Let me begin by revealing that this is one of the most often sought after procedures done by Dr. Romano. This fact points to his identified skills and leader in treating this condition. Dr. Romano has operated and cured many patients, always with noticeable and natural results, and never a complication.
Here is the link to the buffalo hump correction page on the website for you to look at if you have not done so already.
There is a condition of excess fat accumulation in the back of the neck that is unusual and very disturbing to affected patients. It is sometimes referred to lipodystrophy. The fat accumulation is called a “buffalo hump” deformity. It can occur in patients with HIV on specific antiviral medications, or it can be associated with chronic steroid use, such as in asthma patients or it can just be one of those areas on the body affected by localized excess fatty accumulation. The most distressing feature is the fat accumulation of the lower neck/upper midline back. This fat excess can extend even further up the posterior neck onto the back of the head and around the sides clear up to the ears. It can be severely immobilizing and profoundly unsightly. The anatomy of this condition is just excess fatty accumulation for whatever the reason. But the problem is that the fat is in a hard area to liposuction and trapped in a lot of scar and fibrous tissue that does not allow the fat to come out easily. Even faced with these challenges Dr. Romano has techniques and technology to provide a cure. Since this fatty area and all of its contents are essentially on the surface, the surgery is mostly very comfortable. Unlike when surgery is performed in areas involving muscle, tendon, bones, or other vital structures that hurt.
This condition can affect men and women alike. Symptoms can range from nothing at all, which is rare, up to severe pain. Patients are always disturbed by this and desire to have the normal anatomy restored, wear a shirt that fits, and just be able to button their collar again. It can limit severely the ability to turn your head side to side or tilt up and down. Dr. Romano has seen patients dealing with severe pain issues that require physical therapy. He has seen patients that have thought they had cervical spine bony deformity. All of these conditions have been cured by liposuction of the buffalo hump. It has been our experience that insurance has never paid for this procedure.
Surgery involves a light general anesthetic and is performed in the hospital, and is outpatient. The surgery is safe and predictable. There is very mild swelling after surgery. There are only a few stitches, and you can return to work in as little as three to five days and to some physical exercise in the first week.
