Do men have cellulite and how to prevent it from appearing?

Table of contents

1. Etiology and pathogenesis
2. Genetic predisposition
3. Hormonal background
4. Microcirculation disorders and inflammation
5. Morphological features
6. Clinical manifestations
7. Principles of treatment

Cellulite (gynoid lipodystrophy, orange peel) is a skin condition associated with the structural and physiological characteristics of subcutaneous fat, which manifests itself as irregularities with a characteristic “mattress” pattern in the thighs, buttocks and abdomen. Many researchers attribute cellulite to the normal state of subcutaneous fat in women, since it occurs, according to some data, in 90% of representatives of this sex.

In our company you can purchase the following equipment for the treatment of cellulite:

• VASER (Solta Medical)
• Thermage (Solta Medical)
• ZWave (Zimmer Medizin System)
• Maximus (Pollogen by Lumenis)

The first signs of gynoid lipodystrophy begin to form after puberty. However, obvious changes become noticeable in women over 30 years of age, often with excess weight (although cellulite also occurs in thin women). Due to the peculiarities of physiology, cellulite in men is very rare.

Despite the fact that gynoid lipodystrophy is not a life-threatening condition, it negatively affects the psycho-emotional sphere of most women, since it is directly related to the aesthetics of appearance and, consequently, self-esteem.

Interestingly, until the second half of the twentieth century, people did not attach much importance to gynoid lipodystrophy. However, in 1973, New York beauty salon owner Nicole Ronsard published the book Cellulite: Those Lumps, Lumps and Lumps You Couldn't Get Rid of Before ( Figure 1 ). The new “disease” attracted the close attention of women, and the book sold 200,000 copies. Thus, Madame Ronsard opened a new era in cosmetology - the era of the fight against cellulite, which does not end to this day.

Rice. 1. The very book that started it all (Amazon)

Men's attitude towards cellulite

Another reason explaining why it is generally accepted that men do not have cellulite is its low visibility. Due to the denser (cellular) structure of the dermis, representatives of the stronger sex do not have a pronounced “orange peel” appearance. It appears only in the later stages of the disease. In addition, guys are much less attentive to their body, and do not discover any deviations until the very end.

Another category of people, having noticed a so-called “beer belly”, either does not consider it a serious drawback, or is embarrassed to take measures to eliminate it. Meanwhile, the situation is getting worse, body weight continues to grow, and the structure of the integument continues to deteriorate. In some cases, the situation requires urgent intervention from a specialist, since it indicates the development of pathology. Timely detection and proper treatment will help quickly restore an attractive appearance, as well as health.

Hormonal background

Estrogens play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of gynoid lipodystrophy. The corresponding hormonal background with a predominance of estrogen, characteristic of the female body, activates lipogenesis (formation of adipose tissue) and inhibits lipolysis (destruction of adipose tissue), which leads to hypertrophy of subcutaneous fat. This explains the high prevalence of cellulite in women and the exacerbation of this condition during pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation and when taking certain oral contraceptives.

In what places can there be cellulite?

The following areas are problematic for men:

• Stomach. The waist area most often suffers from the presence of fatty seals. In the later stages, flabby areas become visible to the naked eye.
• Breast. Typically, male cellulite on the chest is associated with hormonal dysfunction. Excessive production of estrogen leads to breast enlargement, and then tubercles of subcutaneous fat appear on it.
• Arms and neck - in rare cases, most often such cellulite is a companion to obesity.

Microcirculation disorders and inflammation

This theory of the etiopathogenesis of gynoid lipodystrophy is based on impaired microcirculation of blood and lymph in the subcutaneous fat. In the area of ​​the hips and buttocks, lymphatic drainage and blood circulation are hampered, which contributes to chronic swelling of the subcutaneous fat, which, in turn, leads to a sluggish inflammatory process.

Four stages of development of gynoid lipodystrophy have been proposed:

1. Changes in capillary-venular and lymphatic permeability, as well as capillary ectasia (persistent dilation of microvessels), intercapillary and interadipose edema.
2. Development of metabolic changes with hyperplasia and hypertrophy of reticular structures.
3. Proliferation of collagen fibers with the formation of fatty micromodules around adipocytes.
4. Development of sclerotic changes and formation of fatty macromodules.

Prevention

In order for men to avoid the appearance of “orange peel” or to maintain the effect of the treatment, it is necessary to constantly follow preventive measures:

• Healthy food;
• give up alcohol and smoking;
• observe drinking regime;
• exercise regularly;
• promptly treat (or stabilize) concomitant diseases;
• take a contrast shower, medicinal baths;
• wear comfortable clothes and shoes that will not squeeze the fabric.

