Awake plastic surgery — performed using local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia or IV sedation — is becoming an increasingly popular choice for patients who want to avoid the effects of general anesthesia while benefitting from a smoother recovery, less downtime, and excellent results. But the natural question is: who is actually a good candidate for awake plastic surgery, and what should you consider when deciding whether this approach is right for you? At Dr. Kenneth Kim Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Kim has built his practice around this advanced technique, offering patients a compelling alternative to surgery performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation.
Candidates are patients who want to avoid the risks associated with going fully under. General anesthesia suppresses the brain and body’s nervous system, causes a drop in blood pressure, and carries risks including nausea, vomiting, cognitive/memory effects, and increased post-operative bleeding risk as blood pressure fluctuates (increases) after surgery.
What If You Are Anxious About Being Awake During Surgery?
This is one of the most common concerns patients raise, and it rarely disqualifies anyone from awake surgery. Dr. Kim has extensive experience helping patients feel at ease throughout their procedure. During awake plastic surgery, local anesthesia numbs the treatment area while patients remain awake and able to communicate with the surgical team. For some anxious patients, remaining aware of what is happening and having a greater sense of control can actually make the experience feel more reassuring than they had anticipated. Many patients who felt apprehensive beforehand report that the procedure was far more comfortable than they expected.
Patients with certain cardiac or respiratory conditions that make general anesthesia particularly risky may find that awake surgery may be the preferable and appropriate choice. Sharing your complete medical history during your consultation allows Dr. Kim to evaluate your options thoroughly.
Which Procedures Can Be Done Awake?
At Dr. Kenneth Kim Plastic Surgery, a wide range of plastic surgery procedures are performed using local anesthesia only, including upper and lower blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, facelift, neck lift, forehead lift, breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty, and liposuction. Dr. Kim is one of a very small number of board-certified plastic surgeons in Los Angeles offering this level of specialization in awake surgery. He has extensive experience and has performed more than 10,000 procedures using local anesthesia only. His patients consistently benefit from smoother and quicker recovery timelines and a decreased risk of anesthesia-related complications. Most are able to return to light activity the day after their procedure.
Find Out If You Are a Candidate for Awake Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles
If you are curious about whether awake plastic surgery is right for you, the next step is a consultation. Contact Dr. Kenneth Kim Plastic Surgery today to discuss your goals and find out which procedures can be performed with local anesthesia for your specific situation.
