Wave Goodbye to Bingo Wings: Solutions for Flabby Upper Arms
Whether it’s age, genetics, or weight fluctuations, flabby upper arms can be frustrating and stubborn. The British refer to them as Bingo Wings because when older women would raise their arms enthusiastically to shout “Bingo!” at a bingo hall, the loose skin or flabby part under the upper arms would flap or jiggle—like wings.
The good news is there are multiple ways to tighten, tone, and treat this area —and one standout option is SlimLipo, a cutting-edge laser-assisted liposuction treatment.
First Things First: Exercise & Diet
- Strength Training: Exercises like tricep dips, push-ups, bicep curls, and overhead presses help build lean muscle and reduce the appearance of sagging skin.
- Cardio & Diet: Fat loss requires overall weight loss, so combining strength with cardio and a balanced diet is essential. Spot reduction is a myth. You can’t “target” arm fat with exercise alone.
Sometimes, even with diet and exercise, there is little to no improvement in the area. That’s when medical treatments can be considered as an option.
SlimLipo: A Smarter Way to Sculpt
SlimLipo (short for Selective Laser-Induced Melting of Lipids) is a minimally invasive laser liposuction treatment designed specifically for stubborn fat and loose skin. It is especially effective for upper arms.
Here’s how it works:
- A tiny laser fiber is inserted under the skin via a small incision.
- The laser energy melts fat and stimulates collagen production.
- Melted fat is gently suctioned out, and the laser tightens the surrounding skin from the inside.
Results? More sculpted arms, less sagging skin, and a slimmer silhouette—with minimal downtime.
It’s important to note that SlimLipo works best for arms with minimal skin laxity. If there is significant skin laxity surgical removal of the skin may be your only option.
What’s Recovery Like?
SlimLipo can be a fairly minor surgical procedure and most people are back to light activity within a couple of days. Compression garments are typically worn for a few weeks to support healing and enhance results.
Bonus: Because of the laser’s skin-tightening effect, SlimLipo often avoids the need for more invasive surgical lifts. Minimal scarring.
Surgical option: Brachioplasty
A brachioplasty, commonly known as an arm lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, typically between the armpit and the elbow. If performed correctly it will improve the contour and tone of the arms, especially after significant weight loss or due to aging when the skin loses elasticity.
Key details:
- Goal: To make the upper arms look more toned and youthful.
- Procedure: Involves making an incision—usually along the inner or back part of the arm—to remove excess skin and fat. Liposuction may also be used.
- Scarring: Scars are usually present but are placed to be as discreet as possible.
- Recovery: Generally takes a few weeks, with swelling and bruising common in the early stages.
Brachioplasty usually requires general anaesthesia. You will have some down time and meticulous care of the surgical site and scar is needed. Compression garments are typically worn for a few weeks to support healing and enhance results. It’s advisable to have this procedure during the winter months as the compression garments can be hidden under long sleeves.
The Bottom Line
It’s best to consult with a Plastic Surgeon to discuss your options. Together you will find a solution that fits your lifestyle and goals.