It is very important to receive more positive emotions and avoid stress. Such conditions invariably lead to hormonal fluctuations, which negatively affects all processes occurring in the human body. First of all, it affects the condition of the skin.

Contrary to popular belief, according to which men do not have cellulite, representatives of the stronger sex also run the risk of finding an unpleasant “orange peel” on their bodies. It is quite possible to cope with it, especially if you do not start the process. Treatment must be comprehensive. If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations, you will be able to cope with the problem even faster than a woman due to the peculiarities of the structure of the male dermis.

Morphological features

An MRI examination of people of both sexes showed that in women with gynoid lipodystrophy the number of fibrous septa in the subcutaneous fat is higher than in women without cellulite and men. Also, with cellulite, a greater thickness of fibrous septa was noted.

Rice. 2. Morphology of normal skin ( Normal Skin ) and skin with signs of gynoid lipodystrophy ( Cellulite ). There is a noticeable partial pressing of subcutaneous fat into the dermis, as a result of which the thickness of the dermal layer decreases, and characteristic “waves” appear on the skin (Manhattan Dermatology Specialists)

How a man can deal with orange peel

How to get rid of cellulite in a particular case depends on the degree of development of the disease. In the early stages, you can limit yourself to home procedures:

• medicinal baths;
• using special creams, scrubs;
• contrast shower;
• wraps;
• self-massage.

They must be combined with daily gymnastics, following the prescribed diet, and taking vitamin and mineral complexes.

When the disorder takes on pronounced forms, hardware intervention carried out in beauty salons will be required. In later stages, the patient is indicated for surgical intervention.

The main thing is not to succumb to the erroneous belief that men do not have cellulite. Consult a doctor in a timely manner and begin to combat the defect.

Diet food

Without correcting your diet, you will not be able to defeat cellulite. “Fast” diets in this case are not only ineffective, but even harmful. After lifting the restrictions, the problems immediately return, and body weight increases even faster. Due to constant sudden changes in weight, the skin stretches, the fibers are damaged, and lose elasticity.

Therefore, you should not chase instant results. We will have to completely change the food system. It is necessary to exclude from the menu foods that provoke an increase in “bad” cholesterol in the blood and negatively affect the functioning of the digestive system.

It is necessary to limit (it is better to completely eliminate) the use of:

• Sahara;
• muffins. Cream cakes, pastries, shortbread cookies, and fresh buns are especially harmful;
• pickles;
• milk chocolate. Eating a few pieces of black a day is quite acceptable;
• semi-finished products rich in low-quality fats, preservatives, dyes, flavor enhancers;
• fatty dairy products;
• marinades, store-bought sauces;
• sausages;
• alcoholic drinks;
• smoked meats;
• fats of animal origin (fatty meat, butter).

Attention: the beer beloved by men causes an increase in the level of estrogen, which contributes to the formation of a female-type figure, thickening of the fat layer, and the appearance of tubercles.

The basis of the diet should be:

• raw or stewed vegetables;
• poultry meat (without skin);
• bran, whole grain bread;
• fruits;
• seafood;
• honey (they are a good substitute for sugar);
• vegetable oils;
• beef;
• legumes;
• cereals (buckwheat, rice, rolled oats);
• sea ​​fish;
• fermented milk products with a low fat content.

Dishes should be boiled, stewed or steamed. You will have to give up fried foods. You need to eat in small portions, 5-6 times a day. This will help reduce hunger, prevent overeating, and reduce the size of the stomach. You should not eat in front of the TV or computer, so as not to lose control over the amount you eat.

It is equally important to normalize the drinking regime. To stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, you need to drink at least two liters of clean water per day. It is better to limit your coffee consumption to one (maximum two) cups in the morning. You can replace it with green tea, berry fruit drinks, herbal infusions, and natural (not packaged) juices.

Power loads

Physical exercise is necessary in the fight against lipodystrophy. They activate blood circulation, strengthen muscles, and stimulate metabolism.

The following loads help well with fat folds:

• walking up the stairs. Every day you have to overcome 20 floors. You need to walk at a calm pace, breathe regularly;
• twisting. In a lying position, clasp your fingers in a lock at the back of your head, rising, stretch your right elbow to your left knee, then vice versa. Perform 15 repetitions of the exercise;
• relax, take as deep a breath as possible, then slowly exhale completely (the abdominal muscles should be pulled towards the back). Repeat 15 times.

