When is the "cell saver" procedure implemented? Before surgery; during surgery?

Cell saver is not a procedure, it is a device utilized to collect blood lost during surgery, allowing the red blood cells to be transfused back to the patient when blood loss is serious enough to warrant its use.If your surgeon utilizes this "routinely" during BBL surgery, then the liposuction phase of the procedure must be inappropriately bloody, because I have been a plastic surgeon for 30 years and have NEVER used a cell saver, much less "mandatory" usage! Ask your surgeon if the blood you lost was returned to you. If not, where did the blood go? Is this "surgeon" an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon? If "Board-certified" ask which board. Does he sell blood to a blood bank? Lots of red flags here. I'd be much more concerned about the questions above rather than if you should have a refund. How is your surgical result? Hope all is well. Dr. Tholen

Hello and thank you for your question. The use of this device in cosmetic plastic surgery is controversial and would only benefit the patient if there is a significant amount of blood loss during surgery. In general, if the procedure is done appropriately, the use of a cell saver should not be necessary. If the cell saver device was used, it would have been during your procedure while you were under anesthesia. Hope that helps answer your question.
Alex Zuriarrain, MD, Plastic Surgery

      Cell saver should not be necessary to provide during these procedures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA