Bingo wings, also known as bat wings, is the term used to refer to excess skin and fat on the upper arm, alongside the tricep muscle. This type of fat gets this somewhat derogatory name based on the idea that, when lifting and waving your arms as if to celebrate a bingo win, the fat begins to flap. Excess skin, fat, and tissue on the back of the upper arms is more common in women than in men.
In many instances, the presence of saggy, excess fat and skin on the upper arms can cause self-consciousness and embarrassment, particularly since this type of fat does tend to become very visibly apparent when lifting the arms or waving. This self-consciousness can lead to negative body image, and can result in a reluctance to wear certain clothing, such as sleeveless or short-sleeved tops, in public.
In most cases, saggy arms are the result of the natural aging process, during which your body’s metabolism slows and muscle mass begins to decline. In general, being overweight and lacking significant muscles in the arms can result in bingo wings at any age, and in many cases, people may develop bingo wings as the result of genetics.
Women are more likely to develop saggy upper arms than men simply because of hormones. Women are more prone to developing fat in certain areas of the body due to stress and hormonal changes. In addition, many men engage in more weight training and upper body exercise than women, making them less likely to develop excess fat on their arms.
While lifestyle changes, such as incorporating more upper-body exercise – specifically exercise that targets the triceps – can help minimize the appearance of bingo wings, in many cases, exercise and weight loss alone are not enough to eliminate saggy arms completely. There are a number of surgical solutions offered by SpaMedica that can eliminate saggy upper arm fat and restore confidence and positive self-image.
Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is the process of removing excess fat, skin and soft tissue from the upper arm. This procedure is the most common surgical solution for bingo wings.
There are two types of brachioplasty: a full arm lift, where the incision travels in the groove between the biceps and triceps muscles along the upper inner arm, from the armpit to the elbow, and the mini-upper arm lift, where the incision is kept in the armpit and upper arm and the rest of the excess fat is is removed using BodyTite liposuction.
In some cases, liposuction can be employed as a solution to eliminate bingo wings. During this procedure, the excess fat is targeted with the liposuction device, liquefied, and removed. Liposuction procedures can also stimulate collagen production.
Whether you choose arm lift surgery or combine arm lift surgery with liposuction will depend on several factors. If you have only a significant amount of excess skin, but not excess fat, arm lift surgery may be sufficient to address your bingo wings. However, if excess fat requires removal as well, you may achieve the most optimal results by combining both procedures. In addition, if you wish to opt for liposuction alone, you should have good skin elasticity.
Because brachioplasty requires a significant incision along your upper arm, you can expect the procedure to result in a scar. This scar, which may run from your elbow to your armpit, will fade with time.
In addition to lifestyle changes, there are some non-surgical solutions offered by SpaMedica that can address bingo wings.
Coolsculpting is a non-invasive procedure that eliminates fat cells by freezing them. If you opt for coolsculpting to address your saggy arms, you should ensure that you have adequate skin elasticity, as your skin will need to “bounce back” following the elimination of excess fat.
Check out our before and after section here!
The cost of fixing your bingo wings will depend on what type of procedure you choose. Brachioplasty at SpaMedica starts at $8,999, while liposuction begins at $4,999 and coolsculpting starts at $799. These costs will fluctuate depending on how much fat and excess tissue needs to be removed.
At SpaMedica, our team of clinical professionals and world-renowned plastic surgeons will work with you to determine what procedure is best for fixing your bingo wings, depending on your individual concerns and body type, and specific desired outcomes. Eliminating excess upper arm fat can help restore self-confidence and positive self-image. Contact the clinic to book your consultation today.
Removes excess skin and soft tissue, as well as fat from the upper arm.
Used to achieve the contoured and desired look that is sometimes unattainable by diet and exercise.
A soft tissue dermal filler for facial contour augmentation, for lip enhancement, and improve the appearance of wrinkles.
High energy light will be pulsed gently on the skin to target any imperfections on the face, neck, chest, and hands.
