By Dr. Eric Li
For women who seek a smoother, more toned appearance, Dr. Eric Li provides excellent cellulite treatment alternatives in Los Gatos and San Jose, California. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 555 Knowles Drive, Suite 218 Los Gatos, CA 95032..
Spring has sprung! Not only does this mean seasonal allergies for some people, but it also means time is ticking closer to warmer weather. However, for others, cellulite could prevent people from fully embracing and showing off their bodies during this exciting time. Luckily, there are options to treat those naturally occurring troublesome areas. In this article, we will be comparing an older cellulite treatment, QWO, with a newer and improved cellulite treatment, Avéli.
Dr. Li is a double-board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in Avéli and one of the few providers that offer it as a treatment as part of his private practice based in San Jose and Los Gatos Bay Area California.
This: QWO
Collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes, abbreviated QWO, is an FDA-approved injectable product used to treat cellulite. Although the company that produced QWO, Endo Aesthetics, has currently discontinued its production, this is still a treatment option available for those who wanted to reduce the appearance of cellulite. As an injectable, QWO treats moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks by using enzymes that dissolve the collagen in fibrous bands called “septae”, which are tissue structures underneath the skin which give rise to cellulite. Effects following QWO could include soreness, mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and skin discoloration, and the severity of the latter two adverse effects are the reason why QWO has been discontinued. Patients can see results as early as three weeks after a QWO session but will need up to three treatments, spaced 21 days apart, for best results.
That: Avéli
New to the cellulite treatment market comes Avéli, an FDA-cleared device created by Revelle Aesthetics. Unlike QWO, Avéli is a one-time in-office/awake or general anesthetic procedure that can be performed with the patient fully awake after administration of local anesthetic to the buttocks or areas of treatment. The Avéli device is a wand equipped with a light, hook, and blade at its tip. Using the light, Dr. Li is able to guide the device to the correct tissue depth underneath your cellulite. Once positioned accurately, Dr. Li then activates a small hook, which releases the blade, which in turn catches on and surgically releases the fibrous septae directly, providing real-time correction of the cellulite. Compared to QWO, Avéli causes less severe bruising because there is no dissolving of collagen. There is also the added hemostatic/anti-bleeding effect from the local anesthetic that is administered as part of the procedure. Post-Avéli, most patients rated their pain level low and are able to return to regular daily activities within 24 hours. Avéli studies show that cellulite appearance improved 3 months after treatment lasting through a year and onwards.
Cellulite is extremely common, affecting up to 90% of women with different body types and is naturally occurring, but no need to despair, because now we have effective treatment options that can help treat it. Book a consultation to see if Avéli is right for you. Now, let’s get ready for swimsuit season!