Every month, we strive to bring you a balanced mix of breaking news (for instance, the most popular cosmetic procedures of the moment) and advice you can always use, like treatments to consider after Ozempic weight loss. Invariably though, there’s an intriguing headline or viral post that doesn’t make its own stand-alone story yet is still worthy of a share.
Which brings us here, to the latest installment of This Month in Aesthetics, an ICYMI recap of industry-molding moments that we’d be remiss not to acknowledge—from a radiofrequency device that’s now being used to address cellulite to speculation about a Broadway star’s new look.
Qwo, an injectable treatment for cellulite, is being taken off the market
When Qwo first launched in 2021, it was the first of its kind: an injectable cellulite treatment, seemingly too good to be true. Containing two types of collagen-degrading enzymes, it worked by breaking down the fibrous bands (aka septae) considered to be the root cause of cellulite; when these septae pull down on the skin, fat bulges up, creating lumps and dimpling. While bruising was always a known and common side effect, it’s ultimately what led the maker, Endo, to cease the production and sale of the injectable. A press release from the brand attributes the decision to the extent and variability of bruising as well as the potential for prolonged skin discoloration.
Christina Haack wonders if her health issues are related to her breast implants
A growing number of celebs have been open about choosing to remove their breast implants, and many of them, including fitness influencer Bec Nolan and Ayesha Curry, have said it’s due to health concerns surrounding breast implant illness. HGTV star Christina Haack is the latest to question whether her implants may be to blame for a variety of health issues. Earlier this month, she took to Instagram to ask her followers to weigh in: “I’ve had some unexplained health stuff for years and now I’m considering the thought that this could be Breast implant related. Does anyone else have any experience with this subject? I’m curious on all the ladies take on this.” Haack elaborated on the health issues in question as well: “Inflammation, autoimmune issues (Hashimoto’s disease, PCOS, Raynaud’s syndrome), unexplained skin rashes, joint and muscle pain, dry eyes, GI issues, SIBO, acid reflux, brain fog, hormone imbalances, swollen lymph nodes and adrenal fatigue,” she wrote.
Fans speculate that Lea Michele had buccal fat removal
The internet has wondered about everything from Lea Michele’s purported diva-like behavior to her ability to read, but as of late it’s her appearance that has people buzzing. When the Funny Girl star recently posted a selfie, followers were quick to call out her notably chiseled appearance, wondering if it was the result of buccal fat removal. The procedure, which involves removal of fat from the lower cheeks, continues to trend on TikTok and among a younger patient population, and celebs such as Chrissy Teigen have copped to having had the surgery. However, plastic surgeons warn that it may end up creating an unwanted gauntness to the face with age, particularly when performed on someone younger.
SZA’s latest lyrics hint at plastic surgery
SZA’s newly released album may also double as a plastic surgery admission, long after fans speculated that she’d had a Brazilian butt lift and, perhaps, other procedures. Lyrics for the title track include: “So classic, that ass so fat, it look natural, it’s not.” And on the song “Conceited,” she sings, “I just got my body done, ain’t got no guilt about it / I just heard your opinion, I could’ve did without it.”
Sofwave receives FDA clearance for cellulite reduction
Sofwave is a noninvasive treatment that uses high-intensity ultrasound to heat the dermis and stimulate collagen production. Initially cleared to firm and lift the skin, it’s now received FDA clearance for short-term improvements in the appearance of cellulite. Unlike the aforementioned Qwo, this doesn’t target the fibrous bands; rather, the stimulation of collagen and elastin can help improve skin laxity and tighten the skin, improving the look of cellulite. Information is still limited, but the initial study found that results were seen after two treatments, performed four to six weeks apart.
