Awake Plastic Surgery in Palm Beach, FL
Awake surgery is a surgical innovation that presents patients with the opportunity to undergo a major operation without the need to be “put under” with general anesthesia. Operating in this manner offers numerous benefits, including less risk of anesthesia complications, faster recovery times, and the ability to communicate with your surgeon during the procedure.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Justin Bellamy, one of the Palm Beach area’s leading experts in plastic surgery, utilizes awake surgery in a number of procedures, including awake breast augmentation and awake deep plane facelift surgery. Dr. Bellamy approaches plastic surgery with an unwavering commitment to artistry, safety, and precision.
Continue reading to learn more about awake surgery, or contact us online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bellamy today. Our Palm Beach office proudly serves patients from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter, and throughout South Florida.
What Is Awake Plastic Surgery?
Awake surgery refers to performing surgical procedures under local anesthesia with mild oral or IV sedation, rather than general anesthesia. Patients remain conscious but relaxed, able to breathe naturally and communicate as needed, all while feeling no pain or discomfort.
Dr. Bellamy uses advanced anesthesia techniques that allow patients to remain calm and comfortable throughout their procedure. This approach is ideal for individuals who prefer a gentler surgical experience, have sensitivities to general anesthesia, or simply want to recover faster.
Benefits of Awake Surgery
- No need for general anesthesia or intubation
- Faster recovery and reduced downtime
- Less postoperative nausea and fatigue
- Lower anesthesia-related risks
- Shorter time in the recovery room
- A more connected, reassuring surgical experience
Awake surgery is performed in Dr. Bellamy’s AAAASF-accredited surgical facility, designed for patient safety and comfort.
Looking for the best plastic surgeon in Palm Beach?
Dr. Justin Bellamy uses his esteemed education, cutting-edge techniques, and state-of-the-art medical equipment to create customized treatment plans to meet his patients’ needs and expectations. He has published over thirty peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and is a thought-leader in the field of plastic surgery. Trust Dr. Bellamy for a comprehensive and modern plastic surgery experience.
Dr. Bellamy’s Awake Surgery Options
1. Awake Deep Plane Facelift
The Awake Deep Plane Facelift combines one of the most advanced facelift techniques available with the comfort and precision of awake anesthesia. This procedure repositions the deeper facial layers (SMAS and ligaments) rather than tightening only the skin, restoring youthful contours and natural balance to the face, jawline, and neck.
Performed entirely under local anesthesia with oral or IV sedation, this approach avoids the grogginess and longer recovery time associated with general anesthesia. Patients often describe the experience as relaxing and surprisingly comfortable.
Benefits of an Awake Deep Plane Facelift:
- Natural, long-lasting facial rejuvenation
- Improved definition in the jawline and cheeks
- Minimal swelling and faster recovery
- No need for general anesthesia
- Authentic, balanced results without tension or overcorrection
Dr. Bellamy’s expertise in deep plane facelift techniques allows him to lift and rejuvenate the face with artistry and precision, producing results that are both youthful and natural.
2. Awake Breast Surgery
Dr. Bellamy also offers a range of awake breast surgery procedures, including breast augmentation, implant exchange, and certain revision or contouring procedures, all performed safely under local anesthesia with mild sedation.
Patients choosing awake breast surgery experience less postoperative fatigue, a quicker return to normal activity, and a more comfortable recovery process overall.
Benefits of Awake Breast Surgery:
- No general anesthesia or intubation required
- Reduced swelling and quicker recovery
- Enhanced comfort during and after surgery
- Immediate feedback on breast shape and symmetry (in select cases)
- A calmer, more personalized surgical experience
Dr. Bellamy customizes every awake breast procedure to each patient’s anatomy and goals. Whether seeking subtle volume enhancement, revision of previous implants, or balanced reshaping, he delivers refined results that complement the patient’s body naturally.
Who Is a Candidate for Awake Surgery?
Awake procedures are ideal for healthy patients seeking meaningful aesthetic improvement with less downtime and anesthesia exposure. Candidates typically want to avoid general anesthesia for personal, medical, or lifestyle reasons but still desire transformative, surgical-level results.
