The Pros and Cons of Awake Liposuction

This blog is a part of our Ultimate Guide to Laser Lipo. Check it out for more information. 

Awake liposuction offers several safety benefits compared to traditional methods using general anesthesia. Patients are fully conscious and able to manage their own airway, reducing potential risks. Sedatives are provided for relaxation, and patients can actively participate in the surgical decisions. However, there are downsides to consider, such as experiencing pain and challenges for those who are extremely ticklish. Ultimately, the decision should be made after careful evaluation and consultation with a medical professional. Here’s what you need to know about awake liposuction.

Pro #1: Your Safety is Not Compromised

When it comes to the question of whether it is safe to be awake during your liposuction procedure, it may initially seem surprising. However, there are actually several safety advantages to being awake during the fat removal procedure compared to being put under general anesthesia.

Under general anesthesia, the patient is essentially placed on life support and may even be temporarily paralyzed, making it difficult for them to respond or move. This poses a risk if an injury were to occur during the surgery without the patient being aware of it until they wake up. Additionally, some with allergies to anesthesia must opt for the awake method. On the other hand, in awake liposuction, the nerves that run to the fat are numbed, ensuring that the organs and muscles are protected. The surgeon would have to intentionally disregard the patient's safety to cause any life-threatening injuries, which is highly unlikely.

Another safety benefit of awake lipo relates to larger patients. Anesthesia can be hesitant to intubate or put these patients to sleep due to potential airway complications. By allowing the patient to manage their own airway while awake, this concern is eliminated and a more effective treatment can be performed. The weight of the neck and the resulting compression of the airway becomes a non-issue, as the patient remains wide awake throughout the procedure.

Pro #2: You Are Encouraged to Relax (or Nap!)

To address any anxiety and discomfort associated with being awake, pain medication and sedatives are provided to patients in the form of oral medication. Few people know the options for anesthesia. These sedatives promote a sense of relaxation and may induce drowsiness, but the patient remains responsive and able to communicate throughout the surgery. They can even take short naps if desired, while still being an active participant in the process.

Pro #3: You’re An Active Part of the Team

One significant advantage of awake lipo is that the patient becomes an active part of the surgical team. While traditional surgery decisions are made solely by the surgeon, awake patients can provide input during the procedure. They can express their preferences and decide about the areas they would like to target for liposuction. This collaborative decision-making process allows for a more personalized outcome, ensuring that the patient's desired fat removal results are achieved.

In summary, being awake during the surgical procedure offers several safety benefits. It minimizes the risk of life-threatening injuries, particularly to organs and muscles, since the nerves to the fat are selectively numbed. It eliminates concerns related to airway management in larger patients. Sedatives are provided to promote relaxation and manage anxiety, while still maintaining patient responsiveness. Lastly, awake liposuction allows the patient to actively participate in the decision-making process, ensuring a more tailored surgical outcome.

What’s the Downside to Awake Liposuction?

When considering whether there are any downsides to being awake during liposuction, it's important to acknowledge a few potential challenges associated with forging anesthesia medication. 

Con #1: You May Experience Pain

One significant downside is the experience of pain during the cosmetic procedure. Most patients report that the most painful moments of awake liposuction can reach a discomfort level of about seven to eight out of 10. It's worth noting that this pain is intermittent, meaning it comes and goes throughout the surgery. If you have a low pain threshold or are highly anxious, this level of discomfort may be difficult to tolerate, while for others they may feel minor discomfort. While many individuals with anxiety have successfully undergone awake liposuction, assessing your pain tolerance and anxiety levels is crucial before deciding if this procedure is right for you. Open communication with your plastic surgeon about your concerns and expectations can help determine the most suitable approach.

Con #2: You May Want to Reconsider if You’re Ticklish

Surprisingly, another group of patients who may not fare well with awake liposuction are those who are extremely ticklish. People who have a strong baseline ticklishness may struggle to remain still during the procedure, making it challenging for the surgeon to perform liposuction while the patient is fully awake.

Weigh Your Options

It's important to weigh these potential downsides against the advantages of awake surgery for liposuction or any other cosmetic treatment.  The decision to undergo awake liposuction should be based on a thorough understanding of the procedure, an assessment of your pain tolerance and anxiety levels, and a discussion with your surgeon regarding the best approach to meet your individual needs.

Ultimately, the choice between awake liposuction and other options should be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances and preferences.

If you're interested in Laser Liposuction, we recommend setting up an initial consultation. The treatment plan for candidates may vary based on their personal goals.

About Dr. Rivera

Dr. Rivera is a board-certified general surgeon and owner of The Ratio by Body Math in Columbia, SC. She received her medical training at Yale University and completed her surgical residency at the University of Nevada. Dr. Rivera specializes in head and neck surgery and microsurgical reconstruction. She has published and presented her peer-reviewed research and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.