Detailed Guide to Skin Tightening Options
October 18, 2025
Awake liposuction (FormSculpt®) removes stubborn fat using micro‑instruments under local anesthesia—no general anesthesia, minimal downtime, and precision shaping. In Chicago’s Hancock Center, we perform awake lipo with optional skin tightening and fat transfer to the buttocks, breasts, or hands. Here’s everything you need to know. Here’s everything you need to know.
Traditional liposuction was almost always performed under general anesthesia, which meant being completely asleep in a hospital or surgical center. While effective, this approach carries additional anesthesia risks, higher costs, and longer downtime.
Awake liposuction is different. At BodyLuxe, we perform our proprietary version, called FormSculpt®, using tumescent local anesthesia. A specialized fluid is carefully infiltrated into the fat layer without needles, numbing the area completely. Through tiny freckle-sized access sites, slender micro-cannulas remove fat with precision.
At the start of the procedure, patients also receive light oral medication. You are awake, breathing on your own, able to reposition if needed, and conversing with the surgeon and the nurse during the procedure, while watching your favorite shows on any of the streaming channels such as Netflix, HBO, etc, listing to music or looking out the window over Lake Michigan and Navy Pier. Procedures take between 45 minutes to 2.5 hours and you leave the same day.
Why patients choose awake liposuction:
Avoiding general anesthesia risks such as stress on the airway, heart and lungs, nausea, sore throat, or rare but serious complications.
Same-day discharge and typically much quicker early recovery.
More precise sculpting since patients can be gently repositioned during the procedure allowing sculpting of the body part from different directions and positions, creating a more precise and even result.
Often less bruising and swelling compared to traditional methods of liposuction.
As a luxury boutique practice at BodyLuxe, candidacy is determined individually during your consultation directly with Dr Farrugia. Unlike corporate liposuction chain clinics, your surgeon is involved in your evaluation right from the beginning, whether in a complimentary in-person consultation or through a virtual video consultation.
Awake liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. It’s best suited for healthy adults who are already close to their ideal weight but are struggling with stubborn areas of fat that resist diet and exercise.
Typical areas treated include:
Abdomen and waist (“Lipo 360”)
Love handles and flanks
Inner and outer thighs
Upper arms
Back rolls and bra fat
Chin and jawline
Ideal candidates:
Are at a stable weight with good skin quality.
Have realistic expectations: the goal is shaping, not dramatic weight loss.
Are nonsmokers or willing to stop before and after surgery (for any fat transfer procedure).
Have adequate donor fat if considering fat transfer to buttocks (BBL), breasts, or hands.
Patients seeking a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) or other fat transfer procedures must also be willing to follow stricter protocols. Safety is paramount—especially when transferring fat to the buttocks.
Transparency is key. While prices vary widely depending on the number of areas treated and add-on procedures, we can provide realistic ranges:
Lipo 360 (abdomen + waists/flanks + back): starting at $8,500
BBL (liposuction with fat transfer to buttocks): starting at $11,500
Small areas (chin): starting at $3,495, with an additional $995 for Renuvion skin tightening
What drives cost differences:
Number of areas treated and the amount of fat in each area
Operative time and complexity
Add-ons such as Renuvion skin tightening
At BodyLuxe, we never offer “bait” pricing. Every patient receives an individualized quote after an in-person evaluation or evaluation of photos in the case of a virtual video consultation.
Local anesthesia safety: The tumescent technique has decades of safety data when performed by trained surgeons with proper dosing; awake liposuction is a safer option than general anesthesia.
BBL risk requires special caution: Professional societies and task forces have repeatedly highlighted increased mortality with gluteal fat grafting and recommend subcutaneous‑only injection, larger cannulas, and avoiding downward angulation. However, the risks of this technique are inherently related to fat embolism due to intramuscular or submuscular submuscular fat injection into a paralyzed muscle under general anesthesia. To our knowledge, we are not aware of a single case where fat embolism occurred when the procedure was performed awake under local anesthesia.
