What is the best method of sedation for a tummy tuck?

My preference is a general anesthetic. I feel that my patients are more comfortable fully asleep. This also allows for muscle relaxation medication to be administered which helps during the muscle tightening portion of the procedure. The airway is also fully protected with monitoring of all vital signs to ensure patient safety and comfort. Good luck!

Every surgeon has his or her own protocol. Typically, I prefer general anesthesia for a tummy tuck procedure. Discuss the best option for you with your surgeon. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

We use general anesthesia performed by board-certified anesthesiologists in an AAAHC accredited operating room. General anesthesia allows for relaxation of the abdomen, so that it can be tightened fully during the "muscle repair." 

Thank you for your question. I prefer to perform tummy tucks under general anesthesia. I believe it is necessary to have complete muscle paralysis to perform an appropriate rectus diastasis repair. This can not be done under sedation. Please discuss your options with a board certified plastic surgeon who commonly performs body contouring procedures. Ask to see before and after photos of their work. Hope this helps and good luck. 

Each surgeon will have their preference. In my practice, we use a spinal anaesthetic, with light IV sedation using propofol, administered by an anaesthesiologist. The spinal  allows for muscle relaxation without the need for systemic muscle relaxants, and hence assisted ventilation, and may be helpful in lowering one's risk for VTE.