Can tummy tucks be done with a spinal or local anesthesia?

The tummy tuck can be done with epidural or spinal block, and this gives several advantages to the patient, as there is less postoperative discomfort and much easier recovery. Local anesthesia may be also used for the procedure, but it may be also more uncomfortable to the patient. Please consult with your surgeon about the best option for your particular case.

Thank you for your question. There are different anesthesia approaches to a tummy tuck surgery. Most plastic surgeons use general anesthesia. I used to do all my tummy tuck surgeries in my office surgery suite under intravenous sedation and epidural anesthesia for years. A few years ago, I switched to intravenous sedation and tumescent anesthesia only. Patients are ready to go home 20 minutes after surgery, almost no nausea/vomiting issues, able to ambulate the same night. Spinal anesthesia or local only I would not recommend, lasts only about 2-3 hours.See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Well for sure not  under local anesthetic, and I just asked my anesthesiologist about a spinal… It probably would start being very uncomfortable after a couple of hours and it may not reach as high up as you need it.The better question is why would you? Anesthesia so good now days that you really would rather be asleep!!!!!!