Can I store my own blood before surgery?

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.)

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.

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.