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Whoa! – Let’s Talk About QWO & Cellulite

It’s unlikely to come across someone who hasn’t heard the old cliche, “No pain, no gain.” But with all the new and recent advances in aesthetics, that statement is further from the truth these days. With so many minimally-invasive, virtually painless treatments now available, you can actually see gains and improvements in the skin, overall youthfulness, and now even cellulite, with little to no lasting pain or discomfort. That’s why we are huge fans of Qwo.

Because it’s one of the newest injectables on the market, you may not have heard of it yet, but you definitely will. In short, Qwo is the first (and only) FDA-approved injectable treatment that targets moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women. Sounds like a dream come true right? For most women, that’s a huge yes… But does it really work and how??

Let’s start with what cellulite is and how this injectable treatment is designed to address it. To put it in basic terms, cellulite is the dimpling of skin around fat pockets. Cellulite is caused by collagen bands, called fibrous septae, that attach skin to muscle and tighten around the fat that’s deposited between, causing the dimples or divots we see on the surface of the skin. And while we all hate it, it’s more common among women than you may even realize. No matter your age, weight, diet, or exercise habits, chances are you are part of the 90% of women who experience some degree of cellulite. It can be stubborn, frustrating and resistant even to consistent healthy habits. And to date, while it’s been addressed with things like lasers, small incisions and radio frequency treatments (with results lasting only up to 3 years), there is no permanent cellulite-eliminating treatment….yet.

But while we are still waiting to see long-term results, we do know that Qwo is both a quick and simple in-office treatment and has shown great effectiveness in both clinical trials and aesthetic use. (Yes, we’ve tried it ourselves and have personally seen noticeable results!) Qwo works by utilizing enzymes called collagenases that are believed to target the structure under the skin, helping to break down excess build up in fibrous collagen bands, redistributing fat cells and promoting new collagen growth.

All that from an injection? Yes. Three injections spaced three weeks apart to be exact. Here’s how the process works: Qwo is injected directly into dimples and, depending on the degree of cellulite, you could receive up to 12 injections in one 10-15 minute treatment. Then we will schedule you to come back for two more quick appointments, each 21 days apart, and results may be seen in as little as 10 weeks…. Pretty amazing right? Just imagine wearing that cute little swimsuit on your next beach vacation (minus the sarong or cover up) and feeling extra confident.

(Please do keep in mind that while Qwo has been clinically proven to reduce and improve the appearance of cellulite, it may not eliminate it completely and, at W, we always encourage patients to continue with a healthy diet and exercise for overall wellness and to encourage even greater results.)

As with all of our W treatments, we are very careful to try and minimize any negative side effects, but with any  aesthetic service, you may experience some bruising, swelling or discoloration in the injected area, minor pain or itching, nodule formation and redness or warmth. However these should be minimal and not cause for concern.

So will Qwo work for you? If you’re an adult woman with moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks (and realistic expectations), you’re likely a good candidate. However, as always, we want to consultation with you first to hear your concerns and make sure Qwo will be safe and effective for you. At your consultation we will also discuss the number of injections we recommend for your best individual results as well as the cost per treatment that you can expect. We’ve personally seen wonderful results and are excited to offer this cellulite-reducing treatment to our patients! It really is gain without the pain, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

If you’re interested in learning more about Qwo or visiting us to see if it could make a difference for you, we encourage you to call our office to set up your Qwo consultation. It’s never too late to build body confidence (or too early to start prepping for next summer’s swimsuit season).

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Rose Lee

Esthetician

Rose is a highly skilled and passionate, triple-state licensed esthetician who began her skincare journey in 2010. With over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, she is known for her personalized, results-driven approach and warm, elevated care.
 
As a former spa owner, Rose brings a unique blend of expertise and attention to every patient experience. She has worked extensively with several advanced skincare lines, allowing her to analyze results on all types of skin profiles.
 
Rose is especially thrilled to offer the exclusive and unparalleled Biologique Recherche line to her patients at W Aesthetics & Wellness, bringing next-level results through these coveted, high performance products. Rose‘s deep knowledge of skin health, paired with a commitment to continuous learning, allows her to offer advanced treatments tailored to each individual’s needs.  

Gerardo Pulido

Patient Care Coordinator

With a strong background in hospitality and customer service, Gerardo brings warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism to every patient interaction at W Aesthetics & Wellness. Having spent years in the fast-paced restaurant industry, he honed the art of anticipating needs, creating welcoming experiences, and building genuine connections with people from all walks of life. 

At W, Gerardo channels that same dedication into guiding patients through their aesthetics and wellness journey, from their first phone call, to their follow up care. Known for his approachable nature and ability to make others feel at ease, he ensures every detail is handled with care so patients feel valued, supported, and confident in their treatment choices. 

When he’s not assisting patients, Gerardo enjoys exploring Bend’s vibrant food scene and spending time with family and friends. 

Emma Sturtevant

Practice Manager - W West

Emma grew up in the Portland area and spent every summer vacationing in Sunriver, which sparked her love for Central Oregon and ultimately inspired her move to Bend. She studied Public Health and Psychology at San Diego State University, where she discovered her passion for helping people and developed strong leadership skills early on, managing teams and completing an internship in a hospital setting.

Emma began her professional career in recruiting and sales before transitioning into the medical space as a surgical medical device representative. It was during this time that she was introduced to the world of aesthetics and wellness, eventually representing devices within the industry and growing her passion for this field. Now, as Practice Manager of W Aesthetics & Wellness’ new West Side location, she is excited to represent the brand and inspire the local community to feel confident both inside and out. She is especially passionate about the practice’s wellness offerings and the way they support overall health and balance.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and their golden retriever, exploring Central Oregon’s outdoors, and discovering new local food spots.

