Is Liposuction of the Buffalo Hump Dangerous?

Question

I am considering this procedure in addition to chin liposuction. As ive gotten older in combination with larger breasts, the buffalo hump and bad posture my spine has curved a bit- the hump is there when i straighten my back and when you feel it you can feel tissue but you can also feel my bone. My concern is does this put me at a risk for injury to my spine? is it possible to hit my bone while performing the liposuction and god forbid cause paralysis or something? thank you!

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a common and quick procedure that is almost always performed under local anesthesia with light sedation.  In this setting it is very safe and the risk for spinal injury is close to 0% since you are able to communicate with the surgeon about comfort level.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

To the extent there is prominence of the upper back that is actually composed of fat, that area can be suctioned the same as any other area of excess fat. The question is would it do any good since the curvature of the spine is  causing most of the appearance problem.An in person-exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to evaluate your particular situation and anatomy to see if liposuction makes any sense in this area for you.Non-surgical, non-invasive methods off fat reduction are now available for smaller areas of excess fat, e.g. SculpSure.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

The Buffalo Hump is usually associated with medications, frequently ones that treat AIDS, or genetics. It is almost impossible for an experienced, board certified surgeon to damage the spine through liposuction of the Buffalo Hump. If you wish to learn more about options specific to your case you can schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon that will be able to lay out a treatment plan for you and answer any other questions you may have.

	 

	Jaime Perez, MD
	Liposuction Specialist
	Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the Buffalo Hump is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon.  If you do have excess fat in that area, it can certainly be liposuctioned.  It is important to make sure that the 'hump' is because of excessive fat an not your posture which will not benefit from the liposuction.

Is there a risk to the spine?  Once again a skilled and careful board certified plastic surgeon should not have problems perfuming this procedure safely.

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD, FRCSC

Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Liposuction of the buffalo hump deformity is a perfectly safe procedure and poses no risk of injury to the spine. The question is how effective it will be. That depends on the fat thickness and the curvature of the cervical spine. An examination will determine is this is a good option.

Is Liposuction of the Buffalo Hump Dangerous?

Answers (5)