Attention: it is not correct to do exercises only on the abs; it is important to distribute the load evenly.

It is good to supplement gymnastics with jumping rope, bending the body, and squats. You can join a gym or swimming pool, play football, volleyball, or ride a bike. The load must be increased gradually. Before starting training, it is advisable to consult with a doctor and jointly develop a set of exercises taking into account the presence of excess weight and associated pathologies.

Clinical manifestations

Gynoid lipodystrophy is manifested by uneven skin of the buttocks, thighs and abdomen with a characteristic “mattress” pattern ( Fig. 3 ). There are different methods for determining the severity of cellulite - from a simple pinch test to ultrasound and MRI.

Nuremberg-Müller scale (pinch test) - a piece of skin is pinched between the thumb and index finger. As a result, you can see the following picture:

• Stage 0 - when the skin is compressed into a fold, muscle tension and a change in body position, the surface remains smooth.
• Stage 1 - when the skin is compressed, bumps and pits appear, but when standing up, the surface is leveled.
• Stage 2 - the pits are visible in a standing position, while in a lying position the surface is flat.
• Stage 3 - the “orange peel” is visible all the time, regardless of muscle tension and body position.

Cellulite Severity Scale ( CSS ) - takes into account 5 parameters, each of which is scored 0-3 points. The number of pits (1), their depth (2), visual unevenness of the skin (3), the degree of sagging (4) and the result on the above-described Nuremberg-Müller Scale (5) are determined. A result of 1-5 points is interpreted as mild cellulite, 6-10 - moderate, 11-15 points - severe.

Ultrasound allows you to assess the thickness and quality of connective tissue, as well as monitor the dynamics of swelling in cellulite. The severity of protrusion of subcutaneous fat into the dermis is associated with the severity of cellulite, which is especially visible at a frequency of 20 MHz.

Laser Doppler flowmetry is useful for assessing cutaneous microcirculation in areas of gynoid lipodystrophy. There is evidence of the use of two-dimensional MRI images in the diagnosis of cellulite, but this method is more suitable for scientific research. In routine clinical practice, the pinch test and, if necessary, ultrasound are sufficient.

Rice. 3. Signs of gynoid lipodystrophy (cellulite) on the buttocks and thighs (Clinicalgate)

How it manifests itself - symptoms

Signs of a female cosmetic defect in the form of “orange peel” on the hips and buttocks on a male body are difficult to find. As a rule, it appears in the form of a roll of fat on the waist, which is facilitated by the special structure of connective tissues.

If in the fair sex lumpy skin is accompanied by excess weight and unaesthetic changes in the shape of certain areas of the body, then in the stronger sex this manifestation indicates the occurrence of certain problems.

Men are mistaken in believing that bumps on the skin are characteristic of mature age or excess weight. This defect on a man’s body can be examined at any age using special means.

Even if the skin is affected, the special morphological structure does not allow the shape and surface relief of the epidermis to change, that is, it remains elastic and smooth.

Lumpy formations on a man’s body develop in stages, and each phase of formation has its own signs:

• The first stage is characterized by the appearance of shallow pits, which become visible when the dermis contracts.
• The second stage of the pathological process is diagnosed by the presence of visual depressions in the skin.
• Slowly progressing, the disease enters a dangerous stage , in which bluish areas appear on the skin, it becomes loose, and swelling forms.
• At the final stage of cellulite formation, the dermis in problem areas is a continuous bruise.

In the video, a specialist clearly explains what cellulite is and what causes it.

Principles of treatment

Despite the fact that gynoid lipodystrophy occurs in women of any body weight, excess weight increases its manifestations. Therefore, a common way to combat cellulite is to normalize body weight - diet, nutrition control, moderate physical activity.

Anti-cellulite cosmetics

Today, many special cosmetics are produced for the treatment of cellulite. Most of them contain various algae (spirulina, bladderwrack), caffeine, bamboo extract, chaga extract (tree mushroom), horse chestnut and other ingredients. All of them, one way or another, enhance lipolysis, have a lymphatic drainage effect, stimulate microcirculation, reduce swelling and trigger collagen production.

Caffeine, theobromine and theophylline locally increase the temperature of subcutaneous fat, resulting in the process of lipolysis. In addition, they inhibit enzymes responsible for the accumulation of fat in cells and activate digestive enzymes, which further enhances lipolysis. Therefore, cocoa extract is widely used in anti-cellulite products, both professional and intended for home care.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract contains bioflavonoids and terpenes. They improve local microcirculation, inhibit platelet growth factor, reduce capillary permeability and improve the tone of vascular walls.

