Tummy Tuck under local or IV sedation? (Photo)

Dear BbAD4411,
some procedures such as mini tummy tuck and umbilicoplasty can be done under local anesthesia. However, full tummy tuck is a major procedure and local anesthesia is not the best choice. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your question!
There are a few variations and options for tummy tucks and certain variations are easier to perform under local anesthetic alone. IV sedation is less commonly offered as an anesthetic for traditional abdominoplasty given the amount of area (upper and lower abdomen with flanks) being treated and the need for effective and safe anesthesia to do so. Mini tummy tucks are confined to the lower abdomen and can commonly be done under local only if there is no upper abdominal skin laxity or muscle repair needed. In these cases, local anesthetics like Lidocaine and Marcaine are commonly used and weight-based guidelines are followed to avoid the risk of toxicity you mentioned. Full abdominoplasty is commonly performed under general anesthesia in order to be able to safely address the laxity and fullness of the entire abdomen, repair the muscle separation as well as perform liposuction, depending upon the technique used. General anesthesia can be exceedingly safe and measures can be taken to reduce postoperative nausea and narcotic requirements that have historically complicated it.
Thanks!