A 28-year-old woman, 5'5" and 175 pounds, is shown in these before-and-after photographs following a 150-pound weight loss with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Her crescent arm lift, also described as a mini arm lift, hidden arm lift, or short-scar brachioplasty, targets excess skin near the upper inner arm. Its distinguishing advantage is the concealed armpit scar. Instead of the long incision associated with traditional arm reduction surgery, the surgeon uses a crescent-shaped incision hidden within the natural fold of the axilla. Removing localized redundant skin helps tighten the upper arm near the shoulder while avoiding a scar running toward the elbow. The operation usually lasts 2–3 hours under general anesthesia. These postoperative photographs emphasize a more streamlined upper arm silhouette and reduced skin gathering around the armpit. Recovery may include temporary bruising, swelling, tenderness, and restricted overhead reaching. Gentle walking and routine light tasks often begin within days. Many patients return to sedentary work in about one week, although healing and activity demands differ. Weight training, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise are delayed during early recovery. This limited-incision technique cannot correct extensive loose skin throughout the entire upper arm. When skin laxity is concentrated near the axilla, however, the hidden scar placement offers a aesthetic advantage. The scar is not absent; it is positioned discreetly within the armpit crease.
Weight loss LA Lady Achieves Hidden Incision crescent arm lift Brachioplasty
Patient
- Ageundisclosed
- GenderFemale
- EthnicityWhite
- Height5’ 0” - 5’ 5”
- Weight100 - 149 lbs
Procedure
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These before-and-after photographs show a 28-year-old female patient, 5'5" tall and 175 pounds, after losing 150 pounds with Roux-en-Y (RNY) gastric bypass. A hidden scar arm lift, also called a crescent arm lift, mini arm lift, or limited-incision brachioplasty, addresses loose skin near the armpit after substantial weight loss. The major benefit is the location of the incision. Rather than leaving a long scar along the inner arm, the surgeon places a short, curved incision within the natural axillary crease. Excess skin is removed and the upper arm is tightened while the scar remains tucked into the armpit. This scar placement can make the incision less noticeable when the arms are resting at the sides. Surgery generally takes 2–3 hours under general anesthesia. The before-and-after views illustrate improved contour near the upper inner arm and a smoother transition into the chest. Early downtime commonly includes swelling, bruising, soreness, and tightness with reaching. Light daily activities may resume within several days, while desk work is often possible in approximately one week. Heavy lifting, strenuous workouts, and repeated overhead movements are restricted during initial healing. The crescent technique is best suited to skin laxity concentrated close to the armpit. Patients with loose skin extending toward the elbow generally require a longer incision for adequate correction. The hidden axillary scar continues to mature over several months as healing progresses.