Is Cell saver safe with a BBL at 11.4 hemoglobins?

Thank you for your questions. If your surgeon is recommending you use a Cell Saver for an elective cosmetic operation, then I would suggest finding another surgeon. Using modern liposuction techniques, there are ways to minimize blood loss, especially in someone your size and volume of liposuction. There should be no reason to use a device such as the Cell Saver unless they are selling it as a gimmick or trying to find a way to squeeze some more money out of you. Either way, I would consider a second opinion and this time, make sure your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.Good luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Based on your info, one can expect small amount of lipo-aspirate collected during liposuction phase of anticipated BBL; possibly 500-600 ml.? Blood loss for that amount of fat aspirate is approximately 15-20 ml. the most, if tumescent or wet technique is used. There is no need for cell saver with such a minimal blood loss. Consultation, second opinion,  with a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in liposuction/BBLis recommended. Good luck.

Dear gatinha7
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Typically for someone your size it would not be expected that you would lose much blood during the procedure. So from a blood loss perspective a cell saver would probably not be necessary at all.  Best of Luck  Dr Harrell

Are you going to a PLASTIC SURGEON for your liposuction? Liposuction is not a high blood loss procedure when done correctly.  The cell saver is just an unnecessary extra cost. If you’re prone to bleeding or have a coagulopathy, perhaps elective surgery is not the best choice. 

 When tumescent solution is used appropriately to suction blood loss as minimum.  This means adding tumescent solution and waiting 15 to 20 minutes before starting the liposuction. If good technique is used you should not use enough blood to be at risk for a blood transfusion.  Cellsavers  are generally safe but all medical procedures including the use of a cell saver have some risk.  If the cell saver is used then you will be given a transfusion of your own blood.  It's better to not lose the blood in the first place.  Perhaps your plastic surgeon is it being overly cautious which is not a bad thing. If you're comfortable with your provider then you should follow his or her recommendation. Best , Mats Hagstrom MD