I have a small buffalo hump. What are my treatment options?

I've treated this issue both with liposuction and with Kybella.  Kybella does give significant temporary swelling, and takes several sessions to get a nice result.

Thank you for asking this question. Please rule out secondary causes for Buffalo hump such as Cushings syndrome and medications etc with your endocrinologist. I was able to treat my patient who suffered from buffalo hump all her life and her 4 wks results are fantastic. I was able to use a smaller applicator such as Cool petite the second time, I will update her before and after in 2 months.

Thank you for your question! The best option for you would be liposuction.  You can try a couple rounds of Kybella but your best option would be the liposuction!   Best of luck!Dr Dhaval Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman EstatesOakbrook Orland Park Chicago 

Thank you for your question.  CoolSculpting is indicated for designated areas on the abdomen, thighs, flanks and submental area (or chin).  My advice would be to seek an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation for liposuction.  Costs do vary by geographical area and surgeon/facility.  Good luck.

A buffalo hump needs high definition body shaping. For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermiRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for the question. Cool Sculpting does not have an applicator that can adequately fit that problem area and treat it effectively. Some practices might try and fit the cool smooth pro there but if you try it do not expect a significant result and it is off label use. Hope that helps, best of luck. 

I would say the treatment options for improving a buffalo hump would be liposuction and Kybella.  I do not think that CoolSculpting would provide any significant improvement to that area.  Kybella would be considered an off-label usage when treating a buffalo hump.  Normally several treatment sessions would be required.  I would consider the best treatment to be ultrasonic liposuction.  Costs will vary by physician/surgeon.  

I would recommend starting with your Primary Care Provider as a Buffalo Hump may actually be an indicator of an underlying condition.  Once a proper medical evaluation is done to rule out any underlying conditions, you could then consider liposuction or the non-surgical options like CoolSculpting or Kybella.
While CoolSculpting and Kybella may be options neither is indicated for Buffalo Hump treatment, meaning while it may give you some improvement, treatment would be considered an off-label treatment.  Treatment prices would vary based on the number of treatments needed based on the size of the area, a physical assessment would allow a treatment provider to better answer that question.
Good luck!
Juan C Garcia, M.D., F.A.C.S

Kybella is Deoxycholic acid, also known as cholanoic acid that can destroy fat cells permanently. it is the only FDA- approved injectable treatment that destroys fat cells under the chin. Kybella can be used off-label to treat fat in other parts on the body such as the underarms, bra fat, abdomen, jowl, and buffalo hump. It's hard to give you an idea of how many vials or sessions would be required without evaluating you in person or seeing a photo. I recommend you see an expert injector for an in person consultation and to discuss your treatment options. Good luck!        

Even though this is not an area that is normally treated, you may find some providers who have treated the area or might try it.  I would recommend visiting a practice that has used CoolSculpting in this area to be evaluated.  The area has to pinch- able and the applicator would need to fit well to work.  Depending on which applicator they are able to use for the size of the area, it could cost anywhere from $1,000.00- $700.00.