Pencil cases: what they are, why they appear and how to get rid of them
cartridge belts They are one of the most common aesthetic concerns, especially among women. This accumulation of fat located on the sides of the hips can be difficult to reduce with diet and exercise alone, so many people turn to cosmetic or surgical treatments to improve this area.
In this article we explain what saddlebags are, why they form, what treatments can help eliminate them, what care should be followed and what alternatives exist to achieve a more sculpted and harmonious figure.
What are cartridge cases?
cartridge belts These are localized fat deposits that accumulate on the outside of the hips, just below the waist.
This type of fat is often particularly resistant to diet and exercise, as it is heavily influenced by hormonal and genetic factors. Although it doesn't pose a health problem in itself, many people wish to treat it for aesthetic reasons, as it can alter the proportions of their figure.
Why are they formed?
The formation of saddlebags is multifactorial. Unlike abdominal fat, which is usually more associated with metabolic factors, saddlebag fat is highly influenced by hormonal patterns and genetic predisposition.
Hormonal factors
Estrogen promotes fat storage in the gluteofemoral region, that is, in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. This is why many women develop saddlebags from puberty onward, and these can become more noticeable during stages such as pregnancy or certain hormonal changes.
Genetics
Body fat distribution has a significant hereditary component. If there is a family tendency to accumulate fat in the hips, this area is more likely to become a stubborn fat deposit.
Sedentary lifestyle and diet
While not always the primary cause, they can certainly exacerbate the problem. Lack of physical activity, a diet high in ultra-processed foods and sugars, and a sustained calorie surplus can cause this area to gain volume and become more difficult to define.
Fluid retention and poor circulation
In some cases, swelling and poor circulation can increase the feeling of volume in this area, making saddlebags appear more prominent.
Do holsters only appear on women?
Although much more common in women, men can also experience fat accumulation on the sides of their hips. In men, it is usually more related to their overall fat accumulation pattern, hormonal factors, or genetic predisposition.
In women, saddlebag fat is usually more superficial and softer. In men, when it appears, it is often combined with abdominal fat and can have a more fibrous consistency.
How to remove cartridge cases?
Liposuction
La liposuctionWhether traditional or assisted by advanced technologies like VASER, liposuction is one of the most effective options for noticeably eliminating saddlebags. It involves extracting fat using cannulas and reshaping the silhouette.
Its main advantage is that it allows for a precise and visible reduction of volume, although it requires surgery, a recovery period, and proper medical guidance.
Care before and after treatment
Pretreatment recommendations
Before an aesthetic or surgical procedure, it is common to follow instructions such as avoiding anticoagulants if prescribed by the doctor, not smoking, not consuming alcohol, and maintaining good hydration.
Aftercare
After liposuction, it is usually recommended to wear a compression garment, stay well hydrated, rest relatively, and avoid intense exercise during the first few weeks.
Recovery time according to the procedure
Recovery time varies depending on the treatment chosen. In surgical procedures such as liposuction, a period of rest and gradual recovery is usually necessary. With non-invasive techniques, the return to daily routine is typically much faster.
Before and After: What to Expect?
Before treatment, many people notice a significant increase in volume on the sides of their hips, which can disrupt the harmony of their silhouette and make their waist appear less defined.
After treatment, the results depend on the technique used. In the case of liposuction, the changes are usually more noticeable and structural. There may be swelling during the first few weeks, and the final result becomes apparent gradually as the tissues adapt.
We invite you to view our case studies liposuction before and after y Lipo 360 before and after.
What is the best alternative for you?
The choice of treatment depends on the volume of fat, the quality of the skin, whether there is associated sagging, and your expectations.
Liposuction is often the best option when seeking a more defined and visible result in a single procedure, especially if the saddlebags are pronounced or if they are part of a broader body contouring treatment.
In contrast, non-invasive treatments can be an interesting alternative for patients with more discreet localized fat, who prefer to avoid surgery and accept a more gradual result.
What other surgeries can it be combined with?
Saddlebags can be treated as part of a more comprehensive body contouring approach. Therefore, in some cases, they are combined with procedures such as:
- liposculptureto better sculpt the silhouette.
- tummy tuck, when there is also sagging or excess abdominal skin.
- Brazilian Butt Lift, if you wish to use the extracted fat to improve the volume and shape of the buttocks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What aesthetic treatment is most effective for removing them?
La liposuction It remains one of the most effective options when fat accumulation is evident and a more defined change is sought.
At what age do they usually appear?
They can appear from puberty onwards and become more pronounced with hormonal changes, pregnancy or the passage of time.
Where do saddlebags appear?
In outer part of the hips, just below the waist.
Can they go out again after treatment?
Yes, if there is a significant weight gain. Although the treated fat cells are reduced, the body can accumulate fat again if habits or body weight change significantly.
How many sessions are necessary to see results?
It will depend on the chosen treatment. In surgical procedures, one intervention is usually sufficient. In non-invasive treatments, several sessions may be necessary.
Are there any side effects or risks?
As with any treatment, there may be side effects or risks. In surgery, the most common are swelling, bruising, or temporary discomfort. In non-invasive treatments, temporary redness or tenderness may occur.
Get rid of saddlebags and redefine your figure at Cirumed Clinic
Saddlebags are one of the most frequent aesthetic concerns, even among thin people. At Cirumed, Plastic Surgery Clinic in MarbellaWe offer effective solutions to redefine this area and help you achieve a more streamlined and harmonious silhouette.
Dr. Alexander Aslani, Plastic surgeon in MarbellaHe leads a team specializing in advanced body surgery that analyzes each case individually to recommend the best option according to the anatomy and aesthetic goals of each patient.
If you're looking for an effective solution to treat saddlebags and redefine your waist, our surgery... liposuction in Marbella It can be part of a body contouring plan tailored to you.
Conclusion
cartridge belts They are a very common aesthetic concern, but today there are different options for treating them, from non-invasive procedures to more defined surgical techniques. The best choice will depend on the amount of localized fat, the quality of the skin, and the desired result.
The most important thing is to have a professional assessment to choose the most suitable treatment according to your needs and achieve a more balanced and harmonious figure.
