Mechanism of Action

Three factors are involved in the development of cellulite:

Mechanism of action factors 1 2 3

  • These collagen-rich bands tether the dermis to the underlying fascia and segment the fat layer into lobules.5,6

  • The fat lobules push up against the dermis; however, due to the septae tethering, they form mattress-like protrusions on the surface of the skin.5-7

  • Dermal thinning occurs, providing less support to contain the underlying soft tissues.5

The exact mechanism for the treatment of moderate to severe cellulite is unknown.3 It is believed that QWO initiates a process called Enzymatic Subcision and Remodeling (ESR®), which includes three steps:8

Step 1

Enzymatic subcision

QWO is believed to treat cellulite by enzymatically subcising fibrous septae.3,8

Step 2

Fat lobule reorganization

After subcision of fibrous septae, the fat lobules begin to reorganize and spread more evenly.8

The tension at the subdermal junction is released, allowing for fat lobules to be reorganized.4

Step 3

Collagen creation & dermal thickening

The enzymatic breakdown of the collagenous fibrous septae stimulates a wound healing-like reaction that results in the creation of new collagen, which helps thicken the dermis and rebuilds the collagen network.8,9

Over time, the fibrous septae may reform with new collagen, but will be thinner and smaller.8

ESR is believed to minimize cellulite dimples, giving the appearance of smoother skin.8

Mechanism of Action

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: ​​Looping video depicting a needle penetrating dermis.
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Indication

Qwo® is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women.

Important Safety Information for QWO

Contraindications

QWO is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to collagenase or to any of the excipients or the presence of infection at the injection sites.

Warnings and Precautions

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported with the use of collagenase clostridium histolyticum. If such a reaction occurs, further injection of QWO should be discontinued and appropriate medical therapy immediately instituted. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions.

Injection Site Bruising

In clinical trials, 84% of subjects treated with QWO experienced injection site bruising. Subjects with coagulation disorders or using anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (except those taking ≤150 mg aspirin daily) were excluded from participating in Trials 1 and 2.

QWO should be used with caution in patients with bleeding abnormalities or who are currently being treated with antiplatelet (except those taking ≤150 mg aspirin daily) or anticoagulant therapy.

Substitution of Collagenase Products

QWO must not be substituted with other injectable collagenase products.

QWO is not intended for the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease or Dupuytren’s Contracture.

Adverse Reactions

In clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse reactions in patients treated with QWO with an incidence ≥ 10% were at the injection site: bruising, pain, nodule and pruritus.

View Full Prescribing Information for QWO.