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When it comes to undergoing plastic surgery, one of the key decisions patients make when choosing their surgeon is the type of anesthesia they will receive. For years, general anesthesia—where you are completely unconscious during the procedure—has been the go-to option for many cosmetic surgeries. However, a growing number of patients are now opting for local anesthesia, where they remain awake but the area being treated is numbed.

In this blog, we will explore the differences between local and general anesthesia, and why more people are choosing to undergo awake surgery with doctors like trusted Sarasota board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kristopher Hamwi.

What Is General Anesthesia?

General anesthesia is typically used for more invasive surgeries or procedures that require the patient to be entirely unconscious and unaware of what’s happening, such as a breast augmentation or a tummy tuck. It involves the administration of medication through an IV or gas to put the patient into a deep sleep.

The advantage of general anesthesia is that it is effective for longer, more complicated surgeries, and patients are not conscious during the entire procedure. However, it also comes with risks, such as the need for more recovery time, side effects, and potential complications related to breathing and heart function.

What Is Local Anesthesia?

Local anesthesia, on the other hand, is typically used for less invasive or minimally invasive procedures, such as liposuction, brachioplasty, or upper blepharoplasty. It involves numbing only the specific area of the body where the procedure is taking place, allowing patients to remain awake and alert throughout the entire process.

While you may feel some sensations or pressure, you won’t experience pain during the procedure. Most patients even find the experience to be more comfortable and less intimidating than undergoing general anesthesia.

Why Are More Patients Choosing Awake Surgery?

Over the past few years, there has been a shift in the way patients approach surgery. More and more individuals are choosing awake surgery, or procedures performed under local anesthesia, for several compelling reasons.

1. Faster Recovery Time. One of the most significant advantages of choosing local anesthesia is the speed of recovery. Since you aren’t put under general anesthesia, you won’t experience the grogginess, nausea, or extended recovery period that comes with being unconscious.
2. Fewer Risks and Complications. General anesthesia, while generally safe, carries a higher risk of complications, especially for those with certain pre-existing health conditions. Local anesthesia, being less invasive, tends to have fewer risks. You’ll avoid complications related to intubation, blood pressure changes, and breathing difficulties associated with general anesthesia.
3. Enhanced Communication with Your Surgeon. Another benefit of awake surgery is that patients have the opportunity to communicate with their surgeon during the procedure. For certain cosmetic procedures, such as facial surgeries or body contouring, this can be helpful. Patients can give feedback on their comfort level, and the surgeon can make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible result. This personalized approach can lead to a more satisfactory result.
4. Lower Cost. Local anesthesia is generally less expensive than general anesthesia. By eliminating the need for an anesthesiologist and associated equipment, the overall cost of the procedure can be significantly reduced. This is particularly appealing for patients seeking cosmetic or elective surgeries who want to keep costs down.
5. More Control and Comfort. For many patients, the idea of being awake during surgery feels more comfortable than being put under general anesthesia. You can be aware of what’s going on, and many people feel a sense of control over the situation. Additionally, being awake allows for less disruption in your body’s natural rhythm, which can make the overall experience feel more natural and less stressful.

When Is Awake Surgery Not Recommended?

While awake surgery has many benefits, it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for every patient or every type of procedure. Complex surgeries, those that require significant incision or tissue manipulation, are best done under general anesthesia. Additionally, patients with a history of severe anxiety, difficulty staying still, or certain medical conditions may not be candidates for awake surgery. It is best to consult your surgeon, like board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hamwi, if this is the case. It is normal to feel nervous before an awake procedure if you have never experienced one before.

Real Patient Stories

Read our patients’ experiences with awake surgery with Dr. Kristopher Hamwi.

Tamika T.: “Amazing experience! I traveled all the way from Memphis, TN because he is the best, and he definitely did not disappoint! I had the awake arm lift, and I felt so comfortable throughout the procedure. Dr. Hamwi took exceptional care of me, going above and beyond to make sure I was well-assisted. My arms look amazing, and I’m so grateful for the results. I would highly recommend him—10/10!”

J.D.: “Dr. Hamwi and his amazing staff—Danaisa and Dianna—absolutely exceeded my expectations for my awake brachioplasty with liposuction. I flew in for the procedure, and they made sure I was kept comfortable during surgery and throughout my recovery. I experienced zero complications, no openings, and no infections. Dr. Hamwi is genuinely caring, and I stayed in regular contact with him post-op, with him often checking in on me. I never felt alone or left with unanswered questions. I’ve never received such a high level of care from a doctor, and I will definitely return to him in the future. Now, two months post-op, I have arms I never thought were possible. A huge thank you to Dr. Hamwi and his wonderful team!”

Gail H: “I had liposuction and an arm lift done with Dr. Hamwi while awake. It was a great experience with no pain. Both the doctor and the nurse were amazing. My results were incredible from day one—no infections or complications. My scars look fantastic and are well hidden. I am beyond happy with my experience!”

Choosing Dr. Kristopher Hamwi for Your Sarasota Awake Surgery

Choosing a highly skilled surgeon for your surgical procedures is the first step toward achieving your best results and increasing your confidence. With extensive experience performing awake plastic surgery procedures, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kristopher Hamwi is rated one of the best plastic surgeons in the country.

During your complimentary in-person or virtual consultation, Dr. Hamwi will take the time to understand your aesthetic goals and explain the different benefits of having an awake procedure. As Dr. Hamwi believes in patient education, he will ensure you have the information you need to make educated decisions on the best method of performing your procedure.

Our Final Thoughts

In recent years, many patients have chosen to undergo surgery with local anesthesia, and for good reasons. Awake surgery offers faster recovery, fewer risks, better communication with your surgeon, and even lower costs. However, it’s essential to have a consultation with your surgeon to determine if it’s the right option for you and the type of surgery you are considering.

At Florida Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, we are committed to offering our patients the best possible care and options to make their surgical experience as comfortable, safe, and effective as possible. If you’ve been considering plastic surgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us.

Schedule Your Sarasota, FL Plastic Surgery Consultation with Dr. Hamwi Today

If you’re contemplating plastic surgery and wish to explore whether local anesthesia or awake surgery in Sarasota, Florida is the optimal choice for your goals, we invite you to reach out for a complimentary consultation today by emailing us at connect@floridaplasticsurgery.com, call us at (941) 289-3249, or complete our online form!