Is it normal and how to prevent blood transfusion after surgery? What causes the need of blood transfusion after surgery?

Question

Is it normal and how to prevent blood transfusion after surgery? I read the reviews from patients who had multiple surgeries in the Dominican Republic and most of them received some blood transfusion at some point due to low hemoglobin, dizziness and weakness following the surgery. What causing the need for blood transfusion? Is it the "aggressiveness" of the procedure? Is it normal and how can I prevent a blood transfusion? Any advice before surgery is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

It is very unlikely to need a blood transfusion after a tummy tuck with normal blood counts and proper nutrition prior to the surgery.  Combined other procedures such as breast reductions with tummy tucks do cause more blood loss and increase the chances.  On a side note, I have seen good surgeries that were performed in the DR but for the most part I have seen horror stories.  I definitely would not want to receive a blood transfusion there under any circumstances.  Best wishes.

J. Brad Turner, MD · Answer

It is NOT common to require a blood transfusion after cosmetic surgery.  The simple answer to why they need blood transfusions is likely that the patients lost blood volume.  With appropriate use of vasoconstrictive medications (medicines that tighten blood vessels so that when they are cut they bleed less), electrocautery and operating in the appropriate surgical planes blood loss should be relatively minimal. Secondarily an appropriate history, physical exam, medication review including herbal supplements, and appropriate lab work should identify any potential problems that could arise.  Best of luck.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

I actually didn't realize that a large number of patients who go to the DR receive a blood transfusion. There are a couple of ways to prevent this AND I think it's important to avoid a blood transfusion during an elective cosmetic procedure. You should have a hemoglobin of at least 12 and if not should take iron and work on increasing this number prior to surgery. Also, see a board certified plastic surgeon who is SAFE. You should not be getting so much done in one setting that your blood loss requires a transfusion. This may mean splitting the surgeries up.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Modern cosmetic surgery techniques would prevent the need for transfusion. In over 33 years of doing these procedures I have seen exactly one patient need a transfusion. But then you are talking about surgery outside the US in an area where physician skill is not monitored.

Is it normal and how to prevent blood transfusion after surgery? What causes the need of blood transfusion after surgery?

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Answer: Is it normal and how to prevent blood transfusion after surgery?

Answer: Is it normal and how to prevent blood transfusion after surgery?

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Is it normal and how to prevent blood transfusion after surgery? What causes the need of blood transfusion after surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: Is it normal and how to prevent blood transfusion after surgery?

Answer: Is it normal and how to prevent blood transfusion after surgery?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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