Surgery often gives you only two choices: stay numb but aware, or go under completely. At Larson Plastic Surgery, we also offer procedures that fall somewhere in between.
This middle ground of awake surgical options in Tucson uses sedation to keep you calm and at ease, without the stronger effects of general anesthesia. Learn what that option looks like in practice under the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon.
How Awake Surgery Works
Sedation surgery starts with an oral or IV medication, which puts you in a calm, drowsy state. Nitrous oxide is also available for certain situations. Your surgical team also numbs the treatment area with local anesthesia.
Together, these techniques help keep you more comfortable during the procedure without placing you under deep, full anesthesia.
You can control your breathing throughout, which often means an easier wake-up, with less grogginess and nausea than after general anesthesia.
Which Procedures Use Sedation?
Several procedures at Larson Plastic Surgery work well with sedation instead of general anesthesia. Liposuction is one example. Labiaplasty is another. Smaller body and facial procedures may qualify as well, depending on your unique surgical plan.
Dr. Larson reviews your health history and specific procedure before recommending sedation. Not every surgery, or every patient, fits this approach, so we make that decision on a case-by-case basis.
Procedures with common options for sedation may include:
- Liposuction: Removes fat from a specific area.
- Labiaplasty: Reshapes labial tissue.
- Lip lift: Adjusts lip position and projection in a short procedure.
- Chin liposuction: Removes fat beneath the chin.
- Ear pinning: Reshapes ear cartilage.
- Blepharoplasty: Minimizes excess skin or puffiness around the eyelids.
A New Sedation Suite at Larson Plastic Surgery
In the spring of 2027, Larson Plastic Surgery is opening a new sedation suite in Tucson. As part of our accredited facility, this suite is built specifically for IV sedation procedures, with board-certified anesthesia support and close monitoring throughout.
We created this space to expand awake surgical options in Tucson for patients who are good candidates and prefer to avoid general anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers can help you understand what IV sedation feels like, who qualifies, and how Dr. Larson decides which anesthesia plan fits your surgery.
Will I remember the procedure afterward?
Most patients have little-to-no memory of the surgery itself with IV sedation. You stay in a calm, drowsy state throughout, and the local anesthesia helps keep the treatment area comfortable.
Some patients recall brief moments, while others remember nothing at all. Every patient has a different experience with this middle ground between local numbing and full general anesthesia.
How do I know if I qualify for sedation instead of general anesthesia?
Your eligibility depends on the specific procedure and your overall health history. Dr. Larson reviews both at your consultation and gives you a direct recommendation.
For patients comparing awake surgical options in Tucson, some procedures still require general anesthesia, no matter what a patient prefers.
What happens if my procedure needs general anesthesia instead?
Dr. Larson will explain why it requires general anesthesia and walk you through the plan and guidelines for your specific surgery. Your care team still prioritizes your comfort and safety at every step.
If sedation is not the safest fit, we will tell you plainly. We approach awake surgical options in Tucson case by case, with a personalized anesthesia plan guiding every recommendation.
Talk With Us About Your Awake Surgery Options
If you are weighing your options for an upcoming procedure, Dr. Larson can walk you through whether sedation fits your case. Visit for a consultation and leave with a clear answer, and we’re here to answer any follow-up questions you may have.
