Upper arm lift procedures have increased more than 4,300 percent in the last decade, with thousands of woman opting to have plastic surgery to get defined biceps like Michelle Obama.
The first lady inspired more than 15,000 women to go under the knife last year, compared to the 300 who had the procedure done in 2000, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The most common arm procedures include liposuction and brachioplasty, which involves the reshaping of the under part of the upper arm.
Urgent: Is Obamacare Hurting Your Wallet? Vote in Poll
"Women are paying more attention to their arms in general and are becoming more aware of options to treat this area," ASPS president Dr. Gregory Evans said in a statement.
The ASPS found that Obama topped the list of most desirable arms, followed by Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Biel, Demi Moore, and Kelly Ripa.
Brachioplasty is a good option for patients who may have lost a large amount of weight, causing excess skin to hang from their upper arms, the surgeons said. For those just looking to tone up, liposuction is the best route.
"[Upper arm procedures are] becoming increasingly popular," Dr. Marc DuPéré of Toronto's Visage Clinic told the Toronto Star. "Especially in the ladies, when they wear little strap, shoulder dresses, they don’t like that floppy underarm skin. And that’s a common request here."
The typical cost for liposuction in New York City is $6,000 to $10,000, and it’s not covered by insurance, according to Dr. Scot Glasberg, ASPS vice president.
The typical cost of a brachioplasty in the Big Apple ranges from $9,000 to $12,000, Glasberg said. It, too, is not covered.
Last month, plastic surgeons in New York City saw an uptick in
patients asking for Kate Middleton's nose.
"When I saw Kate’s nose, I just knew it was the perfect nose for me," patient Jessica Blaier told the New York Daily News. "Other celebrities had parts of their noses that I wanted, but Kate’s nose had it all. The bridge swoops. The tip doesn’t fall when she smiles. And it’s feminine."
ALERT: Government ‘Blunder’ Spawns Massive Profit Opportunity
Related stories:
Should Kids Get Plastic Surgery?
Chin Implant Surgery Skyrocketing
You're So Vain: Gadhafi Opted for Plastic Surgery