Banish ‘Bingo Wings’ with an Arm Lift

Sagging underarms affect many of us as we age and skin loses its elasticity. The condition is a particular problem for those who have lost significant amounts of weight or have experienced weight fluctuation over the years. 

Stretched skin loses adherence to the underlying tissue, and is also affected by gravity, resulting in loose flaps that hang down from the armpit to the elbow. This is especially noticeable when the arm is outstretched.

Sufferers often feel it makes their arms very unsightly and are reluctant to expose their upper arms, always keeping them covered with long-sleeved tops. But so-called ‘bingo wings’ needn’t be endured, since this is an issue which can be easily corrected with an arm lift procedure.

Arm lift surgery is a popular treatment at Ocean Clinic Marbella that offers great results. Read on to discover how is performed…

What is an arm lift?

An arm lift or brachioplasty is an operation to remove excess fat and skin from the upper arm in order to improve its shape and contour.

It is an effective solution for men and women with flabby underarms that will not respond to diet and exercise.

How is an arm lift performed?

There are several surgical techniques that can be used to perform the procedure, including a standard upper arm lift and a mini-arm lift. Your doctor will help you choose the right solution for you based on your cosmetic goals and the amount of excess fat and skin on your arms.

All methods involve making two incisions; a vertical one on the inside part of the arm and another, horizontal one, in the armpit. The length of the incisions will depend on the extent of fat and skin being removed.

In a standard upper arm lift, the incision extends from the elbow into the armpit. Although the incision is long, it is positioned towards the back of the arm so that it is concealed as much as possible.

The excess tissue and skin is cut away and, in some cases, liposuction is used to remove additional fat and re-contour the shape of the upper arm. Next, the wound is sealed with fine stitches. 

In total the operation takes around two hours and it can be performed either on an outpatient basis (where you go home the same day) or, if you prefer, you may stay overnight at the clinic in one of our luxurious guest rooms.

How much scarring will there be?

Patients will be left with a fine scar running along the length of the inside upper arm, which should only be visible when the arms are raised. It will start off deep pink in colour but will gradually fade.

Scar care, including regular massage, is an important component of the treatment and may be employed for over one year to ensure the final results are as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

Our patients tell us they are highly satisfied with the procedure and that it offers them far greater freedom when choosing clothes, especially for those who struggled to find tops to fit properly because of the size and shape of their upper arms.

Removing wrinkled, sagging skin makes patients appear considerably younger as well as fitter and slimmer.

How long is the recovery?

Recovery from a brachioplasty is relatively short - just two or three days of downtime is required, with patients usually only experiencing minor discomfort and limited swelling and bruising. 

If you have a desk job you will be able to return to work within a few days, but if your job is physical you may have to factor in up to four weeks off, since shoulder movement is restricted during this time. Your surgeon can advise you on exactly how much time off you are likely to require.

All bruising and swelling should be gone after six weeks and at this point you can resume activities such as heavy lifting, arm exercises etc.

How much does an arm lift cost?

An arm lift costs in the region of €2,500 to €3,500 depending on the extent of skin and tissue that needs removing. Contact Ocean Clinic Marbella to arrange a free consultation with a surgeon and receive an exact quote for your procedure.

Arm lift surgery can have a stunning impact on your overall appearance. Click here to see more before and after photos of our patients.