Over the years, medical research and the development of cutting-edge techniques and equipment have paved the way for reduced recovery time and optimal results for fat removal and body shaping. One technique, in particular, has become the gold standard in body contouring is awake liposuction, also known as tumescent liposuction/liposculpture.
While it is still surgical, it is performed under mild intravenous sedation, allowing patients to be awake during the procedure. As some of the foremost liposuction practitioners in the country, the body contouring specialists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego thought they would explain the technique of awake liposuction while highlighting its many benefits.
Awake Liposuction Vs. Asleep Liposuction
During tumescent liposculpture, the patient is conscious (awake) yet is not in any pain. The surgeon will use a thin cannula to reach into unwanted fat layers that will allow for fat to be suctioned out of the body (only some pressure and movement will be felt on the area where fat is being extracted). There are no incisions large enough to require sutures During this technique, one of our board-certified dermatologists will shape and sculpt the body to provide patients with their desired aesthetic goals.
Why Would A Patient Want To Be Awake During Liposuction?
While it does sound daunting to remain fully awake while undergoing surgery, we have treated thousands of patients with outstanding acceptance and results. There are many advantages to opting for awake liposuction.
Tumescent liposculpture is extremely safe and effective in eliminating stubborn fat, offering optimal cosmetic benefits with minimal downtime. Patients who have undergone tumescent liposculpture are able to go home within hours after the procedure and return to their daily activities after only a day or two of recovery. This is due to the fact that tumescent liposculpture is less invasive and more precise than other liposuction methods, significantly reducing tissue damage.
More importantly, there is no need for a patient to give up control, as what normally happens when general anesthesia is administered. While some practitioners use general anesthesia to perform certain liposuction techniques, it is not necessary to get optimal results for fat reduction and shaping.
Most patients find that being fully awake for tumescent liposculpture is a major advantage. They appreciate the fact that since they are conscious, they are more aware of their surroundings. And since it is the primary goal of their doctors to keep them safe and comfortable during every step of the process, they feel more at ease.
Patients even report feeling calm and relaxed during the procedure, and experience minimal downtime and discomfort compared to invasive surgeries requiring general anesthesia.
In summary, these are the benefits of undergoing awake liposuction:
- Reduced risks of surgery and anesthesia
- Patients remain alert and in control
- Patients can roll over, stand up and move to expose different treatment areas during the procedure while also being able to answer questions or provide feedback to the surgeon
- Minimal scarring, swelling and bruising
- Shorter recovery time. Patients can go home within hours after the procedure
- Since there are fewer complications and reduced risk in infections, patients will need to take less antibiotics or other prescription medications after the procedure
- Local anesthesia is less expensive and an outpatient procedure will not require hospital stay after surgery, making it a more cost-effective solution to body contouring
Are You a Good Candidate for Awake Liposuction?
Good candidates for awake liposuction have stubborn areas of fat. Because of the precision involved, it is most commonly used to treat areas such as the chin, neck, face, arms, and legs. It can also be used to treat larger areas as well.
However, determining whether you are a suitable candidate for tumescent liposculpture will require an in-person exam. There are many types of body contouring procedures available today such as Coolsculpting, Ultherapy, Thermi, Kybella, and Vanquish. Our board-certified dermatologists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego offer almost all of them. During your consultation, your doctor will consider your goals and issues, and will come up with the best customized treatment plan for your body. To learn more about liposuction, visit medlineplus.gov
Contact us About Awake Lipo Today
If you believe that NOW is the time to remove body fat you can’t get rid of with diet and exercise, and finally achieve that body you’ve been dreaming of, then tumescent liposculpture may be right for you. Our body contouring experts at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology San Diego are board-certified dermatologists with years of training and experience delivering high quality results to their patients. Do something good for yourself and schedule a consultation by calling us at 858-943-2113 today.
More like this:
Non Surgical Body Contouring Options: Coolsculpting, Ultherapy, Thermage, Cellfina
Liposculpture to Shape and Contour
Next, read about the amazing benefits of body contouring.
