Inspired by strong-armed celebrities like Michelle Obama and Jennifer Aniston, upper arm lift surgeries have skyrocketed in the US by more than a whopping 4,000 per cent in just over the last decade, experts said.
New statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) show that it is a trend fuelled, in part, by sleeveless fashions for women and more focus on strong-armed celebrities.
Last year alone, more than 15,000 underwent the surgery. In comparison, more than 300 women got upper arm lift procedures in 2000.
However, in 2012, overall a staggering 15,457 people - up 3 per cent since 2011 - and 4,473 per cent since 2000, got the surgery done.
Among them were 15,136 women - up 4,378 per cent since 2000.
A whopping 98 per cent of arm lift patients in 2012 were women, researchers said.
The majority, 43 per cent of patients were aged 40 and 54, and 33 per cent were over the age of 55.
Upper arm lifts can include liposuction or a surgical procedure known as brachioplasty, in which loose skin is removed from the back of the arms.
"Women are paying more attention to their arms in general and are becoming more aware of options to treat this area," said ASPS President Gregory Evans.
"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," said Evans.
Doctors say there is no single reason behind the increase, though celebrities from the White House to the red carpet may be having an influence.
A recent poll conducted on behalf of ASPS found that women are paying closer attention to the arms of female celebrities.
According to the poll, women most admire the arms of first lady Michelle Obama, followed closely by Jennifer Aniston.
Actresses Jessica Biel and Demi Moore, and daytime TV talk show host Kelly Ripa also got votes for their toned arms.
