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