Many competitors market their own branded versions of awake liposuction. Let’s take a look:
FormSculpt® (BodyLuxe® ): awake, minimally‑invasive liposuction and fat transfer under local anesthesia with micro‑instruments manufactured by Euromi, a European company. All FormSculpt procedures are performed by Dr. Daniel Farrugia, from consult through follow‑up—no hand‑offs. We are not a chain clinic. All procedures are performed in a luxury clinic on the 36th floor of the John Hancock Center overlooking Lake Michigan. Additional options include Renuvion skin tightening, mini tummy tuck and fat transfer to buttocks, breasts, or hands.
AirSculpt® (Elite Body Sculpture) is a corporate chain clinic that also performs awake liposuction and fat transfer. According to public SEC filings, AirSculpt’s handpiece is identical to the one used at BodyLuxe, manufactured by Euromi.
Sono Bello (TriSculpt® micro‑laser lipo): a corporate chain clinic that offers awake laser‑assisted liposuction.
SQULPT markets “SoftSqulpt®,” “Awake Lipo‑Shaping®,” and branded BBL variants.
Mia Aesthetics also performs awake liposuction.
Key takeaway: The branding may differ, but the core principle is the same: liposuction under local anesthesia. What truly matters is the skill of the surgeon, safety protocols in place, and your personalized care.
While every patient heals differently, most can expect:
Day 1–2: Soreness and drainage from tiny access sites. Walking is encouraged to prevent stiffness.
Days 3–5: Swelling and bruising peak. We provide you with a complimentary compression garment (faja) at the time of your procedure to help contour and reduce swelling.
Week 1: Many return to light desk work.
Weeks 2–3: Bruising fades; swelling improves. Exercise can gradually be reintroduced.
Weeks 4–6: Final contour begins to reveal itself.
3–6 months: Most swelling resolves; final results are seen.
BBL-specific care: Patients must use special pillows or positioning to protect transferred fat. Sitting or sleeping directly on the buttocks is restricted for several weeks. At BodyLuxe, we provide a complimentary BBL pillow to allow you to sit while offloading your weight from your buttocks.
Breast‑specific: Patients must wear the provided supporting bra and avoid wearing push-up bras. Also, patients are prohibited from sleeping on their chest for the first 3 weeks of the procedure to avoid undue pressure on the newly-transferred fat cells.
When fat is removed, some patients also benefit from skin tightening. BodyLuxe uses Renuvion —FDA-cleared in 2023 for improving skin tone after liposuction. This advanced plasma/RF device helps tissues contract, refining results.
For women seeking a modest, natural-looking enhancement, fat transfer offers an alternative to implants. Small to moderate improvements in size and shape are possible. Volume retention can vary, and sometimes multiple sessions are recommended.
Hands are often overlooked in rejuvenation, yet they reveal age quickly. Fat transfer to the hands restores fullness, softens tendons and veins, and provides a youthful look. Satisfaction rates are consistently high in published studies.
At BodyLuxe, we follow strict photographic standards:
Consistent lighting and background
Identical patient positioning
Honest timelines for fat transfer results (3 months, 6 months)
We do not use garment compression tricks or misleading poses. This protects patient trust.
Yes—for properly selected patients, awake liposuction with tumescent local anesthesia is considered safer than general anesthesia and generally leads to a faster and easier recovery.
Patients are completely numb in the treated areas. Most describe a feeling of pressure or vibration, but not sharp pain.
On average, Lipo 360 is $8,500–$11,000+. BBL packages vary widely, from $11,000–$18,000+, depending on areas treated and complexity. You can look at our typical procedure prices at BodyLuxe at this page.
Yes. Selected patients may benefit from Renuvion skin tightening immediately after liposuction for improved contour and tissue firmness.
Back to teaching Zumba in less than 2 weeks 🙌
Awake body contouring designed to fit real life.
Natural shape. Faster recovery. Surgeon-led care.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Marisol.
“La mejor experiencia que he tenido de verdad que fue un excelente trabajo y mi recuperación en menos de dos semanas yo ya estaba dando clases de zumba me encantó la silueta que me quedó Gracias doctor Daniel J Farrugia MD PhD”
📍Chicago | Complimentary consultations available
✨Only 3 Months Post-Op — And the Waist Is Already Undeniable.✨
This lovely patient is just 3 months post-procedure and her results are already turning heads — with final outcomes continuing to refine through 6 months.
