Yes, you can be fully awake during liposuction – and at Aspira Plastic Surgery in Austin, many patients choose this advanced approach for their procedure. Known as awake liposuction, this technique uses local anesthesia to completely numb the treatment area, eliminating the need for general anesthesia.
While traditional liposuction requires putting you to sleep, awake liposuction offers a modern alternative with distinct advantages in safety, recovery, and results. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Venkata Erella, is highly experienced in both approaches and helps patients decide which procedure suits their needs.
The primary difference lies in the type of anesthesia used. Your experience during and after the procedure is significantly shaped by this choice.
Awake Liposuction uses tumescent local anesthesia – a specialized solution of saline, epinephrine, and lidocaine delivered directly to the targeted fat. This completely numbs the area while you remain conscious and comfortable.
Many patients listen to music or chat with our team during treatment. The procedure is performed in our private Austin office rather than a hospital setting.
Traditional liposuction requires general anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist in a hospital or accredited surgery center.
Dr. Venkata Erella has refined the awake surgery technique to meet growing patient demand for procedures with excellent results and less downtime. While you may sense gentle pressure or movement, the thorough numbing ensures no pain.
The calm office setting creates a less intimidating experience than a hospital. You can bring headphones for music or podcasts, maintaining open communication with Dr. Erella throughout.
Understanding the process helps alleviate any concerns about remaining conscious during your procedure.
Your journey begins with a consultation, during which Dr. Erella performs a physical exam and confirms candidacy. On procedure day:
Treatment areas are marked while you’re standing
Tumescent solution is administered through tiny injections
Small incisions (a few millimeters) are made in discrete locations
Fat removal begins using specialized cannulas
Technologies like SmartLipo may be incorporated for enhanced results
Being awake allows dynamic positioning during surgery. Dr. Erella may ask you to shift position or tense muscles, enabling unparalleled precision.
This level of fine-tuning ensures even fat removal and beautiful natural contouring – something that is much harder to achieve when unconscious. The tumescent technique also constricts blood vessels, resulting in less bruising and swelling.
Yes, when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Erella.
Our team conducts thorough evaluations during consultation to ensure you’re an appropriate candidate for in-office awake liposuction.
Ideal candidates are in good overall health, near their target weight, but struggle with stubborn fat resistant to diet and exercise.
At Aspira Plastic Surgery, we offer awake procedures for:
Lipo 360 (abdomen, hips, flanks)
Arms, bra rolls, and back
Inner or outer thighs and knees
Dr. Erella evaluates each patient individually, considering fat volume, treatment areas, and overall health. Some patients benefit more from traditional liposuction, especially when combined with procedures like a tummy tuck.
So, are you awake during liposuction? At Aspira Plastic Surgery, the choice is yours. Awake lipo represents a significant advancement in body contouring, offering a safe, effective path to your desired shape with less downtime.
By choosing this approach, you become an active participant in your transformation. Dr. Erella helps each patient weigh the benefits during consultation, ensuring your decision aligns with your comfort level and aesthetic goals.
FEB 06 2025
