckily, there is a cellulite treatment via injections for the buttocks that targets the main culprit causing the uneven lumps and bumps on the skin's surface. 

We share all the details you should know about for this FDA-approved injectable cellulite treatment called Qwo. 

Let's start with the issue first. What is cellulite? 

What Is Cellulite? 

Nine out of ten women will develop some form of cellulite around their buttocks and thighs in their lifetime. Cellulite has the appearance of lumpiness or dimple-like effect on the skin. One of the biggest misconceptions about cellulite is that it's fat, and the way to treat it is with diet and exercise. Gaining weight could be one of the causes of cellulite, but it's not fat.

Cellulite is a skin condition caused by three main factors: 

1. Aging skin that is thin
2. Fat cells beneath the skin enlarge and push up against the skin.
3. Fibrous bands beneath the skin strengthen, causing tension and pulling down the skin, making a dimple effect. 

Cellulite can be caused by: 

• A change in hormones
• Weight gain or inactive lifestyle
• Inflammation caused by a connective tissue disorder 

There are many ways to treat cellulite with and without surgery. Some non-surgical methods to treat this uneven skin condition are device treatments such as CoolSculpting, ultrasound, or acoustic wave therapy. 

A surgical option to treat cellulite would be a liposuction procedure. However, removing fat from the area doesn't completely resolve the issues of cellulite.  

The latest way to remedy cellulite is with injectable Qwo, a prescription medicine treatment to help reduce the appearance of uneven lumps and bumps on the butt. 

What is QWO Cellulite Injectable?

Qwo is the first FDA-approved injectable labeled to treat moderate to severe cellulite on buttocks for women. The specialized formulation is made of collagenases, an enzyme that is known to break up the structure of the collagen bands, which causes tension to the skin, making the dimple effect.

How Do QWO Injections work? 

The enzyme formulation is injected into the indentations of the skin, where the fibrous bands are located beneath the skin's surface. The injections begin the chemical process called Enzymatic Subcision and Remodeling, slowly dissolving the collagen bands. Without the tension caused by the bands, the dimple effect will dissipate. The release of the fibrous bands will also redistribute fat cells and help stimulate new collagen growth.

What to Expect with a Qwo Injection Procedure

Injections with Qwo cellulite treatment is an in-office visit performed by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist. The procedure typically takes about 10 minutes to complete and uses one to two vials per session. Each vial has 12 shots. 

The number of treatments will depend on your doctor's recommendations based on your desired results. Each treatment must be at least 21 days apart from each other. A patient might feel minor soreness or bruises around the injection areas. Still, there's minimal to zero downtown after the injections, and most patients can perform their daily activities after the procedure. 

How Long Will it Take to See Results?

In most cases, patients will notice a difference after the second Qwo treatment, and the final result of smoother skin around the buttocks is around 90 days after the first injection. Although the FDA approved Qwo to help reduce cellulite in the buttocks, it hasn't been available long enough to determine the longevity of the results.  

How Do I Prepare for a Qwo Cellulite Treatment? 

The first step to treat cellulite is by consulting with a board-certified cosmetic doctor or dermatologist. 

A consultation and examination with a doctor will help determine the grade level of cellulite on your buttocks (grades start at zero with no signs of cellulite to grade four with deep indentations). They can help advise if a Qwo cellulite treatment is the best treatment for you. 

To find a local doctor experienced with treating cellulite, take a look at our "Find a Doctor" navigation tool. 

- VM