Cellulite in men. Photos on the sides, buttocks, stomach, legs. Causes, treatment

Lipodystrophy is a weakness of connective tissue in the deep layer of the skin, which becomes more intense and noticeable over the years in the form of cellulite. In men, the natural change in subcutaneous tissue is less common than in women. A photo of structured skin characteristic of cellulite is presented on the site.

Why most men don't have cellulite

The skin consists of 3 layers:

• The upper (epidermis), a thick stratum corneum that protects the skin from the outside.
• Dermis, a dense connective tissue layer with cutaneous sebaceous glands.
• The subcutaneous layer consists of fatty chambers surrounded by a framework of loose connective tissue.

With cellulite, the connective tissue that holds the fat cell chambers (fat stores) together becomes loose and therefore cannot retain fat in the subcutaneous tissue. There is a process of pushing the fatty chambers into the epidermis, which eventually becomes noticeable on the body. The accumulation of fat in these areas disrupts microcirculation, blood circulation, water and lymph transport in tissues.

Cellulite in men (the photos presented later in the article clearly show the structure of male skin) rarely occurs.

This happens for several reasons:

• In men, the top 2 layers of skin are thicker than in women, which means that the fat from the subcutaneous tissue cannot move upward or moves with great difficulty.
• Connective tissue threads in men in the subcutaneous tissue are located horizontally and in small cavities, which complicates the passage of fat cells, while the fat chambers in women are perpendicular epidermis.
• Men naturally have less subcutaneous fat than women.
• The hormone estrogen slows down fat loss in women, which explains why cellulite is more common after puberty and during periods of high estrogen levels (menstruation or pregnancy). Only men with abnormally high estrogen levels sometimes suffer from cellulite.

About 80-90% of women are worried about cellulite, while in men it occurs in 10%.

Female and male anatomical structure of the skin

The difference between male and female skin is primarily determined by the hormone testosterone. Men's skin is 0.2 mm thicker than women's skin because it contains a higher proportion of collagen, which tightens the integument. The protein acts as a supportive corset for the cells. The connective tissue fibers that support the cells run parallel in women. In men, they are networked, therefore they have a better support function and give the male skin additional stability and elasticity.

The acidic mantle of men's skin, consisting of sebum and a mixture of sweat, is more reliable, stable, and more intensively supplied with blood. Men's skin is less sensitive to environmental pollution, solar radiation or dry air because the epidermis contains more melanin.

Different locations of body fat

Fats are stored in adipocytes, which form the basis of adipose tissue. They are like a small bag in which a drop of fat is stored.

Fatty tissue is found under the skin around vital internal organs (visceral), in the bone marrow, between muscle fibers, in the mammary glands. Since steroid hormones play an important role in the process of fat deposition, their secretion and the regional density of their receptors largely determine the distribution of fat mass.

The gender differences are such that women store more fat subcutaneously than men, especially in the buttock-femoral region. The accumulation of fat in this area is the result of the high activity of lipoprotein lipase due to female sex steroid hormones. As a result of these hormones, women store most of their fat in the lower body, while men are more likely to store it evenly throughout the body, mainly in the central area.

While women are more likely to develop subcutaneous fat, men's bodies are more likely to accumulate excess visceral fat in the upper body, especially in the abdomen.

The causes of cellulite in men

Cellulite in men (photos are presented in the article for clarity) occurs for various reasons. The process develops as a result of the loss of androgens due to constant stress, combined with obesity and muscle breakdown. Weakness of connective tissue, impaired blood flow and lymph, all this worsens metabolism, loss of fat in tissues, and over time manifests itself in the form of dents on the skin.

Estrogens

Estrogen balance is essential to achieve fat balance. In men and women, excess estrogen causes toxic fat gain, water retention, bloating, and a host of other health problems.

Although estrogen is generally considered a female hormone, a certain amount is naturally occurring in men. However, excess fat in the male body causes unhealthy increases in estrogen levels, as fat cells are involved in converting testosterone to estrogen. Estrogen dominance can be a problem for men as testosterone and progesterone levels naturally decreases with age or stress, while estrogen, on the contrary, rises.

Estrogen stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagenase, which acts on collagen and breaks it down, which in turn starts the cellulite cycle. This means that higher estrogen levels (or poor estrogen metabolism) lower collagen levels and increase the appearance of cellulite.

Gynecomastia

Cellulite in men develops due to a hormonal imbalance between estrogens and androgens: increased estrogen or decreased androgen levels. Many of the signs can be seen visually (the photo shows some of the symptoms of the disorder: breast enlargement, hair loss).

High estrogen levels lead to many unwanted side effects:

• gynecomastia;
• weight gain with increased abdominal fat;
• diabetes;
• erectile dysfunction;
• poor memory;
• loss of body hair.

Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of the mammary glands in men. It can occur on one or both sides, with or without pain. Physiologically, this occurs immediately after birth, during puberty and in old age. Disease-related breast enlargement is often caused by hormonal imbalance, medication, or other underlying medical conditions (obesity, cirrhosis).

Estrogen-like substances

Male reproductive hormones are steroid hormones called androgens. This includes testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and androstenedione.Reproductive hormones regulate activity various cells, muscle, bone mass, distribution of adipose tissue, voice changes, hair growth on face. Their level rises during puberty, and decreased functionality causes both androgenic and anabolic defects.

Localization locations

Male lipodystrophy occurs more often on the abdomen.

But in some cases, specific "dimples" can be found on other parts of the body:

• breasts;

  

• the back of the thigh;
• buttocks.

Diagnostic methods, which specialist to contact

Cellulite treatment depends on the cause of its occurrence. You should first consult with a therapist, who, if necessary, will refer you to doctors of another specialization for further examination.

After collecting anthropometric data, general analyzes are assigned:

• blood;
• glucose;
• cholesterol;
• hormones.

Ways to fight

Cellulite in men (photos of patients before and after treatment allow you to assess how much lipodystrophy changes a person's appearance) or the accumulation of adipose tissue in certain areas of the body can lead to the formation of concentrated fat nodules that affect the external kind of skin. Cellulite is a problem that cannot be solved with exercise, healthy eating, and weight loss alone. Lipodystrophy has been observed in slim, athletic people who eat a balanced diet.

Diet food, permitted and prohibited foods

A low-fat, high-fiber diet is recommended to control estrogen levels.

Foods included in the diet:

• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, various types of cabbage) contain phytochemicals that block estrogen production
• red grapes contain natural estrogen blockers: resveratrol and proanthocyanidins;
• Sesame seeds and flaxseeds, as well as whole grains such as oats, corn and rice, contain a micronutrient called polyphenol, which has beneficial effects on cells.
• green tea is another good source of polyphenols;
• Pomegranates are high in estrogen-blocking phytochemicals.

Unhealthy foods, fats, sugar should be avoided. Black berries should be included in the diet because they promote collagen production.

It is necessary to drink plenty of water throughout the day, as it flushes out toxic substances and impurities from the body. And also should reduce the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.

 Power loads. Training complex and training algorithm

You can fight lipodystrophy with exercise. Strength loads strengthen muscles, stimulate metabolism, blood circulation.

• Walking up the stairs every day, at least 8 floors, will help get rid of folds of fat.
• Twisting exercises. Pulling up the fingers, fastened in a lock at the back of the head, to the knee. The exercise is carried out lying down, first you should stretch your left elbow to the right knee, and then vice versa. The exercise is repeated 10-14 times.
• Squats, lunges with dumbbells, torso bends can help prevent the development of cellulite.
• Sports exercises can be supplemented by playing football, volleyball, cycling.

Ethnoscience. Recipes for effective remedies

It is difficult to get rid of cellulite at home, but medical cosmetologists offer several methods that can reduce the appearance of cellulite in the short term.

• Daily body brushing and massage accelerates lymphatic drainage, which helps eliminate toxins accumulated in the fat layer.
• Body scrub with coffee. When applied topically, a coffee exfoliant cream can minimize the appearance of cellulite. The body scrub stimulates lymphatic drainage while tightening the skin. Caffeine also dehydrates fat cells.
• Juniper oil has detoxifying properties, effective in reducing fluid retention associated with cellulite. An oil mixture prepared from 10-15 drops of essential oil and ¼ glass of olive oil is rubbed into the affected area for 10-15 minutes. The procedure should be carried out daily.
• Seaweed is also one of the best home remedies for getting rid of cellulite naturally. This exfoliating agent stimulates blood circulation and helps remove harmful toxins that contribute to the development of cellulite. Mix 3 tbsp. l. chopped seaweed with 1 cup of sea salt and a few drops of olive oil. Prepared mixture (1 tbsp. l. enough for 1 session) massage the affected area for 10 minutes. after shower. Repeat the procedure twice a day.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for cellulite is based on an action that stimulates cellular metabolism and increases microcirculation.

• Shockwave treatment is one of the simplest methods and does not cause side effects.
• Ultrasound therapy. Therapy sessions stimulate blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and increase the flow of oxygen in the blood.
• Procedures using the Endermologie apparatus. The procedures are based on aspiration and skin massage to improve blood circulation and nutrient metabolism.

Anticellulite massage. Methods and techniques of execution

Lipomassage is successfully applied. It is based on the principle of mechanostimulation, when mechanical stimuli used on the surface of the body trigger biological reactions deep inside the tissue.

