Should I get the cell saver for my tummy tuck and lipo surgery?

Dear Floridian,   I do not know if you are aware of the fact that in Florida, it is illegal to have tummy tuck with lipo of over 1000 cc of fat . That is a very small amount of fat aspiration and blood loss  should not be a concern.   In my practice, as a rule, I do not combine tummy tuck with liposuction because of the significant increase in severe  complication rate, including death, when the 2 procedures are done at the same time. In a recent article in the plastic surgery journal, which was based on data from cosmetic surgery only insurance company, it was revealed that combining tummy tuck with liposuction increases  the severe complication rate X 10 !!!   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery , to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, tight and youthful looking skin, nice belly button, improved body posture and low scar.                             Best of luck,                                                  Dr Widder

Cell saver is used in big surgeries like open heart and transplant where large volumes of blood loss are expected. It is unexpected to lose even close to that much blood in a tummy tuck with liposuction. This is an added expense you do not need. 

Thank you for sharing your question.  Your listed procedures should not require the investment of a cell saver as blood loss is minimal.  Hope this helps.

Hello and thank you for your question.  I do not ever recommend cell saver for this surgery, as the amount of blood loss is minimal.  If you are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

The cell saver is a great device for surgeries associated with  a large blood loss.  Abdominoplasties are rarely large blood loss surgeries, although a transfusion if there is post operative bleeding is not unheard of.  The cell saver would be prohibitively expensive as well - much more that the whole surgeon, OR, and anesthesia fees combined.

Thank you for your question. A cell saver is definitely not needed for a tummy tucks me lipo if done correctly. Under normal circumstances no more than 150 ccs of blood loss would be expected at the most. Assuming your are not anemic preoperatively, you will be fine being done as an outpatient. For some of our borderline anemic patients, we have them start iron supplements before surgery. 

In my experience there has never been enough blood loss to consider a cell saver for tummy tuck and liposuction procedures.

Dear mescarfuller,I'm not sure where you would even get the idea of using a cellsaver for a tummy tuck and liposuction  Totally unnecessary.  Good luck!

Thank you for your question. Blood loss is minimal and you do not need cell saver for this. Please discuss this with your PS

A few legal and ethical issues are presented in the question. First, If you think you would need a cell-saver, than you should be in hospital case only. Second, the standard of care is the non use of cell=savers in office surgery. Best to see more boarded private practice PSs to fully understand you surgical opinions..