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!!!!!!

A tummy tuck can be done with the use of spinal or epidural anesthesia and/or local anesthesia in order to "numb" the surgical sites where incisions and suturing occurs.  However, most patients still require IV sedation in order to be comfortable through the procedure and help them get through the numbing process, as well as relax them for the muscle tightening.  The surgeon and anesthesiologist will recommend the way that they feel is best for the patient's comfort, safety, and outcome.  Be sure to discuss this important topic with them before surgery to know your options, pros and cons, and associated risks of each type of anesthesia.Thank you.

Most if not all board certified plastic surgeons who I know of perform their tummy tuck procedure under general anesthesia.  Certainly not under local and I would also say no under spinal as the area that needs to be addressed is too far up on the body to obtain anesthesia without compromising the patients breathing.I would recommend you make certain that the plastic surgeon your consult with is a board certified plastic surgeon.Hope that helps.

Thank you for the question. It is difficult to answer your question without examining you to see if you are a candidate. However tummy tuck is best done under general anesthesia not local. Also I don’t believe one can perform TT under spinal anesthesia. It is best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss this. Good luck.

This is a popular choice in some countries outside of the US (such as Brazil),however, it is not the standard here in the US and certainly not in my area of Houston (that I am aware of). It would be relatively easy to get a good block for the lower tummy area but a little challenging for the upper abdomen, therefore I would only recommend this for those few who would qualify for a “mini” tuck involving the area below the belly button. Aside from that, your surgeon would have to find a willing anesthesiologist.

Goodness no. Do not find someone out there that will do this under that type of anesthesia. You need to go to sleep and if you are too scared then maybe the procedure is not for you. You do not want to be anything else but out like a light while a surgeon cuts on you. It's just that simple. 

A tummy tuck requires general anesthesia, not local or spinal anesthesia, to be done by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to be done safely.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Ali Mosharrafa

A TT should never be considered to be done with local anesthesia, this is an extensive procedure and the only way to do so is with a team of board certified surgeon and anesthesiologist are involved in your care