Cellulite can be frustrating. In spite of your best efforts to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine, you may still be struggling with visible dimpling.
Luckily, treatments are available to reduce the appearance of cellulite, especially around the buttocks area. At Vibrant Rejuvenation, we offer one of the most effective of these cellulite treatments: QWO.
All About Cellulite
Cellulite is the name for dimples and lumps that form in the skin. Many people think that cellulite has a texture that resembles cottage cheese.
While it is unsightly, cellulite is not a dangerous condition. It is very common; in fact, between 80% and 90% of women experience cellulite at some point!
What Causes Cellulite?
The exact causes of cellulite remain unknown. However, many researchers believe that it develops from an interaction between the connective tissue in the skin and the layer of fat below the skin.
The fibrous septae (collagen bands) tether the dermis to the fascia beneath the skin. Fat cells between the fascia and the skin then push up against the surface, which creates a dimpled appearance.
Collagen is a protein that is essential for a variety of structures and functions of your skin, bones, cartilage, and connective tissue. While collagen is a very good thing, when it presents in the form of these fibrous bands, it can be frustrating.
Anyone can develop cellulite, even people who are considered slim or fit. As you age, your skin thins, which can lead to more prominent cellulite. However, younger people, including teenagers, can also develop cellulite.
Hormones and Age
Hormones play a role in how your body develops cellulite. Estrogen, noradrenaline, prolactin, insulin, and thyroid hormones are all a part of the cellulite production process.
As you age, your estrogen levels begin to decrease. Low estrogen leads to a reduction in the blood flow to your connective tissue under the skin.
This reduced circulation means there’s less oxygen in that area, which results in lower collagen production. Your collagen production also naturally decreases as you age.
Fat cells are known to enlarge when estrogen levels fall.
All of these factors combined make fat deposits more visible through the skin. Since your skin is also less elastic and thinner as you age, your skin is more likely to sag.
Genetics
Genetic factors are the most likely predictor of whether you will have cellulite since certain genes are necessary for cellulite to develop.
Your genetic makeup will affect the following characteristics:
- Metabolism
- Distribution of fat
- Circulatory levels
All of these factors can affect the chances of cellulite developing.
Diet and Lifestyle
Although cellulite may not be entirely preventable, a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risks of cellulite developing.
If you consume too much fat, salt, and carbohydrates and not enough fiber, you will be more likely to develop prominent cellulite.
Exercise can also help keep cellulite at bay since exercise boosts circulation throughout your body.
What Is QWO?
QWO is the brand name for collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes, and it is an FDA-approved treatment for moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks area.
We administer QWO as an injectable medication that dissolves collagen fibers in cellulite-ridden areas.
Collagen fibers are like thick cords that connect the fat below the skin to the dermal layer. These fibers stretch and break down or pull tight, which results in the dimpled appearance of cellulite.
When QWO is injected, it breaks down the fibrous collagen bands, which forces them to release their tight hold on the skin. This results in a decreased appearance of cellulite and smoother skin overall.
Who Is a Good Candidate for QWO?
Candidates for QWO injections include those who:
- Are not significantly overweight
- Have moderate to severe cellulite
- Have distinct cellulite dimples
- Are in overall good health
Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not good candidates for QWO injections.
QWO can treat both moderate and severe cellulite. Cellulite is classified into four grades based on a 2009 severity scale:
- Grade 0: No cellulite
- Grade 1: The skin is smooth when standing, but it dimples mildly when sitting down
- Grade 2: The skin has moderate dimples regardless of sitting or standing
- Grade 3: The dimples are severe, and there are raised and repressed areas in the skin
QWO cellulite treatment can address cellulite grades 1 through 3.
Does QWO Eliminate Cellulite?
QWO injections do not eliminate cellulite. Instead, QWO breaks up the collagen fibers to significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite.
We also offer fat-dissolving and body-contouring treatments to address cellulite. Depending on your aesthetic goals and the severity of your cellulite, these may be better options for you.
What to Expect with QWO
During your consultation, we will discuss both the QWO treatment process and your expectations.
A QWO session is simple. First, we’ll identify the treatment areas and gently inject QWO with a microneedle.
These injections take ten minutes or less and don’t require any downtime, so you can immediately resume your routine and normal physical activities.
Depending on your body type and treatment goals, you may receive up to 12 injections in one treatment area. These injections are given three weeks apart during three total visits.
On average, clients see visible results within ten weeks.
The results are not immediate because your body requires time to break down the collagen fibers and release the hold on your skin.
Getting Started with QWO Cellulite Treatment
We offer effective cellulite treatment to clients in Long Island, NY, and surrounding areas. Contact Vibrant Rejuvenation today to learn more about QWO and to get started with a consultation.