Awake Liposuction

In Washington D.C. &. Baltimore

Transform your body with confidence by undergoing Awake Liposuction. Our minimally invasive approach allows you to achieve your aesthetic goals without the need for general anesthesia. Enjoy a quicker recovery compared to traditional liposuction, and experience the benefits of enhanced safety with local anesthesia.

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  1. Gallery
  2. Candidates
  3. Preparation
  4. Steps
  5. Recovery
  6. Cost

What is Awake Liposuction?

Opting to stay awake for surgery isn’t a novel concept, as numerous procedures are routinely conducted under local anesthesia. Surprisingly, many patients prefer an awake approach and choose to remain alert during their medical interventions. 

Awake Liposuction, also referred to as local anesthesia liposuction, utilizes a local anesthetic to numb targeted areas, ensuring a pain-free and comfortable experience. This technique, a form of tumescent liposuction, involves infusing the treatment area with a solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine, effectively numbing the area and minimizing bleeding. Ideally suited for those needing minimal to moderate fat removal, awake liposuction allows for staged procedures, enabling additional fat removal within days of the initial surgery. It’s important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure but is most effective for individuals close to their target weight with stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise.

Who is a good candidate for Awake Liposuction?

A good candidate for Awake Liposuction in Baltimore or Washington DC at Landford Plastic Surgery should have the following characteristics:

  • Are in overall good health
  • Close to their ideal weight
  • Have specific areas they wish to target
  • Maintains realistic expectations for procedure results
  • Willing to practice proper dieting and routine exercise to maintain results 

Unfortunately, those with excessive sagging skin or who weigh over 30 percent more than their goal weight may not be good candidates. If you have any questions or concerns about your candidacy, the best way to find out your eligibility is to contact Landford Plastic Surgery and schedule your consultation with Dr. Wilmina Landford.

How much does Awake Liposuction cost in Washington D.C. & Baltimore, MD?

The cost of Awake Liposuction in Washington D.C. & Baltimore will vary on multiple factors, including the location being treated and the amount of fat being removed. After consulting with Dr. Landford and allowing her to examine your body, she will create your surgical plan. Our Patient Coordinator will be able to provide you with a complete breakdown of your procedure costs.

What should I expect during a consultation for Awake Liposuction?

On the day of your Awake Liposuction consultation, you will meet with Dr. Landford to discuss your candidacy. She will examine your body, ask you questions about your medical history, including any medications you regularly take (including nutritional and herbal supplements), and answer any questions you may have. It is very important to be open and honest during your discussion with Dr. Landford as the information you provide will help prevent unnecessary risks and achieve the best results.

Dr. Landford will discuss all of your options with you, and if you decide that awake liposuction is good for you, she will create your procedure plan and our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule your surgical date and provide you with instructions that will help you achieve the most optimal results.

How do I prepare for Awake Liposuction?

We want you to have a pleasant experience that produces optimal results, so you should follow these tips before receiving your Awake Liposuction:

  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
  • Complete lab testing and medical evaluation as directed by our office
  • Do not eat or drink anything at least eight hours before surgery. If you need to take medications that have been approved by Dr. Landford, take them with a small sip of water.
  • Follow guidelines regarding medications and supplements
  • Hydrate yourself
  • Stop smoking or vaping
  • Arrange transportation and support
  • Have any prescriptions filled before your procedure

Awake Liposuction risks & safety

Since the risks associated with general anesthesia are eliminated, Awake Liposuction is a safer option than traditional liposuction for many patients. Dr. Landford takes great pride in her ability to perform safe and successful procedures, however, as with any procedure, there’s always a possibility of complications. Although rare and very minor, the risks of awake liposuction can include:

  • Bleeding
  • Dimpling
  • Infection
  • Loose skin
  • Lumpiness
  • Numbness
  • Scarring
  • Skin irregularity
  • Uneven contouring

If you experience any concerning or long-lasting reactions, please do not hesitate to contact our office immediately.

What are the steps of Awake Liposuction?

On the day of your treatment, the process begins with check-in, followed by a meeting with Dr. Landford to address any last-minute queries and create necessary surgical markings. Subsequently, you’ll be taken into surgery and receive local anesthesia.

The procedure closely mirrors traditional Liposuction, with Dr. Landford making small incisions and inserting a slender cannula into the targeted area. The cannula delicately breaks up and suctions out unwanted fat deposits. After the excess fat removal, Dr. Landford closes the incisions using bandages and surgical tape. Following the procedure, you’ll spend some time in our recovery room until deemed safe for release.

The duration of this procedure can vary, spanning between one and four hours, contingent on the surgical location and the amount of fat to be removed.

Awake Liposuction recovery

Recovery time after Awake Liposuction is generally shorter compared to traditional liposuction, with patients often able to return to work and resume light activities within a few days to a week. It’s important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon for optimal healing. Final results are usually noticeable after one month.

Why Choose Us?

Dr. Wilmina Landford is a Plastic surgeon who completed an integrated plastic surgery residency at the esteemed Johns Hopkins and whose medical training at Stony Brook Medicine in New York has led to rigorous and comprehensive training in her field. Her extensive background in bioengineering puts her at the forefront of understanding the mechanisms of body science and biotransformation, as seen in her patient’s Awake Liposuction results.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re looking to achieve a better body, but have concerns or anxiety about being completely sedated, Awake Liposuction can provide you with stunning results. To schedule your consultation with Wilmina Landford, M.D., please contact Landford Plastic Surgery in either Washington DC or Baltimore today! You can also request an appointment through our website and a member of our team will be happy to schedule your consultation.

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