Awake Liposuction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beverly Hills, CA

Awake liposuction is a minimally-invasive body-sculpting procedure that removes stubborn fat for a smoother, sleeker silhouette. It produces exceptional results while avoiding the negative effects of full, general anesthesia. Awake liposuction offers more precision, enhanced safety, and a faster recovery compared to traditional liposuction treatments.

Lahar Plastic Surgery is expertly led by double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Lahar. Dr. Lahar is an awake liposuction specialist who combines his eye for detail with advanced techniques for consistently outstanding outcomes.

Learn more about the sculpting effects of awake liposuction by calling our office at (310) 403-3514 or contacting us online.

About Awake Liposuction

Liposuction is the most common cosmetic procedure in the world, and awake liposuction provides all of the magnificent body-contouring effects with increased safety by not using general anesthesia. (1) Awake liposuction permanently eliminates stubborn fat deposits, creating sleeker body contours. (2)

During awake liposuction, local anesthetic is used to maintain patient comfort. This creates less grogginess and faster recovery times than traditional liposuction. During the procedure, the fat is removed through a very thin metal tube, leaving smoother body contours. The fat cells will not grow back, allowing for beautiful, long-lasting results.

Benefits

The many confidence-boosting effects of awake liposuction include:

  • Targeted reduction of stubborn fat
  • Faster and easier recovery than traditional liposuction (3)
  • Avoidance the negative effects of general anesthesia
  • Long-lasting results via permanent removal of fat cells
  • Enhanced safety and less risk of complications
  • Less bleeding and bruising
  • Balanced body proportions and slimmer body contours
  • Improved comfort and movement
  • Minimal scarring
  • Better-fitting clothes

Candidates

Candidates who will see great results with awake liposuction have stubborn, localized fat deposits that are resistant to improvements in diet and exercise. You should be in generally good health, have realistic expectations about the body contouring effects of awake liposuction, and understand that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss. It is important to have a stable weight to preserve your beautifully smooth results long term.

Personal Consultation

Your personal consultation is the first step in your body sculpting transformation. It sets the foundation your customized treatment plan will be developed from and creates realistic expectations.

During this meeting, you will discuss your concerns and treatment goals with Dr. Lahar. You will review your medical history, including medication use and any previous treatments and surgeries. Dr. Lahar will perform a comprehensive physical examination that analyzes your desired treatment areas and skin quality to assess if awake liposuction is the right treatment for you.

Dr. Lahar will answer any questions, provide expert guidance on your treatment options, and thoroughly explain the procedure so you can confidently make an informed decision.

Schedule your meeting with Dr. Lahar to learn more about awake liposuction by calling our office at (310) 403-3514 or contacting us online.

Preparation

Awake liposuction preparations will vary depending on the areas being treated. It is important to follow your personalized instructions that are provided to optimize your treatment and results. In general, healthy habits and good nutrition will support the body through treatment, accelerate healing, and enhance outcomes.

Since there is no general anesthesia involved, awake liposuction comes with far fewer restrictions than traditional treatment. You can eat and drink normally before your procedure.

Common recommendations may include adjusting medication and supplement usage, refraining from nicotine and alcohol, and arranging for transportation.

Procedure

You will be awake and comfortable throughout your awake liposuction treatment with local anesthesia. Dr. Lahar will begin by marking the treatment area, while you are standing, so he can identify the fat to remove and the natural contours of the body. Then, he will inject specialized tumescent fluid which is a local anaesthetic. Tumescent fluid is a blend of diluted saline, which swells fat cells and facilitates easier removal; epinephrine (adrenaline) that constricts the blood vessels; and lidocaine for blocking pain. The area will become swollen, firm, and thoroughly numb before Dr. Lahar continues treatment.

Next, he will make small incisions and remove the fat using a very thin tube, called a cannula, through the openings. He will move it through the subcutaneous fatty layer in controlled passes while suctioning out the fat. Dr. Lahar is carefully evaluating the treatment area and removes a precise amount of fat to artfully sculpt the transition area between the treated and untreated areas for smooth, natural-looking results. Finally he will close and bandage the incisions and apply a compression garment to control swelling and support the tissues and skin as it heals.

The total treatment will take between one and four hours, depending on the size and number of treatment areas. After your procedure is done, you will be able to return home to rest comfortably.

