“Bingo wings” is a colloquial term used primarily in the UK to describe the loose, flabby skin and fat that can hang from the upper arms, particularly when the arms are raised or waved. The term is thought to have originated from the motion made when waving one’s arms in the air, akin to how people might gesture during a game of bingo. Although the term is light-hearted, it refers to a common aesthetic concern, particularly as people age or undergo significant weight changes.

What Causes Bingo Wings?

Bingo wings are primarily caused by a combination of factors:

1. Ageing: As we age, our skin loses elasticity due to a decrease in collagen and elastin production. This reduction in skin firmness can result in sagging skin, particularly in areas like the upper arms where the skin is naturally thinner.
2. Weight Fluctuations: Significant weight gain followed by weight loss can stretch the skin. When fat is lost, the skin may not fully retract, leading to excess skin that can hang loosely, especially under the arms.
3. Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to storing more fat in certain areas, including the upper arms. Additionally, genetics play a role in skin elasticity and the rate at which muscle tone is lost with age.
4. Lack of Muscle Tone: The triceps muscles, located at the back of the upper arm, can become weak or underdeveloped if not regularly exercised. A lack of muscle tone can contribute to the appearance of bingo wings.
5. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women during menopause, can lead to fat redistribution and a decrease in muscle mass, further contributing to the development of bingo wings.

Why Do Women Get Bingo Wings More Than Men?

Women are more prone to developing bingo wings than men for several reasons:

1. Body Fat Distribution: Women naturally have a higher percentage of body fat than men, and they tend to store fat in areas like the hips, thighs, and upper arms due to hormonal differences. Oestrogen plays a significant role in this fat distribution.
2. Lower Muscle Mass: On average, women have less muscle mass than men, especially in the upper body. This can make it more difficult for women to maintain muscle tone in the arms, leading to a higher likelihood of developing bingo wings.
3. Hormonal Changes: Women experience more pronounced hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives—during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause—which can all influence fat storage and muscle tone. Menopause, in particular, leads to a decrease in oestrogen levels, which can result in fat being redistributed to areas like the upper arms.

How Can You Get Rid of Bingo Wings?

Getting rid of bingo wings often requires a combination of approaches:

Exercise:

• Strength Training: Focus on exercises that target the triceps, such as tricep dips, push-ups, and tricep extensions. Building muscle in this area can help tone the arms and reduce the appearance of sagging skin.
• Cardiovascular Exercise: Regular cardio can help reduce overall body fat, which can, in turn, reduce the fat stored in the upper arms.
• Full-Body Workouts: Incorporating full-body strength training and cardio can help create a balanced physique and prevent the overemphasis of fat storage in specific areas.

Diet: Maintaining a healthy diet that is low in processed foods and high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help manage overall body fat. Weight loss, when combined with exercise, can reduce fat in the upper arms.

Hydration and Skincare: Keeping the skin hydrated and using skincare products that promote collagen production can improve skin elasticity. While this won’t directly eliminate bingo wings, it can help improve the skin’s appearance.

What are the Non-Surgical Options for Bingo Wings?

Several non-surgical treatments can help improve the appearance of bingo wings:

Emsculpt Neo:

• How It Works: Emsculpt Neo is a non-invasive treatment that combines high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology with radiofrequency (RF) energy. The HIFEM induces powerful muscle contractions, which help build muscle mass and tone the triceps. The RF energy simultaneously heats the fat cells, causing them to break down.
• Benefits for Bingo Wings: By targeting both muscle and fat, Emsculpt Neo can help reduce the appearance of bingo wings by toning the underlying muscles and reducing fat in the upper arms.

BodyTite:

• How It Works: BodyTite is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) to melt fat and tighten the skin. The radiofrequency energy heats the underlying tissues, promoting collagen production and skin tightening while simultaneously melting fat, which is then suctioned out.
• Benefits for Bingo Wings: BodyTite can effectively reduce fat and tighten loose skin, making it an excellent option for those with moderate bingo wings who prefer a less invasive approach than surgery.

Morpheus8:

• How It Works: Morpheus8 uses focused radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin, leading to skin tightening over time.
• Benefits for Bingo Wings: Morpheus8 can help tighten loose skin on the upper arms, improving the overall appearance of bingo wings.

What are the Surgical Options for Bingo Wings?

For more severe cases of bingo wings, surgical options may be considered:

Arm Liposuction:

• How It Works: Arm liposuction involves the removal of excess fat from the upper arms through small incisions. A cannula is used to suction out the fat, sculpting the arm to a more desirable shape. Vaser liposuction can also help with some skin tightening.
• Difference from Arm Lift: Arm liposuction is less invasive than an arm lift and primarily focuses on fat removal. However, it does not address significant skin laxity, which can still be an issue after fat removal.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty):

• How It Works: A brachioplasty, or arm lift, involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper arms. The procedure typically requires an incision along the inner arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow. The skin is then tightened, and the underlying tissues may be reshaped to create a more contoured appearance.
• Difference from Liposuction: Unlike liposuction, a brachioplasty addresses both fat and excess skin, making it the preferred option for those with significant skin laxity. The trade-off is that it involves more extensive scarring.

Combination of Liposuction and Brachioplasty:

• How It Works: In most cases, we combine liposuction with a brachioplasty to remove fat and tighten skin simultaneously. This approach can provide more comprehensive results for patients with both excess fat and skin laxity.

What is a Brachioplasty?

A brachioplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reshape and contour the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. This is the medical term for an arm lift. It is often performed on individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or whose skin has become loose due to ageing. The goal is to create a more toned and proportionate appearance in the arms.

What are the Scars Like from an Arm Lift?

The scarring from an arm lift (brachioplasty) can be significant, as the incision typically runs along the inner part of the arm, from the armpit to the elbow. However, the visibility of scars can vary based on several factors:

1. Location: We place the incision along the inner arm, where it is less noticeable when the arms are by the sides.
2. Healing Process: The appearance of scars can improve over time with proper care, including keeping the incision clean, using silicone scar sheets, and avoiding sun exposure.
3. Skin Type: Some individuals are prone to more visible scarring due to their skin type or a tendency to form keloids.
4. Techniques Used: Advanced surgical techniques and careful stitching can help minimise scarring. We may use methods such as deep sutures and precise skin closure to reduce tension on the incision and promote better healing.

In conclusion, bingo wings are a common concern, particularly among women, due to factors such as ageing, genetics, and hormonal changes. Various non-surgical options, including Emsculpt Neo and BodyTite, can help improve the appearance of bingo wings by targeting fat and skin laxity. For those seeking more dramatic results, surgical options like arm liposuction or brachioplasty are available. While a brachioplasty provides the most comprehensive solution for severe cases, it does come with the trade-off of more noticeable scarring. Ultimately, the choice of treatment depends on the individual’s goals, the severity of the bingo wings, and their comfort with potential scarring and recovery time. Book your consultation to find our more and see if you are a candidate for these options.