Dr. Hakimi is known for awake liposuction, but he can also remove stubborn fat under general anesthesia. This technique is recommended for treating multiple areas at once, as the number of treatment areas may sometimes be limited by the amount of lidocaine, the numbing medication, one can receive. For example, based on one’s weight, a patient may not be able to have their arms, thighs and abdomen all numbed at the same time. In this case, Dr. Hakimi will give you the option to stage your procedure over two days or have all areas treated at once under general anesthesia.
General anesthesia liposuction is a surgical technique that removes unwanted body fat while the patient is under general anesthesia. Unlike awake liposuction, which uses a combination of local anesthesia and oral medication to numb the area, general anesthesia allows for a highly extensive procedure without any discomfort. This method is particularly useful for treating multiple areas in one session and allows for more aggressive fat-removal techniques.
Under general anesthesia, Dr. Hakimi can target areas that might be uncomfortable to treat using local anesthesia for comprehensive results.
You’ll experience no pain or discomfort during surgery.
General anesthesia gives Dr. Hakimi more control over the fat-removal process, allowing for precise body contouring.
General anesthesia is ideal for patients who want to address multiple areas like the abdomen, back, thighs and arms in one go.
Sometimes, the choice between general and local anesthesia depends on your preferences. However, there are times when Dr. Hakimi recommends general anesthesia for his patients.
Almost all types of liposuction involve the use of a tumescent solution — a mixture of saline, epinephrine and lidocaine to control pain and bleeding and make fat cells easier to remove. Awake liposuction techniques rely solely on local anesthesia and oral medication to keep you comfortable, so higher doses of lidocaine may be needed to numb the treatment area.
The problem? Only so much lidocaine can be safely used in a single surgery. The right dose mostly depends on your weight, but additional factors such as whether you’ve had liposuction before or nonsurgical body contouring treatments like CoolSculpting also play a role. This might limit the number of areas you can have treated, making general anesthesia a better option.
To determine the best choice, Dr. Hakimi will consider:
It’s important to be honest with your surgeon to ensure your health and safety during surgery. Dr. Hakimi is an expert in both types of liposuction procedures, so regardless of the chosen method, you will receive effective results tailored to your body type and aesthetic goals.
Awake lipo is ideal for patients seeking a minimally invasive option with a quicker recovery. Performed under local anesthesia with oral medication, you’ll be sleepy and relaxed but awake during surgery. It’s recommended for those targeting smaller deposits of fat and is suitable for patients who are in good health and close to their ideal weight for the best possible results.
Learn More About Awake LipoIf you’re ready to get rid of stubborn fat for good and explore your liposuction treatment options, book a private consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi. Get started today by calling his Beverly Hills office at 424-239-5201 or completing our online contact form.
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