Awake liposuction is the most effective technique to eliminate stubborn pockets of unwanted fat. As you can imagine from the name, surgeons carry out this procedure while the patient is awake. They do not use general anesthesia, only a local anesthetic.
Many patients worry about being awake during a surgical procedure. However, awake liposuction offers many benefits over general anesthesia, and it is now the top choice for most surgeons.
Is Awake Liposuction Painful?
Awake liposuction is not painful at all. The patient receives a local anesthetic so they feel no pain or discomfort. They may feel some pressure, but they won’t suffer. Many patients have concerns about undergoing surgery while awake. However, having a surgical team around them reassures patients. They ensure that the patient is calm and well at all times during the procedure.
Also Read – Is Local Anesthetic Better Than Twilight Sleep for Liposuction in the Arms?
Why Have Liposuction Under a Local Anesthetic?
There are some significant benefits to having liposuction under a local anesthetic. The most important advantage is that there is a reduced risk of complications during the procedure. General anesthetics come with some risks for the patient. Ongoing comprehensive monitoring is essential throughout the surgery to ensure patients are well. There is also a greater chance of side effects with a general anesthetic. Nausea and vomiting are common after a fully anesthetized procedure. Local anesthetics minimize those risks.
Patients can also return home on the same day as having liposuction under a local anesthetic. Their recovery period is also easier and shorter. Furthermore, patients are more comfortable before their procedure as there is no need to fast. Patients cannot eat before having a general anesthetic as there is a risk of aspirational pneumonia. Local anesthetic eliminates that risk so that they can eat before surgery without any concerns.
Another great advantage of a local anesthetic for liposuction is there is no rush to complete the procedure. The surgeon can take their time and use smaller instruments. That means they can produce a better, more sculpted result.
Are There Any Areas That a Surgeon Cannot Treat Under Local Anesthetic?
Surgeons can treat any area normally treated under a general anesthetic under a local anesthetic instead. That includes:
• The abdomen
• The hips
• The waist
• The flanks
• The arms
• The armpits
• The legs
• The chest
• The chin
A general anesthetic is generally only needed if a surgeon is performing multiple procedures simultaneously. If, for example, a patient is undergoing both a tummy tuck and stomach liposuction, they will need a general anesthetic.
Can Surgeons Produce a Better Result Under Local Anesthetic?
A surgeon can produce better patient results when they administer a local anesthetic instead of a general anesthetic. That is because they can take their time and use smaller instruments. Under general anesthetic, surgeons have to operate quickly to minimize risks. That requires them to use larger instruments to speed up the surgery. Large instruments cause more trauma to the body, and that results in more bruising, swelling, and pain for patients afterward.
Under local anesthetic, the surgeon uses smaller instruments and can be more accurate. General anesthetic usually results in surgeons simply “debulking” fat from the area they’re treating. With local anesthetic, the surgeon can sculpt the area more effectively to the muscle. The smaller instruments allow for a precise approach.
Under a general anesthetic, the patient is lying down. As a result, the surgeon cannot see clearly how the result will look once the patient is upright. It is difficult to remove fat evenly and achieve a perfect result when the patient is in a horizontal position. With local anesthetic, though, the patient can sit and stand up. That allows the surgeon to see whether the fat removal is symmetrical. It also allows them to see how the patient will look and make adjustments as necessary.
Since the patient is awake, the surgeon can use the active lipo method to remove the maximum amount of fat. That enables them to achieve the best possible outcome for patients.
How Does the Active Lipo Method Work?
The Active Lipo method is the most effective way to remove fat. Rather than the patient being a passive participant in the surgery, they take an active role. The surgeon asks the patient to move and tense their muscles during the surgery. That allows the surgeon to sculpt as closely as possible to the muscle. They can also remove the maximum amount of fat to produce a very complete outcome.
Not all surgeons can offer the Active Lipo technique.Dr. Su is the pioneer of Active Lipo surgery. He is a field expert in active lipo techniques and produces excellent results for his patients. To find out more about whether active lipo is right for you, get in touch with the ArtLipo team today. You can arrange a consultation and find out whether awake liposuction will suit your needs.
