Do You Have To Be Put To Sleep For A Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is an extensive procedure with long incisions, significant separating of abdominal tissue from the abdominal wall, and tightening of the muscles (rectus diastasis). While this all could theoretically be done under a regional anesthetic, in practice, a general anesthetic is almost universally used.

While it would technically be feasible to do a skin only tummy tuck under local anaesthetic, I would not recommend it as you would have to lie still for at least 3 hours and would still be aware of what is happening. The most important part of most tummy tucks is a tightening of the abdominal muscles which I don't feel could be performed under local anaesthetic without causing you significant pain. This is a major surgery and as such, should be performed under general anaesthetic in a proper operating room to create a safe and pain-free environment. Best of luck!

Thank you for your question. You will find that there are a variety of different types of anesthesia that can be utilized during tummy tuck surgery. I  personally perform tummy tuck surgery in an out patient surgery center, and under general anesthesia  supervised by Board Certified Anesthesiologists.  I believe that this type of anesthesia provides for a comfortable/safe/immobile environment to  perform the relatively "extensive" procedure. I hope this, and the attacked link, helps.