Wave Goodbye to Bat Wings

Have you noticed when you wave hello or goodbye lately your arm wave doesn’t stop when your hand does? Do you find yourself avoiding short-sleeved and sleeveless shirts? If you must wear them, do you keep your arms to your sides so no one can see your Bingo Banners? If these scenarios sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many people, particularly women and the young-at-heart-but-not-so-much-in-body, find themselves dealing with loose upper arm skin.

Who Ordered the Wings?

It’s unlikely anyone goes into adulthood hoping for bat wings, so why do so many get them anyway? Women have a higher chance of developing saggy upper arms in part due to hormones. Lower testosterone levels result in higher fat storage and reduced metabolism. The higher fat percentage in the upper arm stretches the skin. As we age, our skin naturally loses its elasticity and doesn’t retain the shape of youth.

Another group, individuals who have undergone massive weight loss, may find they have larger than normal arm flaps. This can cause frustration at not feeling comfortable in the clothes they now fit into otherwise. In these cases, the bat wings are caused by a surplus of skin.

Trimming The Flaps

Some upper arm exercises may help prevent Bingo wings, but often they are likely inevitable. When your weight is stabilized, you don’t use tobacco products and you have healthy exercise and dietary habits, Brachioplasty may be an option to consider. Also known as an arm lift, Brachioplasty is a body contouring procedure which may involve some liposuction to remove excess fat from any part of the arms. At the same time, spare skin is eliminated, creating a more youthful appearance.

An Arm Lift is performed under sedation as an outpatient procedure. With close adherence to the doctor’s instructions for care afterward, a patient will generally be able to return to work and other limited activities about a week after surgery. More strenuous endeavors may be resumed after about four weeks, depending on the individual.

If you want to learn more about Brachioplasty in the Washington D. C. area and are ready to raise the roof with shapely arms, contact Maia Plastic Surgery. We can schedule an appointment for a consultation of options to tailor your best birthday suit.