It might sound like a taunt from a schoolyard bully, but the term “Buffalo Hump” refers to a real and often distressing condition. Formally known as a “dorsocervical fat pad,” a buffalo hump is the accumulation of fat at the base of the neck, between the shoulder blades, creating a noticeable bulge. While it can be a cosmetic concern, a buffalo hump may also signal underlying health issues, including the effects of stress. Ahead, we break down everything you need to know about the condition.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Roman Rayham is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York
- Dr. Andrea Martin is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Chicago
What Causes a Buffalo Hump?
A buffalo hump is essentially a form of lipodystrophy, which is a disorder related to how your body processes and stores fat. According to New York plastic surgeon Roman Rayham, MD, “A buffalo hump is an area of excessive fullness behind your shoulders at the base of the neck. It can be a sign of an endocrinological problem and needs further evaluation.”
Will a Buffalo Hump Go Away with Weight Loss?
For some individuals, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise may help reduce the appearance of a buffalo hump, particularly if obesity is a contributing factor. However, as Chicago plastic surgeon Andrea Martin, MD notes, “In some patients, there is no identifiable cause and the fat deposition may be resistant to traditional weight loss methods.” If the buffalo hump is linked to an underlying medical condition or medication, simply losing weight might not be enough to eliminate it.
Can Stress Reduction Help?
The treatment for a buffalo hump largely depends on its underlying cause. If stress and elevated cortisol levels are the culprits, addressing stress through lifestyle changes—such as regular exercise, mindfulness practices and adequate sleep—may help manage the condition. However, if these measures don’t provide relief, more intensive treatments may be needed. “For patients with elevated cortisol hormone levels, such as in Cushing Syndrome, surgery or prescription medications may be required,” explains Dr. Rayham.
Can You Remove a Buffalo Hump?
If the hump is related to medication use or a medical condition like Cushing Syndrome, addressing those issues may reduce or eliminate it. However, if the hump is due to fat accumulation, liposuction is the most common treatment to flatten out the area. “Surgical treatment involves performing liposuction of that area to permanently remove the fat that is causing the deformity,” says Dr. Martin. “After liposuction, you can expect swelling, bruising and discomfort in the area for a couple of weeks. Your doctor will have you wear a compression garment to limit these and prevent fluid from collecting in the treated area.” In most patients, the results are permanent, although Dr. Martin adds, “There may be some who experience a recurrence.”
In rare cases where the fat is particularly dense or fibrous, direct excision may be required. This procedure involves making an incision to remove the fat tissue, which can leave a scar. “Most humps respond well to mechanical or more aggressive power-assisted liposuction procedures, which use special cannulas to break down the fat and fibrous tissues,” notes Dr. Rayham.
For those who require direct excision, the recovery process may be slightly longer and a small scar may remain on the back of the neck. However, this is less common, as most patients achieve their desired results with liposuction alone.
Addressing the Buffalo Hump in the Room
If you’re concerned about a buffalo hump, it’s important to consult with a medical professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. While it can be a manifestation of stress, weight gain, or an underlying health issue, addressing it is possible. “Most patients find the recovery to be pretty easy and are very happy with their results!” adds Dr. Martin.
