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Bad Results from Lipo on Buffalo Hump - What Now?

I developed a buffalo hump after hydrocortisone therapy, and using DHEA. I went to a dr. who used "lipodissolve" which didn't work, so he told me he would do liposuction, since I had already paid him a lot of money. He never did a buffalo hump before. He had a very difficult time moving the cannula through because he said it was so "fibrous". After 45 mins. he said he couldn't get any more out. I now still have a sizable hump. What went wrong? What should I do now?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Caleigh

Doctor Answers (5)
Community Comments (1)

Buffalo Hump ad Liposuction

Sometimes liposuction cannot remove fibrous tissue of this area, but I have not had difficulty with this. It is more strenuous on the surgeon. Find the plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of liposuction procedures each year. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Buffalo hump lipo

I agree with Dr Kraft. I think its important to knwo that this area does not respond very well to Liposuction and its better to have it evaluated by MRI just to make sure this is not anything but a fatty growth. surgical excision is better but will leave a scar

Misbah Khan, MD

5 reviews

New York Dermatologic Surgeon

Liposuction of a buffalo hump

A buffalo hump is difficult to suction because it is very fibrous. Sometimes it is better to perform direct excision but it leaves a significant scar on the back.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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Failed Liposuction Treatment of Buffalo Hump Deformity

Buffalo hump deformities can be difficult to extract by liposuction as they have a high fibrous tissue content. This may have been exacerbated by the previous lipodissolve injections causing greater fibrosis. Either a liposuction approach using an energy-assisted approach like laser or vaser or an open excisional approach needs to be done. The most assured method is going to be an open excision.

Buffalo hump liposuction

A fibrous or diffuse lipoma is not easy to remove. I do not recommend lipodissolve for this; it does require formal excision. I cannot imagine why your surgeon was unable to remove more of the mass. My first question is whether you saw a board certified plastic surgeon. Secondly, were you sent for an MRI prior to surgery to evaluate the mass?

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Comments (1)

Caleigh
10 months ago

Thank you all for your perspectives. No, the Dr. was not a "Board Certified Plastic Surgeon", he is a dr. who practices "alternative" medicine. I was not sent for an MRI to evaluate the mass. What would an MRI show? Does someone have to be a "Board Certified Plastic Surgeon" to perform this procedure???
I hope that the lipodissolve didn't complicate the liposuction by making it more fibrous. Have you found that buffalo humps are usually this "fibrous" and difficult to remove?

I don't like the thought of surgery and having a scar by excising it. I'd like to try liposuction again. Would you think this wise?

I was researching it online, and read on "The Hunstad-Kortesis Center for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery", and they stated "the buffalo hump is composed of a fibrous subcutaneous fatty tissue...it can be successfully treated. A very thorough liposuction of this region can significantly reduce the excess fat from this region...The most commonly used modalities are ultrasonic liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction, smart-lipo, tumescent liposuction, and power-assisted liposuction". They seem to know what they are talking about. However, they are in NC and I am in NJ.

I am anxious to have this thing removed. It hurts and is unsightly. I would sincerely appreciate any additional insights/guidance.

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