Qwo cellulite injections typically cost between $650 and $1,200 per session, depending on how many dimples are treated. However, the product was pulled from the market in 2023, so it is no longer available for purchase or treatment anywhere.
What Qwo Cost When It Was Available
Pricing for Qwo was based on the number and depth of cellulite dimples being treated, not a flat per-session fee. Treatment of around 12 dimples ran roughly $650 per session, while treating 24 areas could reach $1,200 per session. The full protocol called for three sessions spaced 21 days apart, meaning a complete treatment course for moderate cellulite could total anywhere from $1,950 to $3,600 or more out of pocket.
Because Qwo was a cosmetic procedure, insurance never covered it. Some providers offered financing plans through third-party lenders, but the entire cost was the patient’s responsibility.
How Qwo Worked
Qwo was the first and only FDA-approved injectable specifically for cellulite in the buttocks of adult women. It contained an enzyme that targeted the tough collagen bands (called septae) that pull skin downward and create the dimpled appearance of cellulite. Once injected, the enzyme broke down those bands, releasing the dimple so the skin could sit more smoothly. The treatment was also thought to redistribute fat cells in the area and stimulate new collagen growth over time.
Why Qwo Was Discontinued
The biggest problem was bruising. In clinical trials, 84% of patients who received Qwo developed bruising at the injection site. For a cosmetic treatment meant to improve the appearance of skin, significant bruising was a tough sell. The manufacturer conducted additional studies (called the APHRODITE trials) to see if the bruising could be reduced, but the results were disappointing. Some patient groups showed a modest reduction in bruising area and severity, but none achieved a consistent enough improvement to overcome market concerns.
In 2023, Endo International announced it would cease production and sale of Qwo entirely, with the company’s CEO stating that the product did not represent a viable commercial opportunity. The decision was driven by poor sales rather than a safety recall. Patients weren’t willing to pay thousands of dollars for a treatment that left them with weeks of visible bruising on their buttocks.
Alternatives Still on the Market
If you’re searching for Qwo pricing, you’re likely looking for cellulite treatment options. Several alternatives remain available, though none are direct replacements.
- Subcision procedures: A doctor manually cuts the fibrous bands beneath the skin using a needle or blade. Devices like Cellfina use a similar approach with a specialized tool. A single session typically costs $3,000 to $6,000 and results can last two to three years.
- Laser and energy-based treatments: Devices that use radiofrequency, laser energy, or acoustic waves to tighten skin and reduce the appearance of dimpling. These often require multiple sessions and range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars total.
- Topical treatments: Creams containing retinol or caffeine can temporarily improve skin texture, but their effects on actual cellulite structure are minimal.
All cellulite treatments are considered cosmetic, so none are covered by insurance. Costs vary widely by provider and geographic location. If you’re exploring options, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon will give you the most accurate pricing for your specific situation.