Can a Tummy Tuck Surgery Be Done with Local Anesthesia?

                  Although abdominoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia, the
vast majority of plastic surgeons prefer general anesthesia when performing
this procedure.  They feel that
general anesthesia offers significant advantages compared to local anesthesia.

                   The
procedure is more comfortable and avoids break through pain which can
occasionally occur with local anesthesia alone.  When general anesthesia is utilized procedures can be more
extensive and this can potentially improve the surgical result.

 It’s important to realize that all surgical procedures and
anesthetic techniques have risks. 
This is true whether local anesthesia or general anesthesia are
utilized.  Most Surgeons who
perform abdominoplasty agree that the anesthetic technique utilized is less
important than the use of a certified operating room and the presence of an
anesthesiologist.  In other words
you don’t want your surgeon to be your anesthesiologist.

Abdominoplasty is best done under general anesthesia so that the details of the procedure can be accomplished without movement of the patient. I don’t think local anesthesia can adequately anesthetize a patient to relieve the pain of the procedure.

Thank you for your question.

Yes, tummy tuck surgery can theoretically be performed under local anesthesia but I DO NOT recommend it. 

I perform my surgeries in an out patient surgery center, and under general anesthesi only.  I use Board Certified Anesthesiologists  who monitor my patients from start to end so as to provide the safest environment for my patients.  Abdominoplasty is an extensive procedure and I would recommend general anesthesia so that you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

I would suggest that you be very careful with your surgeon  selection;  most well trained experienced plastic surgeons would not do this procedure under local anesthesia.

I hope this helps.