Tummy Tuck with Local Anesthesia
One surgery in particular, where less invasive anesthesia is desired involves an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. Awake abdominoplasty or tummy tuck can be performed using the local anesthetic solution. The local anesthetic solution, termed tumescent solution, is a diluted solution that is used to strategically numb the pain nerves located in the skin and soft tissues as well as the underlying muscles. A tumescent solution is created using a solution of saline, in which lidocaine and epinephrine have been added as the main anesthetic solution. A tumescent solution is also used to constrict blood vessels. When the tumescent solution is infiltrated strategically, it can help clients avoid general anesthesia.
Is an Awake Tummy Tuck Safe?
An Awake Tummy Tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area to enhance its appearance. While this procedure has gained popularity due to its numerous benefits, certain safety concerns should be taken into consideration.
One primary safety concern associated with an Awake Tummy Tuck is the potential for inadequate pain management. Since local anesthesia is typically used instead of general anesthesia, some patients may experience discomfort during the procedure. This can lead to an increase in anxiety and stress levels, which may affect the outcome of the surgery.
In addition to pain management concerns, there are also risks and potential complications associated with the use of general anesthesia. General anesthesia carries the risk of adverse reactions and can cause complications such as infection, blood clots, and respiratory issues. These risks are minimized when local anesthesia is used instead, as it allows the patient to remain awake and aware during the surgery.
Despite these safety concerns, an Awake Tummy Tuck offers numerous advantages. By using local anesthesia, the risk factors associated with general anesthesia are significantly reduced, making the procedure safer for certain individuals. Additionally, the use of local anesthesia allows for a shorter recovery time and a faster return to normal daily activities. As the patient is awake during the surgery, they also have the opportunity to provide immediate feedback on their desired outcome, resulting in improved appearance and patient satisfaction.
In conclusion, while there are safety concerns associated with an Awake Tummy Tuck, the use of local anesthesia offers significant advantages over general anesthesia. By reducing the risk factors and allowing for a shorter recovery time, this procedure can provide patients with a safer and more satisfying surgical experience.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Awake Tummy Tuck?
An ideal candidate for an Awake Tummy Tuck surgery is typically a woman who has undergone childbirth and is experiencing issues related to loose or sagging skin in the abdominal area. This procedure is also suitable for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excess skin that cannot be improved through exercise or diet.
The ideal candidate needs to have realistic expectations and understand that an Awake Tummy Tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle. The surgery is meant to address the excess skin and can result in a flatter and more toned stomach. However, it will not remove stretch marks or address visceral fat underneath the abdominal muscles. Therefore, candidates should have a clear understanding of the goals and limitations of the procedure.
Furthermore, an ideal candidate for an Awake Tummy Tuck should be comfortable with awake anesthesia. Awake anesthesia allows the patient to be mildly sedated and remain conscious during the surgery. This approach is considered safer than general anesthesia and allows for quicker recovery time and fewer complications. Candidates should have a medical evaluation to ensure that they are suitable for awake anesthesia and are in good overall health.
In summary, an ideal candidate for an Awake Tummy Tuck is a woman who has gone through childbirth, has loose or sagging skin in the abdominal area, has realistic expectations, and is comfortable with awake anesthesia.
What should I expect after having Awake Tummy Tuck?
After undergoing an Awake Tummy Tuck surgery, it is vital to adhere to specific post-operative instructions for a proper recovery. The following guidelines outline what patients should expect after the procedure.
Medications: Patients will be prescribed pain medications and antibiotics to manage discomfort and prevent infection. It is important to take these medications according to the provided instructions.
Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after a tummy tuck. To minimize these effects, patients should keep their abdomen elevated and use cold compresses for the first few days. Wearing compression garments will also help reduce swelling.
Drains and bandages: Drains may be placed to remove excess fluid, and patients will need to empty and record the output regularly. Bandages will cover the incisions, and it is essential to keep them clean and dry. The surgical team will provide instructions on when to remove the bandages.
Exercise and weight lifting: Patients should avoid any strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks following surgery. Light walking is encouraged to promote blood circulation but should be done cautiously.
Follow-up appointments: Patients will be scheduled for follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress and remove any drains or sutures if necessary. These appointments also provide an opportunity for the surgical team to assess the results and address any concerns or questions.
By adhering to these post-operative instructions, patients can optimize the healing process and achieve satisfactory results. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized instructions and advice specific to each patient’s case.
Awake Tummy Tuck Results
An awake tummy tuck procedure offers various advantages compared to standard tummy tuck procedures. This innovative technique combines the benefits of traditional tummy tucks with added perks that result from performing the surgery under local anesthesia.
