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A lower body lift involves the surgical removal of excess skin and fat of the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, and thighs. Often performed on patients who have lost a dramatic amount of weight, the surgery resculpts the lower body by removing unsightly skin and tissue. This can help to restore a more youthful, firm, and attractive appearance of the lower body. In Manhattan, lower body lift procedures conducted by Dr. Antell are a safe bet that can help you look and feel your best.

Why choose Dr. Antell for a lower body lift?

Dr. Darrick Antell is widely regarded as being one of the nation’s most experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. Highly respected by his peers, he has frequently been listed as a “Top Plastic Surgeon” by Harper’s Bazaar, Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. His extraordinary accomplishments include being honored for his groundbreaking research on identical twins and the aging process, and he is the only plastic surgeon who has had his work displayed in the Smithsonian Museum- a stunning achievement.

Dr. Antell approaches lower body lifts with the philosophy that “Plastic surgery should whisper, not scream,” meaning that he takes care to ensure that his work produces a natural yet enhanced result. A highly sought-after plastic surgeon, he is often called upon to treat celebrities, high-profile individuals, and others who demand the highest quality outcome. With a reputation for discretion and personalized care, Dr. Antell can advise you on the best custom body lift procedure to achieve your goals.

Am I a candidate for a lower body lift?

A lower body lift can restore your buttocks, thighs, and waist, so that the area appears more smooth, firm, and sculpted. The best candidates for a lower body lift are individuals in good health who:

  • Have significant skin and tissue looseness in the lower body
  • Are unhappy with or self-conscious about the appearance of excess hanging skin, tissue, and fat
  • Are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery with proper nutrition and regular exercise
Woman laying on couch with toned body.

What can I expect in my consultation?

In your initial consultation, Dr. Antell will evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as examine the current condition of your body. After listening to your concerns, he will then work with you to develop the most appropriate body-contouring plan for achieving your desired outcome, while minimizing risks.

Dr. Antell offers an array of body sculpting procedures and can inform you of the various body-contouring methods available. If there is only excess fat in the area of concern, liposuction may be sufficient with a shorter recovery and minimal scarring. For those who have large amounts of excess skin and tissue, a lower body lift is often the appropriate procedure.

During your initial consultation, be sure to mention any dramatic weight losses or gains you have experienced. You should also inform him if you smoke and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs. Don't hesitate to ask Dr. Antell any questions about the surgery, recovery, and expected outcome.

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Where will my lower body lift be performed?

Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City, but most patients prefer for the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world-renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. His facility has a private back entrance to ensure total discretion and all members of his staff have been thoroughly trained to offer personalized care. The state-of-the-art outpatient surgery facility is fully accredited, designed for your comfort, and equipped with the latest technology. 

How should I prepare for my lower body lift?

We will ensure you are provided with clear instructions and guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins and specific medications. Any prescriptions should be filled prior to your day of surgery. Depending on your medical history, you may be asked to provide pre-operative clearance from another doctor.

The surgery is performed under “twilight” sedation to ensure the comfort of the patient and we strongly recommend arranging a driver for the ride home and someone to assist you for the first few days after surgery. 

What are the risks of a lower body lift?

Although all surgery involves some level of risk and the potential for complications, a lower body lift is typically a safe procedure when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who employs the latest surgical techniques and the most stringent patient health and safety protocols. The most common complications include bleeding, infection, fat necrosis, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. In addition, numbness or changes in the sensation of the skin may occur. Dr. Antell will provide a thorough discussion of all risks during your initial consultation.

What type of anesthesia is used?

A lower body lift is typically performed using a form of “twilight” sedation to ensure your comfort during the surgery. A board-certified anesthesiologist will carefully monitor you throughout your procedure to ensure safety.

Woman with slim body in red bathing suit.

How is a lower body lift performed?

A lower body lift helps to create smoother, tighter contours by removing excess skin and tissue. The length and placement of your incisions will be customized based on your current condition, with the pattern of the incisions reflecting the quantity of skin and tissue to be removed.

Understanding that scarring is a concern, Dr. Antell will strategically place the incisions to be as hidden from view as much as possible. Multiple layers of meticulous internal sutures, as well as external sutures when necessary, will be used to close the incisions and support the new contours.

Dr. Antell may place a temporary tube at the time of surgery to drain fluid and help prevent accumulation. In addition, a bandage may be placed over the incision areas to provide support and aid in healing. Every patient is different and depending on the complexity of your customized procedure, the surgery may take anywhere between four and six hours to complete.

What will my recovery be like?

We ensure we are with you every step of your surgical journey. After undergoing your body lift, you will recover in Dr. Antell’s state-of-the-art recovery suite while being monitored by one of his nurses until you feel well enough to be discharged. A lower body lift is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day as the procedure. When performed under IV sedation, you should be prepared to have an escort to bring you home, as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Upon leaving the facility, you will be provided thorough discharge instructions that will guide you through the initial post-operative period. Throughout the entire recovery process, Dr. Antell and his staff will be available to answer any questions you may have.

We will schedule your first follow-up appointment for the day after surgery so that Dr. Antell can observe the healing process. You can sponge bathe immediately and are usually able to take a shower forty-eight hours after your procedure. If deemed necessary, you may be prescribed antibiotics to help prevent infection. If so, please be sure that you take the entire course as directed. While you will be able to return to most light, daily activities within a few days, Dr. Antell may recommend taking up to two weeks off from work. External sutures, if used, will be removed one to two weeks after your procedure. Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may be asked to refrain from vigorous exercise for four to six weeks. After the procedure, you will likely be bruised and swollen.

While this will mostly dissipate within the first six to eight weeks after surgery, some residual swelling can remain for six months or more. The incisions made during a lower body lift are strategically placed to be as hidden from view as possible when wearing clothing or a swimsuit. Over time, the incisions will fade and become less noticeable. The skills of your surgeon are the most critical in achieving the desired outcome. It is important to prevent exposure of your scars to direct sunlight for the first six months, as this can cause changes to the pigmentation. You can be confident that you will achieve a superior result from a lower body lift when under the care of a doctor with the experience of Dr. Antell.

What will my expected result be?

A lower body lift is a highly effective technique for creating a smooth, firm, sculpted body contour. The results are long-lasting, provided you maintain your weight by eating sensibly and exercising regularly. Most patients love the results of a lower body lift — they feel regained confidence, able to wear clothes they couldn't before, and more at ease with their bodies.

How do I get started?

Dr. Darrick E. Antell and his staff will be happy to provide a discreet and private consultation to evaluate your needs and discuss a lower body lift in NYC. Please call the office at (212) 988-4040 to schedule your consultation.

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