Buffalo hump removal surgery

Buffalo Hump Removal Surgery: Getting Rid of the Fat Pad Between Your Shoulders

A buffalo hump is a visible fat deposit at the base of the neck, just between the shoulder blades. Its medical name is a dorsocervical fat pad. At Bliniq, we treat this condition surgically using liposuction, which removes the fat cells permanently through small, discreet incisions. The procedure is performed under general or local anaesthesia with sedation and takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Most patients return home the same day. For people who have lived with this hump for years despite diet and exercise, surgery is the only treatment that produces a meaningful and lasting result.

What Is a Buffalo Hump and What Causes It?

A buffalo hump forms when excess fat accumulates in the dorsocervical region, the area at the upper back where the neck meets the shoulders. The result is a rounded or protruding mass that sits visibly beneath clothing and affects the natural slope of the upper back and neck.

The condition has several possible causes:

• Excess body weight: Fat tends to accumulate in the dorsocervical area with obesity, particularly in people who carry weight in the upper body
• Long-term corticosteroid use: Medications such as prednisone, when taken for extended periods, cause fat redistribution to the upper back and face. This is one of the most common medical causes
• Cushing's syndrome: A condition caused by prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels, either from medication or the body producing excess cortisol. A dorsocervical fat pad is a classic clinical sign
• HIV-associated lipodystrophy: Certain antiretroviral drugs used in HIV treatment are associated with fat redistribution to the upper back
• Genetic fat distribution: Some individuals store fat preferentially in the upper back regardless of overall body weight or medication use
• Ageing: Loss of lean muscle mass and changes in fat distribution with age can contribute to fat accumulation in this region

It is important to have a proper medical assessment before undergoing surgical removal, particularly to identify any underlying hormonal or medication-related cause. If the hump is caused by an active medical condition such as Cushing's syndrome, addressing that condition first is necessary.

When Is Surgery the Right Answer?

Surgery is considered appropriate when:

• The fat deposit has been confirmed clinically as a dorsocervical fat pad (not a spinal curvature or bony prominence)
• Underlying medical causes have been ruled out or managed
• The hump does not reduce with weight loss or lifestyle changes
• The patient is at a stable, healthy weight and has good skin elasticity
• The patient has realistic expectations about the contouring outcome

Patients with very significant skin laxity over the hump area may need to discuss whether skin excision is also required, as liposuction addresses fat but does not tighten loose skin. Your surgeon at Bliniq will assess both at the consultation.

The Buffalo Hump Removal Procedure at Bliniq

Pre-procedure assessment: The surgeon examines the hump physically to confirm it is a soft fat pad rather than a bony or fibrous mass. Photographs and measurements are taken. Any relevant medical history, particularly medication use or hormonal conditions, is reviewed.

Anaesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation, depending on the extent of the fat pad. Local anaesthesia is adequate for smaller, well-defined humps.

The removal technique: Tumescent fluid is infiltrated into the treatment area to numb it, reduce bleeding, and loosen the fat cells. Small incisions of 3 to 4mm are made in discreet positions. A thin cannula is inserted to break up and suction out the fat. Ultrasound-assisted (ultrasound-assisted) liposuction may be used in cases where the fat is particularly dense or fibrous, as ultrasound energy helps emulsify the fat before extraction, reducing trauma to surrounding tissue and improving skin retraction.

The procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Patients are observed for a few hours after surgery before being discharged home on the same day.

Recovery After Buffalo Hump Liposuction

• Days 1 to 5: Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the upper back and neck. A compression garment is worn over the treated area. Mild to moderate discomfort is managed with prescribed pain relief
• Week 1 to 2: Desk-based work can typically be resumed. Physical activity involving the upper body, including lifting and exercise, is avoided
• Weeks 3 to 6: The compression garment is worn particularly during the day. Progressive improvement in contour is visible as swelling resolves
• Months 3 to 6: Full results become visible once all swelling has resolved. The dorsocervical region shows its final, improved contour at this point

Maintaining stable body weight after surgery is the most important factor in preserving the result long-term.

What Results Can You Expect?

Buffalo hump removal through liposuction produces:

• A significantly flatter and more natural upper back profile
• Reduced pressure and discomfort at the base of the neck
• Improved posture in some patients where the weight of the hump was affecting how they held their neck
• Better fitting clothing around collars, necklines, and upper back
• Improved comfort during sleep and seated activities

Results are permanent as long as body weight remains stable. Significant weight gain after surgery can cause the remaining fat cells in adjacent areas to expand, though the specific dorsocervical region will retain its relative improvement.

Patients managing multiple body contouring concerns at the same time often ask about our broader liposuction and body sculpting services. If you are also considering scar-related skin concerns, our mesotherapy service supports post-procedure skin recovery and overall skin quality.

Cost of Buffalo Hump Removal Surgery in Delhi

Buffalo hump removal surgery in Delhi falls within the broader range of liposuction pricing. The cost is influenced by:

• The size and density of the fat pad
• Whether local or general anaesthesia is used
• The liposuction technique employed (standard vs. Ultrasound-assisted)
• Whether the procedure is combined with any other body contouring treatment

A precise cost estimate is provided after clinical assessment at Bliniq. EMI financing options are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a buffalo hump go away with exercise alone?

The dorsocervical fat pad does not respond to targeted exercise. While overall weight loss may reduce it slightly in some patients, it rarely disappears without surgical intervention in those who carry a defined hump.

Is the procedure painful?

Surgery is performed under anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. Post-operative soreness in the upper back is expected for the first week and is managed with medication.

How long before I see the final result?

Swelling in the upper back can take three to six months to fully resolve. Improvement is visible progressively from week two onward, with final results at around the six-month mark.

Can the hump come back after surgery?

The fat cells removed do not regenerate. However, significant weight gain after surgery can cause remaining fat cells to expand. Maintaining a stable weight protects the result.

Are there non-surgical alternatives?

Fat-dissolving injections are sometimes used for small humps but produce limited results for established dorsocervical fat pads. Surgery remains the most effective and reliable option for meaningful correction.