Awake Surgery
in Austin, TX

Awake Surgery
Austin, TX

Table of Contents

Table of contents

Awake surgery, sometimes called “conscious sedation,” allows our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Venkatta Erella, to perform procedures using a local anesthetic and a sedative rather than general anesthesia. This technique helps patients avoid many risks, prevents side effects, and shortens recovery. Awake surgery is pain-free and safer than procedures performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Erella is an expert in conscious sedation and offers many interesting options for our patients.

Our Awake Surgery Procedures

Not every treatment can be provided with awake anesthesia. However, it is widely used in plastic surgery to avoid risks and complications. Our awake procedures include:

Liposuction

Local anesthesia allows patients to remain awake while excess fat is suctioned from targeted areas. During the procedure, Dr. Erella injects the tumescent fluid, which swells the fatty tissues, preserves the surrounding blood vessels, and increases patient safety. Awake liposuction is easily tolerated and leads to impressive aesthetic results.

SmartLipo

This cosmetic surgery uses laser technology to liquefy fat cells before removal while the patient is under local anesthesia. Compared to traditional liposuction, it involves less bruising and faster healing. In addition, laser energy stimulates collagen production, tightening skin and making the body look smoother.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) can be performed while awake using local anesthesia and mild sedation. The procedure removes excess breast tissue and fat to create a more masculine chest contour.

Mini Tummy Tuck

This less invasive version of a full tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen and can be performed under local anesthesia. It removes excess skin and fat, making the belly smooth, fit, and youthful. Local anesthesia shortens the recovery time, with most patients returning to normal activities within a week.

Arm Lift

This procedure targets loose skin in the upper arm area using small incisions while the patient remains conscious and pain-free. The surgery is less extensive than a traditional arm lift, leaving minimal scarring.

Removal of Breast Implants

Implant removal can be performed under local anesthesia with the patient awake and comfortable. This plastic surgery is typically straightforward and involves removing the implants through the original incision sites.

Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery can also be performed while the patient is awake. After local numbing and sedation, excess skin and fat are eliminated, ensuring the individual is calm and pain-free. Patients return home the same day and usually experience less discomfort than after general anesthesia.

Facelift

An awake facelift uses local anesthesia and mild sedation to lift and tighten facial tissues. This technique leads to faster recovery, lower risk of complications, and better patient care.

Neck Lift

An awake neck lift tightens loose skin and removes excess fat while the patient is under local numbing. Recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks, and there is less discomfort during healing than after general anesthesia.

Earlobe Repair

This simple procedure uses local anesthesia to fix torn or stretched earlobes. After the surgery, patients can drive themselves home and resume normal activities without extensive downtime.

Skin Cancer Treatment

Local anesthesia allows for the precise removal of melanomas while the individual remains conscious and does not feel pain. Any anxiety or worrisome emotions are effectively addressed with sedation. Dr. Erella ensures the complete elimination of cancerous tissues while preserving healthy skin.

Mole Removal

This quick procedure uses local anesthesia to remove moles for cosmetic or medical reasons. Patients can immediately return to normal activities with minimal aftercare required.

Mini Facelift

The mini-facelift offers a less invasive alternative for those spotting early signs of aging. It focuses on the lower face with smaller incisions, less downtime, and a subtler lift.

It’s ideal if you’re in your late 30s to early 50s and just starting to see some sagging and wrinkles. It’s the go-to for a gentle nudge back to youthfulness.

Preparation for Awake Surgery

The ability to undergo awake surgery depends on the patient’s physiology, medical history, and treatment. During your initial consultation, Dr. Erella will conduct a physical examination, discuss this technique in detail, and determine whether it is the best option for you. He will also explain that awake surgery is performed with the proper safety measures in place and only for people who are eligible candidates. As a fellowship-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Erella takes every precaution to ensure his patients are safe and comfortable during their transformative procedures.

Candidates for Awake Surgery

Awake surgeries are suitable for specific patient groups. Below are the categories of individuals who may be considered candidates for such procedures:

Patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia due to medical conditions
Individuals undergoing minor or localized procedures
People seeking reduced risks associated with general anesthesia
Those with a preference for being conscious during surgery
Individuals with specific medical needs that require customized anesthesia approaches
Patients who want to minimize recovery time

Benefits of Awake Surgery

Reduced Risk

Awake surgery eliminates the need for general anesthesia, reducing the risks associated with it, such as adverse reactions or complications for individuals with preexisting medical conditions. Thus, the awake technique is safer for a broader range of people.

Faster Recovery Time

Patients typically recover more quickly after awake surgery. The absence of grogginess and other aftereffects allows for shorter post-operative monitoring and a faster return to normal activities.

Enhanced Patient Comfort

Awake surgery uses local anesthesia and sedation to keep the patient comfortable while maintaining consciousness. This approach also minimizes the discomfort associated with prolonged recovery from general anesthesia.

Clear Communication During Surgery

In some procedures, awake anesthesia allows the patient to provide real-time feedback, enhancing precision and improving treatment outcomes. This is particularly useful for operations requiring patient cooperation or movement assessment.

Lower Overall Costs

Awake surgery can reduce medical costs by avoiding general anesthesia and associated monitoring equipment and staff. The shorter recovery time may also decrease the number of hours patients stay at the surgical center after the operation.

Suitability for a Wider Range of Patients

Awake procedures can accommodate individuals who are not eligible for general anesthesia due to medical concerns. This expands the availability of surgical options for patients with complex health profiles.

Cost of Awake Surgery in Austin, TX

The cost of awake surgery in Austin varies depending on the procedure and the treatment zone. For instance, SmartLipo starts at approximately $1,500 per area. Other procedures, such as breast lifts or facelifts, may have different pricing structures based on the complexity and extent of awake surgery.

Austin has many experienced doctors, but few match the awards and publications of Dr. Erella. He offers the best combination of top-quality care and affordable prices. Consulting with Dr. Erella will provide a personalized estimate tailored to individual needs and desired outcomes.

What Makes Us Different From Others?

Dr. Venkata Erella is a double-board-certified doctor who takes a patient-centered approach to care. He has been a valued member of the Austin community for many years. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Erella is a true expert in awake surgery who has helped thousands of patients rejuvenate their appearance and restore their confidence.

Contact us today to learn how Dr. Erella can create your ideal look! He will happily answer all questions regarding awake surgery and offer his honest and informed opinion on whether this technique is proper for you.