Tummy Tuck under local anesthesia
It sounds as if you would require a full tummy tuck and I generally do not advise these under local anesthesia. However, you could undergo a regional. Discuss the options with your surgeon AND anesthesiologist. (Otto Joseph Placik, MD, )
Tummy tucks really should not be done under local anesthesia
While some will tout that they can do almost any procedure with some sedation and local, there are some operations that you should be out for. With a tummy tuck, most plastic surgeons will make an incision, tighten the muscles underneath, take off extra skin and fat, and then put you back together, (remembering to bring the belly button where it should go).
This really should be all done with the patient out. You don’t want to short change yourself. Remember you need to be a healthy candidate as this is elecive surgery. Best to see your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He will tell you if you are a candidate for the surgery, and how he usually performs the operation. (Jeffrey Roth, MD, Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)
Safety First
This is elective cosmetic surgery. The goal should be to minimize your risk of complications and deliver the safest and most natural result possible. Trying to perform a full tummy tuck local anesthesia is simply too risky and a very unsafe procedure.
I would recommend performing this procedure safely under general anesthesia, which carries a very low risk profile with an appropriate surgical workup. Please don’t try to take short cuts that could jeopardize your health, safety, and your final result. (Paul S. Gill, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
Best type of anesthesia for tummy tuck
Tummy tucks are best done under general anesthesia. During a tummy tuck, not only is your extra skin removed, but your abominal muscles are tightened as well.
It would require a lot of local anesthetic to numb the entire abdomen including the muscles, and local anesthesia in high doses can be very dangerous.
I understand many patients have a fear of “going to sleep”, but in reality, general anesthesia administered by a qualified practioner is very safe. Unfortunately there are doctors not trained or qualified to perform tummy tuck surgery who take advantage of this fear and advertise doing procedures under local anesthesia only, as if it implies better technique or greater safety.
This is simply not true. The best way to ensure your safety is to 1-have your procedure by a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (not an imitation board), 2-in a facility that is appropriately certified (for example, AAAASF or Medicare certified).
You can also request the name and contact information for your anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) to research him or her as well.
If you wanted a more limited procedure such as a C section scar revision, then local anesthesia may be a reasonable option, but for tummy tuck I recommend general anesthesia. (Anita Patel, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck Local Anesthesia
While almost any procedure “can” be done with local anesthesia the question is why would you want to. General anesthetics are extremely safe and give good relaxation of the muscles so and adequate repair (and usually better result) can be done. I would be more worried with the amount of sedation needed to adequately perform a tummy tuck local anesthesia. Some non-plastic surgeons will say that a local is safer (doubtful) because they do not have privileges that allow them to operate in facilities that provide a general anesthetic. (Michael Philbin, MD, Edina Plastic Surgeon)
Most surgeons perform abdominoplasty under general anesthesia. the main reason for this is that in a typical tummy tuck, the muscles of the abdomen are tightened. it is difficult to fully anesthetize this deep layer without the assistance of general anesthesia. some limited or mini abdominoplasty procedures can be performed in the office in combination with liposuction under local anesthesia. (Eric Chang, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)
A tummy tuck could be done with local anesthesia only but it would be most unwise.
A surgeon can pretty much do any operation with local anesthesia if he has the patience and the patient the tolerance. Most large operations are much better with general or regional anesthesia. It is remarkably safe and makes the operation more efficient with generally better results. (Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)