Dr. Antell:
Throughout his career, Dr. Antell has conducted research that has changed our understanding of the human body and medicine. He was honored for his landmark study on the aging process in identical twins by having his work displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History as part of the Human Genome Exhibit. The only plastic surgeon to have his work included in this prestigious museum, Dr. Antell’s findings were shown alongside those of Dr. James Watson and Dr. Francis Crick (the researchers who discovered the double helix structure of DNA).
Dr. Antell continued his work with identical twins, this time studying different facelift techniques. Both his study comparing full and short-scar facelift incisions in identical twins and that comparing four superficial plane facelift techniques were published in the renowned Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. In comparing full and short-scar facelift incisions, he found that, although there was no visible difference between the two techniques at short-term follow-ups, there was a significant difference in the neck region at long-term follow-ups. Specifically, there was a decline in the average score given to the neck area for the short-scar face-lift method. In comparing the four superficial plane facelift techniques, he found that the different techniques had similar results when performed on the appropriate patient, meaning that there is no one “best” face-lift technique. His research on facelifts in twins has also received significant attention, both in print media, such as magazines and newspapers, and on television. Having performed more plastic surgery on identical twins than any other surgeon, he has repeatedly been asked to lecture on the topic both in the United States and internationally. To read Dr. Antell’s study comparing full and short-scar facelifts, click here. To read Dr. Antell’s study comparing four superficial plane facelift techniques, click here.
Dr. Antell’s research has shown how environmental factors and lifestyle choices significantly affect the aging process. Through his studies, he has identified three factors – sun, stress, and smoking – which may have a larger impact on aging than genetics.
Dr. Antell’s entire staff is exceedingly proud of this accomplishment. Dr. Antell is one of the only Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons to have his work displayed in the prestigious Smithsonian Museum.
Darrick E. Antell, MD is world renowned for his research of identical twins.
The inspiration for Dr. Antell’s study came when a patient asked, “How long will my facelift last?” Dr. Antell replied with “forever,” telling her that if she had an identical twin who did not have a facelift, she’d always look younger than her twin. Although both would continue to age, the twin without the facelift would appear visibly older. With this in mind, Dr. Antell decided to study the effects of lifestyle factors, including sun exposure, smoking, and stress, on the aging process in identical twins. He hypothesized that, if one twin maintained a healthier lifestyle, that alone would help them maintain a more youthful appearance compared to the other. The results of his study became world famous, as his photos conclusively showed how detrimental sun, smoking, and stress are to the skin.
Dr. Antel has performed more plastic surgery on identical twins than any other surgeon in the world- here’s a small sample of those who have had facial surgery with him.
In-Office & Virtual Consultations with Dr. Antell are Available