Awake Liposuction
Awake Liposuction: A Comprehensive Guide
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What is Awake Liposuction in Lubbock TX, Midland TX, Hobbs, NM, and West Texas?
Awake liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure performed while the patient remains conscious. For those apprehensive about general anesthesia, this option provides a solution, allowing them to undergo liposuction without being put to sleep. The absence of general anesthesia also contributes to a faster recovery period.
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How Does Awake Liposuction Work?
The procedure of awake liposuction mirrors that of traditional liposuction, with the key difference being the patient's conscious state. To ensure comfort, sedatives and local anesthesia are administered. During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a cannula. A tumescent solution, which includes a local anesthetic to minimize pain and bleeding, is used to numb the area further. The surgeon then strategically removes the unwanted fat, shaping and contouring the body to achieve the desired results.
Benefits of Awake Liposuction
One of the primary advantages of awake liposuction is the interactive aspect. Since the patient is awake, the surgeon can communicate with them, asking them to flex muscles or change positions. This interaction can lead to more precise body sculpting.
Additionally, local anesthesia carries fewer risks compared to general anesthesia, making the procedure safer. Patients avoid the grogginess associated with general anesthesia, which can linger for up to 24 hours post-surgery. Awake liposuction also employs tumescent fluid, which not only numbs the area but also causes the fat to swell, facilitating easier removal. This results in less post-procedure swelling and bruising, leading to a quicker recovery.
Areas Treatable with Awake Liposuction
Awake liposuction is versatile and can be performed on various parts of the body, including:
Abdomen
Arms
Armpits
Ankles
Axillary/Bra Bulge
Upper Back
Mid Back
Lower Back
Chest
Chin
Hips
Love Handles
Knees
Neck
Pubic Area
Thighs
Candidate Eligibility for Awake Liposuction
Ideal candidates for awake liposuction are nonsmokers who are generally healthy and close to their ideal body weight. However, the criteria for awake liposuction are more flexible compared to traditional liposuction. Patients with a BMI between 36 and 42, who might not be suitable for general anesthesia, can opt for awake liposuction. These patients may require multiple sessions to achieve the best results, but this option opens the door for many who would otherwise be ineligible for liposuction surgery.
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AirSculpt vs. Awake Liposuction by Dr. Boonipat: Comparison Chart​​​​​​​
Though AirSculpt markets itself as a unique procedure, it is essentially a branded form of awake liposuction—a technique that’s been safely and effectively performed by plastic surgeons for years. Both procedures are minimally invasive, done while you’re awake under local anesthesia, and require only small entry points for fat removal.
What sets Awake Liposuction by Dr. Boonipat apart is the personalized, surgeon-led experience. From your initial consultation through recovery, you are treated by the same board-eligible surgeon, not a rotating team in a franchise model. That continuity leads to safer outcomes, better communication, and a more tailored result.
Additionally, Dr. Boonipat can customize your treatment plan by incorporating additional procedures such as skin removal, fat transfer to face, or muscle definition work—something AirSculpt clinics generally do not offer.​​​​​​
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