Recovery

Your recovery timeline will vary based on the size of the treatment area and volume of fat removed. Since awake liposuction avoids general anesthesia, the recovery is typically much faster than traditional liposuction. You will be alert and will not experience the usual negative side effects of general anesthesia like nausea or grogginess.

During the first few weeks of your recovery, specialized compression garments will support the treatment area as it begins to heal. You will gradually reduce the use of the garments as your recovery progresses. Any soreness or pain can be easily relieved with over-the-counter medications.

Initially after treatment you can usually expect swelling, bruising, tenderness, and soreness. In the first 24-48 hours there may be slight fluid drainage at the incision sites. After resting for the first few days, most people return to light activities. Light exercise, like walking, is encouraged to promote circulation and healing.

Swelling and bruising usually peak around days three to five and then gradually decrease over the next few weeks. The treatment area may feel firm, lumpy or sensitive during this time.

Patients can often resume full activities and normal routines after a week or two. Soreness and bruising will fade over a few weeks. After a few months, any deeper residual swelling will resolve and your skin and tissues will have healed into place.

Results

You may notice some improvements relatively soon after treatment but the final, smoother contours will be revealed as swelling subsides and the tissue heals. In the first week, results will be mostly obscured by swelling and bruising. During the next couple of weeks the swelling will decrease significantly and the new contours will begin emerging. By about a month, up to 80% of the new contours will be visible. Within three to six months the final, sleeker contours will be revealed.

Corresponding Procedures

Comprehensive body enhancement can be achieved by pairing the body-sculpting effects of awake liposuction with complementary procedures. Reshape your silhouette by transferring the removed fat to areas that could use more volume like the breasts with a fat transfer breast augmentation or the butt with a Brazilian Butt Lift. Remove loose skin and excess fat in the abdomen by combining awake liposuction with a tummy tuck for a streamlined midsection. A customized mommy makeover that includes awake liposuction renews the body’s appearance and rejuvenates the lasting effects of pregnancy.

Cost of awake Liposuction in Beverly Hills, CA

The cost of awake liposuction will vary based on the size of the treatment area and the volume of fat removed. After developing your personalized treatment plan, Dr. Lahar will provide a comprehensive price quote. Without the cost of general anesthesia included, awake liposuction is often more affordable than traditional liposuction. We have financing options to make awake liposuction more accessible for qualified patients.

To learn more about awake liposuction, call our office at (310) 403-3514 or contact us online to book your consultation appointment.

FAQ

What is the difference between awake liposuction and traditional liposuction?

Both forms of liposuction produce beautiful body-sculpting results. Traditional liposuction is performed under general anesthesia so the patient will be fully unconscious. Awake liposuction uses local anesthesia and mild sedatives for comfort while the patient remains conscious but relaxed and calm.

What is tumescent liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction is the standard form of liposuction that all other variations derive from. It features a tumescent fluid that is injected into the target area. This fluid blends saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine to swell fat cells, numb tissues internally, and limit bleeding.

Is awake liposuction safe?

Yes, awake liposuction is safe. Without general anesthesia, there is less risk of complications than with traditional liposuction.

How much fat can be removed during awake liposuction?

No more than five liters can be removed safely in one treatment session. The specific amount removed will vary depending on the treatment area. Dr. Lahar will carefully remove fat to sculpt the area so it blends seamlessly with the untreated areas.

Does awake liposuction hurt?

Most patients describe the sensation as pressure or feelings of movement and vibration.

How quickly will I see the results of awake liposuction?

Subtle changes will be noticeable soon after treatment. As the swelling subsides over the next few weeks, improvements will become more visible. Final, sleeker results will be visible after the tissue settles and heals within a few months.

Will the fat come back?

The fat cells are removed entirely and will not grow back. However, the remaining cells can enlarge with weight gain, so maintaining a stable weight will best preserve the smoother contours.

What areas of the body can awake liposuction treat?

Awake liposuction produces beautiful, smoother results on most areas of the body including the abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, calves, arms, back, chest, neck, cheeks, and chin.

References

  1. Pelosi MA, Pelosi MA. Liposuction. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2010;37(4):507-519, viii. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2010.09.004
  2. Dhami L D. Liposuction. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. 2008;41(Suppl):S27. Accessed September 17, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2825130/
  3. Seify H. Awake Plastic Surgery Procedures: The Use of a Sufentanil Sublingual Tablet to Improve Patient Experience. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2022;4:ojab056. doi:10.1093/asjof/ojab056