When we think of the body’s most common problem areas, the stomach, hips, and thighs immediately spring to mind. For up to 80% of women, however, it’s the upper arms that really fan the flames of insecurity. Excess skin and fat on the arms can lead to the development of unsightly hanging folds, sometimes referred to as “bat wings.” This condition can affect even very slim, fit women and becomes more noticeable with age. Sagging arms may also develop on people of both genders after significant weight loss.
Unfortunately, because this issue receives little attention in the media, many women don’t realize that bat wings are treatable. When exercise fails to restore lean upper arm contours, plastic surgeons recommend using arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery to remove loose brachial skin and fat. By directly addressing the core problems that cause bat wings, arm lift surgery produces noticeable and long-lasting improvements in arm shape. Here’s how to tell whether or not this procedure might be right for you:
3 Signs You Should Consider an Arm Lift
- Your arms look flabby even though you exercise regularly.
Flabby-looking arms don’t necessarily indicate the presence of excess weight if you’re female. For genetic and hormonal reasons, women’s bodies are prone to storing additional subcutaneous fat on the upper arms and chest. Over time, the weight of this fat stretches the skin, causing it to sag. If you have good upper body strength and your BMI is within the normal range, your flabby arms are probably the result of genetics or aging, not poor fitness.
If the skin on your upper arms visibly hangs down when you raise your arms (that is, you can pinch at least an inch of loose skin), then an arm lift might be right for you. Having rolls of excess skin around your bra line, or having arms that look disproportionately full and soft (compared to the rest of your torso), can also indicate the need for brachioplasty.
- Your upper arms cause you physical discomfort.
Do your upper arms jiggle when you exercise? Do you experience chronic chafing or redness around your bra line or under your arms? If you answered “Yes” to either of these questions, arm lift surgery could potentially make you more comfortable. Removing loose skin and fat from your upper arms will eliminate the friction that causes under-arm irritation.
- You feel very self-conscious about how you look in short sleeves.
When you find yourself avoiding T-shirts and bathing suits because your arms don’t look toned anymore—despite your best efforts at the gym—then it’s probably time for a change. Removing loose brachial skin and fat allows for better bicep definition, restoring a strong, lean, and youthful look. If your toned arms used to be your favorite feature, this operation can help you get them back.
Arm lift surgery gives eligible candidates the freedom to exercise comfortably and wear seasonal clothing without embarrassment. If you’re ready to say goodbye to bat wings forever, our doctors can help: Just contact Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg at (540) 371-7730 to arrange a consultation.
