Awake Surgery in the Office Under Local Anesthesia
Our board-certified facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Jonathan Pontell and Dr. Catherine Weng, offer a full range of anesthesia options tailored to each patient’s comfort and needs. At the Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Center, a significant number of the procedures we perform can be comfortably completed in our in-office operating room using local anesthesia and light oral sedation—with the patient remaining awake during the procedure. For the right individual, especially those without significant anxiety, this can be an excellent option.
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What Is Awake Surgery?
Awake surgery refers to performing procedures under local anesthesia and mild sedation, rather than intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. This approach allows patients to remain conscious, though relaxed and comfortable, throughout their procedure.
For many patients, procedures such as mini-facelifts, eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty), neck liposuction, hair transplants, subnasal lip lifts, ear pinning (otoplasty), chin implants, and fat injections are all options that can be effectively performed using this method.
While many surgeons were not trained in awake surgical techniques and prefer their patients to be fully asleep, Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng have both trained extensively in awake procedures. Together, they bring 50 years of combined experience in these methods. Though we offer awake, in-office surgery for many procedures, we are also happy to perform surgeries at a surgical center under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia if preferred.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Awake Surgery?
Potential Advantages:
- Avoids the potential risks associated with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia
- Significantly reduces anesthesia-related costs
- Easier recovery—typically no nausea, vomiting, or grogginess
- Decreased bleeding during surgery, which can improve visualization and potentially lead to better outcomes
- No need for a recovery room stay—patients can go directly home after the procedure
Potential Disadvantages:
- Despite the use of topical numbing cream, the local anesthesia injections can still cause some discomfort
- For patients who experience anxiety, being awake during surgery may be stressful
One of our experienced facial plastic surgeons can talk with you about the possibilities during your consultation and help you determine whether this option is ideal for your needs and concerns.
Would you like more information on awake surgery and the treatments available at our practice? Please don’t hesitate to contact the Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Center with any questions you may have, or to schedule a consultation.
