Awake Liposuction

Dr. Michael R. Burgdorf is passionate about reducing discomfort and downtime. He invests in the most innovative solutions available to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Liposuction is among the most popular and effective ways of reducing stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to dieting and exercise. Today’s advanced technology and cutting-edge equipment have made it possible to minimize the risks and downtime of this sought-after body sculpting solution. Nashville in-office awake liposuction, performed with local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, is a safe alternative for select patients seeking less discomfort and recovery time.

Why Choose Music City Plastic Surgery?

At Music City Plastic Surgery, patients enjoy access to an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon who is committed to safety, aesthetic excellence, and an empowered treatment experience where each patient is an active participant in their cosmetic journey. Dr. Burgdorf has created a “family style culture” in a world-class practice setting equipped with the latest in cutting-edge technology. Music City Plastic Surgery is housed in a 12,000-square-foot facility with 9 comfort-enhanced exam rooms, ensuring no patient is ever made to wait. Despite its spaciousness, the practice offers a boutique environment where patients enjoy one-on-one attention, never being rushed.

What is Awake Liposuction?

Our one-day Nashville awake liposuction procedure employs tumescent techniques to remove stubborn pockets of fat with minimal invasiveness, discomfort, or downtime. Because no general anesthesia is required, patients can resume their normal activities faster. There is no risk of nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, or other anesthesia side effects. Like conventional liposuction, awake liposuction suctions out troublesome fatty tissue using a cannula or small tube. The fat can be discarded, or it can be preserved for a future fat transfer procedure.

What are the Benefits?

Lowered risk of complications
Patients remain alert and lucid
Minimal swelling and bruising
Reduced recovery time
Less prescribed medications needed
Cost-effective

Candidacy

Ideal candidates for awake liposuction are healthy non-smokers who have not found relief from stubborn fat through conventional body contouring methods, such as dieting and exercise. They should have good skin elasticity and be realistic in their expectations. Dr. Burgdorf will conduct a detailed consultation process to ensure the treatment will accomplish your unique goals for improvement. He is known for answering the unasked questions and spending as much time as is needed so that the patient feels secure in their decision to move forward.

How Does it Work?

Awake liposuction is less costly, faster, and safer than conventional liposuction methods. During awake liposuction, patients remain conscious and alert. However, local anesthesia is employed to ensure minimal discomfort.

Small incisions are created in the numbed treatment zones and a tumescent solution (saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine) is injected into the layer of fat beneath the skin, helping to minimize postoperative bruising. A thin cannula (slender tube) is then utilized to suction out the fat cells, reshaping the treatment areas. Incisions are usually smaller than the cap of the pen, so there is very minor scarring afterward.

The entire procedure can last from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the work performed. Patients will go home shortly after their awake liposuction session, but a friend or family member is still needed to do the driving. Dr. Burgdorf will offer oral pain medications after treatment that may impair driving ability.

How Long is the Recovery Time?

Recovery after awake liposuction is brief and stress-free. Patients can typically return home within a few hours of their procedure and resume normal activities within a few days, thanks to the less invasive nature of awake lipo. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for 3 to 5 days post-procedure. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness should be minimal.

When Will I See Results?

As the initial swelling begins to subside over the coming weeks, you will see a difference in your body’s contours. Only a single awake liposuction session is usually needed to see a difference in your physique. Patients will be fitted with a compression garment that will help to reduce swelling and keep the newly trimmed contours intact.

Results will continue to evolve in the coming months, with marked improvement at 3-4 weeks post-op. The final outcome will be evident in around 3 months, once the swelling has completely died down. Bear in mind that awake liposuction is a fat-loss technique and is not a substitute for a weight-loss program. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen is mandatory in terms of preserving your results.

Don’t Miss Dr. Burgdorf’s #1 Amazon Best-Selling Books

Whether you’re a mom or a dad, Dr. Burgdorf is here to educate you on what extraordinary plastic surgery can do for your self‐confidence and overall quality of life. You deserve the best care and we are here whenever you are ready to get started!

✔The Mommy Makeover: Restoring Your Body After Childbirth
✔The Daddy Do‐Over: Boost Your Confidence in the Boardroom and the Bedroom