If you have been researching and considering liposuction to achieve your body contouring goals, you have probably heard the term “awake liposuction.” This process exists because for some people, the thought of being “put under” for a surgical procedure is anxiety-inducing.
If you are interested in receiving a fat-removal operation that is less invasive, less risky, and less expensive, an awake procedure might be the perfect choice. A knowledgeable plastic surgeon will determine if awake liposuction is right for you and address any concerns.
What is the Tumescent Liposuction Technique?
Tumescent or “awake” liposuction is one of the most widely used fat-removal techniques because it is effective and minimally invasive. This surgery uses an anesthetic “tumescent” solution that a physician injects into the treatment areas through small incisions. The liquid contains a vasoconstrictor, which is a medication that causes blood vessels to constrict. The shrinking of the blood vessels is crucial and reduces blood loss during the surgery.
After injecting the tumescent solution, Dr. Steele will insert a thin tube called a cannula to break apart fat cells, allowing him to remove them from underneath the skin. During this step, the patient may feel a tugging sensation. However, local anesthesia combined with nitrous oxide gas and the tumescent solution should negate any pain. General anesthesia is not needed unless a surgeon decides to treat a large area of the body or combine liposuction with other procedures. Because of its versatility, tumescent liposuction should be right for most people.
Benefits of Awake Fat-Elimination
One of the biggest reasons people choose awake liposuction over other methods is the shorter recovery time. The use of the vasoconstrictor during surgery greatly reduces bruising and post-operative discomfort. Recuperating from awake liposuction takes a few days with activity restrictions in place for about three weeks.
Avoiding traditional anesthesia can also be beneficial. General anesthesia carries a higher risk of complication than local anesthesia and is more expensive. Additionally, using traditional anesthesia can be more complicated because the process requires the time and attention of a knowledgeable specialist.
When an individual undergoing liposuction is awake, they can move themselves as needed, allowing the surgeon to quickly reach different areas of the body without unnecessary lifting and shifting.
Dr. Steele will answer any further questions about the compelling benefits of awake liposuction.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Awake Liposuction?
In general, tumescent liposuction is best for people who are hoping to remove fat from targeted areas of the body, like the chin, arms, thighs, and abdomen.
The best candidates for awake liposuction are people in generally good health who have reached a stable body weight but want to remove localized fat deposits that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. An ideal candidate should also have enough skin elasticity to allow the skin to remain firm on the reshaped body region. Dr. Steele will help a prospective patient determine whether they are an ideal candidate for tumescent liposuction.
Consult Dr. Steele to See if Awake Liposuction Is Ideal for You
If you are considering removing a localized region of fat on your body, you should contact Dr. Steele to see if awake liposuction is right for you. A hard-working member of our team will elaborate on the stages on the procedure, assess your needs, and provide valuable recommendations. Reach out today to schedule an initial appointment.