As we age, our metabolism slows and we begin to develop deposits of fat around our body. For most this happens in the usual areas of the abdomen, legs, and buttocks but for some, this excess fat can develop in less common areas. A buffalo hump is a term most cosmetic surgeons use for the fat that develops on the dorsocervical fat pad, which sits at the base of the back of the neck and between the shoulders.

There are a few options to solve an unsightly bra roll but it responds best to a combination treatment. Liposuction is useful but it is really most effective in combination with procedures that break down the fat tissue so that the skin can be stretched and smoothed.

There are several options for breaking down the fibers around the fat in the back.

This hump of build-up fat is not necessarily a serious condition, it is normally a result of obesity, but it could be caused from hormonal imbalance (e.g. Cushing Syndrome) and drugs’ side effects (e.g. steroid/AIDS medicines).

Tumours, cysts and kyphoscoliosis can cause similar hump shape but does not by itself cause excessive fat in the back of the neck and required a different treatments.

The hump can result in feeling self-conscious and miserable in men and women. In severe cases it can cause pain and restrictions their neck movements.

The recovery time is quick, usually back to work around 1-2 weeks, the final result about 3 months