Most cosmetics are designed to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. However, they do not affect the connective tissue septa and, therefore, do not improve the condition in advanced cases.

Massage

Massage stimulates microcirculation, reduces swelling, “breaks up” fat deposits and is generally a useful procedure for cellulite. It can be either manual or hardware, supplemented with special massage cosmetics or performed on dry skin.

The absolute leaders among massage anti-cellulite products are creams and oils. Cream forms provide a tighter grip of the massage therapist’s fingers with the underlying tissues - when performing kneading and defibrosing techniques, this allows for better treatment of the desired area. However, with more aggressive techniques, the cream form can cause skin trauma. Oils improve hand glide, which prevents injury. On the other hand, less adhesion does not allow you to thoroughly work out the entire layer of fat deposits when working with excess volumes.

Dietary supplements

Today, many dietary supplements and weight loss products are produced that are taken orally. Despite the conflicting information obtained in studies, in general, the following are considered useful for cellulite: grapes (Vitis vinifera), Asian centella (Centella asiatica), ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba), sweet clover (Mellilotus officinalis), chokeberry juice, etc.

Hardware techniques

Treatment of cellulite is one of the most difficult problems in aesthetic medicine. Cosmetics, massage and dietary supplements practically do not provide a visual effect and can only stop the development of cellulite; in other words, using anti-cellulite cosmetics it is impossible to transform stage 2 cellulite into stage 5 cellulite. and cellulite from stage 1 to stage zero. This is due to the fact that cosmetics, massage and dietary supplements have virtually no effect on the connective tissue strands and fatty macromodules, which are the cause of the external manifestations of cellulite - lumps and depressions.

The only way to significantly reduce the external signs of cellulite is to influence the subcutaneous fat with the physical factors of hardware procedures. Here are the most effective ones:

• Liposuction . Certain liposuction techniques involve cutting connective tissue cords in the subcutaneous fat layer. These techniques are complex and traumatic, but, perhaps, surgical liposuction is the only way to 100% destroy the cause of visible manifestations of cellulite. Moreover, liposuction works in cases where other hardware techniques are ineffective, namely in stage 3 cellulite. The most advanced type of liposuction for the treatment of cellulite is VASER-associated liposuction. VASER uses ultrasound, which “cuts” connective tissue cords in the subcutaneous layer, and also transfers fat cells into an emulsion, which is then aspirated. Because VASER destroys connective tissue through a special mode of ultrasound delivered through special probes, this type of liposuction can be used in the subcutaneous layer with much higher safety than conventional mechanical or laser-assisted liposuction. VASER-associated liposuction has one drawback - the need to wear compression garments for 1.5–2 months from the date of surgery. The advantage is the maximum possible efficiency of the operation and effectiveness, which is achieved with a single use.
• RF lipolysis . RF energy is one of the few types of energy that can penetrate subcutaneous fat and heat tissue. RF devices with sufficiently high power and a special design of electrodes effectively heat subcutaneous fat, influencing two parts of the pathogenesis of cellulite. First, the heating caused by RF energy stimulates lipolysis - the intracellular breakdown of triglycerides and their release into the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Secondly, heating triggers the remodeling of structural proteins in the connective tissue cords of the pancreas, resulting in an increase in their elasticity and “softening” of the adipose tissue. The Maximus hardware procedure can be considered the most advanced method of treating cellulite using RF. The Maximus device uses unique TriLipo technology, which combines multipolar RF exposure and DMA - dynamic muscle activation. In addition to intense but comfortable heating, Maximus stimulates local lipolysis through muscle contraction and allows you to get rid of adipocyte metabolic products through intense lymphatic drainage.
• Treatment of cellulite using the Thermage CPT device is also very effective. Unlike other RF devices, Thermage heats the PFA to a temperature above 60 degrees, but does it instantly. The result of this effect is the partial destruction of old collagen in connective tissue cords and the launch of the synthesis of new structural proteins.
• Shock wave therapy . This type of specific effect allows you to “soften” the connective tissue cords in the subcutaneous fat when they absorb the energy of the shock wave. The Z Wave device is specially designed for cellulite therapy. Unlike other shock wave therapy machines, it is equipped with handles with a large tip size, which allows you to treat large areas (thighs and buttocks) at high speed.

