12/13/2025
"Awake" surgery is a procedure performed under local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. This means you’re conscious and responsive during the procedure, but relaxed and free of pain.
The advantage of awake anesthesia is that it is suitable for almost anyone. Those who are not candidates for general anesthesia or do not tolerate it may be suited for local anesthesia/awake anesthesia. For example, patients may have previously experienced nausea, difficulty waking up, prolonged grogginess and constipation after general anesthesia. For those with medical conditions—such as a history of blood clotting, pulmonary diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/difficulty breathing, sleep apnea, or diabetes—who are at an increased risk of general anesthesia complications can more safely have surgery with only local anesthesia. Neurologically, older patients (50 years or above) who are at an increased risk of memory loss, as well as patients with a family history of dementia, may find assurance in opting for an awake facelift, which eliminates anesthesia-induced cognitive risks.