You might have heard about QWO, the first FDA-approved injectable cellulite treatment for moderate-to-severe cases on the buttocks. Now, New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Bruce Katz has developed a treatment for its use on the thighs. “Right now, QWO has been approved by the FDA for use on the buttocks. However, since I’ve worked with the product for over two years, I’ve also developed a special technique to also treat thighs, which is showing promising results as well,” he says.
Performed in-office, he explains that “the injections work to dissolve the buildup of collagen in the fibrous bands, which are bands under the skin that thicken and cause [the] tension and the ‘dimpled’ look of cellulite.” Dr. Katz notes that patients have seen improvements in as little as three to six weeks, with long-term success, as well. “I was part of the clinical trials for QWO, and so far patients have seen results lasting two and a half years,” he says, noting that clinical trials are underway to test results for up to five years.
QWO injections require three sessions, ranging in price from $695-$995 depending on the number of areas the patient would like to treat. But just like all injectable treatments, they come with some risk of bruising, in this case, lasting up to two weeks per session. One thing to keep in mind is that with more serious bruising, the risk of permanent discoloration is possible. “Permanent discoloration is a possibility, though only a small percentage of those in the clinical trials experienced this issue,” Dr. Katz says. “My patients have not had any serious or long-term bruising or discoloration.”
