Is it recommended to have Cell Saver during a mommy makeover?

The use of a Cell Saver, or autotransfusion system, during a mommy makeover or any surgery is a decision that should be made based on various factors, including the specifics of the procedures being performed, the surgeon's preference, and the patient's medical history. The Cell Saver is a device that collects and processes a patient's own blood lost during surgery, purifies it, and then returns it to the patient.

Here are some considerations regarding the use of a Cell Saver during a mommy makeover:

Extent of Surgery: The decision to use a Cell Saver may be influenced by the extent and duration of the surgeries involved in the mommy makeover. If the procedures are extensive and there's a potential for significant blood loss, the surgeon may consider the use of a Cell Saver.

Surgeon's Preference: Some surgeons routinely use a Cell Saver in certain procedures to minimize the need for allogenic (donor) blood transfusions and to optimize patient safety. Others may not find it necessary for every case.

Patient's Health: The patient's overall health and medical history play a role in determining the necessity and safety of using a Cell Saver. Conditions such as anemia or coagulation disorders may influence this decision.

Blood Conservation Strategies: In addition to a Cell Saver, surgeons may employ various blood conservation strategies, such as minimizing blood loss during surgery, using meticulous surgical techniques, and administering medications to promote clotting.

It's crucial to discuss the use of a Cell Saver with your surgeon during the consultation process. They will evaluate your specific case, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and make recommendations based on your individual needs and the complexity of the planned procedures. Always ensure open communication with your surgical team to address any concerns and make informed decisions about your care.

A unit of blood is roughly 300cc or mL. One point of your hemoglobin is 1 unit of blood. If you are healthy, the indication for transfusion would be a hemoglobin of 7. I would say for a mommy makeover a blood loss of 200-250mL is on the bigger end and a board certified plastic surgeon would not be advocating for a cell saver. Hope that provides you with some insight. Best of luck!

Hi Fantastic695676,
Most procedures that go into "mommy makeover", including breast lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and liposuction, have a fairly low expectation of blood loss.
I have never planned to use a CellSaver in cosmetic surgery, largely because the expectation of blood loss is so low that there wouldn't be much to save!
Best of luck with your procedure.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington