What to Expect?
Buffalo hump surgery can usually be performed on an outpatient basis at our fully accredited surgical facilities, where our highly qualified nurses will pamper you. Our nurses are certified in advanced cardiac life support, which ensures the highest level of supervision, evaluation, and care in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Because the procedure is best performed with the patient in the prone position, a brief general anesthetic is recommended to protect the patient’s airway and to offer maximum comfort.
Based on the clinical examination findings conducted during your consultation, various modalities of liposuction will be employed. The most commonly used modalities include ultrasonic liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction or SmartLipo, tumescent liposuction, /or power-assisted liposuction.
In most cases, incisions are made, and a small tube called a cannula is inserted. The tube is attached to a vacuum-like device that suctions the fatty tissue out of the body. In the case of SmartLipo, a laser device is used for a less invasive method that provides a faster recovery time. This technique is only appropriate for some patients depending on the condition of the hump.
Recovery Time
Recovery time is usually 1-2 weeks depending on the extent of the surgery. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Post-operative discomfort, bruising, and swelling is usually mild, and most patients find that using an ice pack over the treated area can make it dramatically more comfortable. Adequate pain medications are given as well, however.
If the treated area was very large, a suction drainage catheter may have to be left in the incisions for a few days after surgery, but this does not usually interfere with showering. Most patients can shower the first day after buffalo hump surgery. The catheter will then be removed on one of your follow-up visits, during which we will monitor your healing progress. Buffalo hump surgery is usually long lasting. It is unlikely that the condition will recur.