💎 What was treated:
• Upper abdomen
• Lower abdomen
• Waist
• Flanks
• Lower back
🔥 Why this result hits different:
• Waist = snatched, sculpted, and defined
• Abdomen looks smoother and more contoured
• Back curves now flow seamlessly into the waist
• Natural shape enhancement — not overdone, just refined
💤 Procedure highlights:
• Performed awake
• No general anesthesia
• No scars, no stitches
• Recovery is typically 4–5 days
#snatched #drsnatched #bodyluxe #FormSculpt #fatremoval
Illinois rejected “BBL” on a license plate because it was “too vulgar”… and it had to be explained. 💀🚗
We get it.
At BodyLuxe, BBLs are approved and explained the right way. Our Awake Gold Coast BBL™ is comfortable and safer than general anesthesia ✅🍑
If you’ve been thinking about it, click the link in Bio to schedule your complimentary consultation and check out our current promo.
Parody/satire edit. Not affiliated with the Illinois Secretary of State. Consultation required. Eligibility varies. Results vary.
#BodyLuxe #BBL #AwakeBBL #CosmeticSurgery #PlasticSurgery #AestheticMedicine #BBLConsult #GlowUp #Confidence
Awake, comfortable, and watching Elf 🎄
This is what awake FormSculpt® body contouring looks like at BodyLuxe.
Wishing you a cozy and confident holiday season ✨
Visit BodyLuxe.com for promo!
#BodyLuxe #FormSculpt #AwakeLipo #GoldCoastBBL #Chicago
We’re launching BodyLuxe Lifestyle Reveal!
If you’re an existing patient and you want to be featured, submit ONE lifestyle “after” photo and we’ll create a transition Reel from your pre‑op photo to your real‑life result.
SUBMIT YOURS:
bodyluxe.com/lifestyle
Link in bio to upload + consent.
(You’ll receive a preview to approve before posting.)
#BodyLuxe #RealPatientResults #ResultsVary #glowup #lifestyle #lipo #chicagoinfluencer
After a long week of changing lives, Dr. Farrugia is officially clocking out 💻✨Laptop closed, vibes on — ready for the holiday week ahead — who else is?🎄🕺
#drsnatched #bodyluxe #fatremoval #bbl #minimallyinvasive
When your patient sends a twerking video because she’s that excited about her new BBL and tiny waist… we know we did our job. 😌 🍑
Minimal downtime (usually just 4–5 days) and completely awake during the procedure — and she’s already showing off that curvy, sculpted booty.🔥
We absolutely love getting these fun updates from our patients. Keep them coming.✨
#snatched #drsnatched #bodyluxe #minimallyinvasive #fatremoval #fattransfer #bbl #brazilianbuttlift #FormSculpt #twerkthatass
✨ Dream curves, delivered. ✨
This beauty had unwanted fat removed from her upper + lower abdomen, waist, and flanks—then sculpted into the round, lifted shape she always wanted with a BBL. 🍑
💎 No stitches. No scars. No repeat treatments.
💎 Awake procedure with minimal downtime (just 4–5 days).
💎 One & done for lasting results.
Snatched waistline ➝ sculpted hips ➝ fuller buttocks.
Her silhouette speaks for itself. 🔥
⤴️ Click the Link in Bio to send us a consultation request
📍John Hancock Tower 875 N Michigan Ave Chicago,IL
☎️ (312) 999-5505
#snatched #drsnatched #bodyluxe #minimallyinvasive #fatremoval #fattransfer #bbl #brazilianbuttlift #skintightening
✨ Thin skin, meet your match. 👋 Did you know you can restore youthfulness to your hands with your own fat? ✨
As we age, the skin on our hands can become thinner, revealing tendons and veins. With fat transfer, we can gently add back volume using your body’s own natural fat, creating smoother, softer, and more youthful-looking hands.
✅ Minimal downtime
✅ Natural results
✅ Long-lasting improvement
Your hands can look as radiant as you feel—without fillers or implants.
