Learn More About Awake Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure used to eliminate stubborn fat and enhance the body’s contours. While liposuction can be performed under general anesthesia, local anesthesia offers the benefit of a quicker recovery because patients are kept awake during the procedure. You will be able to talk to your surgeon and we will help keep you comfortable during the liposuction surgery.
Liposuction can target stubborn fat that is resistant to diet and exercise on many areas of the body. Various areas can be treated in one procedure, including fat in the:
Many patients are understandably concerned about the risks of general anesthesia and being put to sleep. By using local anesthesia and keeping patients awake, these risks are minimized. Additionally, you will be able to speak and move freely so your surgeon may ask that you flex certain muscles or reposition a few ways to access the entire treatment area. This allows for a smooth, even contour with no area left untreated.
The cost of awake liposuction is another benefit. A substantial part of the cost of a traditional liposuction procedure is to cover the surgical suite and anesthesiologist. Awake liposuction can be performed in our office under the expert supervision of Dr. Shienbaum and Dr. Gargya.
The best candidates for awake liposuction are healthy individuals who have localized areas of excess fat. Patients with a slightly higher BMI (above 30) can benefit from awake liposuction since there are higher risks of general anesthesia with overweight individuals. Those who have undergone anesthesia before and tolerated it well are also great candidates for the awake liposuction procedure. At your consultation, we will discuss your surgical goals and assess your medical history to make sure this is a safe treatment option for you.
The awake liposuction procedure will begin by administering local anesthesia using a fine needle. Other than a slight pinch from the needle, the treatment is completely painless since the entire treatment area will be numbed. A few tiny incisions will be made in the skin and a cannula (hollow tube) will be used to carefully break up and suck out the excess fat cells. Since you will not have to come out of general anesthesia, you can return home immediately after surgery.
After awake liposuction, patients should expect mild to moderate bruising, swelling, and tenderness in the treatment area(s). Discomfort can often be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses. Strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks but light activities can be resumed after a few days. Results will start to be seen after 2-3 months as swelling reduces and your newly slimmed figure will be permanent as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Patients who are considering liposuction in Brandon, Tampa, and the surrounding areas may benefit from our innovative awake liposuction surgery. To learn more about your liposuction treatment options, schedule a consultation today with our team of board-certified plastic surgeons at Brandon Plastic Surgery.