• Stimulation of adipocytes accelerates the breakdown of stubborn fatty deposits.
• The activation of the connective tissue promotes the body's natural production of collagen and elastin.

The treatment is carried out using the Cellu M6 Endermolab apparatus. Lipomassage helps break down fat deposits and tighten the skin.

If a regular massage is supposed, then it is better to do it with the help of an experienced massage therapist. Before the procedure, the body must be warmed up. All manipulations are carried out in a mode of uniform increase in intensity, from bottom to top (along the flow of lymph).

Any massage, manual or hardware, should be started 2 hours after eating. The effect is observed not earlier than after 15-20 sessions.

Cosmetical tools. Names and instructions for use

Cellulite in men (photos and a list of drugs are presented below) can be reduced, for which cosmetic preparations are used as short-term help.

Name	Compound
Retino-A	Tretinoin based drug
Floresan asset	Contains extract from kelp
Ultra Body Lift Concentrate	Caffeine based preparation
Retinol Modeling Serum	Retinol and caffeine based drug
Vitex cream	Formulated with caffeine and red pepper
Velinia Warming Massage Cream	Contains extracts of guarana, kelp, red pepper
Litaline, caffeinated cream	Includes peptide complex and vitamin F

The products are applied to the skin in the evening and in the morning. Men with oily skin should use light gel-based creams.

The active ingredients in the composition of creams cannot always penetrate deep enough into the cellular layers, so the adipose and connective tissue in the subcutaneous tissue remains unchanged. The use of creams is designed to create a masking effect on the epidermis.

Baths

Healing water treatments with herbal supplements stimulate blood circulation, relieve inflammation.

Herbal infusions to add when bathing:

• thyme;
• Linden blossom;
• oak bark;
• ginger root.

Before taking a bath, add 1 tbsp. l. tincture made from herbs.

Wraps. The best remedies and recipes

At home, you can carry out a wrapping session using:

• horse chestnut;
• ground coffee;
• cosmetic clay.

Horse chestnut wraps:

• Add horse chestnut decoction to the moisturizer.
• Rub on the skin, wrap the body with cling film.
• Leave the product on the skin for 15 minutes.
• After the procedure, wash the body with warm water, lubricate with cream.
• The wraps are recommended to be carried out approximately once every 3-5 days.

Ingredients for coffee wrap:

• Brew 10-15 tbsp. l. ground coffee in 250 ml of water. Cool down.
• Cover the body with gruel, wrap with foil, and on top with a warm blanket.
• Leave the compress for 30 minutes.
• Then rinse everything off with warm water, lubricate the body with a moisturizer.

It is advisable to carry out wraps twice a week for 1-2 months.

Salon procedures

A visit to an aesthetic plastic surgeon, dermatologist or other specialist specializing in body aesthetics is as necessary for men as it is for women. You should seek help from a beauty salon when home methods are ineffective.

• Mesotherapy. With this method, individually selected medicines and active ingredients are injected directly into the skin with thin, short needles. Injections are given at specific acupuncture points.
• Vacuum therapy activates blood circulation, enhances the regeneration of cells of the immune system. As a result, the "orange peel" is reduced, the skin texture is leveled.
• Cryotherapy. During the session, cold is used to reduce the fatty tissue affected by cellulite. Ultra-low temperature, -160 ° C, leads to the death of fat cells, stimulation of blood circulation.
• Hydrolipolysis. During the procedure, saline is injected into the adipose tissue and then ultrasonicated (as in acoustic wave therapy).
• Mesodissolution. During the session, lipolytic or decongestant formulations are delivered under the skin to a depth of 10-13 mm. Substances are introduced after diluting them with water and obtaining a hypo-osmolar cocktail.

Surgical methods

The doctor may suggest one of the procedures that use needles, blades, or other special instruments to separate the fibrous bands under the skin (subcision) in order to smooth it out. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

The most popular operation used in the fight against cellulite is liposuction.

There are several methods for its implementation:

• Vacuum liposuction. Pumping out fat through punctures in the skin.
• Laser lipolysis is a type of cosmetic surgery that uses laser energy to change the appearance of the body.
• Tumescent liposuction is the most common liposuction technique used to permanently remove pockets of unwanted fat by suction. The surgeon injects a large volume of tumescent solution directly into the target area. After 20 minutes, the doctor makes a small incision and inserts a thin cannula connected to a suction tube that is attached to a vacuum device.

The postoperative results of these methods can last from 2 to 3 years. Complications after surgery include pain and bleeding under the skin.

Modern medicine offers men many ways to combat cellulite. But first, you should always consult with a specialist to find out the cause, and then find the most appropriate treatment method. In numerous photos, you can see the skin changes that lipodystrophy causes, which will be the reason for men to go to a beauty salon or clinic.

Video about cellulite in men

How to remove cellulite: