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Crescent Lift (Short-Scar Arm Lift)
Aging and significant weight loss often leave sagging skin in places that resist diet and exercise entirely, and the upper arm is one of the most common. For patients with only mild to moderate laxity, a full arm lift may be more than necessary. The crescent lift — a short-scar arm lift named for the shape of its incision — offers a refined alternative, removing excess skin and fat through a small incision hidden in the armpit for a tighter, smoother arm with minimal scarring. Patients across Reno and Lake Tahoe choose Avance Plastic Surgery Institute for this less-invasive approach.
The crescent lift is performed by Dr. Erez Dayan, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Medical Director of Avance Plastic Surgery Institute who has written, lectured, and taught plastic surgery techniques to hundreds of physicians and surgeons worldwide. Harvard-trained — where he served as Chief Resident in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital — and fellowship-trained in aesthetic surgery at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, Dr. Dayan is recognized for his command of the latest technology and his skill at matching each patient to the least-invasive procedure that will achieve their goals. For those who need more extensive correction, he also offers a full arm lift.
What Is a Crescent Lift in the Armpit?
A short-scar arm lift, or crescent lift, uses a small, crescent-shaped incision to access the area beneath the upper arm. Because the technique is reserved for patients who still have reasonable skin elasticity, less tissue needs to be removed and gentler tightening methods can be used. The scar is easily concealed within the armpit and tends to heal considerably faster than the longer incision required for a traditional arm lift.
“The crescent lift is about doing just enough. When a patient still has good elasticity, I can tighten the arm through a small incision tucked into the armpit — less scar, faster recovery, beautiful result.” — Dr. Erez Dayan
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Short-Scar Arm Lift?
The crescent lift is best suited to patients with mild to moderate excess skin and good remaining skin elasticity in the upper arms. If your skin still has the ability to retract and only a modest amount of tissue needs to be addressed, this approach can deliver a smoother contour with a much smaller scar. Patients with significant skin laxity may achieve better results with a full arm lift, which Dr. Dayan will discuss honestly during your consultation.
What to Expect During Crescent Lift Recovery
A crescent lift typically takes about an hour to address both arms. Dr. Dayan and his team ensure your comfort with appropriate anesthesia and long-acting pain treatment, and most patients recover within seven to ten days — possibly up to two weeks for those whose activities frequently involve raising the arms overhead. Each patient receives a clear aftercare plan and follow-up to support smooth healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Crescent Lift
What is the difference between a crescent lift and a full arm lift?
A crescent lift uses a small incision hidden in the armpit and is suited to patients with mild to moderate laxity and good skin elasticity. A full arm lift uses a longer incision to remove more extensive excess skin. Dr. Dayan recommends the option that best fits your degree of laxity.
Where is the crescent lift scar located?
The crescent-shaped incision is placed in the armpit, where it is easily concealed. Because less tissue is removed, the scar is smaller and tends to heal faster than a traditional arm lift incision.
How long does the procedure take?
A crescent lift generally takes about an hour to treat both arms. Dr. Dayan uses appropriate anesthesia and long-acting pain management to keep you comfortable throughout.
How long is recovery after a crescent lift?
Most patients recover within seven to ten days, though it may take up to two weeks if your daily activities frequently involve raising your arms overhead. A personalized aftercare plan guides your recovery.
Am I a good candidate for a short-scar arm lift?
Good candidates have mild to moderate excess skin and good remaining elasticity in the upper arms. A consultation with Dr. Dayan is the best way to confirm whether a crescent lift or a full arm lift will serve you better.
Will the crescent lift remove fat as well as skin?
Yes. The procedure removes both excess skin and fat to create a tighter, smoother upper-arm contour, tailored to the amount of correction each patient needs.
Why Choose Avance Plastic Surgery Institute for a Crescent Lift
- A Surgeon Who Teaches Surgeons: Dr. Dayan has taught arm-contouring and plastic surgery techniques to hundreds of physicians worldwide
- Harvard Surgical Training: board-certified with Chief Resident experience at Massachusetts General Hospital
- Least-Invasive Approach: a smaller incision and faster recovery for the right candidates
- Discreet Scarring: a crescent incision tucked into the armpit for minimal visibility
- Accredited Surgical Facility: procedures performed in an AAAASF-accredited operating suite built for safety and precision
Schedule Your Crescent Lift Consultation in Reno/Tahoe
If loose upper-arm skin bothers you but you’d prefer the smallest possible scar, a crescent lift with Dr. Erez Dayan may be the answer. Contact Avance Plastic Surgery Institute online or call 775-800-4444 to schedule your consultation, and Dr. Dayan will be glad to explain the procedure and answer your questions. Virtual consultations are also available for patients traveling from out of town.
Maintenance Program
The maintenance program at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute is designed to offer patients a convenient way to continue seeing the benefits of our treatments for as long as possible.
To maintain the outcomes of body contouring procedures, we recommend non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments with the following devices:
- Forma Body (InMode)
- Morpheus 8 Body (InMode)
- Evolve
