Liposuction is a routine cosmetic procedure that hundreds of thousands of people undergo every year to achieve their ideal figure and enhance the contours of multiple body areas. While traditional anesthesia is very safe, awake liposuction offers the same cosmetic enhancements but uses a specific kind of local anesthesia for pain control, while allowing you to stay alert with only mild sedation if needed. As a result, your recovery is much quicker with fewer systemic side effects. Being awake during a cosmetic procedure seems frightening to many patients, so common questions during consultations include, “Is awake liposuction safe?”
Contact our staff for a consultation if you want to hear more details on the safety measures and advantages of awake liposuction compared to the standard approach.
What is Different About Awake Liposuction?
The primary difference between an awake liposuction operation and a traditional procedure is the type of anesthesia patients receive, either general or local. With awake liposuction, injections of a unique anesthetic solution with lidocaine numb the treatment areas before the procedure occurs without the need for deep sedation or full anesthesia. Some patients prefer an awake liposuction method, as it allows the patient to remain in control and aware and, thus, feel more comfortable undergoing the procedure.
During an awake liposuction surgery, patients only feel the pressure and movement of the surgeon inserting and adjusting the cannula tube to target and remove fat cells. Since the patient is awake and still able to move without discomfort, awake liposuction patients may adjust their bodies throughout the procedure. As a result, the surgeon can treat more areas of the body with ease and increased precision, resulting in less damage to the surrounding tissues.
Safety Advantages of Awake Liposuction
One of the primary advantages of awake liposuction compared to the traditional method is eliminating the medical risks associated with exposure to general anesthesia, such as an adverse allergic reaction, nausea, vomiting, and excess sedation. Additionally, since the patient can move themselves around on the operating table, less time is needed for repositioning and preparation of the surgical site resulting in a shorter surgical time.
Schedule an Awake Liposuction Consultation for More Details on Procedure Safety
The idea of being unconscious, unaware, and not in control during an operation is daunting to some individuals, so they instead turn to awake liposuction for long-term fat removal. However, when patients hear about the different approach to the operation, most ask, “Is awake liposuction safe?” since patients are conscious throughout the procedure. Awake liposuction surgery is entirely safe, with less side effects compared to general anesthesia and a quicker recovery time.
The best way to determine if you are a suitable candidate for awake liposuction is by discussing treatment with a knowledgeable plastic surgeon. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.