The decision between traditional and awake liposuction might seem like a minor technical detail, but ask any patient who’s experienced both, and they’ll tell you the differences are profound. From the safety profile and recovery time to the precision of your results, performing liposuction without general anesthesia transforms nearly every aspect of the procedure.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi is Beverly Hills’ leading expert in awake liposuction, having perfected this technique through years of dedicated practice. His approach is worlds apart from cheap discount clinics where profit margins drive decisions. There are no bait-and-switch tactics, no assembly-line procedures and no compromises on safety standards — because when it comes to your body, excellence is worth the investment.
Let’s explore why Dr. Hakimi has made awake liposuction the cornerstone of his practice and how this specialized technique delivers the exceptional results his patients have come to expect.
What Makes Awake Liposuction Different?
Awake liposuction, as the name suggests, is performed while you’re conscious but kept comfortable with local anesthesia and oral medication. Unlike traditional liposuction, which requires general anesthesia, it allows for a different experience. “Being awake during liposuction creates opportunities for a better recovery and better results,” Dr. Hakimi explains. Here’s how.
Enhanced Safety Profile
General anesthesia carries its own set of risks and potential complications — from adverse reactions to lingering feelings of nausea, dizziness and confusion. While general anesthesia is generally considered safe when administered by an anesthesiologist, awake liposuction eliminates the need to put you completely under, significantly reducing these risks.
“The safety profile of awake liposuction is one of its most compelling advantages,” says Dr. Hakimi. “By using only local anesthesia, we avoid many of the complications associated with general anesthesia while still ensuring patient comfort.” This makes it a great option for those who want to avoid major surgery or downtime without compromising their results.
Real-Time Body Positioning
During awake liposuction, you can change positions when needed. This seemingly simple capability offers a significant advantage: it allows Dr. Hakimi to access areas that might be difficult to reach when a patient is lying unconscious on an operating table.
“When a patient is under general anesthesia, they’re completely still,” notes Dr. Hakimi. “With awake lipo, I can have patients adjust positions, which lets me see how the body looks in real time from different angles to sculpt more dynamic, natural-looking results.” While the difference might seem subtle, it’s often what separates good outcomes from great ones.
Faster Recovery: Get Back to Life Sooner
The recovery advantages of awake liposuction are substantial. Without the effects of general anesthesia to overcome, most patients experience:
- Less post-op nausea and grogginess
- Quicker return to normal activities
- A reduced need for strong pain medication
Many of Dr. Hakimi’s patients return to light activities within just a day or two, compared to the longer recovery periods often needed after traditional liposuction. “You might have some oozing, but it’s a social downtime,” Dr. Hakimi says. “Most patients don’t even take pain medication.”
The Technical Process Behind Awake Liposuction
Understanding the process helps explain why awake liposuction can offer such advantages. Dr. Hakimi begins by applying a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. This is followed by the injection of tumescent solution — a mixture of saline, lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (which constricts blood vessels to minimize bleeding).
Once the area is adequately numbed, Dr. Hakimi creates tiny incisions, typically only a few millimeters in length. Through these small openings, he inserts a thin cannula to break up and suction out unwanted fat. Throughout the procedure, he carefully monitors and adjusts his technique based on real-time feedback and visual assessment.
“The precision of awake liposuction comes from being able to see exactly how the body is responding as I work,” says Dr. Hakimi. “I can immediately assess the symmetry and contour from different angles, making micro-adjustments that might be missed if the patient were under general anesthesia.”
The Patient Experience: More Comfortable Than You Might Think
Many people immediately assume that being awake during liposuction would be uncomfortable or even unsettling. However, the reality is quite different.
First, the local anesthesia ensures you don’t feel pain during the procedure. You’ll also receive mild sedation that keeps you relaxed and comfortable throughout. Most patients describe feeling pressure or movement, but not pain.
“Many of my patients are actually surprised by how comfortable they are during awake liposuction,” says Dr. Hakimi. “The medication we use makes you feel sleepy and relaxed, but you’re still aware enough that we can communicate if needed.”
What to Expect During Awake Liposuction
To give you a clearer picture, here’s what you might expect during an awake liposuction procedure with Dr. Hakimi.
When you arrive at the Beverly Hills office, you’ll be given oral medication to help you relax. After changing into a surgical gown, Dr. Hakimi will mark the treatment areas and take pre-procedure photos.
The treatment area is then infused with the tumescent solution. This process takes time to ensure complete numbing, but once it’s done, you won’t feel any pain as excess fat is removed.
During the procedure itself, you might feel sensations of movement or pressure as Dr. Hakimi works. Many patients choose to listen to music or even chat with the surgical team. The length of the procedure varies depending on the areas being treated, but most sessions last between one to three hours.
“I talk to my patients throughout the procedure,” says Dr. Hakimi. “It helps them stay calm and comfortable, and it gives me valuable feedback about how they’re feeling.”
After the procedure, you’ll spend a short time recovering before being released to go home. Unlike with general anesthesia, you’ll be alert enough to understand your post-operative instructions and won’t need to wait for the effects of anesthesia to wear off.
Results That Speak for Themselves
The true test of any cosmetic procedure is in the results it delivers. Awake liposuction, when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Hakimi, creates beautifully contoured results that enhance your natural curves.
Because the technique allows for such precise fat removal and real-time assessment, the outcomes often feature smoother transitions between treated and untreated areas. This avoids the unnatural, “operated-on” look that can occur with other types of liposuction.
