Are you self-conscious about a noticeable bump on the back of your neck? This condition can develop from excess fatty tissue accumulation, negatively impacting your confidence and quality of life. Left untreated, the hump may continue growing, exacerbating poor posture and can make you feel uncomfortable in your own skin.
Luckily, there is a minimally invasive procedure that can successfully remove “buffalo humps” – Liposuction. As one of the top surgeons in New York specializing in this technique, Dr. Darren M. Smith uses advanced liposuction methods to contour the entire neck area.
Understanding Buffalo Humps
A buffalo hump is fatty excess of the dorsocervical fat pad. The fat sits at the base of the back of the neck and between the shoulders and leaves a noticeable hump. Excess body weight is a very common cause of a buffalo hump, but other factors and medical conditions may contribute as well. Some common causes that contribute to this accumulation include:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Genetic predisposition to fat in this area
- Cushing’s Syndrome
- Medications for HIV (Lipodystrophy)
- Tumor or pituitary dysfunction
- Other endocrine issues
- Poor posture or kyphodis may mimic this condition by favoring cervical flexion
- Osteoporosis may also mimic this condition by causing cervical collapse
Difference Between a Dowager’s Hump and a Buffalo Hump
A dowager’s hump is caused by a forward curvature in the bones of the spine. A buffalo hump is caused by a fat deposit on the back of the neck.
The Liposuction Procedure
Buffalo Hump Lipo Post-Procedure Care and Recovery
While liposuction is minimally invasive, swelling, bruising, and soreness often occur after surgery. These issues gradually improve over the following days. Many patients rely on over-the-counter medications to ease any discomfort experienced.
Typically, buffalo hump liposuction recovery is easy, with minimal downtime. Most people can return to office work within one to two days. However, those with more complex cases or combining it with other procedures may have an extended recovery period.
In general, patients should avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks post-op. Be sure to get Dr. Smith’s approval before restarting your workout routine.
The good news is that any discomfort tends to fade quickly. Work closely with Dr. Smith and follow all aftercare instructions to aid your recovery and achieve the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is buffalo hump liposuction with VASER more effective than traditional liposuction?
Yes, advanced technology like VASER allows for more precise and thorough fat removal from the dense tissues in the posterior neck than traditional liposuction alone. This results in better contouring and smoothing of this area.
How long is the recovery period after buffalo hump lipo?
Most patients can resume normal activities within a couple of days after surgery. However, avoiding strenuous exercise for approximately twol weeks allows proper healing. Listen to your body and follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions.
When will I see the results after buffalo hump liposuction?
You may notice some improvement within the first couple weeks after surgery as the swelling subsides. However, final results become apparent around 3-4 months post-op once all swelling has resolved.
Can a buffalo hump return after surgical removal?
If the hump was due to excess fat, the removed fat cells are permanently gone. However, significant weight gain or a medical condition causing fat accumulation could lead to recurrence through growth of remaining fat cells in the treatment area. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve your results.
Is liposuction an effective treatment for all types of buffalo humps?
If the hump is due to excess fat, liposuction can smoothly contour the area. But if it is caused by a structural issue like osteoporosis or Dowager’s hump, alternative treatments may be required. Schedule a consultation so Dr. Smith can determine the cause and best treatment option.
