Getting Rid of Bingo Wings

You may have heard of bingo wings - the folds of loose skin and fat that hang from the undersides of the upper arms.

Anyone can get bingo wings, men included, but the problem is worse for those suffering with obesity. This is because the skin stretches more quickly if there is the weight of extra fat hanging from it. But even after losing this excess weight, problematic loose skin remains.

The appearance of bingo wings can be made worse by sun damage, as exposure to UV light can accelerate the ageing process, meaning the skin loses its natural elasticity, leading to sagging and wrinkling. Genetics can also play a part in the development of bingo wings.

Bingo wings can cause physical discomfort. Those who have them may find it difficult to fit into long-sleeved clothing comfortably, while the thought of bearing their arms in a strappy top fills them with anxiety.

Why are they called bingo wings?

The term "bingo wings" is a colloquialism for the flabby appearance of upper arm skin that sags due to ageing or weight changes. The word most likely derives from the skin's flapping action during arm movements, which resembles bird wings.

Are bingo wings fat or loose skin?

Bingo wings can be a result of both extra body fat and loose skin under the upper arm. While each person's specific cause will be different, brachioplasty can address both issues for a more toned and youthful appearance.

How to get rid of bingo wings

Bingo wings can be treated in a variety of different ways, both naturally and surgically. Activities such as exercise, eating a healthy, balanced diet, losing weight and staying hydrated are all good ways to reduce the look of bingo wings. Below we outline a few different ways to get rid of bingo wings.

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Bingo wings and exercise

One effective way to reduce the appearance of bingo wings is through exercise. Exercise can help to tone the upper arms, and anyone concerned about the appearance of bingo wings should introduce resistance training to their exercise regimen.

If fat in the upper arms is the problem, then weight training and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) are good ways to tackle the problem. A HIIT workout involves short bouts of intense work lasting anywhere from 10 to 60 seconds, followed immediately by a period of active recovery for a similar time. This cycle is repeated several times during the workout.

If sagging skin on the upper arms is an issue, then you may be considering how to tone your bingo wings. You can do this by building up your muscles in the area with press-ups, tricep dips, shoulder presses, arm circles, and bicep circles. Lifting weights will also help to build muscles in the arms, shoulders and chest area.

However, the effectiveness of exercise on bingo wings varies from person to person. In some cases these exercises can help to lessen the appearance of sagging underarms, but not always. If there are significant amounts of excess sagging skin, left behind by weight loss for example, then a surgical procedure is usually the only option for getting rid of bingo wings.

Even so, an exercise routine which includes a mixture of resistance training and cardio is beneficial for your overall health, so we would recommend introducing arm and upper body exercises into your workout if you do not do them already.

Non-surgical treatments

There are some non-surgical treatments which may help with the appearance of wobbling or sagging skin on the upper arms.

Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology to lift and tighten the skin. Alternatively, Profhilo is used to firm the skin in the upper arm area, resulting in a smoother, younger-looking arm.

The benefit of non-surgical treatments is that they involve no incisions, they are quick to perform and there is no downtime afterwards. However, non-surgical treatments are not as effective as surgical treatments for getting rid of bingo wings.

If you have a lot of fat or sagging skin, then non-surgical treatments will not be an option for you.

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Can you have surgery to get rid of bingo wings?

Yes, brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, is a very successful method of removing bingo wings. In order to achieve a smoother, more toned appearance, your surgeon will remove the extra skin and fat, tighten the supporting tissue, and reposition the remaining skin.

Bingo wings surgery (Brachioplasty)

Cosmetic Surgery

Arm Lift/Arm Reduction

An arm reduction, or arm lift, lifts and removes sagging skin or 'bingo wings' under the arm.

Also known as an arm lift or arm reduction, brachioplasty is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits on the upper arm. The procedure involves a combination of skin excision and liposuction.

Firstly lipo is used to gently remove fat from the arm. The loose skin hanging down underneath the arm is then removed.

There are two different types of arm lift we offer here at the Cadogan Clinic:

Mini brachioplasty for people with little excess skin and fat in the upper arms.
Standard brachioplasty for those with a moderate amount of excess skin and fat.

Mini brachioplasty involves a single crescent-shaped incision under the armpit, while a standard brachioplasty involves two separate incisions, one stretching from the armpit to just above the elbow, and another on the back of the arm from the armpit to just above the elbow. During this particular procedure, the fat and excess skin are removed and the underlying tissues are then tightened and reshaped.

An arm lift is a quick and effective way of getting rid of bingo wings, giving definition to untoned arms and bringing the arms back into proportion with the rest of the body.

Liposuction or skin excision only

Occasionally an arm lift can be performed with liposuction only, without the need for skin excision. Liposuction only is most common in younger patients who still have a good amount of skin elasticity. Skin excision-only procedures are most common among thinner patients who have lost a large amount of weight, leaving excess skin behind.

In conclusion, the permanent removal bingo of wings can only be accomplished through surgery, not just exercise. As long as the patient maintains a constant body weight, surgery will produce long-lasting results. Even though the ageing process will continue after surgery, the skin will be starting from a drastically improved starting position, decreasing the likelihood of obvious sagging for several years.

You can be sure that you will receive treatment from one of the top specialists in the nation because the Cadogan Clinic is delighted to have put together a team of the country's best consultants. Make an appointment to speak with one of our skilled surgeons to find out how we can give your bingo wings a lasting fix.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted pockets of fat on the body and face.

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Body Surgery

Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted pockets of fat on the body and face.

Body Surgery

Arm Lift/Arm Reduction

An arm reduction, or arm lift, lifts and removes sagging skin or 'bingo wings' under the arm.

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