Does tummy tucks require blood transfusions? Do you have to do the gym for 6 months prior to tummy tuck?

No, a tummy tuck does not usually require a blood transfusion unless there are preoperative or perioperative issues. Pre-surgical anemia is one indication where someone may need a blood transfusion. All of my patients scheduled for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) will receive a preoperative lab panel to assess. Another possibility, although very rare, is a patient experiences severe blood loss around the time of the surgery (i.e. hematoma) which requires reoperation and transfusion.As far as the gym is concerned, it depends on the patient's BMI. If the patient is obese, then we encourage them to lose weight prior to the procedure. Make sure you seek the advice of an ASPS/ABMS board certified plastic surgeon who has experience in this procedure. Thanks for your question.

The risk of blood loss enough to require a transfusion with a tummy tuck is extremely low. Going to the gym will make you healthier but will not do what a tummy tuck does: tighten skin, correct muscle separation if needed, and spot reduce localized fat. You do need to be at a healthy weight (BMI less than 30) to minimize the risks of complications with tummy tuck surgery.

Dear justmeche,in most cases, blood transfusions are not required for tummy tuck surgeries. Regarding the gym prior to surgery, it is always better to lose weight before the surgery and be in better shape. You will need to have a BMI lower than 30 to be a candidate for a tummy tuck surgery. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

It would be very rare for a patient to require a blood transfusion for a tummy tuck. Generally there is very little blood loss from this procedure. For your second question, you do not have to go to the gym for six months prior to surgery. However it is in your best interest to be healthy and as close to your ideal body weight prior to surgery to allow your surgeon the opportunity to optimize your results. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly is always encouraged whether or not you are considering surgery.

It would be very rare to require a blood transfusion after a tummy tuck.  If your lab tests are all normal and you don't have a condition that predisposes you to bleeding, the risk of needing a blood transfusion is very small.  A healthy diet and exercise are good habits in general for a healthy lifestyle.  I don't have a specific requirement that patients' go to the gym for 6 months prior to a tummy tuck.

No, Tummy tucks do not require blood transfusions.  To obtain your best results, you should be in good health, and have BMI of less than 30.  Have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss tummy tuck surgery and/or surgical options that are right for you.  Best wishes. 

Thanks for the great question! Tummy tucks do no require blood transfusions and you do not need to go to the gym for 6 months prior to surgery. There has  been a lot of good research showing that people who exercise and eat a healthy diet do get better results after surgery though. Best,~Dr. Sieber

These comments only refer to tummy tuck patients who have been worked-up by their physician, are not morbidly obese (>30% BMI), do not take NSAIDs chronically and do not have a bleeding disorder. Personally, no blood transfusions or forced hospital admissions in 30 years. Six months in the gym is great but will not ameliorate the need for a tummy tuck but would definitely make you a healthier person. 

No, the vast majority of tummy tuck procedures do not require a blood transfusion.  That said, if your surgeon would like you to donate your own blood for your procedure, I would recommend you follow their advice.  There are no rules for going to the gym prior to a tummy tuck.  However, it always pays to exercise and watch your weight/diet both, before, and after any cosmetic surgical  procedure.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

No and no are the answers. It sounds like you need to visit with a surgeon for a consultation and at that point all your questions can be answered at once and a surgical plan developed to help you meet your goal look.