Is an Awake Liposuction Painful?

Awake liposuction is designed to be a comfortable experience with minimal pain. Since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, the treated areas are fully numbed, allowing patients to remain awake without discomfort. You may feel some mild pressure or movement during the procedure, but no significant pain should exist. Afterward, some soreness and swelling are normal, similar to the feeling of a deep bruise, but this is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients find the recovery process to be much easier than traditional liposuction, with minimal downtime.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

After the initial consultation, most patients only need one appointment for awake liposuction to achieve their desired results. The procedure is performed in a single session, and the results become more visible as swelling subsides. However, a follow-up procedure can be scheduled after full healing if a patient wants additional contouring in the same or different areas.

How Long Until I See Results?

After awake liposuction, there will be an immediate difference, but the final results take time as swelling gradually decreases. Most patients see a significant improvement within a few weeks, with results becoming more apparent around 3 to 6 months post-procedure. The treated area will continue to refine over time as your body adjusts to its new figure. Following post-operative care instructions and maintaining a stable weight are important to maintain your results.

Can I Combine an Awake Liposuction With Other Procedures?

Yes, pairing this procedure with skin-tightening treatments, such as radiofrequency or laser-based therapies, is common to improve skin elasticity after fat removal. It can also be performed alongside other minimally invasive procedures like fat transfer, where the removed fat is purified and injected into areas that need volume, such as the face, hands, or buttocks. However, if you’re considering combining awake liposuction with more extensive surgeries, such as a tummy tuck or high-BMI liposuction, Dr. Rivera will evaluate whether it’s safe and effective to do so.

What Are the Risks Associated With an Awake Liposuction?

Awake liposuction is considered very safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. However, like any procedure, it carries some risks, including temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, or mild discomfort in the treated areas. Because general anesthesia isn’t used, awake liposuction eliminates the risks associated with being put to sleep, making it a lower-risk alternative to traditional liposuction. Dr. Rivera will discuss all potential risks during your consultation and ensure you’re a good candidate for a safe, successful outcome.

Miami, Florida

Awake Liposuction

Introduction

Introduction to Awake Liposuction

For many, stubborn pockets of fat can be a frustrating source of insecurity—areas that just won’t budge, no matter how much effort goes into diet and exercise. While traditional liposuction can be an effective solution, the idea of undergoing an invasive procedure with general anesthesia and a long recovery can be overwhelming. Not everyone wants to take weeks off work or go through the risks associated with being fully sedated.

Instead, try awake liposuction! Guaranteed permanent fat elimination in a single session.

This innovative approach allows for precise fat removal while you remain comfortably awake under local anesthesia, eliminating the need for heavy sedation and significantly reducing downtime. Awake liposuction may be the perfect fit if you’ve been looking for a way to refine your shape with a safer, faster, and more convenient alternative to traditional liposuction. It’s offered right here in Miami Beach with Dr. Rivera. The recovery is much quicker than liposuction under general anesthesia. We have even done this procedure on an airline pilot, and he was flying a commercial plane 3 days later! Since the procedure is not performed under general anesthesia, it can even be safely done on individuals with high BMIs.

What is Awake Liposuction?

Awake liposuction is a minimally invasive fat removal procedure performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to remain awake and comfortable throughout the treatment. Unlike traditional liposuction, which requires general anesthesia, this technique uses a tumescent solution to numb the area, minimize bleeding, and make fat removal easier. The procedure is ideal for contouring specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, and flanks, with less downtime and a lower risk of complications.

A woman with dark brown skin and long hair stands in a room with arched windows, wearing white lingerie and a flowing robe. She gazes confidently at the camera, with soft natural light highlighting her form and the neutral-toned interior. - Awake Liposuction in Miami Beach, FL

- Full Tech Liposuction in Miami Beach, FL

What is Full-Tech™ Liposuction?

Our unique “Full Tech”™ liposuction or body contouring approach involves using most of the following technologies during the actual liposuction:

Vaser® ultrasound for fat separation
Microaire® Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) for fat extraction
For skin tightening (one of the options below, depending on the case):
- Radiofrequency with Retraction® SmartLipo device
- Radiofrequency with Renuvion® J Plasma® device
- Radiofrequency with BodyTite® or QuantumRF® devices
- Laser SmartLipo device
Awake Liposuction (if the patient prefers it over general anesthesia)

What Are the Benefits of Awake Liposuction?

One of the biggest benefits of awake liposuction is that it eliminates the side effects associated with general anesthesia, making it a good choice for many patients. The procedure also results in less swelling, bruising, and discomfort compared to traditional liposuction, allowing for a faster recovery. Because patients are awake, the surgeon can make real-time adjustments, ensuring a more precise and customized outcome. We often have the patient stand towards the end of the procedure for quality control, as the contours of the body appear different when standing compared to lying on your back. Additionally, awake liposuction is often performed in an office setting, reducing overall costs and avoiding the need for a hospital stay. The results are long-lasting, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle, making it an excellent option for targeted body contouring.

Who Are the Best Candidates For an Awake Liposuction?

The best candidates for awake liposuction are individuals with stubborn fat deposits that are resisting diet and exercise. This procedure is ideal for those who want to sculpt and refine areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, or chin while remaining awake and avoiding general anesthesia. Patients should be in good overall health, stable in weight, and realistic about the results. Since the procedure is not performed under general anesthesia, it can be safely done on individuals with high BMIs.

During a consultation at his Miami Beach office, Dr. Rivera can assess your goals and help determine if awake liposuction is the right choice for you or if another method would be more effective.

What’s the first step?

