Liposuction without general anesthesia is designed to safely and effectively remove unwanted fat from specific areas of the body while allowing patients to stay awake yet comfortable during the procedure.

Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the world and is often performed alongside multiple other procedures. (1) Liposuction’s popularity is largely due to its proven track record of producing satisfactory results for patients looking to achieve a variety of different cosmetic goals. However, it is still a surgical procedure that can result in lengthier recovery times. If you are looking to remove excess pockets of body fat without a lengthy recovery, awake liposuction may be your ideal procedure. This approach allows for improved patient comfort, faster recovery times, and results that align closely with individual aesthetic goals. (2)

Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic is the premier liposuction clinic in Colorado, specializing in a variety of liposuction procedures, including those that do not involve the use of general anesthesia. Schedule a consultation with one of our liposuction specialists online or by calling (720) 372-2155 today to explore the benefits of awake liposuction further.

About Liposuction Without General Anesthesia

Liposuction without general anesthesia involves using a local anesthetic to perform fat removal procedures while allowing patients to remain awake. This method can significantly reduce the risks associated with general anesthesia and provide a better overall experience to many patients. 

Fat removal is popular among those struggling to get rid of stubborn fat pockets despite diet and exercise efforts. Commonly targeted areas include the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and under the chin. This technique has evolved over the years, offering multiple options tailored to meet diverse aesthetic preferences while maintaining safety protocols. At Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic, we are proud to offer VASER Liposuction.

Benefits

Liposuction without general anesthesia offers many potential benefits, which is largely why more people are beginning to seek these types of treatment methods. Under the expert guidance of our liposuction specialists, our patients achieve improvements through: 

  • Minimally invasive treatment: This technique involves smaller incisions, resulting in less visible scarring.
  • Enhanced Safety: Local anesthesia reduces the risk of complications associated with general anesthesia, such as adverse reactions or respiratory issues.
  • Quick recovery time: Patients often find that they can return to their regular activities sooner compared to liposuction with general anesthesia. (3)
  • Increased patient comfort: Patients can communicate with the medical team during the procedure, allowing adjustments as needed for optimal comfort.
  • Surgical precision: The ability to stay awake means that the surgeon can receive real-time feedback regarding the body’s response to the surgery.
  • Outpatient procedure: Most cases allow patients to go home soon after the procedure, providing greater convenience. (3)
  • Targeted fat areas: Liposuction can effectively target specific areas of concern, enabling tailored body contouring.

There are many benefits associated with undergoing liposuction without general anesthesia. General anesthesia, for many, is a major deterrent for undergoing cosmetic procedures such as liposuction. By utilizing less invasive techniques, Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic can help patients achieve the results they want without the taxing effects sometimes associated with surgical procedures that use general anesthesia.

Ideal Candidates

Several different factors will contribute to whether or not someone is an ideal candidate for liposuction procedures without general anesthesia, but typically, these procedures appeal to people looking for the same results as a typical liposuction procedure with less downtime. Ideal candidates for liposuction without general anesthesia are often those who:

  • Are at or near their desired weight but struggle with localized fat deposits.
  • Have good skin elasticity, which assists in proper skin retraction post-fat removal.
  • Are generally healthy and do not have underlying health conditions that could complicate the procedure.
  • Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
  • Do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking in the weeks leading up to surgery.

Your eligibility for a liposuction treatment will be determined during your personal consultation with one of our patient coordinators.

Personal Consultation

There are numerous types of liposuction procedures, some of which involve the use of general anesthesia while others do not. A personal consultation with one of the patient coordinators at Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic will help determine whether you are eligible for liposuction without general anesthesia.

During this meeting, our patient coordinators will review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic concerns, and examine the areas you are interested in addressing. They will evaluate your skin’s condition, your fat distribution, and your overall body structure. Based on this assessment, our coordinator will recommend a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals. Your consultation is also an opportunity to ask any questions and clarify concerns about the procedure. To schedule your consultation, please submit our online contact form or call our office at (720) 372-2155. 

Preparation

Preparing for liposuction without general anesthesia often entails a less extensive preparation process, making it an appealing option for patients. Patients will still receive detailed preoperative instructions from their surgeon to ensure a successful procedure. Some of these common preparation steps often include discontinuing blood-thinning medications and certain supplements ahead of time. Patients may also be asked to refrain from using nicotine or consuming alcohol as well.

Procedure

Liposuction procedures will look different for each patient depending on the goals of each treatment. Liposuction procedures at Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic utilize VASER liposuction techniques. This process begins by administering tumescent anesthesia, which numbs the targeted treatment area while preparing fat cells for removal. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, incisions are made and a thin probe is inserted that delivers ultrasound energy to break apart and liquify fat cells. Once the fat cells have been liquified, they are suctioned out using a small cannula. The surgeon will then contour and reshape the area until the desired results are achieved and then close the incisions, all while preserving the surrounding tissues, nerves, and blood vessels.

Recovery

While recovery experiences vary, one of the primary advantages of liposuction without general anesthesia is how minimal the recovery process is for many, as liposuction without general anesthesia tends to incorporate less invasive techniques. Most patients can expect mild discomfort that can be managed with prescribed medication. Swelling and bruising around the treated areas typically occur within the first week. Regular follow-up visits help monitor healing progress. Generally, patients can return to light activities within a few days and potentially resume full activities within three weeks, depending on individual circumstances.

Results

Patients will often notice significant changes in their body contour soon after the procedure, with final results becoming more defined as swelling subsides over several weeks. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can help ensure long-lasting results, enhancing both self-confidence and overall satisfaction with one’s appearance.

Cost of Liposuction Without General Anesthesia in Denver

The cost of liposuction without general anesthesia will depend on the techniques used and a patient’s individual goals. Another key advantage of liposuction without general anesthesia is that it can be a cost-effective procedure because it does not require the costs associated with general anesthesia. After your patient coordinator collects information during your consultation, you will be given a comprehensive price quote for your treatment. 

Schedule your consultation today or call our Denver office at (720) 372-2155 to begin planning your personalized liposuction treatment. 

FAQ

What areas can be treated with liposuction?

Many body regions can undergo liposuction, including the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, chin, and neck.

Is liposuction safe?

When performed by qualified professionals with adherence to safety protocols, liposuction is regarded as a safe procedure.

How much fat can be removed during liposuction?

Surgeons typically recommend removing no more than five liters of fat for safety reasons. More significant fat removals may require staged procedures.

Will I have scars after liposuction?

Incision placement is done thoughtfully to minimize visible scarring. As with any surgical procedure, some scarring is inevitable but often becomes less noticeable over time.

Can liposuction be combined with other surgeries?

Yes, many patients choose to combine liposuction with other procedures, such as tummy tucks or breast augmentations, for comprehensive body contouring.

How long will the results of my liposuction treatment last?

Results can last indefinitely as long as patients maintain a stable weight by exercising regularly and eating healthy meals.

References

  1. Seify H. Awake Plastic Surgery Procedures: The Use of a Sufentanil Sublingual Tablet to Improve Patient Experience. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2022;4. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojab056
  2. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
  3. Jung J, Kim DH, Son J, Lee SK, Son BS. Comparative study between local anesthesia and general anesthesia in the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Annals of Translational Medicine. 2019;7(20):553. doi:https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2019.09.89
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