What is this hump behind my neck and is liposuction a better solution to fix it? (Photo)

Question

I noticed I had a neck hump and its appearance started to bother me so I went to an orthopedic doctor who had me do an x-ray. The result was that I had lost the natural curvature of the cervical spine. I underwent 8 sessions with a chiropractor, 4 sessions with a physiotherapist, and 2 sessions with a personal trainer in the last six months but the hump hasn’t gone away. I also work out at the gym four days a week and watch my posture constantly. Is liposuction a better solution to fix it?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

this can be improved with liposuction but improved, not cured. some of this is scoliosis and the shaping of your back and some is fat collection. See an expert this area needs very specific treatment.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ami Ritzie,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photo, it looks like you would benefit from liposuction. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jayanthy Ravindran, MS, DNB, MRCS · Answer

The hump that is behind your neck is probably an extra buildup of fat, technically called the buffalo hump. This protruded fat is generally linked with obesity issues or an underlying condition and can possibly reduce one’s self-esteem. 
Although this condition is generally not severe and does not have a huge impact on an individual‘s health this can be a very frustrating concern from an aesthetic point of view, especially for someone who is body conscious. If getting rid of this buffalo hump is what makes you gain self-confidence, then you have all the freedom to choose what you want to do. 
There are various cosmetic surgeries to remove the buffalo hump that are viable, if diet and exercise have not shown any results. Upon ineffective outcomes your surgeon will generally recommend a liposuction where the stubborn fat pockets at the back of your neck are eliminated. One of the biggest benefits of liposuction technique is that there will be minimal scarring and quick healing. There are a number of liposuction techniques that are used to remove buffalo humps, each having their own benefit and limitations - that are customised according to your concerns.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You probably have a small fatty area that can be treated with liposuction to remove the excess fat and help settle down the skin/.

Andrew M. Ress, MD · Answer

Liposuction of this area is a great choice. I have treated many patients with this issue with great results. I would check first to see that you do not have a fatty growth called a lipoma as well as make sure you do not have any underlying medical condition that can cause it such as hypercortisolism.
Recovery from liposuction in this area is pretty quick with little postoperative pain and early resumption of activities.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If there is excess fat in this area you may see some contour improvement with liposuction.  This will not correct the underlying curvature of your spine, but it may improve the outer appearance.  An evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon is needed to determine the nature of the area and will advise if it would be amenable to liposuction.

Som Kohanzadeh, MD · Answer

Looks like you have bad posture over the years and it has affected your neck. Please do check with a professional to remove the possibility of a tumor or a cyst. Like many people might mention, surgery to remove the fat is possible, but please do everything to treat the area before it returns. 
Tests that can be done:-bone density test-CT scan-MRI
Cheers, hope everything is better!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

You really cannot change your spinal curvature through manipulation. Chiropractors claiming to do so proves that chiropractic medicine belongs in a category of quackery.

Focus on staying fit, maintaining good posture and consider having liposuction of the dorsal cervical fat pad.

Almost everyone I see you for this condition have both a skeletal and fat component.  The fat removal is easy, can be done in an office setting under local anesthesia if desired and it’s effective I’m pretty much giving patients what they want.  it won’t straighten your back but that is just what it is. It comes with age more on some people than others.

Liposuction works well. Interview a few local board-certified plastic surgeons and make sure they’ve done it before.  A single tiny incision in the skin around the mid back is all it takes. Patients should see immediate improvement the final results will take closer to six weeks.

We typically refer to it as the dorso-cervical fat pad.  Some people call it a buffalo hump.

This one is pretty straightforward and typically delivers high patient satisfaction. It’s safe and simple.

Obviously there are variables like the skill of the surgeon and all surgical procedures have potential complications but the risk of this one compared to other procedures done by plastic surgeons is pretty low.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!If the hump is caused by a localized collection of fatty tissue, small cannula liposuction may be of benefit. On the other hand, if the protrusion is caused by aberrant muscle or bone, it won't have much effect. Did the x-ray show any evidence fatty tissue accumulation?Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion.Best wishes...

What is this hump behind my neck and is liposuction a better solution to fix it? (Photo)

Answers (9)

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