“I aim for results that make people say, ‘You look great!’ not ‘Who did your lipo?'” says Dr. Hakimi. “The best results enhance your natural features so subtly that others notice the improvement without being able to pinpoint exactly what’s changed.”
“I just want to start off by saying Dr. Hakimi is by far one of the best doctors in California. His attention to detail is amazing, and the care for his patients is out of this world. He’s probably one of the few doctors out here that is 100% honest with his patients and their expectations. I did my procedure with him in October and can’t stop raving about my experience. I was so comfortable throughout my whole procedure, I think I even fell asleep lol. As for my results! I’m OBSESSED!!! He truly helped build my confidence, and now I can’t wait for summer! I don’t think a hundred “Thank Yous” would ever be enough to show how thankful I am for him and the work he does.”
- Amy M.
Is Awake Liposuction Right for Everyone?
While the benefits of awake liposuction are clear, it’s not necessarily the right choice for every person or situation. Awake liposuction works best for:
- Targeted fat removal in smaller areas (chin, buffalo hump, arms, etc.)
- Circumferential contouring of the abdomen, flanks and back (Lipo 360)
- Those who prefer to avoid general anesthesia
- People who want a quicker recovery time
When treating multiple areas (three or more) simultaneously, traditional liposuction under general anesthesia might still be recommended. Dr. Hakimi offers both approaches and determines the best option based on your specific needs, goals and health status.
“I perform both awake and traditional liposuction,” explains Dr. Hakimi. “What’s most important is choosing the right approach for each patient’s unique circumstances. Sometimes that’s awake lipo, sometimes it’s not.”
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
The consultation is a critical part of your liposuction journey. This face-to-face meeting with Dr. Hakimi gives you the opportunity to learn more about the procedure and determine if awake liposuction is right for you. To make the most of this time, print or copy this list and come prepared with questions that will help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Your Candidacy
First, you’ll want to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Consider asking:
- “Based on my body type and goals, am I a good candidate for awake liposuction?”
- “Would I benefit more from awake liposuction or traditional liposuction under general anesthesia?”
- “How much fat can realistically be removed from my target areas?”
- “What kind of results can I expect given my skin elasticity and body shape?”
Dr. Hakimi will give you an honest assessment based on your unique physical characteristics and aesthetic goals. “I believe in setting realistic expectations,” he explains. “I’d rather under-promise and over-deliver than the other way around.”
Procedure Details
Next, dig into the specifics of the procedure itself:
- “What exactly happens during awake liposuction? Can you walk me through the steps?”
- “How long will my procedure take?”
- “What kind of medication will I receive before and during the procedure?”
- “Will I feel anything during the surgery? What sensations should I expect?”
Understanding the procedure in detail often helps alleviate anxiety and builds confidence in your decision. Dr. Hakimi takes the time to explain the process thoroughly, ensuring you feel comfortable and prepared.
Recovery and Results
Make sure you understand what to expect after your procedure:
- “What will my recovery be like? When can I return to work and normal activities?”
- “When will I see my final results?”
- “Will I need to wear compression garments? For how long?”
- “What kind of post-operative care do you recommend for optimal results?”
Dr. Hakimi will provide detailed recovery instructions, but asking these questions helps you mentally prepare for what lies ahead and plan accordingly.
Safety and Credentials
Don’t hesitate to ask about Dr. Hakimi’s qualifications and safety protocols:
- “How many awake liposuction procedures have you performed?“
- “What are the potential risks or complications?”
- “What safety measures do you take during the procedure?”
- “What happens if I experience complications after my procedure?”
These questions might feel awkward to ask, but a qualified surgeon like Dr. Hakimi welcomes them as part of building trust with patients.
Practical Considerations
Finally, cover the practical aspects:
- “What is the total cost of the procedure? Does this include all pre-op and post-op appointments?”
- “Do you offer financing options?“
- “What should I do to prepare for my procedure?”
- “Will I need someone to drive me home after surgery?”
- “Do you have protocols in place for out-of-town patients?”
Coming prepared with these questions will help ensure you leave your consultation feeling informed and confident about your decision, whether you choose to proceed with awake liposuction or explore other options.
Experience the Difference at Hakimi Plastic Surgery
What truly sets Dr. Hakimi’s approach apart is his commitment to transparency and personalized care. Unlike high-volume clinics that focus on quantity over quality, Hakimi Plastic Surgery offers a boutique experience. You won’t find a revolving door of patients being rushed through their consultations or an unfamiliar surgeon performing your procedure. Instead, Dr. Hakimi personally ensures that each person receives the one-on-one care and attention they deserve.
Each procedure is tailored to the individual patient, taking into account their unique anatomy, goals and preferences. There are no cookie-cutter solutions here — just careful attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
This personalized approach may not be the fastest or cheapest way to practice plastic surgery, but it delivers something far more valuable: results that truly reflect your desired outcome, performed with the highest standards of safety and care. For Dr. Hakimi’s patients, the investment in quality pays dividends in both their results and peace of mind.
Your Awake Lipo Journey Starts Here
Awake liposuction offers enhanced safety, more precision and a quicker recovery compared to traditional approaches. For many patients, the ability to avoid general anesthesia while achieving exceptional results makes this technique particularly appealing.
As Beverly Hills’ awake liposuction expert, Dr. Hakimi has refined his approach to deliver consistently outstanding outcomes. His focus on honesty, precision and personalized care ensures that each patient receives the highest standard of treatment.
To learn more about awake liposuction and whether it might be right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hakimi by calling 424-239-5201 or completing our online contact form.