The first step in undergoing awake liposuction would be to have a consultation in Miami with Dr. Rivera so that he can review your areas of concern, discuss your goals, and determine if you’re a good candidate for this procedure. He will also explain how awake liposuction works, what you can expect, and whether alternative treatments may be better suited to your needs. If you decide to move forward, Dr. Rivera will put together a surgical plan and provide you with pre-procedure guidelines. This is also a great time to ask any questions and address any concerns you may have about the process.

What to Expect on the Day of Awake Liposuction Surgery

On the day of your procedure, you’ll arrive at our Miami Beach clinic, where Dr. Rivera and his team will ensure you are comfortable and prepped before beginning. A mild sedative will be given orally to help you relax and feel comfortable, while a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the treatment areas, allowing you to remain awake, relaxed, and comfortable without experiencing any pain. Dr. Rivera will then make tiny incisions and gently insert a thin cannula to remove excess fat while sculpting and refining the area. Because general anesthesia isn’t used, you’ll be able to communicate with the team throughout the procedure, and the recovery process begins immediately. Once completed, you’ll be given a compression garment and post-care instructions before being released so you can go home the same day.

Awake Liposuction Recovery

Recovery from awake liposuction is significantly quicker than traditional liposuction since there is no general anesthesia and minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues, but some bruising, swelling, and soreness aren’t uncommon in the first few days post-treatment. Many people return to light activities within 24 to 48 hours, though heavy exercise should be avoided for at least a couple of weeks. We have had commercial airline pilots flying planes 3 days later. Wearing a compression garment as directed will help reduce swelling and support healing. While initial improvements are noticeable right away, final results become more apparent as swelling fully resolves over the following weeks.

How Much Does an Awake Liposuction Cost in Miami Beach, FL?

An Awake Liposuction in Miami Beach costs between $3,000 and $15,000 on average. This accounts for the amount of fat being removed, anesthesia/numbing fees, facility fees, and more. Since awake liposuction is a highly personalized treatment, we encourage scheduling a consultation to receive an accurate quote tailored to your specific needs.

Why Choose Dr. Rivera? What Sets Us Apart?

We are specialists and have the know-how. Dr. Carlos Rivera is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami with a background that includes two residencies, two prestigious fellowships, and years of experience delivering exceptional, natural-looking results. Unlike high-volume practices, Dr. Rivera provides a boutique, patient-centered experience, ensuring personalized care and precision in every procedure. With a deep understanding of aesthetic balance and surgical artistry, he tailors each treatment to enhance the body’s natural contours while prioritizing patient safety and comfort.

Awake Liposuction FAQ’S

Awake liposuction is designed to be a comfortable experience with minimal pain. Since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, the treated areas are fully numbed, allowing patients to remain awake without discomfort. You may feel some mild pressure or movement during the procedure, but no significant pain should exist. Afterward, some soreness and swelling are normal, similar to the feeling of a deep bruise, but this is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients find the recovery process to be much easier than traditional liposuction, with minimal downtime.
After the initial consultation, most patients only need one appointment for awake liposuction to achieve their desired results. The procedure is performed in a single session, and the results become more visible as swelling subsides. However, a follow-up procedure can be scheduled after full healing if a patient wants additional contouring in the same or different areas.
After awake liposuction, there will be an immediate difference, but the final results take time as swelling gradually decreases. Most patients see a significant improvement within a few weeks, with results becoming more apparent around 3 to 6 months post-procedure. The treated area will continue to refine over time as your body adjusts to its new figure. Following post-operative care instructions and maintaining a stable weight are important to maintain your results.
Yes, pairing this procedure with skin-tightening treatments, such as radiofrequency or laser-based therapies, is common to improve skin elasticity after fat removal. It can also be performed alongside other minimally invasive procedures like fat transfer, where the removed fat is purified and injected into areas that need volume, such as the face, hands, or buttocks. However, if you’re considering combining awake liposuction with more extensive surgeries, such as a tummy tuck or high-BMI liposuction, Dr. Rivera will evaluate whether it’s safe and effective to do so.
Awake liposuction is considered very safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. However, like any procedure, it carries some risks, including temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, or mild discomfort in the treated areas. Because general anesthesia isn’t used, awake liposuction eliminates the risks associated with being put to sleep, making it a lower-risk alternative to traditional liposuction. Dr. Rivera will discuss all potential risks during your consultation and ensure you’re a good candidate for a safe, successful outcome.

Patient Reviews

4.79 – 103 Reviews

Dr Rivera is an excellent surgeon

Dr Rivera is an excellent surgeon. Very professional and great chair side manner. I was extremely pleased with my experience and procedures and I will recommend Dr Rivera Always!!!!

View Results
J.P., Google
I cannot recommend Dr. Rivera enough

I cannot recommend Dr. Rivera enough. I had such a good experience at his practice and I appreciate how kind and knowledgeable he was.

View Results
L.B., Google
as soon I meet Dr Rivera I knew he was the best

I had a great experience. I visited 4 surgeons between Miami and Ft Lauderdale; some very senior and well known, but as soon I meet Dr Rivera I knew he was the best. Dr Rivera listened, was patient and gave me several options for treatment. He is exceptionally talented and trained, ans has great manners. I was impressed with his resume, superior to pretty much any plastic surgeon I’ve meet. The procedure went very well. I obtained the results I wanted. His staff is top notch. Absolute recommendations. He is a Rockstar!

View Results
Anonymous, RealSelf

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re considering awake liposuction, the first step is scheduling a consultation at our Miami Beach office. Our team will guide you through the entire process, from consultation to recovery, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience. Contact us today either online using the patient contact form or call us at (305) 792-8244.