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At Florida Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, we pride ourselves on offering the latest and most effective cosmetic procedures to help our patients achieve their ideal body contours. Awake Liposuction is an innovative technique that has gained popularity for its unique benefits. However, Traditional Liposuction also offers great benefits, so when considering body contouring procedures, it’s important to ask which option is best for you.

In this blog, we’ll compare the differences between Awake and Traditional Liposuction so you can understand the procedures and learn which might be more suitable for you.

What Is Awake Liposuction?

Awake Liposuction is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that permanently removes small pockets of fat, creating a more contoured figure. Unlike Traditional Liposuction, which typically requires general anesthesia, Awake Liposuction uses local anesthesia to numb the targeted areas, allowing patients to be alert and responsive to enhance precision and safety and mitigate risks.

Dr. Kristopher Hamwi begins Awake Liposuction procedures by making small, inconspicuously placed incisions at the treatment site. During both Awake and Traditional Liposuction procedures, the treated areas are injected with a solution, containing saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine to numb the tissue, control bleeding, and prepare the tissue for extraction. Once the fat is isolated, it is extracted from the treatment site with a thin cannula, leaving smoother, more shapely contours.

Understanding Traditional Liposuction

Traditional Liposuction is a safe, surgical procedure that permanently removes sections of subcutaneous fat cells. Traditional Liposuction procedures are performed under general anesthesia, meaning patients are asleep and unaware during the procedure. The surgical technique is typically similar between both methods.

Key Differences Between Awake and Traditional Liposuction

Awake and Traditional Liposuction procedures are very similar in certain aspects, including:

• Procedure: The procedures are performed in the same manner. A tumescent solution (a mix of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine) is injected to numb the tissues and reduce bleeding in the treatment areas. A small cannula is used to remove excess fat.
• Treatment areas: Both liposuction treatments can address the same areas, such as the waist, flanks, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, neck, or other areas resistant to diet and exercise.

The biggest difference between Awake and Traditional liposuction procedures is the anesthesia administered to the patient. However, Awake Liposuction may be a better option for patients who shouldn’t have general anesthesia or have anxiety about anesthesia.

During Awake Liposuction, Dr. Hamwi has a greater ability to sculpt the shape and ensure beautiful results. Due to this ability to evaluate the results from a variety of positions and angles that aren’t possible when a patient is under general anesthesia.

Awake Liposuction may also be a more affordable option as it eliminates fees associated with the operating room and general anesthesia.

Benefits of Awake Liposuction

Awake Liposuction offers several advantages over Traditional Liposuction methods, including:

• Enhanced Safety: Awake Liposuction eliminates general anesthesia, helping patients avoid potential anesthesia risks or anxiety.
• Quicker Recovery: Local anesthesia often leads to a shorter recovery time than general anesthesia.
• Immediate Feedback: Patients are aware and can provide feedback during the procedure, ensuring optimal results. Dr. Hamwi can direct the patient to engage muscles or hold various positions to control the shape, symmetry, and overall outcome.
• Optimal Results: The body shape looks different when a patient stands or changes position compared to lying down. Patients are aware and can participate during Awake Liposuction.
• Cost-Effective: Without general anesthesia and operating room fees, Awake Liposuction may be more affordable.

When Is Traditional Liposuction the Better Option?

While both Traditional and Awake Liposuction have their benefits, there are a few considerations that may make Traditional Liposuction the better option.

Traditional Liposuction might be the best choice when:

• Removing large amounts of fat from larger body areas
• Patients have anxiety
• Patients are extremely ticklish

Recovery Times: Awake Liposuction Vs. Traditional Liposuction

As the procedures are essentially the same in their execution, the recovery time for Awake and Traditional Liposuction is the same. However, after Awake Liposuction, recovery does not include the initial recovery from general anesthesia, and patients often don’t need pain medication as quickly as Traditional Liposuction patients.

Liposuction recovery times vary by patient, the location of the fat removed, and the amount of fat extracted. You may experience discomfort for the first week; however, you will be prescribed pain medication during this time.

Initial recovery typically takes a week. Complete healing takes 4 to 6 weeks, and you may be required to wear your compression garment this entire period. Residual swelling may take up to 3 months to fully resolve, revealing your final results.

Common Risks and Considerations for Both Procedures

As a surgical procedure, liposuction has potential risks. Complications increase when you’re looking to extract fat from larger areas of the body or combine multiple procedures in one operation. While these risks are rare, they are greatly mitigated by choosing a highly experienced surgeon like Dr. Hamwi.

Common recovery symptoms include mild swelling and bruising. Other risks of both Awake and Traditional Liposuction include:

• Fluid retention
• Bleeding or blood clots
• Fat embolisms
• Nerve damage and sensation changes
• Uneven skin tone and texture
• Pigmentation changes
• Infections, including strep or staph
• Anesthesia risks, including lidocaine toxicity
• Organ damage, including kidney, heart, or lung concerns

Awake Liposuction Vs. Traditional Liposuction: Which One Fits Your Needs?

To determine which procedure will fit your needs, it’s important to schedule your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in Awake and Traditional Liposuction procedures like Dr. Hamwi. During your consultation, Dr. Hamwi will review your medical history and your aesthetic goals to determine if Awake Liposuction would deliver a safe and effective solution for you.

Choosing the Best Liposuction Surgeon

Choosing a highly skilled surgeon for your body contouring journey is the first step toward achieving optimal results. Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kristopher Hamwi is rated one of the best body contouring surgeons in the country. During your complimentary in-person or virtual consultation, Dr. Hamwi will take the time to understand your aesthetic goals and reasons for choosing Sarasota liposuction and ensure you have the necessary information to make educated decisions.

Schedule Your Awake Liposuction Consultation Today!

If you’re curious about the benefits of Traditional or Awake Liposuction, we invite you to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hamwi today. Let us help you transform your body and boost your confidence with this advanced fat-reduction technique.

Reserve your consultation by contacting us at (941) 289-1954, completing our online form, or emailing connect@floridaplasticsurgery.com. We’re excited to help you find your body contouring success!