The Return of Awake Liposuction: A New Frontier in Plastic Surgery with Dr. Sergei Kalsow

Liposuction has consistently ranked as the number one procedure in plastic surgery over recent years, with numbers continuing to rise. Traditionally performed under general anesthesia, liposuction involves the removal of fat from various parts of the body to enhance contours and improve aesthetics. However, an emerging trend is challenging the status quo: the return of awake liposuction, a less invasive approach that offers numerous benefits, especially in the hands of a skilled surgeon like Dr. Sergei Kalsow.

Dr. Sergei Kalsow, a notable plastic surgeon based in Manhattan, New York, is at the forefront of this resurgence. His expertise in awake liposuction sets him apart, offering patients enhanced safety, comfort, and results that rival — and even surpass — those of traditional methods performed under general anesthesia.

What is Awake Liposuction?

Awake liposuction is a procedure where patients remain conscious, avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia. Instead, Dr. Kalsow administers local anesthesia to numb the targeted areas, allowing patients to stay awake and comfortable throughout the surgery. This technique involves making small, barely noticeable incisions to remove unwanted fat from areas like the waist, back, and love handles, resulting in a more contoured and aesthetically pleasing figure.

Dr. Kalsow’s approach to awake liposuction is centered around the art of local anesthesia. Many plastic surgeons underestimate the skill required to achieve complete numbness, leading to the misconception that surgeons cannot be as rigorous with the fat removal and therefore awake liposuction yields inferior results. However, Dr. Kalsow’s technique ensures thorough numbing as well as meticulous and complete fat removal, resulting in outcomes that are consistent with those achieved under general anesthesia, sometimes better.

Safety First: Innovations in Liposuction Techniques

One of the significant advantages of awake liposuction appears to be its enhanced safety profile. By avoiding general anesthesia and ensuring complete numbness and hemostasis, patients are at a reduced risk of complications such as anesthesia-related reactions and prolonged recovery times. Dr. Kalsow’s expertise in local anesthesia helps him to do everything possible so that patients experience minimal discomfort and maximum results.

What Sets Dr. Kalsow Apart

Most plastic surgeons subspecialize in one procedure and one anesthesia type. They often focus on a single type of surgery, such as breast augmentations, performed only under general anesthesia. If a patient wants local anesthesia or multiple procedures, they must see different surgeons and undergo separate operations. In this regard, Dr. Kalsow is helping push the industry forward.

His consistent and exemplary ability to perform almost every type of cosmetic procedure on all parts of the body, both awake and asleep, set him apart from other plastic surgeons. Patients who go to Dr. Kalsow have almost all options available to them as they can choose any procedure or combination of procedures on any part of the body. For example, a few weeks ago, Dr. Kalsow performed a rhinoplasty, liposuction, and vaginoplasty in one procedure. He can do all this awake or asleep, depending on the patient’s preference—whether they have a phobia of general anesthesia or pain. If they have a phobia of general anesthesia they can stay awake and if they are afraid of being awake they can be put to sleep.

This versatility allows Dr. Kalsow to safely perform about 1,000 procedures per year, already surpassing 8,000 procedures 8 years into his practice. This is because awake surgery is easier on the surgeon and eliminates extra time required for patient positioning, inducing general anesthesia and waking patients up from general anesthesia. The use of local anesthesia enables more procedures to be performed, enhancing his experience and skill. Dr. Kalsow’s high volume and consistent performance allow him to offer combination surgeries, providing excellent results and greater convenience for his patients.

Dr. Kalsow’s Journey to Prominence

Dr. Sergei Kalsow’s journey in plastic surgery is marked by dedication and resilience. After extensive training and gaining hands-on experience, Dr. Kalsow confidently launched his practice in the heart of Manhattan. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kalsow’s practice thrived pre-pandemic and continues to thrive post-pandemic, with a surge in demand for plastic surgery as people sought to enhance their appearance after periods of lockdown and weight gain.

During the pandemic, Dr. Kalsow volunteered at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, working in the ICU with COVID-19 patients. This experience reinforced his commitment to patient care and safety, principles that are integral to his practice.

Beyond Awake Liposuction: A Comprehensive Practice

While Dr. Kalsow is renowned for his awake liposuction, his expertise extends to various other procedures, including awake BBLs, facial surgeries, and body contouring. His practice offers a comprehensive range of aesthetic services, ensuring that patients receive personalized and exemplary care.

Dr. Kalsow’s unique ability to perform all cosmetic surgeries on all parts of the body, both awake and asleep, with consistent and exemplary results, sets him apart. This versatility allows patients to choose their preferred method, whether they have a fear of general anesthesia or pain. Dr. Kalsow’s extensive experience and high volume of procedures, performing around 1,000 procedures per year and surpassing 8,000 procedures in total, further enhance his expertise.

The Future of Plastic Surgery

Looking ahead, Dr. Kalsow aims to continue refining his techniques and expanding his practice. His dedication to patient-centric care and innovative approach positions him as a leader in the field of plastic surgery. As part of his future plans, Dr. Kalsow is excited to extend his practice to Miami, a city known for its vibrant socialite culture and demand for aesthetic enhancements. This expansion will allow him to reach a broader clientele and bring his expertise in awake procedures to a new market.

Whether it’s a transformative liposuction or a subtle facial enhancement, Dr. Kalsow’s patients can trust that they are in expert hands, no matter where they are.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

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