During the last decade the number of arm lifts performed has skyrocketed by 4,378 percent according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In 2000, more than 300 women got upper arm lift (brachioplasty) procedures and last year, over 15,000 did.
But what’s behind the major boost in arm surgery? Well, if you’ve ever admired a pair of A-list arms on the red carpet you’ll understand why. Researchers are not attributing the increase to one reason in particular, rather they are linking the increase to on-trend tank tops and strong-armed celebrities in the media (which even includes our own First Lady, Michelle Obama).
“Women are paying more attention to their arms in general and are becoming more aware of options to treat this area,” says ASPS President Gregory Evans, MD. “For some women, the arms have always been a troublesome area and, along with proper diet and exercise, liposuction can help refine them. Others may opt for a brachioplasty when there is a fair amount of loose skin present with minimal elasticity.”
According to a poll conducted on behalf of ASPS , women most admire the arms of Mrs. Obama, followed by some of Hollywood’s hottest bodies including Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Biel, Demi Moore and Kelly Ripa. “I think we are always affected by the people that we see consistently, either on the big screen or on TV,” says ASPS public education committee chair David Reath, MD. “We see them and think, ‘yeah, I’d like to look like that’.”
We can relate. Is there a pair of celebrity arms you’re working toward? Have you tried these exercises to amp up your arms?
