Most tummy tucks are performed under general anesthesia on ambulatory outpatients. Our plastic surgeon usually requires 2 to 3 hours of operative time to perform a routine abdominoplasty. However, you should plan to be occupied for a half-day at the surgical center. We routinely scheduled tummy tucks in the morning to provide ample time for your recovery under medical supervision. Your requested time of arrival at the surgical center is well in advance of the scheduled time of operation. This gives our nurses time to confirm that they are medically fit and properly prepared for safe surgery. After surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room. You will be discharged only when the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. For safety, a responsible person (family member or friend) must be present to accompany you on your return trip home. After general anesthesia, it is not sufficient nor safe to leave the surgery center by taxi without the accompaniment of a responsible person.