The phrase references a patient’s desire to find cosmetic or reconstructive surgical procedures performed under local anesthesia, while remaining conscious, and within a reasonable geographic proximity to their location. An example would be an individual searching online for a breast augmentation or facelift procedure performed while awake, and offered by surgeons in their city or region.
The significance of this search term stems from a growing patient interest in minimizing the risks associated with general anesthesia, reducing recovery time, and potentially lowering costs. Historically, plastic surgery has often been performed under general anesthesia; however, advancements in local anesthesia techniques and a greater emphasis on patient comfort have made awake procedures a viable alternative for certain individuals and specific types of surgery. The demand for these procedures is driven by the perception of enhanced safety and a more direct patient experience.