Cellulite. Women everywhere dread it. But wait, do men even get cellulite? The truth is that sometimes they do. But at a much lower rate than women.
Have you wondered why cellulite is a more common concern for women than for men? Let’s look closely at cellulite (even if we hate it) to find out why that is.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a term for the lumpy, dimpled skin texture that often appears on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a sign of obesity or poor health. Cellulite is merely fat deposited beneath the skin that pushes against the connective tissue, causing the skin above it to pucker.
Men, Women, and Cellulite
Cellulite can affect people of every size and shape, regardless of their weight or fitness level. Cellulite is an extremely common issue for women. In fact, approximately 85-90% of women will experience some degree of cellulite at some point in their lives. Conversely, only around 10% of men face the issue of cellulite. Why is there such a discrepancy between men and women?
Why Women Are Affected More
When you think about it, that is a shocking difference between the sexes. Interestingly, there are several factors that make women more susceptible to cellulite. Knowing them might not make this discrepancy feel any more fair, but it may help to explain it.
Hormonal Differences
Estrogen and prolactin, important “female” hormones, can promote the formation and expansion of fat cells, which play a role in the development of cellulite. While men do have these hormones in their bodies, they appear in a much lower concentration in men than in women.
Skin Structure
We know women are tough, but, speaking literally, men tend to have thicker skin than women. Women’s collagen fibers are not as dense, allowing fat to push through more easily, causing the dimpled appearance to be more noticeable. Men’s collagen fibers, on the other hand, are thicker and more dense, which prevents fat from bulging out. Adding to the effect, as we age, skin can become even thinner, making cellulite more noticeable.
Fat Distribution
Women naturally store more fat in their hips, thighs, and buttocks – areas where cellulite commonly appears. Men tend to store fat in the belly, love handles, and other areas of the upper body. It is possible to get cellulite in these areas, but less common.
A Solution for Cellulite
Cellulite is not a matter of diet, exercise, or ‘fault’ – it’s biology. But while cellulite is natural and nothing to be ashamed of, it’s understandable that some might want to reduce its appearance – whether you are a man or a woman. That’s where Thermage comes in.
Thermage is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that leverages radiofrequency energy to carefully heat the deeper layers of the skin. This process stimulates collagen production, promoting smoother and tighter skin. Here’s how Thermage can be a game-changer:
- Non-surgical: Unlike other treatments, Thermage doesn’t require any incisions or surgery. This means minimal downtime and less risk of complications.
- Stimulates Collagen: Collagen is the protein responsible for the skin’s elasticity. By promoting collagen, Thermage makes the skin look firmer, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
- Safe and Effective: Thermage has been proven to be safe with consistent results. It’s always crucial, however, to choose a trusted medical professional for undergoing any treatment.
Say Goodbye to Cellulite
Cellulite is a natural part of many people’s lives, especially women. But that doesn’t mean you have to like it. We have the tools to tackle cellulite, and treatments like Thermage can make you feel more confident.
Whether you are a man or a woman, if you want to smooth away your cellulite, contact our office today to find out more about whether Thermage is the answer you’ve been looking for.