Awake Liposuction
Awake Liposuction: A Comprehensive Guide
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What is Awake Liposuction in Lubbock TX, Midland TX, Hobbs, NM, and West Texas?
Awake liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure performed while the patient remains conscious. For those apprehensive about general anesthesia, this option provides a solution, allowing them to undergo liposuction without being put to sleep. The absence of general anesthesia also contributes to a faster recovery period.
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How Does Awake Liposuction Work?
The procedure of awake liposuction mirrors that of traditional liposuction, with the key difference being the patient's conscious state. To ensure comfort, sedatives and local anesthesia are administered. During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a cannula. A tumescent solution, which includes a local anesthetic to minimize pain and bleeding, is used to numb the area further. The surgeon then strategically removes the unwanted fat, shaping and contouring the body to achieve the desired results.
Benefits of Awake Liposuction
One of the primary advantages of awake liposuction is the interactive aspect. Since the patient is awake, the surgeon can communicate with them, asking them to flex muscles or change positions. This interaction can lead to more precise body sculpting.
Additionally, local anesthesia carries fewer risks compared to general anesthesia, making the procedure safer. Patients avoid the grogginess associated with general anesthesia, which can linger for up to 24 hours post-surgery. Awake liposuction also employs tumescent fluid, which not only numbs the area but also causes the fat to swell, facilitating easier removal. This results in less post-procedure swelling and bruising, leading to a quicker recovery.
Areas Treatable with Awake Liposuction
Awake liposuction is versatile and can be performed on various parts of the body, including:
Abdomen
Arms
Armpits
Ankles
Axillary/Bra Bulge
Upper Back
Mid Back
Lower Back
Chest
Chin
Hips
Love Handles
Knees
Neck
Pubic Area
Thighs
Candidate Eligibility for Awake Liposuction
Ideal candidates for awake liposuction are nonsmokers who are generally healthy and close to their ideal body weight. However, the criteria for awake liposuction are more flexible compared to traditional liposuction. Patients with a BMI between 36 and 42, who might not be suitable for general anesthesia, can opt for awake liposuction. These patients may require multiple sessions to achieve the best results, but this option opens the door for many who would otherwise be ineligible for liposuction surgery.
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What is the difference between oral/maxillofacial surgeon and plastic surgeon?Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have a dental background. They went to dental school prior to obtaining their training in maxillofacial surgery. The training involved dental implants, third molar removal, facial fractures, orthognathic surgery, and in some programs free flaps reconstruction for the head and neck. Plastic Surgeons goes to medical school prior to residency. In plastic surgery residency, the training does not involve dental implants, or third molar removal. It does involve facial fractures, orthognathic surgery, free flap reconstruction in the head and neck and the rest of the body. Plastic surgeons also have extensive training in facial aesthetics. Dr. Boonipat further his plastic surgery training with a concentrated fellowship in aesthetic jaw surgery in Taiwan. He is well qualified to address both your functional concerns by working with your orthodontist (braces/teeth doctor), and your aesthetic concerns because of his plastic surgery and fellowship training. In many cases, jaw surgery can be performed with other aesthetic procedures to improve your aesthetic outcome, all under one anesthesia. (See page on combined jaw surgery with rhinoplasty or combined jaw surgery with other facial cosmetic procedures.