Zoey Steele

Intern

Zoey brings a warm and welcoming presence to W Aesthetics & Wellness as our dedicated intern. With a strong background in customer service and a passion for helping others, she’s currently working toward her goal of attending nursing school in Louisiana. At W, Zoey supports our team in a variety of essential roles, from checking in patients and scheduling appointments to assisting with the day-to-day flow of the office. Her commitment to creating a seamless and positive experience for every patient makes her an invaluable part of our team.

Born and raised in Bend, Oregon, Zoey is deeply connected to the local community and brings that same sense of care and authenticity into every interaction. Her interest in the medical field, paired with her compassionate nature, fuels her drive to one day become a nurse and continue making a difference in people’s lives.

Outside of the office, you can find Zoey spending time with friends and family, boating on the lake, or floating the river during Bend’s sunny summer days.

Brianna Knipe Medical Assistant at W Aesthetics and Wellness in Bend OR

Brianna Knipe, MA

Medical Assistant

Bri’s career began as a surgical dental assistant, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care and precision. Her passion for making others feel confident and beautiful led her to the field of aesthetics, where she now thrives at W Aesthetics & Wellness. Bri is dedicated to helping patients feel rejuvenated, empowered, and confident through advanced skincare and aesthetic treatments.

Bri assists during a variety of treatments, including injectables, laser therapies, skin rejuvenation procedures, and more. Known for her calming presence and attention to detail, she ensures that every patient feels comfortable, informed, and truly cared for throughout their treatment experience.

When she’s not assisting during treatments, Bri enjoys spending time by the lake, nurturing her garden, and spoiling her two hound dogs. Her down-to-earth energy and genuine passion for her work shine through in every patient interaction, making her a trusted partner in your aesthetic journey.

Bre Hardin, RN

Nurse Injector

Bre is a compassionate and dedicated Aesthetic Nurse. She has been a registered nurse since 2012, with a background in obstetrics and gynecology. Her passion for the beauty industry, combined with her love of women’s health care, led her to pursue a fulfilling career in aesthetics. First certified in injectables in 2014, Bre was able to dedicate her focus to full time aesthetics in 2018. She was proud to start her career at W Aesthetics and Wellness, helping it grow into the respected practice it’s become over the years. She taught for Pacific Northwest Aesthetics Academy in Portland, Oregon, sharing her skills and excitement for the aesthetics industry with fellow medical professionals. 

 “I was drawn to aesthetic nursing because I love being able to help people feel confident and beautiful. To me, it’s all about enhancing natural beauty and aging gracefully.  I pride myself in individualized care with a conservative approach to help my patients achieve their aesthetic goals.”

Bre values patient safety and education and understands the importance of staying up to date in an ever-changing industry.  She prioritizes growing her knowledge and expertise by attending advanced trainings and conferences yearly. Her patients can feel comfortable and confident in her care, knowing that she takes the time to stay educated on the latest products, techniques and technologies.

Bre’s personal life led her to Kalispell, Montana, where she founded Minted Aesthetics in 2022. “My vision for Minted Aesthetics was to create a welcoming and approachable space where patients can experience professional aesthetic treatments and feel truly cared for. I am not in sales; I am a nurse. My hope for every patient is that they feel comfortable walking through the doors and inspired with confidence and knowledge walking out. I only carry products I truly believe in, and only provide treatments tailored to the individual needs of my patients.” Bre sold her successful business in 2025 and was able to move back home to Bend, Oregon to be with family and raise her daughter. She is thrilled to return to W Aesthetics and Wellness, continuing her patient focused career in a collaborative, compassionate environment. 

Outside of work, you can find Bre wake surfing, paddle boarding, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and doodle.

“Whether the goal is to enhance, maintain, or help slow the aging process in every phase of life, I’m here to help. Building strong rapport with my clients is a top priority. Taking the time to truly listen and work together as a team will yield the best results.”

You can book with Bre at the newest Westside location of W!

Holly Decker MSN, RN

Nurse Injector

Holly is a dedicated and highly skilled nurse injector who recently joined W Aesthetics & Wellness, bringing years of experience and a deep passion for aesthetic medicine. Before moving to Bend, she trained under a plastic surgeon, honing her expertise in injectables. With nearly seven years in the operating room at St. Charles, she had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Jacobson and Cody Manriquez while earning her Master of Science in Nursing. 
 
Now, as a full-time aesthetic provider, Holly is thrilled to focus on what she loves most- helping patients enhance their natural beauty and feel their most confident. She believes in highlighting the unique features that make each person shine from within. 
 
Outside the clinic, Holly enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their beloved dog, Chumley.
Brittany Perez Patient Care Coordinator at W Aesthetics and Wellness in Bend OR

Brittany Perez

Patient Care Coordinator

With a strong background in customer service and a genuine passion for helping people achieve their best skin, Brittany brings warmth and expertise to every patient interaction. As a Certified Advanced Esthetician and former esthetic business owner, she has a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for skincare solutions. 

In her free time, she loves hanging out with her daughter and her husband and exploring new restaurants around Bend, Oregon. 

Katie Gifford

Patient Care Coordinator

With her extensive background in customer service and a genuine passion for helping people, Katie is here to make every step of your journey with us seamless and enjoyable. You’ll see her shining face at the front desk, ready to assist with scheduling and ensuring your aesthetic goals come to life!

When she’s not busy making magic happen at W Aesthetics & Wellness, Katie loves spending time with her dog and boyfriend.

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