Delayed autotransfusion has been recommended for orthognathic surgery. The authors review and discuss the advantages of this technique. Emphasis is placed on the preventive aspect as it relates to transfusion-associated viral contamination, as well as on the positive implications on health expenditures in the long run. This technique requires excellent intercollaboration on the part of the blood transfusion centers and should definitely be recommended in certain cases of planned surgery. Furthermore, combined with hemodilution methods, it constitutes a very effective means of struggle against edema.