Awake Liposuction

Awake Lipo is a minimally invasive procedure designed to sculpt and tone different areas of the body while under local anesthesia. Awake Lipo offers a fast recovery time, minimal swelling and bruising, and nearly invisible scarring. It also comes with low complication rates due to the treatment’s ability to easily remove the fat.

Stephanie Stevens

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Written by:

Stephanie Stevens

Content Manager

Dr. Michael Salzhauer

MD, FACS
Miami, Florida
Specializes in:
Brazilian Butt Lift
Liposuction
Tummy Tuck
Mommy Makeover
Rhinoplasty

Dr. Michael “Dr. Miami” Salzhauer, M.D., is a board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon. Trained at esteemed institutions such as Washington University School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, University of Miami Medical Center, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, he has built an international reputation for his pioneering work in Brazilian Butt Lifts, “Genius Liposuction,” and advanced body contouring techniques. With decades of experience, he combines surgical excellence with cutting-edge technology, serving as Chief Medical Officer of Bliss Aesthetics while leveraging a global social media presence to bring transparency and innovation to modern aesthetic practice. 

Certifications and Affiliations:

  • Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons
  • Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Hospital privileges at Aventura Medical Center

Medically reviewed by:

Dr. Michael Salzhauer

MD, FACS

Board-Certified Surgeon

7 day recovery

97% satisfaction rate

1-3 liters fat removal

200K performed annually

44 years average age

Which Areas Can You Treat With Awake Liposuction?

Awake liposuction can be performed on most areas of the body. Since you’re awake during the procedure, you can communicate with your surgeon and adjust your position, helping them contour with greater precision.

01.

Abdomen & Waist (Stomach, Love Handles, Muffin Top)

Small incisions are made, and a thin cannula is inserted after the area is numbed with tumescent fluid. The surgeon gently loosens and removes fat, while you may be asked to flex or change position to sculpt evenly.

02.

Hips & Thighs (Inner, Outer, Saddlebags)

Local anesthesia is used to numb the inner or outer thighs. Fat is removed with controlled suction, sometimes with power-assisted or vibration-assisted cannulas for denser fat.

03.

Arms (Upper Arms, "Bat Wings")

Through tiny incisions near the elbow or armpit, fat is gently suctioned to slim and tighten the upper arms.

04.

Chin & Neck (Double Chin, Jawline)

A micro-cannula is used under local anesthesia to carefully remove small pockets of fat under the chin and along the jawline.

05.

Back & Bra Roll

Fat is suctioned from the upper or mid-back through tiny incisions hidden along natural folds. Awake positioning helps the surgeon identify natural creases and smooth out bulges more effectively.

06.

How Does Awake Liposuction Work?

Before the procedure

01

Arrange any necessary medical tests or blood work to confirm your eligibility.

02

Quit smoking and blood-thinning medications to minimize bruising and bleeding.

03

Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before the procedure to improve your blood’s clotting ability.

04

Prepare your post-procedure plan, including support and a well-prepped recovery space.

05

Reach and maintain your desired weight goal for post-procedure maintenance.

The procedure day

01

Your surgeon will administer local anesthesia to the body area being treated.

02

A cannula with tumescent solution will pass through tiny incisions to numb the area, reduce swelling, and minimize bleeding.

03

The targeted fat deposits will be removed as you flex and change positions to help contour the area.

04

Incisions are closed.

05

Compression garments are applied to the treated area of the body.

After the procedure

01

You may leave the clinic or hospital a few hours after your procedure is complete.

02

Mild soreness, bruising, and swelling will occur in the treated area for a few days.

03

Return to short walks and your daily routine within 48-72 hours following the procedure.

04

Wear your compression garment until instructed to remove it by your surgeon.

05

Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Bliss turns the typical procedure process into a transformative experience. From your first consultation to your final reveal, every step — before, during, and after — is personalized around you. Your Care Advisor will guide you through surgeon-matching, procedure prep, and post-op healing, making sure you’re fully supported, perfectly prepared, and cared for at every moment.

Let’s talk about results.

Typically, 2–3 liters of fat are removed during an Awake Lipo procedure, depending on the body part being treated. Once the swelling subsides after the first few days of healing, your new shape will take form and become more visible.

Immediate post-op

You’ll see minor swelling, bruising, or soreness in the treated area.

Weeks 2-4

Tissue settles, any numbness and tenderness fade, and contour improvements continue as it becomes safe to return to daily activities.

Months 1-3

Final results are more visible, showing the long-term effects and your newly-contoured shape.

Liposuction

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After

Neck Liposuction

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Brazilian Butt Lift

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Arm Lift

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Liposuction

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Neck Liposuction

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Brazilian Butt Lift

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Arm Lift

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Our dedicated support doesn’t end just because your procedure does. Your Care Advisor stays by your side with tips, tricks, and recovery guidelines to make healing feel easy, smooth, and stress-free. Because you deserve to love your results for life.

The benefits, basics, and big picture.

Every procedure begins with a wish, but it’s not magic. It’s a choice. The perks? Powerful. The trade-offs? Just as real. When you know what’s ahead, you walk in confident in your decision, not just hopeful.

Safe and low-risk

Just a little downtime

Precise contouring

Only for targeted areas

Present sensations

Needs a customized approach

Using local anesthesia keeps you alert and ensures that the procedure is gentle on your body.

Most patients walk out of the clinic the same day and bounce back quickly depending on the size of the body area treated and the specific part of their anatomy. 

Being awake means you can move and adjust slightly during the procedure, helping your surgeon sculpt your body with extra precision for natural-looking results.

Awake lipo is ideal for shaping smaller to moderate areas. For larger volume changes, your surgeon may recommend a plan tailored in stages to get the best results.

You might feel pressure or gentle tugging during the procedure, but it’s all part of the process, and local anesthesia keeps you comfortable.

Awake liposuction works best for patients at or near their goal weight who want targeted sculpting. Your surgeon will review your unique goals and guide you to the approach that delivers the most flattering outcome. 

Cost considerations

Your procedure's price breakdown

Expertise and facility costs

This covers your surgeon’s specialized experience in your procedure, along with the costs of the surgical center, including the operating room, recovery room, and all essential equipment.

Scope of the procedure

Depending on your individual needs, the procedure may require special techniques, equipment, or medical recommendations for a unique situation.

Travel expenses

If the right surgeon for you is a plane ride away, then travel costs such as transportation and hotel accommodations will be separate fees you pay in addition to the procedure.

Anesthesia fees

The anesthesia cost includes the anesthesiologist’s time, the type of anesthesia used, and all the monitoring equipment.

Post-procedure care

This means follow-up appointments, prescribed medications, and any medical supplies or garments needed to support your recovery process.

Estimated price range

$2,000
-
$8,000

Accommodations will be included in your final estimate.

Financing is how most Bliss clients bring their dreams to life. Yet, 76% of people exploring procedures still don’t know this option is available. No wonder 85% of those who don’t book say affordability is holding them back, and two-thirds would be more likely to move forward if they knew financing was an option.

We work with trusted lenders like CareCredit to offer you a range of financing options, so you can get started on your procedure now and pay over time. Flexible, secure, and with 0% interest for up to 24 months, it’s care that fits your budget, not the other way around. With multiple providers, we’ll make sure you get the best rate possible.

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