Questions from our users:

• cellulite treatment exercises
• cellulite treatment in the clinic
• how to get rid of cellulite in men
• cellulite hardware procedures

How to get rid of the problem

Some treatment methods (to varying degrees) have an effect on cellulite. These include the following:

1. Acoustic wave therapy (AWT) is a technique that applies acoustic waves (also called sonic, pressure, or shock waves) to affected areas.
2. Laser, light or radiofrequency therapy are procedures that combine laser (or radiofrequency) and massage therapy.
3. Undercutting is a procedure that involves inserting a needle under the skin to break up the fibrous connective tissue structures that separate clusters of fat cells. Medical professionals perform the cutting using a device known as a Cellfina. The course can last up to two years or more.
4. Vacuum tissue release is another new procedure that can help break down tough fibrous tissue structures.
5. Methylxanthines are a group of chemicals that include aminophylline, caffeine and theophylline. These chemicals are present in many anti-cellulite creams due to their ability to break down fat deposits. However, skin creams cannot provide the necessary concentration of these chemicals in the time required to significantly break down fat.
6. Creams with retinol. Retinol may help with skin thickening, which may explain the reduction in the appearance of cellulite. The product must be used for six months or longer to see the effect.
7. Carboxytherapy is a medical procedure that injects carbon dioxide (CO2) directly under the skin. A small study found that it may be helpful in treating cellulite.
8. Laser liposuction adds laser treatment to the typical liposuction fat removal procedure.
9. Ultrasonic liposculpture uses sound waves to try to reduce cellulite.

You can continue to enumerate. There are many practices that are used, but without the approval of official medicine. Some practices help some, some don't. The effectiveness of therapy is influenced by many factors.

The most reasonable treatment for men is the desire to get their body in order. Limit your alcohol intake, especially beer, normalize your diet, and pay attention to physical activity.

Hyperventilation of the lungs during physical activity in the fresh air leads to increased oxygenation of blood and tissues. Oxygen is directly involved in oxidative processes, including the breakdown of fat.

Ultraphonophresis

The unique ability of ultrasound to increase the permeability of blood vessels and epithelium inspired specialists in the field of cosmetology to create ultraphonophresis - a combined technique that includes the influence of ultrasonic waves and the application of various drugs to the surface of the skin.

During the procedure, a lipolytic medicinal substance is mixed with a base (palm oil, petroleum jelly, etc.), applied to the skin and exposed to ultrasound. The waves emitted by the emitter help the drug penetrate into the deep layers of the skin through the sebaceous ducts, and also ensure the simultaneous activation of metabolic processes in cells.

One of the most effective means for eliminating “orange peel” is currently considered to be gels and creams with algae extracts containing hydrolyzed fibers. An effective combination of phytoextracts and ultrasound allows you to solve a wide range of cosmetic problems and cope even with severe signs of cellulite.

Before the ultraphonofresis procedure, the skin in problem areas is cleaned with peeling and covered with a contact substance (an anti-cellulite drug mixed with a base), and then treated with a radiator. In cases of severe stage 4 cellulite, problem areas can be divided into several zones, which are treated step by step within each session. The total session time is about 10-20 minutes, and the duration of the entire course is about 10-20 procedures, repeated after 2-3 months to consolidate the effect.

Specifics of ultrasound application

The healing effects of ultrasonic waves can solve a wide range of cosmetic problems - from reducing the “orange peel” effect to evening out skin color. The main indications for the use of ultrasound therapy and ultraphonophresis are:

• Cellulite;
• Chronic inflammation of connective tissue;
• Skin pigmentation;
• Scars (traumatic, post-acne);
• Bruising.

Contraindications to ultrasound treatment are:

• Malignant tumors of any type and location, oncological diseases;
• Pregnancy period;
• Acute thrombophlebitis;
• Hypertension;
• Ischemia, heart rhythm disturbances;
• Endocrine disorders;
• Inflammatory processes of internal organs and tissues.

Ultrasound therapy is one of the most progressive methods of combating cellulite. In the absence of contraindications, ultrasound treatment can be started both for preventive purposes and to eliminate the “orange peel” characteristic of the later stages of cellulite. The general scheme of the intervention, as well as the selection of the necessary anti-cellulite products, is carried out before the start of treatment by a specialist in the field of hardware cosmetology, taking into account all the nuances of the patient’s condition and his physical characteristics.

In addition to the opportunity to regain the flawless shape of your buttocks, abdomen and thighs, ultrasound therapy has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and the entire body, restoring ease of movement and self-confidence!