One significant advantage of an awake tummy tuck is the ability to perform extensive liposuction of the entire abdominal area. By using this method, excess fat deposits can be effectively removed, resulting in a more sculpted and contoured midsection. This allows for a more personalized and tailored outcome based on the patient’s specific needs and desires.
Additionally, an awake tummy tuck ensures an improved position of the belly button. With the patient consciously able to provide feedback during the surgery, the surgeon can adjust and reposition the belly button to create a more natural and aesthetically pleasing result. This eliminates the risk of an unattractive or distorted belly button post-surgery.
Furthermore, the absence of sutures or muscle plication in an awake tummy tuck procedure is a significant advantage. Traditional tummy tucks often require sutures to hold the abdominal muscles in place, resulting in a longer recovery time and potential discomfort. However, with an awake tummy tuck, the underlying muscles are not manipulated or sutured, allowing for a quicker recovery and reduced post-operative pain.
In conclusion, awake tummy tuck results include improved abdominal contour through extensive liposuction, an enhanced position of the belly button, and a more comfortable recovery period due to the absence of sutures or muscle plication. This procedure offers patients a safer and more personalized approach to achieving their desired aesthetic goals.
Awake Tummy Tuck Cost
When considering a tummy tuck procedure, it is important to be aware of the potential cost involved. The average price range for a tummy tuck can vary depending on several factors.
On average, the cost of a tummy tuck procedure is between $5,000 and $9,000. However, it is essential to note that this is just an average estimate and the actual cost may be higher or lower depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors can influence the cost of a tummy tuck. The complexity of the procedure is one of the primary factors. If the surgery requires additional work such as muscle tightening or liposuction, it can increase the overall cost. The extent of the excess skin and fat to be removed also affects the overall cost. In some cases, patients may require a full tummy tuck, while others may only need a mini tummy tuck, which can impact the final price.
Other factors that can influence the cost include the surgeon’s experience and expertise, the location of the clinic, and any additional fees such as anesthesia or facility charges.
In conclusion, when considering an awake tummy tuck procedure, it is essential to be aware of the average price range. However, it is important to consult with a qualified surgeon to get an accurate estimate as the cost can vary depending on various factors.
How is an Awake Tummy Tuck Performed?
To do awake tummy tuck, the patient’s abdominal region is infiltrated with the tumescent fluid. The skin and soft tissue are injected with an 18 gauge using a 20cc syringe. The muscle fascia is injected using specially used cannulas that can effectively numb up the pain nerves within the muscle fibers. In addition to local anesthetic solutions, oral medications that provide minimal to moderate sedation are provided to patients. Both oral medications and skin and soft tissue infiltration are administered at least one hour before surgery to allow for appropriate induction of comfort before proceeding.
Focal and targeted liposuction is performed first. This maneuver results in a partial fat reduction of the abdominal wall, limited to the areas not dissected surgically. This step allows for the shaping of the abdomen to a more aesthetically pleasing contour. Using a more concentrated lidocaine solution, the preoperative marked incision lines are re-infiltrated so the creation of incision lines will be pain-free. As the dissection proceeds, dictated by the surgical design, additional layers are infiltrated under direct vision. Once the muscle lining, or fascia, is reached, anatomical knowledge and surgeon skills are used to block specific nerves innervating the muscle fascia using specialized cannulas.
Both attention to detail in tumescent infiltration and patience make this procedure extremely comfortable for the patient. This is best characterized by the fact that patients will typically nap throughout their surgery. Although they are napping, they are aware of their surroundings and always willing to help with repositioning of their body when asked to.
Using awake tummy tuck techniques, all components of a tummy tuck, traditionally performed under general anesthesia, can be done with local anesthesia only. Even muscle plication or tightening, which is a very important and critical step of the procedure, that is considered to be most painful, is completed without the need for general anesthesia!
The Benefits of Tummy Tuck with Local Anesthesia
The benefits of doing tummy tuck under awake conditions are several. First, there is decreased bleeding since the blood vessels are maximally constricted following the administration of epinephrine in a tumescent solution. This in turn also makes dissection of the surgical areas easier for your surgeon. Also being able to follow the surgeon’s orders is invaluable, as moving the body and repositioning oneself is achieved with ease and facilitates surgical maneuvers. Finally, awake tummy tuck is more affordable than conventional tummy tucks since it avoids anesthesia-related costs.
Conclusion: Tummy Tuck with Local Anesthesia
The awake tummy tuck performed at Surgisculpt provides faster recovery as patients can leave the operating room on their own since they are not groggy. Additionally, awake tummy tuck patients universally have observed a quicker recovery and return to their daily activities likely because they have avoided general anesthesia side effects in the immediate postoperative period.