Saddlebags, or stéatomérie, are subcutaneous fat deposits that appear on the thighs, buttocks, pelvis, and hips. They occur when the body stores fat cells due to lack of physical activity or an unbalanced diet. Hormonal disorders during adolescence, pregnancy, or due to medication can also contribute to their development.
Women are particularly affected by saddlebags, which can be an aesthetic concern. It is challenging to eliminate them, as the body tends to draw energy from upper body fat when active. Another factor is folliculin, a hormone produced by the ovaries, which promotes weight gain in the lower body.
While adipose cells can cause aesthetic discomfort, they are essential for metabolism as a source of energy required for physical exertion. However, when the body accumulates more fat intake than energy expenditure, it stores fat... especially in the saddlebags area in women. The female body is naturally programmed to store energy reserves, particularly during pregnancy, to ensure proper fetal development.
Natural body shape: Every woman is born with her own genetic makeup and unique morphology. Some therefore gain weight more easily than others, with saddlebags largely being hereditary.
Hormonal changes: During adolescence, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause, hormonal shifts can influence the accumulation of saddlebag fat.
Adipose cellulite is related to excess weight. The extra pounds are then stored in the saddlebag area. However, adipose cellulite can also have a hormonal origin. When you pinch your skin, adipose cellulite can be recognized by its soft texture and is not painful to the touch.
Aqueous cellulite is related to problems with blood and lymphatic circulation, where adipocytes or fat cells stagnate and cause dimpling of the skin. This type of cellulite is visible without needing to pinch the skin and is often accompanied by swelling in the ankles and calves due to water retention.
Collagen fibers have developed around fat cells, causing the cellulite to harden. Fibrous cellulite is visible without pinching the skin and is painful to the touch.
This is a cold body contouring treatment, which induces apoptosis, that is, the death of fat cells. These cells are gradually eliminated by the lymphatic system, providing long-lasting refinement of the silhouette and visible reduction of saddlebags. Initial results can be observed one month after the session, with optimization at 3 months.
1 to 2 sessions spaced 2 to 3 months apart.
The compressive vibrations of Mechanical Lymphatic Drainage act on cellulite, lymph, water retention, and microcirculation to reduce body swelling and firm the skin. From the first session, the appearance of orange peel skin is reduced, and saddlebags have lost volume.
2 sessions per week for 6 weeks.
This is a protocol that combines two technologies: the smart microwaves of CoolWaves to smooth cellulite, and the bipolar radiofrequency of Body RF to firm the skin and improve its texture. Together, these two treatments provide an improvement in the appearance of saddlebags, with a reduction in dimples and firmer skin.
In total, a protocol of 10 sessions: 1 session of CoolWaves at the beginning of the week and 1 session of Body RF at the end of the week, for 5 weeks.
CoolWaves treats cellulite and the orange peel appearance through the emission of smart microwaves. Electromagnetic waves directly act on skin laxity and the presence of dimples, providing smoother skin, skin firming, and reduction in saddlebags over the course of sessions.
A protocol of 4 to 6 sessions lasting 30 to 75 minutes each is recommended.
The Palper-Roller Massage helps combat cellulite and reduce the appearance of saddlebags. This technique involves kneading the skin to activate lipolysis, promoting the breakdown of fat by fat cells themselves. It also stimulates venous and lymphatic circulation to eliminate dimples. Mechanical Lymphatic Drainage represents a more sophisticated and effective detox evolution of the Palper-Roller technique.
Are there effective products to try (cosmetics, slimming creams...)?
There are many anti-cellulite creams and treatments available, especially those containing caffeine, aimed at reducing saddlebags. However, their effectiveness can vary and depends on consistent application and individual metabolism. For more effective results, consider medical aesthetic treatments.
Taking care of your diet: the basics
Foods to avoid to lose saddlebags:
Avoid sugar, fruit juices, biscuits, fats, processed foods, and overly salty ready meals, as they are high in empty calories!
Foods to prioritize to lose saddlebags:
Fruits rich in vitamin P such as blackcurrants, blueberries, red currants, and red grapes strengthen the blood vessel walls, reducing water retention in tissues. They have a draining effect on cellulite and saddlebags.
Jogging, walking, cycling, aerobics, swimming.
And cosmetic surgery?
If your saddlebags are very prominent, it may be necessary to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure to eliminate them, such as liposuction. Liposuction involves suctioning out fat under general anesthesia. Make an appointment with a doctor to determine the ideal treatment based on your profile.
It is possible to reduce saddlebags without exercise by following a treatment plan at Maison Lutétia and adopting a healthy diet.
A balanced lifestyle generally allows for natural slimming of saddlebags. For quick and effective results, consider aesthetic medical treatments.
It depends on your morphology and genetic predisposition.
Every case is different! Some people lose weight more easily than others, and the same goes for saddlebags and cellulite.
The results of aesthetic medical treatments are long-lasting if you adopt a healthy lifestyle. However, maintenance sessions are necessary to sustain the results over time.
It is completely normal to have saddlebags, as women often store fat in this area.
Men can develop saddlebags, but they are generally less affected by this phenomenon compared to women.
