Bingo Wings Symptoms & Causes

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Treatments

Conditions

The symptoms

Loose skin

Loss of skin elasticity, weight loss, or ageing are common causes of loose skin.

Fat accumulation

A less toned appearance is the cause of excess fat deposits in the upper arms.

Lack of muscle definition

A lack of muscular definition due to ageing or inactivity.

Sagging appearance

The skin may sag when the arms are being raised.

When to see a doctor?

Addressing Discomfort

Should I consult a cosmetic surgeon?

Bingo wings can lead to functional issues aside from aesthetics. When your arms start to rub against your body, it may cause pain, rashes, itching, or irritation.

Medical advice would be beneficial if these problems persist and cause discomfort, interfere with your daily life, or affect your confidence.

Also, if you have attempted a non-surgical method with no success, and are planning to have a surgical treatment like brachioplasty (an arm lift), it is the best time to consult your cosmetic surgeon. Book an appointment here.

Advised treatments

Brachioplasty

Body Treatment

Bodytite

Body Treatment

Liposuction

Body Treatment

The causes

What causes bingo wings?

Loose skin and excess fat beneath the arms are called bingo wings in colloquial terms. It is a usual result of ageing or weight loss. Being overweight can also result in less defined muscles, which is another cause of bingo wings.

The risk factors

How do bingo wings occur?

The two major causes of bingo wings are age and weight reduction. Bingo wings may occur when there is loose skin on the upper arms due to rapid weight loss.

Another reason is the underarm loss of definition, usually common to overweight individuals.

The complications

Overall Impact

Physical and Emotional Impact

Skin Irritation:
When your upper arms start to sag and become loose, it can rub against your body or clothes, which may cause rashes and irritation.
Hygiene concern:
Hygiene maintenance can be more challenging when you have extra skin folds because of bingo wings. When sweat and moisture are trapped in the folds, it will become warm and moist, where bacteria or fungi easily grow.

Posture and muscle weakness:
Because upper arms bear a greater weight due to excess fat and sagging skin, posture can be affected. These can lead to shoulder and neck pain, muscular imbalances, and discomfort.
Self-Esteem and Psychological Impact:
Most individuals become conscious of wearing short-sleeves or sleeveless clothes, particularly when they have excess fat and drooping upper arms. Because of this, they lose self-confidence and increase social anxiety, trying to avoid activities that may expose their upper arms.

The prevention

What are the proper exercise to prevent bingo wings?

To help prevent bingo wings, focus on strengthening the upper arm muscles, especially the triceps. To reduce saggy skin appearance and help achieve firmed and toned muscles, incorporate exercises like pushups, bicep curls, tricep dips, and dumbbells into your upper body workouts. A combination of movement and resistance will burn up your arm fat quickly and tone and strengthen your triceps.

Maintain a healthy weight

To prevent excessive saggy skin in your upper arm, try to avoid significant weight loss that can stretch the skin. Excess skin can be avoided with proper exercise and a healthy diet.

What foods should be taken to help prevent bingo wings?

Consume foods high in protein, like fish, chicken, and beans, to maintain healthy skin and muscle growth. Fruits and vegetables with high vitamin C help promote healthy skin and produce collagen. Also, incorporate foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids like fish, flaxseed, and walnuts to help promote skin hydration. A healthy diet is also needed to help reduce overall body fat.

Food should be avoided

To help prevent bingo wings, limit the consumption of processed and sugary foods, fried and greasy foods, high-fat dairy products, artificial sweeteners, and additives, as well as alcohol. You can reduce the risk of having poor skin and weight gain by avoiding these unhealthy foods.

Does moisturiser help?

Always keep your skin moisturised. Use a high-quality moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and shea butter to keep your skin smooth and hydrated. By doing so, it will help improve skin quality and maintain its health and elasticity.

Protect the skin from the sun

Applying sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UV radiation, which can break down collagen and elastin, resulting in premature sagging.

Does smoking contribute to the bingo wing's occurrence?

Smoking can reduce skin suppleness and accelerate the ageing process. Your skin’s firmer and youthful appearance can be maintained by quitting smoking.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking adequate water can help maintain skin elasticity. A well-hydrated skin is more firmer and supple, which lowers the possibility of sagging.

Does slow and steady weight loss can avoid bingo wings?

Significant body weight loss increases the chance of developing droopy skin, particularly bingo wings. If you are trying to lose weight, do it gradually and give your skin time to adjust.

Posture and movement

Maintaining proper posture can help the arms look more toned. Keep the muscles active, burn fat, and reduce the appearance of sagging skin by doing a regular movement and avoiding sitting or slouching for a long time.