As summer approaches, your wardrobe changes from bulky winter sweaters to sleeveless tanks and dresses. Unfortunately, flabby upper arms or “bat wings” make this season less desirable for many women. While excess fat and sagging skin can affect both men and women, flabby arms are more common in women and women are typically the ones seeking treatment to address their bat wings, allowing them to feel comfortable and confident in their summer wardrobe. But why are bat wings more common in women and what makes men so lucky?
Women vs. Men
When it comes to flabby arms and bat wings, one main culprit is testosterone. When it comes to testosterone, most people think men, but women have this hormone too, just at lower levels. It is these lower levels that make women more likely to store fat, especially in the upper arms, hips and thighs.
In addition, bat wings are often caused not by excess fat, but rather by sagging skin that can occur after significant weight loss and the natural aging process.
Treating Flabby Arms
While diet and exercise can help reduce excess fat that contributes to flabby arms, it doesn’t always deliver the results you are looking for. In this case body contouring procedures can help address these stubborn areas of fat or sagging skin. When it comes to the upper arms, you have three main treatments that can help you achieve your goals.
- Coolsculpting – A non-invasive body contouring treatment that works by freezing fat cells and sculpting a more toned appearance to your upper arms.
- Liposuction – Liposuction addresses stubborn pockets of fat, removing fat from the upper arm and creating a more even, toned appearance.
- Brachioplasty – Known as an arm lift, brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and stubborn fatty tissue to address bat wings.
If, despite your best diet and exercise efforts, bat wings are keeping you from wearing your favorite sleeveless outfit, the team at Pacifica can help. To learn more about which procedure can help you achieve your upper arms goals, schedule a consultation today.
