Awake Liposuction

Awake liposuction is for patients who desire enhanced comfort during their cosmetic procedure without the use of general anesthesia. Offered at Advanced Body Sculpting Institute, and implemented over 50% of the time by our team of expert surgeons, this method allows for precise body contouring and fat removal while the patient remains awake during the entire process.

One of the most significant advantages of awake liposuction is the quick recovery time. Since there is no need recovery from general anesthesia, patients can typically return to their daily activities within a short period with comparably mild side effects.

Our skilled surgeons have extensive experience performing awake liposuction, delivering outstanding results to our patients. If you are looking to achieve your desired body contours and eliminate stubborn fat deposits, contact our Englewood office at (303) 708-8770 to schedule a consultation with one of our experts. Transform your body and boost your confidence with the help of awake liposuction at Advanced Body Sculpting.

Before and After Photos

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About Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most popular elective procedures in the United States. It helps many thousands of patients deal with stubborn areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise, providing smoother, slimmer contours. During a procedure, small incisions are made in inconspicuous locations to allow for the insertion of a thin tube called a cannula. The cannula is then used to gently suction out the unwanted fat deposits, resulting in a more toned and sculpted appearance.

The Role of Anesthesia

Anesthesia is a crucial component of surgical procedures like liposuction as an effective means of ensuring patient comfort. But as research reveals, one size does not fit all. The amount and type of anesthesia used depends on the procedure, and on the patient themselves. For instance, scientists have found conclusive evidence that women with red hair require 19% more anesthesia than their non-redhead counterparts. ⁽¹⁾ We understand that each patient has unique needs and tolerances, which is why we offer more than one option where possible.

Why Not General Anesthesia?

Although general anesthesia is indicated for more involved surgeries, such as the tummy tuck and the Mommy Makeover, we give our patients a choice when it comes to most of our liposuction procedures. Some people dislike the cost, side effects, and prolonged recovery periods involved with general anesthesia, which is why the awake liposuction option is so beneficial.

VASER Liposuction Without General Anesthesia

Unlike traditional liposuction, during VASER liposuction treatment a special device emits high-frequency sound waves that target and break down fat cells in specific body areas. These targeted fat cells are then gently suctioned out with a cannula, resulting in a smoother and more sculpted physique. Many of our patients opt for the awake technique for its cost-effectiveness and enhanced recovery benefits.

Awake VASER Liposuction

Awake Fat Transfer

Preparation for an awake procedure involves a multi-stage process to ensure patients receive the most effective care, a swift recovery, and optimal results. To schedule your personal consultation with one of our experienced, please contact our office in Englewood at (303) 708-8770.

A Comfortable Process

How a patient thinks and feels before surgery can affect their post-surgery experience. ⁽²⁾ It is therefore crucial to create a calming experience that prepares them well. To ensure comfort before and during an awake procedure, we use medication and local anesthesia. Additionally, while the liposuction treatment is taking place, we offer Pro-Nox, a safe and effective nitrous oxide gas that helps alleviate any anxiety or discomfort a patient may experience during the process.

Relaxation & Medication

Prior to their procedure, we invite patients to sit in a specialized massage chair for their relaxation and comfort. They receive Valium (an anti-anxiety medication) or Halcion (an anti-insomnia medication) along with pain medication. When the medications start to work, we will take you to the operating room to begin your treatment.

Tumescent Fluid

Tumescent fluid is a combination of lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a medication that constricts blood vessels). We inject this specialized fluid into the targeted area, numbing it and minimizing bleeding. ⁽³⁾ When injected into the subcutaneous tissue, it serves multiple purposes to enhance the liposuction process. 

Although its primary role is to provide local anesthesia, tumescent fluid is also a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts the blood vessels within the targeted area. This effect minimizes bleeding during the surgery, reducing the risk of excessive blood loss and facilitating a smoother surgical experience. The vasoconstriction also helps to control post-operative swelling, as fewer fluids are allowed to accumulate in the treated area.

The unique composition of tumescent fluid also plays a crucial role in the extraction of unwanted fat cells. The solution causes the fat cells to swell and become firm, making them easier to remove through gentle suction. This ensures more precise contouring and sculpting of the body, resulting in aesthetically pleasing outcomes. 

Pro-Nox

During the awake liposuction procedure, we also provide Pro-Nox, a safe and effective pain management system. This allows patients to be in control of their comfort levels by inhaling a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. It provides quick pain relief and relaxation.

An advantage of Pro-Nox is its short duration of effect. The treatment’s effects wear off quickly after administration, allowing patients to recover promptly without any lingering drowsiness or impairment. This means that patients can enjoy the benefits of Pro-Nox during their procedure without experiencing any prolonged downtime or disruption to their normal routines.

One of the main advantages of awake liposuction is that it allows patients to actively participate in the treatment process. Patients are able to communicate with their surgeon during the procedure, ensuring their satisfaction with the results.

Candidates for Awake Liposuction

It’s important to note that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, nor is it a solution for obesity. Rather, it is best suited for patients who are already close to their ideal body weight but have specific problem areas they want to address.

Good candidates for liposuction are individuals who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. It is essential that patients understand that liposuction is not a magical fix, but rather a tool to help sculpt and contour the body. Therefore, having a healthy lifestyle and being committed to maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine after the procedure is crucial for long-lasting results.

When Do We Offer Awake Liposuction?

The surgeons at ABS offer awake liposuction if a patient wishes to treat one, two, or three areas in one procedure. We will offer general anesthesia for more extensive or intensive liposuction that covers additional areas.

Who Should Not Choose Awake Lipo?

There are some factors that preclude awake treatment, particularly if a patient has had numbing issues in the past. We will recommend general anesthesia for your liposuction:

Personal Consultation

When considering awake liposuction, a personal consultation with one of our experienced patient care coordinators at Advanced Body Sculpting is the crucial first step. Our goal is to provide you with a unique, engaging, detailed, and comprehensive experience during your consultation.

During this meeting, we will take the time to understand your specific cosmetic concerns and goals. They will discuss your medical history in detail, ensuring that awake liposuction is the appropriate choice for your circumstances. This thorough assessment allows us to determine the extent of fat deposits in your target areas, as well as the condition of your skin and underlying structures.

Individualized Care

During your personal consultation, we will thoroughly explain the awake liposuction procedure, including its benefits, limitations, and potential risks. We believe in providing you with all the information necessary to make a confident, well-informed decision about your body contouring journey.

In addition to discussing the surgical technique, we will also address the pre-operative assessment process and the post-operative care instructions. Our dedicated team will guide you through every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and successful recovery.

Find out more about Consultations at ABS on our website.

Cost of Awake Liposuction in Denver

The cost of awake liposuction at Advanced Body Sculpting will vary depending on several factors related to the individual patient’s treatment plan. At all stages, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and satisfaction. We are committed to delivering exceptional results and helping you achieve your desired body shape through awake liposuction.

If you are considering awake liposuction, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. Contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff at (303) 708-8770 or send us a completed online inquiry form. Take the first step towards a more sculpted and confident you by contacting us today.

To learn more about awake liposuction procedures at ABS, please see our blog.

References

1. Liem EB, Lin CM, Suleman MI, et al. Anesthetic requirement is increased in redheads. Anesthesiology. 2004;101(2):279-283. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1362956/ 
2. Powell R, Scott NW, Manyande A, et al. Psychological preparation and postoperative outcomes for adults undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016;(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd008646.pub2 
3. Sood J, Sethi N, Jayaraman L. Liposuction: Anaesthesia challenges. Indian Journal of Anaesthesia. 2011;55(3):220. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5049.82652