7 Things Doctors Want You to Know Before Trying Qwo, the First Injectable for Cellulite

If your butt has stubborn dimples you want to nix but want a bit of help, you might have heard about Qwo, the first and only FDA-approved injectable option to help improve moderate to severe cellulite on the buttocks in women. Before booking an appointment for a Qwo treatment, there are a few things experts want you to know.

It should only be used for true cellulite

While it’s tempting to seek out a treatment like Qwo for anything that resembles cellulite, experts warn that it should only be used on true cellulite. Delray Beach, FL, dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby says doctors need to consider “is it true cellulite or just skin laxity or a combination?”

San Francisco dermatologist Amelia Hausauer, MD, explains that “candidate selection is critical. Qwo treats dimples from cellulite which can sometimes be confused with skin laxity that causes a depression or rippling in the skin surface.” She adds that making the distinction is the best way to provide patients with optimal results.

You can check at home if you’re a good candidate

While it can’t hurt to book a consultation and seek a professional opinion of whether or not you’re a good candidate for Qwo, Dr. Hausauer says you can check yourself at home. “The best way to test if you are a good candidate for the injection treatment is to pull up on the skin above the divot. If it disappears, then it is due to loose skin and decreased collagen production. If it remains, then it is true cellulite and a perfect target for Qwo.”

You may experience bruising

Be prepared to experience significant bruising following treatment, warns Dr. Allenby, which requires patience on the patient’s end. “There is a lot of post-procedure bruising. In some patients, the majority of a cheek can be covered in dark bruising,” says Dr. Hausauer. 

Experts say there are often options to help the bruising dissipate sooner. Dr. Hausauer suggests talking to your provider about laser or other therapies that can clear the bruise faster and help prevent any staining of the skin.

It requires some downtime

In addition to bruising, Davie, FL dermatologist Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD, says there is also some tenderness that comes with Qwo. The combination of these two often requires a few days of downtime.

It may not be the most effective treatment for patients with a lot of cellulite

Just as Qwo might not be the best option for those with small ripples, it also may not be the best choice for more significant cases. Qwo consideration varies from a case to case basis, which is why it’s so important to talk through options with your provider. “Qwo is a very effective treatment for smaller dimples in the buttocks, but if someone has more involvement with the amount or location, I may choose to use the Resonic device to treat them first and clean up smaller areas with Qwo,” says Dr. Allenby.

It requires multiple sessions

Don’t assume you’re walking out of the office with a completely smooth bum. “The treatment requires multiple sessions to get smooth buttocks,” says Dr. Hausauer. “Generally, we recommend a series of three in order to best target all areas of concern.”

It’s quick and well-tolerated

Although there is some bruising and tenderness associated with Qwo, it’s a generally “quick” and “well-tolerated procedure,” according to Dr. Blyumin-Karasik, making the long-awaited procedure worth your while.

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