You may be a candidate if you:
- Are in good overall health
- Want a shorter, easier recovery process
- Have a strong preference to avoid general anesthesia
- Desire subtle to significant aesthetic improvement
- Feel comfortable remaining relaxed but awake during surgery
During your consultation, Dr. Bellamy will review your medical history, treatment goals, and comfort level to determine whether an awake approach is right for you.
What to Expect During an Awake Surgery Procedure
Awake surgeries are performed in Dr. Bellamy’s private, state-of-the-art surgical suite in Palm Beach.
On the day of surgery:
- You’ll receive a mild sedative to help you relax and feel at ease.
- Local anesthesia will numb the surgical area completely.
- Bellamy will perform your procedure with precision and artistry while you remain comfortable and breathing naturally.
Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how relaxed they feel and recall very little of the procedure afterward. After surgery, you’ll spend a brief period in recovery before returning home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.
Awake Plastic Surgery Recovery and Results
Recovery after awake surgery is typically faster and easier compared to procedures performed under general anesthesia. Patients often report feeling alert, clear-headed, and energized within hours after surgery.
Common advantages include:
- Less swelling and bruising
- Minimal nausea or grogginess
- A faster return to normal activities
- Reduced need for prescription pain medication
Dr. Bellamy provides comprehensive post-operative care, including detailed recovery instructions and personalized follow-up visits to ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results.
Surgical Mastery Meets Aesthetic Artistry
Why Choose Dr. Bellamy for Awake Surgery in Palm Beach?
Dr. Justin Bellamy is a board-certified plastic surgeon with fellowship training in aesthetic surgery and extensive experience in both facial and body procedures. His mastery of surgical anatomy and commitment to patient comfort allow him to deliver world-class results through awake techniques that are elegant, safe, and refined.
Patients across Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton choose Dr. Bellamy for his:
- Expertise in deep plane and preservation facial surgery
- Advanced training in aesthetic breast procedures
- Patient-first approach emphasizing comfort, safety, and trust
- AAAASF-accredited facility offering the highest surgical standards
- Consistent, natural, and beautiful outcomes
Dr. Bellamy’s awake surgery experience offers the best of both worlds: surgical excellence and a more conscious, personalized patient experience.
Request a Consultation for Awake Plastic Surgery Today
If you’re interested in achieving refined, natural results with the comfort and convenience of local anesthesia, awake surgery with Dr. Justin Bellamy may be the ideal option. Schedule your private consultation today to learn more about awake breast surgery and awake deep plane facelift options. We are located in Palm Beach and serve Jupiter, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and throughout Florida and the United States.
Awake Surgery in Palm Beach - FAQs
Do you want to learn more about Awake Surgery with Dr. Justin Bellamy? Read our FAQs and complete our online form to meet Dr. Bellamy today.
Yes. Awake procedures are extremely safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Patients avoid the risks of general anesthesia, and the use of local anesthesia with sedation keeps them comfortable and relaxed.
Most patients feel no pain and recall little to nothing afterward. The combination of local anesthesia and mild sedation ensures you remain calm and comfortable throughout the experience.
While many patients are excellent candidates, some procedures still require general anesthesia for safety or complexity reasons. Dr. Bellamy will assess your health and goals to determine if an awake approach is suitable.
Recovery is typically faster and easier. Patients often have less swelling, minimal nausea, and feel alert within hours of surgery. Many return to normal routines more quickly than those who undergo general anesthesia
No. Awake surgery does not compromise results. In fact, for certain procedures like the deep plane facelift or smaller breast augmentations, being awake can enhance precision and allow for real-time assessment of balance and symmetry.
In some cases, yes. For carefully selected patients, Dr. Bellamy may safely perform multiple awake procedures in one session. This will be discussed during your consultation to ensure optimal safety and comfort.
Yes. Even though you’ll be awake during the procedure, the sedative medications can cause drowsiness, so a responsible adult must accompany you home and stay with you for the first night.