#snatched #drsnatched #bodyluxe #fattransfer #handrejuvenation #youthfulhands
Ready to sculpt on the Magnificent Mile? BodyLuxe specializes in awake, minimally invasive liposuction and natural fat transfer—performed under local anesthesia at our Chicago clinic in the John Hancock Center.
👉 Request your consultation: https://bodyluxe.com
📞 Call / Text: (312) 999-5505
📍 Location: BodyLuxe, John Hancock Center, Chicago, IL
Why BodyLuxe:
Awake procedures under local anesthesia (no general anesthesia)
Minimally invasive approach designed for precision and comfort
Natural‑looking contouring and fat transfer options
Downtown convenience on the Magnificent Mile
Procedures we offer:
Liposuction: abdomen, waist, flanks, thighs, arms, chin
Fat Transfer: breasts, buttocks (BBL), hands
Skin Tightening with Renuvion (J-Plasma)
What to expect:
Private 1:1 consultation with the surgeon to confirm candidacy and goals
Personalized treatment plan reviewed by our clinical team
Clear aftercare guidance and support
Go to https://bodyluxe.com to request your complimentary consultation.
Disclaimers:
This video is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consultation is required to determine candidacy. All procedures carry risks; we’ll review these with you in detail. Individual results vary. Footage may feature a model; not a patient.
#BodyLuxe #Chicago #Liposuction #AwakeLipo #FatTransfer #BBL #BodyContouring #MagnificentMile #JohnHancockCenter
Snatched for Summer — Jawline Edition ✨
Sculpt a sleek, defined jawline with FormSculpt™ Chin Liposuction + Renuvion® skin tightening — performed awake under local anesthesia at BodyLuxe.
Summer 2025 Special: up to $4,000 OFF select procedures.
Spots are limited—lock yours in now.
Why patients choose BodyLuxe:
✅ Target submental (under‑chin) fat for definition
✅ Renuvion® to tighten & smooth the skin
✅ Awake procedure • Tiny entry points • Minimal downtime*
✅ Performed by Dr. Daniel J. Farrugia in our Chicago clinic on Michigan Avenue
Other Summer favorites: FormSculpt™ fat removal • BBL • Fat transfer to breasts • Skin‑tightening enhancements.
Book your FREE consultation:
🌐 BodyLuxe.com (links in bio)
📞 (312) 999‑5505
📍 John Hancock Center on the Magnificent Mile, Chicago
Financing: 0% for 24 months for eligible clients.
Deadline: Offers valid for procedures performed by September 30, 2025.
—
Medical & offer notes: Results and recovery vary. Not a weight‑loss treatment. Candidacy, areas, and pricing determined at consultation. Financing on approved credit. Renuvion® treats appropriate skin laxity; individual outcomes differ.
#BodyLuxe #FormSculpt #ChinLipo #Jawline #Renuvion #AwakeLipo #SkinTightening #ChicagoAesthetics #HancockTower #Summer2025 #MagnificentMile #Chicago
A snatched jawline is just 30 minutes away ⏱️
Tired of that double chin lingering in photos? 📸 This stunning transformation is all thanks to chin fat removal + Renuvion® skin tightening, performed awake and in-office by Dr. Farrugia.
✅ No general anesthesia
✅ Quick recovery—most are back to work the next day
✅ Noticeable definition and tighter skin
From full to flawless in under an hour. This isn’t just about removing fat—it’s about revealing your natural structure and delivering that snatched jawline you’ve been dreaming of. 💫
✨ Sculpted. Sleek. Snatched.
⤴️ Click the Link in Bio to send us a consultation request
📍John Hancock Tower 875 N Michigan Ave Chicago,IL
☎️ (312) 999-5505
#snatched #drsnatched #bodyluxe #snatchedjawline #chinlipo #renuvion
Sleigh the Season Sculpting Special 🎄
Shape your most confident silhouette this holiday season with BodyLuxe’s exclusive Sleigh the Season Sculpting Special. For a limited time, sculpt any 2 body areas and get a 3rd area free when you choose our signature FormSculpt® Lipo, Brazilian Butt Lift, Fat Transfer to the Breasts or Hands.
This limited-time offer ends February 28, and appointments are filling quickly.
Tap below to reserve your consultation and let BodyLuxe sculpt the look you’ll love showing off all season long.
