From Dr. Willis at Willis Cosmetic Surgery – St. Louis, MO
When you think of cosmetic surgery, most people imagine being completely asleep under general anesthesia. But what if I told you that many procedures can now be performed while you’re comfortably awake—with less risk, less cost, and a faster recovery?
Hi, I’m Dr. Willis, and here at Willis Cosmetic Surgery in St. Louis, I’ve built a reputation across the Midwest (and beyond) for offering safe, effective awake surgeries—especially my most-requested procedure: the awake arm lift. In fact, patients travel from all over the country to have their arm lifts performed awake here in our office. I typically perform 1 to 3 awake arm lifts per week, and it’s truly become one of my signature offerings.
So let’s talk about what awake surgery actually means, what procedures can be done awake, and why it might just be the best choice for you.
What Is Awake Surgery?
Awake surgery means that you’re not put under general anesthesia. Instead, we use a combination of local numbing medicine, light oral sedation, and laughing gas (nitrous oxide) if needed. You’re relaxed and comfortable throughout the entire procedure, but you’re breathing on your own and fully in control of your body—without a breathing tube or a full anesthetic team.
This modern approach is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason.
Why Awake Surgery Is Often the Safer Choice
One of the biggest benefits of awake surgery is the lower risk of complications. Here’s why:
- Reduced Risk of Blood Clots (DVT/PE): General anesthesia slows your body’s circulation and movement, which increases your risk of blood clots. Staying awake helps keep your circulation stronger throughout the procedure.
- No Breathing Tube or Intubation Required: You’re breathing on your own without the risks of anesthesia-related airway issues.
- Fewer Nausea or Grogginess Issues: You’re not left feeling sick or disoriented after surgery, which is common with general anesthesia.
- Lower Stress on the Body Overall: Especially for healthy patients at or near goal weight, awake surgery is a more natural and efficient experience.
Arm Lift
Awake Surgery Also Saves You Money
Another major perk? Awake surgery is significantly more cost-effective.
While we charge the same price for your surgery, the difference comes down to no surgery center fees or anesthesia fees—which can often add thousands of dollars to the total cost. That savings is passed directly to you.
When done in our comfortable in-office surgical suite, your procedure is just as effective but far more efficient for your body and your wallet.
Procedures I Perform Awake
Here’s a list of the surgeries I safely and confidently perform awake at Willis Cosmetic Surgery:
✅ Awake Arm Lift – My signature procedure. Whether you’ve lost weight, experienced aging skin laxity, or just want a sleeker upper arm contour, I can perform your entire arm lift awake. Results are beautiful and natural—and my patients consistently say they’re shocked by how easy the experience was.
✅ Chin Liposuction + FaceTite – This combination tightens the jawline and removes stubborn fat under the chin—all done awake with minimal downtime.
✅ Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Lift) – A quick, effective way to open up the eyes and remove excess skin—without general anesthesia.
✅ Liposuction with BodyTite – We commonly treat the abdomen, waist, arms, and outer thighs using BodyTite, which melts fat and tightens the skin at the same time.
✅ Mini Tummy Tuck – Ideal for patients who don’t need a full tummy tuck but want tighter skin below the belly button. This can often be done comfortably awake.
✅ Male Gynecomastia Surgery – Removing excess chest tissue and contouring the male chest is absolutely doable while awake—and it’s one of the most empowering procedures we offer for men.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Awake Surgery?
If you’re mostly healthy, near your goal weight, and not on blood thinners or steroid medications, chances are you’re a great candidate for awake surgery.
This is especially ideal for patients who:
- Want to avoid general anesthesia for personal or medical reasons
- Have anxiety about being put under
- Are looking for a more affordable and streamlined surgical experience
- Prefer a quicker, easier recovery
And of course, we’ll always evaluate your unique health history during your consultation to make sure it’s the safest option for you.
Chin Liposuction + FaceTite
What Patients Say About Awake Surgery
I hear it over and over: “I can’t believe how easy it was.”
Patients are often surprised by how relaxed and comfortable they feel during awake surgery. Most people say the numbing process is the only part they really notice—and after that, they feel pressure but no pain.
Recovery is usually smoother, you avoid grogginess, and you’re able to walk out of the office soon after the procedure. It’s empowering and reassuring to know that you’re still in control of your body throughout the experience.
Why Choose Willis Cosmetic Surgery for Your Awake Procedure?
At Willis Cosmetic Surgery, we do things differently. I’ve built this practice on the belief that cosmetic surgery should be safe, natural-looking, and accessible—and awake surgery has helped me bring that vision to life for hundreds of patients.
I’m proud to be one of the few surgeons in the St. Louis and Midwest region who not only performs awake arm lifts—but performs them weekly and with consistently beautiful results. You can see some of those transformations by visiting our Instagram page @WillisCosmeticSurgery.
Let’s Talk About Your Goals
If you’re curious about awake surgery and want to know if it’s the right fit for you, I’d love to meet you. Whether you’re interested in an awake arm lift in St. Louis or another procedure, we’ll walk through your goals together and design a plan that’s safe, effective, and tailored to you.
Email us anytime at [email protected] to get more information, request pricing, or book a consultation.
Stay Connected
Want to see real results and learn more?
Follow us on Instagram for before-and-after photos, behind-the-scenes insights, and patient success stories: @WillisCosmeticSurgery.
Blog by Dr. Willis