Should a CT Scan be ordered to look for seromas before getting a fat transfer to reconstruct buttocks?

Dear carrotcakes,seroma can occur after injury or some surgeries. Ct scans are not routine preoperative preparation for BBL surgery. In case you suspect of seroma, then an ultrasound can help detect it. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. A CT scan or imaging is typically not required before BBL. A seroma is not physiologic and will not be present without an injury or surgery. If your doctor suspects a seroma, it can be imaged with CT or MRI and then drained by a radiologist prior to your BBL procedure.

First question is why do you feel you have a/some seromas?
Second, a seroma may be diagnosed by placing a needle and aspirating the suspected area.
A CT scan without contrast will diagnose if a seroma is present.
While it is not dangerous to place fat in the presence of a seroma, fat injected into a seroma pocket will likely not survive and add to the seroma.

Dr. Taranow

Ultrasound is an ideal modality for detecting fluid collections. It is inexpensive, simple and does not impose any radiation.

They areas included should be all the areas where a seroma is suspected.

Typically a seroma can be palpated or noticed an examination. If it’s not noticeable on examination then it probably isn’t of clinical significance.

Someone’s history is important and giving you a meaningful answer.

I suggest you discuss with your provider.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD