Are epidurals given for a cosmetic procedures?

Epidural: The question is vague. Epidural can be given depending on the planned surgery.

Rarely: Epidurals will only anesthetize below the level of the medication placement, which is fine for childbirth, but not for any cosmetic surgery above the waist level. Even liposuction of the thighs may not be fully anesthetized, so there is limited applicability for most cosmetic operations.

Cosmetic epidural: It can be used for procedures such as abdominoplasty. Especially for post op pain control if needed.

Typically not: Depending on the procedure, many can be done under topical or local anesthetics or nerve blocks.

Not often but: for cosmetic procedures involving the chest or abdomen, a paravetebral block or catheter can be very helpful. It is done under ultrasound guidance by a trained anesthesiologist. In addition, for cosmetic procedure involving the abdominal wall, a TAP (transverse abdominis plane) block is also very useful in offering longer pain relief than local anesthetics injection.