Can I store my own blood before surgery?

Question

My belief doesn’t allow me to take someone else blood how can I store my own just in case I need a blood transfusion before liposuction?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding storing blood for your elective liposuction procedure. In the US this is not commonly performed. I understand your belief in not excepting blood transfusions. If you and your plastic surgeon are overly concerned about the need for a blood transfusion, this is possible. Blood can be donated ahead of time and stored in a blood bank for a possible transfusion at a later date. In the US, a blood transfusion would have to be given at a hospital. Therefore, you and your plastic surgeon would need to coordinate with a local hospital, obtain your blood, store your blood, and possibly transfuse your blood after the liposuction procedure. Fortunately, blood transfusions after liposuction are exceedingly rare. Therefore, most patients do not store blood before their procedures. I would thoroughly discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon. If the liposuction is performed conservatively, perhaps in one, two, or three surgeries, there is no need for a blood transfusion. I wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You can have the American Red Cross or another blood bank in a hospital draw and store you blood prior to surgery. There is a lot of coordination involved so that the blood is ready in time for your surgery.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is a very low risk that any blood would be needed as a result of a liposuction procedure.  If you feel compelled to have blood on hand other than a donor's you can discuss options with your surgeon and/or the facility where the procedure is to be performed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear SUGARFREEDOM,
generally speaking, there is no need for transfusion after liposuction. 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
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

You must consider having surgery at an expert 360 liposuction center that understands how to estimate and track how much blood you may be losing. This is critical to ensuring that you don't get into trouble. Your blood should be checked early so that it can be increased if you need to way before surgery. We have proven protocols regarding your estimated blood loss based on the volume of fat being removed which keep you safe. We also check you blood count throughout surgery.
 The Gold Standard for superior liposuction results requires use of the advanced technology of ultrasound assisted VASER liposuction. As an official trainer of VASER liposuction, I perform full body liposuction cases every week. VASER liposuction has been the only modality that has consistently resulted in outstanding liposuction outcomes. VASER liposuction ensures a smooth contour regardless of degree of excess fat by virtue of being able to remove any and all remaining fat comprehensively and uniformly. If skin redundancy is observed, Renuvion technology can be simultaneously applied to tighten your skin to optimize your overall contour outcome. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a VASER specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.

Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Can I store my own blood before surgery?

Answers (7)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Don't need to store you blood

Answer: Don't need to store you blood

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Can I store my own blood before surgery?

Answers (7)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Don't need to store you blood

Answer: Don't need to store you blood

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.