For patients considering a specific cosmetic procedure, advances in local anesthesia techniques along with surgical protocols have made it possible for them to remain conscious throughout the surgery. This is known simply as awake cosmetic surgery.
Sounds crazy, right? What could be the advantages of being awake during a surgical procedure?
Well, there are many. And knowing when awake surgery is an appropriate choice has helped many patients who may have been putting off a cosmetic procedure because they didn’t want to be ‘put under.’
Local Vs. General Anesthesia
Simply put, if you opt for awake surgery, the surgical site will be numbed with local anesthesia that may also include a sedative to help you relax. You might drift in and out of sleep, but you’ll still breathe on your own and never be completely unconscious. While you may experience the sensation of tugging or pulling at the surgical site, you won’t feel pain.
General anesthesia, on the other hand, will render you fully unconscious. During the surgical procedure, you will feel no sensation whatsoever. An anesthesiologist will be there to manage your airway and monitor your vital functions throughout the procedure.
Though it does present more risks, there is nothing inherently wrong with general anesthesia. It serves its purpose. And whether you’re able to have awake cosmetic surgery will depend on your procedure, your health, and your preferences. There are some distinct advantages, though.
The Advantages of Awake Cosmetic Surgery
As mentioned above, during awake cosmetic surgery, you can communicate with your surgeon. You may find this odd, but most patients who choose awake surgery find it reassuring. There are occasions when the surgeon may need you to shift positions or adjust your posture so that he or she can access different treatment areas. When you can actively participate in these actions, it increases the likelihood of more even and symmetrical results. He or she can assess your contours in real time.
In addition, a local anesthetic will not cause the grogginess, disorientation, and/or nausea that often accompany general anesthesia after a procedure. Yes, the sedation medications can cause some stomach upset. The discomfort is typically not as intense or as long-lasting as after general anesthesia. So you will be more comfortable and alert after the procedure.
The healing time for your incisions and tissues will be the same regardless of your anesthesia. However, if you choose awake surgery, you will likely spend less time in recovery immediately after the surgery and will be able to return home more quickly. And that can make the experience feel less intense.
Best Procedures for Awake Cosmetic Surgery
Awake surgery is safe and effective. Of course, awake surgery is not recommended for just any procedure. For surgeries involving smaller treatment areas and requiring less time, the awake approach might be ideal.
Some of the most common choices for awake cosmetic surgery are small-volume liposuction, facial fat transfer, facelifts, brow lifts, and eyelid surgery. So if any of these are on your list, awake surgery is certainly worth investigating!
Explore Your Options
Don’t let the idea of general anesthesia keep you from pursuing a cosmetic procedure. Awake cosmetic surgery could be right for you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation so that one of our experienced board-certified plastic surgeons can thoroughly discuss your desired outcomes with you.
Then, based on your specific goals and health profile, he or she will determine whether you might be a good candidate for awake cosmetic surgery.