Awake body surgery
Awake Lipo 360 in Ottawa
A circumferential approach contours the abdomen, waist and back together to refine overall proportions. In selected patients it can be done awake, and in others staging or general anesthesia is safer.
Lipo 360 at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 2 to 4 hours |
|---|---|
| Awake suitability | Selected patients |
| Typical return to desk work | Desk work often within 1 week |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia arranged if needed |
| Setting | Outpatient, with an anesthesiologist present throughout |
Times are typical ranges for planning, not promises. Your plan is individualized.
What is lipo 360?
Tumescent infiltration and liposuction are carried out in the abdomen, flanks and back, often with position changes during the operation.
Who may be a good candidate
- Patients with fat across the torso, reasonable skin tone and realistic expectations
- Those in good general health
- People who understand that loose skin may need other treatment
Why awake lipo 360 may work
Because tumescent liposuction is well supported under local anesthesia, a Lipo 360 can be done awake for suitable volumes. Staying awake lets you help with position changes and walk soon after surgery.
When awake may not be the right choice
Larger or longer treatments are often better suited to sedation, general anesthesia or staging in two sessions. Circumferential abdominal procedures have been associated with a higher venous thromboembolism rate in published reviews, so clot risk is assessed.
Your awake lipo 360 journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
We assess volume, skin tone and health, and decide whether one session is appropriate.
- A consultation to review your goals, health history, medications and previous surgeries, and a physical examination
- An anesthesia assessment to decide whether an awake plan is appropriate and safe for you
- Photographs, with your consent, and a written plan, quote and consent form
- Medication guidance, including when to stop blood thinners, certain supplements, and smoking or vaping
- Fasting instructions from the anesthesia team. Follow them exactly
- A ride home and an adult to stay with you after surgery
2. Day of surgery (intra-op)
You are turned between positions as needed. Tumescent fluid is placed and fat removed from each area.
- You arrive, change, and meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, and your markings and plan are confirmed
- An IV and monitors are placed. The anesthesiologist stays with you from start to finish
- Local anesthetic is given. Expect brief stinging, then numbness, and light sedation if planned
- You can listen to music, talk with the team, and tell us at any time if you feel discomfort
- Afterward you rest in recovery, receive written instructions and go home with your driver
3. Recovery (post-op)
You are observed in recovery, given written instructions and pain-control guidance, and scheduled for follow-up. Call us or seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain or swelling.
| When | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling, bruising and fluid drainage. Compression garment worn. |
| Week 1 | Walking is encouraged. Desk work for many within about a week. |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Gradual return to activity. |
| Months 2 to 6 | Swelling resolves, final contour appears. |
Timelines are general and vary. Your surgeon gives you instructions specific to you.
Anesthesia options
Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia, with or without sedation, to general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure and recommends an approach after reviewing your health, the extent of surgery and your preferences. If an awake approach is not suitable, general anesthesia is arranged. Plans can change during surgery if comfort or safety requires it, including deepening sedation or converting to general anesthesia.
Learn more: anesthesia options, levels of anesthesia, fear of intubation, and pain perception and music.
Alternatives
Treating fewer areas, staging over two sessions, abdominoplasty if there is significant loose skin, or no surgery.
Risks
As for liposuction generally, plus clot risk with larger combined procedures, surface irregularity and residual loose skin.
Anesthetic risks include reactions to medications, breathing or airway events, the need to deepen sedation or convert to general anesthesia, and, rarely, transfer for further care. All surgery carries risk, and results are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about awake lipo 360
Is Lipo 360 done in one session?
Not always. We decide after assessing volume and health.
Will my skin tighten?
Skin response varies.
Can it be done awake?
In selected patients, yes.
What if I need a tummy tuck?
If loose skin is the main concern, abdominoplasty may be better.
Related procedures
Starting from $12,000 (CAD, before 13% HST), including surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees. Your written quote follows your consultation. See pricing and financing.
Explore your options at a consultation
References
- Boeni R, Waechter-Gniadek PV. Safety of tumescent liposuction under local anesthesia in 9,002 consecutive patients. Dermatol Surg. 2021;47(5):e184-e187. PMID 33899793
- Kaoutzanis C, Gupta V, Winocour J, et al. Cosmetic liposuction: preoperative risk factors, major complication rates, and safety of combined procedures. Aesthet Surg J. 2017;37(6):680-694. PMID 28430878
- Mittal P, Heuft T, Richter DF, Wiedner M. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after abdominoplasty and liposuction: a review of the literature. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2020;44(2):473-482. PMID 31858207
- Hatef DA, Trussler AP, Kenkel JM. Procedural risk for venous thromboembolism in abdominal contouring surgery: a systematic review of the literature. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010;125(1):352-362. PMID 20048626
- Comerci AJ, Arellano JA, Alessandri-Bonetti M, et al. Risks and complications rate in liposuction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Aesthet Surg J. 2024;44(7):NP454-NP463. PMID 38563572