What is causing the fat pad on my upper back?

Question

I'm a 28 year old female, 5'7 and 155lbs. I have had a dorsocervical fat pad for about the last 5 years or so. I asked my doctor about the possibility of having Cushing's, but she was certain I didn't have it. I returned to school around the time I developed it, and I wonder if the strain on my back from carrying a heavy backpack could have contributed to this. My posture isn't the best and I have had forward head posture since I was a child. The hump is very uncomfortable and aches daily.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

The cause may be hereditary or from steroid use.  I would recommend consulting with an endocrinologist before plastic surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would have to examine you.  If this is fat, liposuction can make a real difference.  Make sure that you select a board certified plastic surgeon performs 
several hundred procedures each year, has several hundred positive 
reviews, and has 
hundreds of pictures on his website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Fat deposits in the upper back and lower neck region are associated with Cushing's disease, protease inhibitors taken by HIV-positive individuals, and genetics. Treatment by liposuction is predictably good and often can be done with local anesthesia.

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

Photos can be helpful to evaluate this issue.  However a number of different conditions can lead to excess fat in the dorsocervical area. Its unlikely that your backpack did this.  An evaluation with a board certified plastic surgeon can help you find more answers.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Without an examination, it is hard to give a cause for the fat pad. This may be due to certain medications, medical conditions, or just be a normal fat deposit. If you would like to see if it can be improved, see a plastic surgeon after seeing your primary doctor.

What is causing the fat pad on my upper back?

Answers (6)

Answer: Fat Pad

Answer: Fat Pad

Answer: What is causing the fat pad on my upper back?

Answer: What is causing the fat pad on my upper back?

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What is causing the fat pad on my upper back?

Answers (6)

Answer: Fat Pad

Answer: Fat Pad

Answer: What is causing the fat pad on my upper back?

Answer: What is causing the fat pad on my upper back?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.