Home Plastic Surgery News The Dr. Mueller Solution for “Buffalo Hump” using VASER

The Dr. Mueller Solution for “Buffalo Hump” using VASER

"Buffalo Hump" is an unusual and terrible disfigurement condition consisting of a large accumulation of fat behind the neck and shoulders. It’s caused by a number of situations including certain medications for HIV, the use of steroids, morbid obesity, and a variety of diseases. It’s an embarrassing condition with the formal name lipodystrophy. These very dense fats create unsightly and disfiguring deposits. This problem makes it difficult to move the body in the afflicted area, as in turning the head and neck. Dr. Greg Mueller is one of a very few doctors in this country who treats these patients. Dr. Mueller’s technique of choice to help “buffalo humps” patients is VASER®, the versatile liposuction technology that’s growing rapidly as the technology of choice in the plastic surgery world. VASER uses gentle ultrasound to break up fat in the body that is then whisked away out of the body using suction. VASER’s precision characteristics allow a physician to zero in precisely on fat deposits of all kinds, including stubborn fibrous fat. It’s gaining world-wide popularity for sculpting and contouring, and it’s those very traits that have enabled Dr. Mueller to successfully adapt VASER for the purposes of removing these deforming humps. What better way to illustrate the life altering skills and compassion Dr. Mueller brings to this condition than to describe a case. David Russo is a disabled/retired attorney and an HIV-positive member of the community. He had a severe lipodystrophy “buffalo hump.” These very dense fats create unsightly and disfiguring deposits like on a hump back whale or huge goiter-like growth.    He was an attorney in Arizona, and provided pro bono and discounted services for the gay community and poor clients.  At age 38, spinal problems and an HIV diagnosis forced him into an unexpected and financially devastating retirement. The financial security that often comes with a good profession never materialized for him. Russo's viral load remains undetectable and his t-cell count consistent with those not infected. In the late 1990’s, he began looking for work, but nothing that would stress his HIV or degenerative discs.   Quite unexpectedly, Russo found himself being “invited” into acting where he became somewhat successful as a character actor.  Then the “buffalo hump” appeared, growing on the back of Russo's neck. Next, the front of his neck under his chin began to blossom with this ugly fat.  Soon afterwards he was unable to work again as an actor because he was becoming so grotesque.  This problem robbed Russo of his appearance.  Worse, he was now unable to turn his head very far and it was extremely difficult for him to drive.  He found the answer to his prayers when he was introduced to Dr. Mueller.  Russo was concerned about the expense of the procedure.  Dr. Mueller discussed the procedures needed, an initial VASER liposuction of the neck. Then later in the year, another VASER liposuction procedure would be done at the throat and side of the neck with a surgical tightening of the skin. The hump was successfully removed and Russo lives hump free today.   Amazingly, Dr. Mueller offered to do this procedure pro bono and Mr. Russo wept with joy and gratitude at Dr. Mueller's kindness. Dr. Mueller has since done hundreds of these cases, indeed, pioneering the use of VASER for this very special and unique condition. Now patients seek him out as his reputation has spread rather broadly.   Dr. Mueller has a full plastic surgery practice in Beverly Hills, California. For more information go to: www.drgregmueller.com For information on VASER, go to: www.vaser.com < Prev   Next >