Awake Liposuction

At Downsize! Lipo Center of Houston, Dr. Hennessy specifically performs awake liposuction. This technique is a perfect way to contour the body without going under general anesthesia. With awake liposuction in Houston, patients can avoid the many potential issues associated with general anesthesia.

What Is Awake Liposuction?

Unwanted fat can accumulate in various areas in the body due to factors such as lifestyle, genetics, medical conditions, medications, and aging. Traditional liposuction used to be the popular option to get rid of this stubborn body fat.

However, traditional liposuction often requires administration of general anesthesia. General anesthesia takes longer to recover from than sedation. It can be accompanied by a number of side effects, including vomiting, dizziness, sore throat, temporary memory loss, trouble urinating, cold sensations, and nausea. In certain cases, general anesthesia can result in pneumonia, stroke, heart attacks, and even death.

Because of these issues, Dr. Hennessy prefers awake liposuction. Patients are awake during their procedure but in no pain. This is accomplished through infusion of a tumescent solution that numbs the region. This tumescent solution is a combination of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine. It swells the fatty tissues for easier removal and reduces bleeding and post-operative bruising.

Ideal Candidates

Awake liposuction is ideal for healthy patients who have not been able to get significant fat-reduction and body-contouring results through traditional methods like diet and exercise. Candidates should have realistic expectations. Candidates should not be pregnant or breastfeeding, and they must be at or near their ideal body weight.

Your Consultation

A consultation with Dr. Hennessy must be scheduled before a date can be set for your awake liposuction procedure. Dr. Hennessy will listen to your concerns and body-contouring goals. You can tell him about the treatments you have tried to get rid of unwanted fat.

Dr. Hennessy will conduct a physical examination and evaluate your medical records to determine if you are an ideal candidate for awake liposuction. Photographs may be taken for before-and-after purposes.

Dr. Hennessy will create a surgical plan that can achieve your desired results. He will explain all the details of the process, including the procedure steps, recovery, and cost. All questions you may raise will be addressed properly during your consultation.

The Awake Liposuction Procedure

An awake liposuction procedure will last between one to four hours depending on the treatment areas and the amount of fat being removed. The patient will be awake throughout the entire procedure.

Small incisions will be created, and the tumescent solution will be infused into the treatment area. Additional techniques may be employed to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure.

The Awake Liposuction Recovery Process

The patient can go home after their awake liposuction procedure. A 48-hour recovery process will be necessary for the body to heal. Dr. Hennessy will provide recovery instructions. Minor pain, discomfort, and swelling may be experienced after the procedure. The patient can resume normal activities after a few days and perform gym activities after a week.

The patient will see noticeable fat reduction immediately after treatment. Full results will be visible when all swelling subsides.

Cost?

The price of awake liposuction will depend on the treatment plan and amount of fat removed. The number of areas addressed in the procedure can also impact the total cost of awake liposuction.