Awake liposuction · Wellington
Awake Liposuction in Wellington — Local Anesthesia for the Right, Limited Plan
Some smaller liposuction plans can be performed with local tumescent anesthesia while you stay awake, with or without comfort options discussed at your consultation. It can mean no general anesthesia and a simpler morning — but it is not the right tool for every body or every volume. Results vary.
Board-Certified General Surgeon · Awake option only where Michael Clerveus, MD judges it safe
Plain language
What “awake” actually means
What you can expect
- Numbing tumescent fluid is placed in the treatment zone before fat removal
- You remain conscious; comfort options may be offered, as discussed at your consultation
- Pressure, pulling, or vibration sensations are common; sharp pain should be reported and addressed
- You may be able to change position to help the surgeon reach certain angles
- Recovery from anesthesia itself is usually quicker than after general anesthesia
What it is not
- Not automatically “safer” — safety depends on volume, health, setting, and surgeon judgment
- Not “lunchtime” or downtime-free — swelling, bruising, and compression still apply
- Not suitable for large-volume or full circumferential plans in every patient
- Not a weight-loss procedure or a substitute for lifestyle
Florida regulates office-based surgery and liposuction volume limits. Your surgeon follows Florida’s office-surgery rules and will explain how they apply to your plan.
Side by side
Awake liposuction vs liposuction under general anesthesia
Neither option is “better” in general. The right one depends on your anatomy, the volume planned, your health history, and your comfort.
Candidacy honesty
Who tends to be a fit for awake liposuction
Often discussed when you
- Have one or two small, well-defined fat pockets
- Are near a stable weight with good skin quality
- Are comfortable staying awake and communicating during the procedure
- Have a health history that supports local anesthesia
- Want to avoid general anesthesia for personal or medical reasons — and the plan allows it
Usually steered elsewhere when
- Fullness wraps the torso and a true Lipo 360 plan is needed
- Volume would exceed what Michael Clerveus, MD considers safe awake
- Significant anxiety would make staying still difficult
- Loose skin is the main concern (lipo vs tummy tuck)
- Medical conditions or medications make local anesthetic dosing unsafe
The day of
What an awake procedure day may look like
Arrival & markings
Final review of consent, photos, and surgical markings while you stand.
Comfort plan
Any comfort medication is discussed at your consultation and taken only as prescribed. You’ll be asked to arrive with an adult who will drive you home.
Tumescent numbing
Fluid placed through tiny entry points. This is often the most noticeable step; it settles as numbness sets in.
Contouring
Fat removed through a thin cannula. You may be asked to shift position.
Garment & discharge
Compression garment applied, written instructions reviewed, and you go home once cleared. Expect drainage from entry sites for a period your surgeon will explain.
Common zones
Areas sometimes treated awake
Chin & neck
Small submental volume with good skin tone.
Arms
Limited upper-arm fullness without significant skin laxity.
Flanks
A single love-handle pocket on an otherwise balanced torso.
Touch-ups
Small residual areas after healing — see revision
FAQ
Awake liposuction questions
Does awake liposuction hurt?
Most patients describe pressure and pulling more than pain once the area is numb, but experiences vary. Tell the team if anything is sharp — additional local anesthetic can often be given. Comfort options are discussed at your consultation may also be available.
Can Lipo 360 be done awake?
Sometimes a limited circumferential plan can be, but many full-torso plans are better performed with other anesthesia options, reviewed at your consultation, because of the number of zones and total volume. Michael Clerveus, MD decides based on your exam — not on preference alone.
Is recovery faster?
You skip the grogginess of general anesthesia, but the tissue still heals on its own timeline. Swelling, bruising, compression, and gradual return to exercise still apply. See recovery
Is awake liposuction cheaper?
It can change facility and anesthesia fees, but cost depends on zones, time, and setting. See cost factorsWe don’t publish prices before an exam.
Can I drive myself home?
No. Even without general anesthesia, oral medications and the procedure itself mean you need an adult to drive you and, per your written instructions, stay with you.
Next step
Ask whether an awake plan fits you
Tell us the zone you’re thinking about. Michael Clerveus, MD will explain whether local anesthesia is appropriate — and say so plainly if it isn’t. Results vary.
Call 561-363-5538
Hours Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–2 PM · Sun Closed
Address 5315 Lake Worth Rd, Greenacres, FL 33463
Email rn@majesticaesthetic.com
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Results vary from person to person. A consultation with Dr. Michael Clerveus is required to determine whether a procedure is right for you.