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!

Hello WWYOnly a small, limited tummy tuck, probably without muscle tightening would be done with a local anesthetic.  Most patients require a long procedure that would be uncomfortable to be done well without a general anesthetic.  Though for patients a general anesthetic can be a scary thing to consider, especially for cosmetic surgery, it is very safe and you are being looked after by an anesthetist constantly while you are asleep. 

Yes it is possible to do a tummy tuck under local but it depends on your preoperative findings and your personality.   Discuss this with your doctor.

If the patient is comfortable then the surgeon is comfortable!  A tummy tuck involves excision of a large amount of skin and fat, tightening of the abdominal muscles, liposuction and about 45-60 minutes of stitching things very carefully and precisely. At the half way mark, your bed is changed into a V shape so that the skin can be closed safely and tightly. You would likely reach a toxic dose of local anaesthetic to numb everything properly.  A spinal or epidural anaesthetic would also be quite tricky given the position changes during surgery. The risks of general anaesthetic in an otherwise healthy patient are extremely low. Maximise your safety by having your surgery performed by a board certified plastic surgeon who uses an equally qualified anaesthetist. 

Yes!  A full tummy tuck would require general anesthesia in an out patient setting.  Make sure you find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area , good 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.