I have a buffalo hump and I want to get it removed.

Question

I also have scleroderma and a kidney transplant. Are there any options for this to be done safely with my health issues?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Liposuction of this is reasonable if you obtain medical clearance from your managing physicians.  I
would search for the board certified plastic surgeon who you feel is
most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of
these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as
before and after photos on that surgeon's website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about liposuction, liposhaping.Liposuction might be helpful for you.  You may need to get medical clearance first before undergoing this procedure.

To be sure what would be best for you, see two or more experienced,
board-certified Plastic Surgeons in your area for a complete evaluation to make
sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.

I hope this helps.

Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

The buffalo hump is most likely due to the steroids you are on for your immune-supression.If you are medically cleared by your transplant surgeon and nephrologist, your buffalo hump can safely be removed by liposuction. My father, Frederick M. Grazer M.D. FACS, who is credited with introducing liposuction to the United States in 1982, has done buffalo hump removal on patients that have had heart- lung transplants.Make certain you select a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that has experience with this procedure.Yours,Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Liposuction in this area should not be harmful but you have to be seen by a well trained tumescent liposuction physician and have them coordinate your care with your autoimmune treatment physicians.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Ravi Somayazula, DO · Answer

The buffalo hump as you know is a result of steroid treatment. Liposuction is a very effective method of removing this also with possible direct excision. As far as whether you're healthy enough to undergo the procedure the most likely answer is yes however you would need medical clearance and close monitoring of your immunosuppressive therapy regarding the kidney transplant to make sure that there are no issues regarding rejection of the transplant. Also you should seek the help of a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area and maybe obtain two or three opinions before making your decision. It is important that the plastic surgeon coordinate with your medical doctor to  have the best and safest outcome possible.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Having underlying medical conditions does not rule someone out from having cosmetic surgery.  We often work with patients' other doctors to make sure everyone is on board and that everything has been done to minimize the chance of having problems.This is not something that can be recommended on a forum like RealSelf. Different doctors will give you different opinions. Much of the decision rests with your medical doctors.I would highly recommend seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon.  Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

In general, lipo is exactly the right way to address this unfortunate sequelum of immunosuppressive therapy (steroids).  With just a few small incisions that diminish dramatically and all but disappear (though all scars are permanent).  It can be done on an outpatient basis and the recovery, while not pleasant, is not overly painful or debilitating.However, you have to see if you can get medical clearance for this procedure and it should probably be done in a facility that has access to additional physicians as opposed to a free-standing ambulatory surgical center.  That is not an absolute but it would be my general preference.  It's not necessarily just the procedure that has to be considered but, additionally, the overall status of the patient.You should, of course, discuss all of this with your own plastic surgeon.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

I have a buffalo hump and I want to get it removed.

Answers (7)

More Liposuction Questions

Liposuction: Where does the fat go?

Dent after recent facial liposuction (11 days). Normal swelling or did they remove too much? (Photo)

Could lipo cause more hunger due to a decrease in leptin as a result of a decrease in fat cells?

Itchy, red reaction to steri strip adhesive after lipo to the abdomen! Possible allergic reaction? (Photo)

Right thigh bigger than left. What should I do?

Why do the areas I had lipo performed on all have crinkly skin now almost 10 years on?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS