Cellulite Treatment: QWO
Conveniently located to serve Virginia Beach
Jump To:
What is QWO?
- QWO is the first FDA-approved injectable for the treatment of cellulite in adult women.
- It is a collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes to target Type I and Type III collagen in the fibrous septum.
- QWO treats the fibrous bands in cellulite.

What causes cellulite?
There are three main contributors of cellulite:
- 1. Fibrous septae under the skin tether to the muscle below causing tension.
- 2. Fat lobules between the same septae protrude above, below, and around the septae creating an orange peel effect.
- 3. Thinning of the skin allows more visibility of the protruding fat lobules.
Who is a candidate for QWO?
- Adult women with cellulite on their buttocks.
- QWO is indicated for cellulite, not skin laxity.
- QWO is used for the treatment of moderate to severe cellulite.
How do you know if you have skin laxity or cellulite?
The Dimple Test
- If you lift up on your skin and the dimple remains, you have cellulite.
- If you lift up on your skin and the dimple goes away, then you have skin laxity.
- Dimples are caused by the septae bands but in skin laxity, there are no bands.
Your Cellulite Treatment: QWO will be performed by Dr. JoAnne Lopes surgery center located in Virginia Beach, VA.
What if there are both some laxity and dimples?
- Patients with some laxity and well-defined dimples may be candidates for QWO.
- QWO may only improve the dimpling in these cases.
- If there is skin laxity, another alternative may be needed.
Are there any contraindications to receiving QWO?
- If there is an infection in the potential treatment area, then do not receive QWO.
- If you have an allergy to collagenase or any active ingredients of QWO.
What does a cellulite treatment with QWO entail?
- QWO is injected into the fat of each, individual buttock.
- Each dimple will be cleansed, marked, and injected.
- You may receive up to 12 injections per buttock.
- QWO is given in a series of 3 treatments based 21 days apart.
- A follow-up evaluation is made 6 weeks after the final treatment.
How long does it take for a treatment?
- You can expect your treatment to be less than 10 minutes.
- The most common adverse reactions occurring with QWO are injection site bruising, pain, swelling, and itching.
What are the possible side effects of a QWO cellulite treatment?
- The most common adverse reactions occurring with QWO are injection site bruising, pain, swelling, and itching.
What is the most common side effect?
- Bruising is seen in the majority of patients.
- The severity of bruising does not correlate with the pain.
- Most people have no pain with their bruising.
- Bruising generally resolves in 2 weeks.
- Bruising occurs because small veins leak.
- Large veins and arteries are protected.
- Bruising severity decreases with each subsequent treatment.
Is there any post-procedure care?
- If you experience any discomfort this can be treated with Tylenol or NSAIDS.
- Cool compresses for 24 – 48 hours for swelling.
- Arnica Montana for bruising.
How can I prepare for my cellulite treatments with QWO?
- Alert your physician of any allergies.
- Avoid aspirin, NSAIDS, or any other potential blood-thinning agents before your treatment.
How much does an average QWO treatmentcost?
The cost will depend upon the severity of your cellulite.
The cost ranges from $1,950 – $2,850.