You’ve now gathered the things you need and prepared everything for your big day – so what is the day of surgery going to look like? Let’s discuss!

 While every person and every procedure is unique, we will go over what the “typical” day of surgery entails – specifically surgery utilizing local anesthesia.

 It is common for the patient to be asked to arrive at least one hour prior to the start of the actual surgery. There will likely be some same-day documents to sign including consents, advance directive, photo release (if applicable), verification of transportation, medical history update etc.. Once this is complete, a nurse will escort you back to the pre-op room and administer medications to relax you and make you more comfortable, allow you to change into the appropriate garments and answer any last minute questions you may have. A pregnancy test may also be required to ensure it is safe for you to proceed.

 After the nurse has you situated, the surgeon will greet you and make markings on your body to guide them during the surgery. These markings are custom to you and your unique shape. Often, this is an opportunity for you to reiterate your desired results and communicate any additional information you’d like the doctor to know. Once the markings have been made, the OR has been prepped and the doctor is ready, you will be transferred to the OR. At this time, the next steps will depend upon whether your procedure will be done under local or general anesthesia. For the sake of this article, we are discussing the process done with local anesthesia or “awake surgery”.

 In the OR you may be asked what your favorite music is so you can listen to it during your procedure. This can make your time on the table a little more enjoyable and relaxing. Once you are in position, settled and comfortable, the doctor will begin to make tiny insertion points into your skin to allow a numbing fluid, called “tumescent” to be distributed throughout the tissue and areas where the fat will be removed. This is considered local anesthesia as you will remain awake and alert the entire time. There are many benefits to this procedure being done while you are awake. For instance, it is ideal that you are able to communicate with the doctor and the nurses during the entire procedure and it also avoids some of the risks associated with general anesthesia.

 After the tumescent has had a chance to absorb and the surrounding tissue is numb, a small cannula will be inserted into those same sites to begin the fat removal process. The doctor will glide and move the cannula around to evenly and safely remove the fat. During this time, you may feel some poking, prodding or vibrations but you will remain comfortable.

 Once all areas have been completed, the nurses will assist you in putting on the appropriate garments according to the areas you had treated. It is imperative that you keep these garments on for 23 out of 24 hours a day – only removing them to shower or to wash them. Make sure to bring loose, comfortable clothing to put on over the garments to wear home. Keep in mind there could be some fluid draining from the insertions sites so dark colors are advised. You will then be moved to a recovery room where the nurses will ensure you are feeling well enough to go home. Please be aware that you will need to arrange for a ride home with someone you know and trust before the procedure date. That person will be contacted right before you are moved to recovery to let them know you will soon be ready to be picked up. When they arrive, you will both be given verbal and written instructions to assist you during the healing process.  

 Most patients are usually able to walk out on their own without any assistance. If, for some reason, you are feeling a little dizzy or unable to do so, a nurse will be available to get you to the car with a wheelchair.

 In the next article, we will discuss the recovery/healing process and what you should know about that.